Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. While history is a major theme during October park events, other types of events are scheduled, too.

Don’t forget a vehicle park entry permit is required at Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Enjoy River Valley Artisans and Craft Market Oct. 15-16 at Mahoney SP

Start your holiday shopping early at the River Valley Artisans and Craft Market on Oct. 15-16 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland. Browse through handmade arts and craft items in the new Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge.

Vendors will have fused-glass art, candles, crocheted items, designer-etched glassware, jewelry, paintings, photography, door signs, woodwork and more.

Hours for the show are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 16. For more details, visit the calendar event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Living History scheduled Oct. 1-2 at Fort Atkinson SHP

Visit Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on Oct. 1-2 for a Living History Weekend: Harvesting 1820 Style.

Throughout the day, living history reenactors will spin fiber, weave, blacksmith and tinsmith, cooper, run the trader’s cabin and more.

Guests are invited to participate in an archeological dig that will take place on the west side of the barracks throughout the weekend.

Visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for the full schedule.

A valid Nebraska park entry permit is required. A per person fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $2 per adult and $1 per child. For more information, contact the park at [email protected] or 402-468-5611.

Pink Pumpkin Walk is Oct. 15 at Indian Cave State Park

The Pink Pumpkin Walk, a walk for cancer survivors and in memory of loved ones, will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 15 at Indian Cave State Park. It also helps support October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Call 402-883-0014 or 402-883-0135 to register and order a personalized pink pumpkin in memory of a loved one, for those who have beat cancer and those currently fighting it. The $10 registration is due by Oct. 1. Proceeds go to Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden.

For more details, visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Learn living history reenacting at Rock Creek Station SHP

Join members of the Rock Creek Hayforks living history group for an introductory session to reenacting Oct. 15 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park.

Presentations will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the East Ranch.

Find out how to participate in living history events. Discuss resources for proper clothing, historical accuracy and learning period skills. Hear stories on how to build a first-person persona and what goes on behind the scenes.

Contact the park for more information at 402-729-5777.

Arbor Lodge hosting four living history weekends in October

See historic trades, talents and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and on the grounds at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in October during five living history weekends, each with a different theme.

The themes are:

Oct. 1-2 – Celebrate Heritage – Learn about the ethnic heritage and customs of early Nebraskans.

Oct. 8-9 – School Days – Discover the subjects, books and techniques of early schoolteachers.

Oct. 15-16 – Victorian Era – Learn about Victorian dresses, mourning customs, lacemaking, parlor games, parlor music and more.

Oct. 22-23 – All About Salt – Discover the evolution of salt and how Morton Salt revolutionized the industry.

Oct. 29-30 – Vintage Halloween – Come celebrate Halloween history, customs and games throughout the mansion.

Mansion admission is $9 adults, $7 for ages 3-12. Demonstration hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit the calendar event entries at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to buy Arbor Lodge tickets in advance.

Enders Trail Ride is Oct. 1

Horse owners are invited to Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area on Oct. 1 for the annual Enders Trail Ride.

The ride starts at 9 a.m. Mountain time at the Area A Campground. Lunch will be provided. Registration is preferred.

Call 308-233-1026 or 308-530-2648 for more information and to register.

Catch these Game and Parks education events in October

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in October. Here are some opportunities:

Little Saplings early childhood program presents Nature Sounds

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The series, which continues Oct. 5 with the theme Nature Sounds, is at 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month, through December. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.

See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.

Homeschool Hike set for Oct. 19 at Schramm Park SRA

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program Oct. 19.

This nature exploration program geared for homeschool families takes place at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, through December. While an educator leads the hike, participants ask questions, draw, observe and make discoveries in nature.

Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register.

Five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights scheduled for Oct. 19

Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights across the state Oct. 19.

Get your teams of no more than five players and be ready to compete for prizes. These events are for adults only and are free to attend with a purchase from the host brewery.

The trivia nights, which begin at 7 p.m. local time, are at:

  • Scottsbluff – Flyover Brewing Company, 1824 Broadway
  • Lincoln – The Happy Raven, 122 N. 11th
  • Omaha – Zipline Beer Lounge, 3808 S. 203rd Plaza
  • Wayne – Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company, 121 N. Pearl St.
  • North Platte – Pals Brewing Company, 4520 S. Buffalo Bill Ave.

For more information and or questions, email [email protected].

Nature Nerd Night to feature Nebraska Turtles on Oct. 18

In the Nebraska Nature Nerd Night virtual webinar Turtles of Nebraska, outdoor educators will discuss the nine species of turtles found in the state. The free event starts at 7 p.m. Central time Oct. 18.

Registration is required through the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov. Participants also may submit questions to be answered during the webinar while registering.

For more information, contact [email protected] or follow the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or Nebraska Wildlife Education on Facebook.

‘The Science of …’ virtual webinar series returns Oct. 6

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s virtual webinar series “The Science of …” returns in October. Every Thursday at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators will discuss the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The webinar schedule of topics: Oct. 6 – Lizards; Oct. 13 – Nocturnal Animals; Oct. 20 – Waterbirds; Oct. 27 – Seeds and Leaves.

The webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each webinar. See the calendar event entries at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for registration links.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Wildcat Hills to host Beautiful Bats homeschool program

Discover the secrets of bats during the Wildcat Hills Homeschool Program Beautiful Bats on Oct. 13 at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. Learn all about their adaptations, diversity and common misconceptions.

This program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.

The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sensory Safari is Oct. 5 at Lincoln Children’s Zoo

In Sensory Safari on Oct. 5, visually and sensory impaired guests will have the opportunity to touch, feel, hear and smell at interpretative stations throughout the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

From 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., nature experts from organizations across Nebraska will engage visitors at each station. Sensory Safari is a partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Mary F. Tous Charitable Foundation and Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Registration is required. Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register.

Wildcat Tales preschool program is Oct. 18

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Oct. 18.

Each program will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years. The program Goin’ Batty will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. Each month will have a different program topic.

The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Nature Nights scheduled Oct. 4, 18

Bring the family and enjoy some unstructured outdoor exploration Oct. 4 and 18 at the Outdoor Classroom, located at the northeast district office of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in Norfolk.

This free program is for all ages. It will be from 6-8 p.m. both nights at the Outdoor Classroom, 2201 N. 13th St. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Visit the event listings at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register.

What Community Science Taught Me webinar is Oct. 19

Tune in to the free virtual webinar “What Community Science Taught Me,” at 12:30 p.m. Central time Oct. 19.

This hourlong panel discussion, hosted by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Community Science Specialist Alie Mayes, is part of the Conservation Education Lunch and Learn Series.

Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register.

Holmes Lake to host Big Sit birding event

Join other birders at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake on Oct. 9 for the Big Sit, a friendly challenge to see how many birds can be counted from one location.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska’s Birdability Captain are hosts for this free, fun and accessible birding opportunity from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the south boat ramp.

Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.

Enjoy Halloween fun in Nebraska state parks in October

State park areas are wonderful places to celebrate Halloween in Nebraska with many hosting family-friendly activities on weekends in October. Plan your opportunity for fun at these nine park locations.

Remember: A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Get yours at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at the park entry booth.

Jack O Lantern World at Mahoney through October

Mahoney State Park near Ashland introduces its newest fall attraction: Jack O’ Lantern World. From Sept. 30-Oct. 30, thousands of jack o’ lanterns carved by 50 artisans will be on display along a three-fourths mile walk.

The walk, featuring intricately carved, lighted pumpkins, is designed to be an incredible experience to celebrate Halloween, art, nature and fall. Gather friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind whimsical experience.

Tickets are required; get yours at TheJackOLanternWorld.com/omaha. Ticket-holders should arrive 15 minutes before their selected start time.

For more information, call the park at 402-944-2523 or Peter at Jack O’ Lantern World at 224-757-5425.

Indian Cave SP to host 27th Haunted Hollow

Bring the family to Indian Cave State Park for three weekends of Halloween-themed fun in October with the 27th Annual Haunted Hollow.

Haunted hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, outdoor movies, scavenger hunt, pumpkin rolling, craft market and campsite-decorating contest are all on tap to keep everyone entertained Oct. 7-8, Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22.

For more details, visit the calendar event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Ponca SP will host Hallowfest Oct. 8, Oct. 15

Enjoy the season of Halloween at Ponca State Park by coming to the 24th annual Hallowfest on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.

Activities include crafts, pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin-carving contest, haunted drive and campground-decorating contest.

Call the park at 402-755-2284 for more information.

Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt set for Oct. 8

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area will host pumpkin painting and a campsite-decorating contest Oct. 8 during the Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt.

The pumpkin painting will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Area C. Campsite decoration judging will begin at 6 p.m. at the main campground, with prizes going to the top three finishers. Trunk or treating will take place from 3-5 p.m. in the boat parking area.

Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event set for Oct. 15

It is all about pumpkins at Calamus State Recreation Area on Oct. 15.

The Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event, from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m., will include pumpkin carving, games with prizes, downhill pumpkin rolling derby, food, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating and lighted pumpkin displays.

For more details, visit the event listing in the calendar at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Branched Oak SRA to host Spooktacular on Oct. 15

Spend a day with the family Oct. 15 enjoying Spooktacular at Branched Oak State Recreation Area.

Middle Oak Creek Campground will host this event, which will include a pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin carving, costume contest, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating, haunted trail and haunted hayrack ride.

For more details, visit the calendar event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Enjoy Halloween campsite decorating, trick-or-treating at Fremont Lakes SRA

Get into the Halloween spirit at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area on Oct. 15 with family-friendly activities.

Campers may decorate their campsites in a Halloween theme. Then, from 5-7 p.m., children may trick-or-treat in the campground with the decoration judging takes place.

For more information, call the park at 402-727-2922.

Halloween in the Hollow is Oct. 22

Come out to Ash Hollow State Historical Park and celebrate Halloween in the Hollow on Oct. 22 from 2-6 p.m. Mountain time.

There will be kids’ games, s’mores, pumpkin picking and decorating, a scavenger hunt, hayrack rides and a costume contest, which begins at 4:30 p.m.

At 5 p.m., Trunk or Treat will be sponsored by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers, area emergency medical services and law enforcement, with their vehicles available to view.

Direct event questions to [email protected].

Wildcat Hills to host Howl in the Hills hike

Experience the Wildcat Hills like never before – at night! Discover all the creatures that make Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area their home during the Howl in the Hills hike Oct. 22.

This .57-mile hike begins at 7 p.m. Mountain time. Hikers should bring a flashlight, hiking shoes and a sense of adventure.

Register by Oct. 6 by calling 308-436-3777.

Celebrate Halloween at Red Willow Oct. 28-30

Stay at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area on Oct. 28-30 and celebrate Camp and Treat.

This family Halloween event, which offers off-season camping rates of $5 off the rates for electrical and $10 tent sites, will include a campsite decorating contest, kids’ pumpkin carving contest and trick-or-treating. Campers who bring treats for kids will get reduced camping rates.

Visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.

Boating access limited on some Nebraska reservoirs

Drought conditions have limited public boating access on some reservoirs across Nebraska, but the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is working to improve boating access where possible.

Conditions at many boat ramps, piers and access points are not expected to improve as long as precipitation lags far behind normal levels. For much of the state, water levels have not been this low since the drought of 2012.

While some boat ramps have been closed, and others have restrictions, for locations where access is still possible, Game and Parks asks boaters to use their best judgment when launching watercraft and to be on the alert for unanticipated hazards when out on the water.

Despite the adverse conditions, Game and Parks is working to provide boating access where it can:

  • A rock ramp was extended at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area before Labor Day, and a concrete ramp at Merritt Reservoir SRA has been extended several times.
  • Repairs are being made to a ramp at Sherman Reservoir the week of Sept. 19.
  • Extensive boating access improvements have begun at Enders Reservoir SRA and are expected to last through the fall.
  • As the result of a Nebraska Public Power District maintenance project at Sutherland Reservoir in November, Game and Parks will repair a ramp that is eroded at the water.
  • Boating improvements are planned at Red Willow and Swanson reservoirs this fall and winter to provide safer access during low-water periods.

Questions about these projects can be directed to [email protected].

Game and Parks appreciates the public’s patience.

Two campgrounds closed temporarily for construction at Sherman

The Thunder Bay and West Ridge campgrounds at Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area near Loup City are closed temporarily because of construction.

Electrical and RV sites are being added to those two campgrounds. Work is scheduled to be completed in the spring.

Visit Outdoornebraska.gov/parks to find camping sites in Nebraska state park areas.

Game and Parks announces stocking schedule for rainbow trout

Rainbow trout will be stocked by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter.

“This program emphasizes the urban and community waters statewide,” said Greg Anderson, Game and Parks’ fish production supervisor. “Ten-inch trout are stocked to provide angling opportunities for all ages to catch and harvest.”

The stocking of trout will begin the week of Sept. 26 and continue weekly through October.

“Hatchery crews work tirelessly throughout the year and drive thousands of miles ensuring trout arrive safe and healthy to their destinations,” Anderson said. “Although we have a schedule, Nebraska’s weather may have its own mind that alters our plans. Be assured we’ll accommodate the schedule, however, unforeseen issues besides weather, like unfavorable water body conditions, vehicle and mechanical failures, can occur.”

Stocking also will take place in November and December as time and weather permit. Crystal Spring Middle Pond near Fairbury will be stocked following the cormorant migration to ensure trout are available to the anglers there. A project will take place at Lake Ogallala this fall, necessitating a drawdown. It will be stocked once work there is complete and favorable water conditions exist.

Fishing for trout is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple of feet above the hook and a bobber a couple of feet above the split shot. Spinners, salmon eggs, dough baits and artificial flies also can catch trout.

If you are just getting into fishing, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/howtofish.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing for more information on fishing in Nebraska.

The following is the tentative rainbow trout stocking schedule, including quantities:

Week of Sept. 26

  • Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area pond, Harrison, 600
  • White River, Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, 1,000
  • Bridgeport State Recreation Area middle lake, 2,000
  • South Grable Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 1,170
  • Middle Grable Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 340

Week of Oct. 3

  • Holdrege City Lake, 130
  • Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 100
  • Birdwood WMA, North Platte, 200
  • Bridgeport SRA northwest lake, 1,400
  • Laing Lake, Alliance, 1,500
  • Lake Carter P. Johnson, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 2,500
  • Cherry Creek Diversion Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 250
  • Sidney Legion Park Pond, 300
  • East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200

Week of Oct. 10

  • Elm Creek, Elm Creek WMA, Red Cloud, 1,000
  • North Morrill pond, 2,250
  • Middle Morrill pond, 450
  • South Morrill pond, 400
  • Riverside Park Pond, Scottsbluff, 900
  • Holdrege City Lake, 1,870
  • Fort Kearny SRA No. 6, 1,200
  • Rock Creek Lake, Parks, 3,000
  • Curtis golf course pond, 200
  • Oxford City Lake, 300
  • Crystal Cove Lake, South Sioux City, 3,600
  • Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, 3,600
  • East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200

Week of Oct. 17

  • Such’s Lake, Grand Island, 650
  • Heartwell Park Lake, Hastings, 900
  • Geneva Pond, 300
  • Pawnee City Park Lake, 300
  • Optimist Lake, Auburn, 800
  • Stanton Lake, Falls City, 200
  • Humboldt City Park Lake, 600
  • Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 3,000
  • Bowling Lake south pond, Lincoln, 400
  • CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 1,500
  • Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home pond, Kearney, 200
  • Ansley City Lake, 1,000
  • Melham Park Lake, Broken Bow, 875
  • Auble Pond, Ord, 1,500
  • Bessey Pond, Halsey, 600
  • Gracie Creek Pond, Burwell, 1,000
  • Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 1,900
  • Windmill SRA No. 2, Gibbon, 600
  • Plum Creek Park Lake, Lexington, 750
  • Birdwood WMA, North Platte, 3,800
  • Middle Ice House Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 200
  • Lower Ice House Pond, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 500
  • Humphrey Pond, Ogallala, 600
  • Steinhart Park Pond, Nebraska City, 800
  • Weeping Water Park Pond 1, 1,500
  • Lake Halleck, Papillion, 1,200
  • Fontenelle Park Pond, Omaha, 1,200
  • Benson Park Pond, Omaha, 1,050
  • Louisville SRA Pond 1A, 600
  • David City Park Pond, 600
  • Hanscom Park Pond, Omaha, 450
  • Towl Park Pond, Omaha, 300
  • Fremont Lakes SRA No. 2, 900
  • Crystal Cove Lake, South Sioux City, 1,400
  • East Branch of Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200

Oct. 22

  • Ta-Ha-Zouka Park Lake, Norfolk, 1,500
  • Pawnee Park west pond, Columbus, 1,500

Week of Oct. 24

  • Grove Lake WMA, Royal, 1,500
  • Grove Lake sandpit, Royal, 75

November

  • Crystal Springs Middle Pond, Fairbury, 1,200
  • Lake Ogallala SRA, Ogallala, 10,000

December

  • Birdwood WMA, North Platte, 4,000
  • CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 3,500
  • Bowling Lake south pond, Lincoln, 3,500
  • Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 3,000
  • Lake Ogallala SRA, Ogallala, 10,000

Drawdown will affect boating access at three SRAs

A planned drawdown of Lake Ogallala for infrastructure maintenance will affect boating access at three Nebraska state recreation areas this fall.

Lake Ogallala, Sutherland Reservoir and Lake Maloney SRAs will have limited access. It will begin with the Sept. 26 lowering of Lake Ogallala as part of a scheduled maintenance project on the Keystone Diversion Dam by the Nebraska Public Power District.

Boat docks at Lake Ogallala are being removed in anticipation of the drawdown. Docks at Sutherland and Maloney will be adjusted, as needed.

NPPD coordinated the timing of the project with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission so it would occur during a time of anticipated low water and lower recreational use. NPPD owns the three properties for irrigation and power production but has an agreement with Nebraska Game and Parks to manage them for recreation.

Read details of the project at nppd.com/newsroom/press-releases.

Visit Outdoornebraska.gov/parks to find camping sites in Nebraska state park areas.