NGPC's May Outdoor Calendar

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NGPC news release, 4/29/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. – There are a number of outdoor events and activities on tap across Nebraska this spring. Here are some you and your family may want to attend or participate in during May.

Beginning May 3 -- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park -- Saturdays and Sundays -- Horseback Trail Rides ($13 per person - ages 6 years and older), Paddle Boats ($5 for 2-seat boat, $8 for 4-seat boat), Mini Golf ($3.50/person), Driving Range ($3/person), Activity Center (Saturdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday, Thursday, and Friday open 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; closed on Tuesday and Wednesday - admission $2/person), Arts & Crafts Center (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), and the Owen Marina Convenience Store. For more information, contact the park. Horseback Trail Rides also available Wednesday and Friday, 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5 p.m. Horseback trail tickets sold in person the day of the ride at Administration Office beginning at 8:15 a.m.

May 3-4 -- Fort Atkinson State Historical Park - Living History Demonstration, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., volunteers portray life at 1820s military fort. For information, call (402) 468-5611. Park entry permit required.

May 9 – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park -- Nebraska Star Gazing Party -- Dusk-11 p.m. , weather permitting. Join the Omaha Astronomical Society and Prairie Astronomy Club to view the spectacular sky using the powerful telescopes. Stargazing begins at the golf driving range Park entry permit required.

May 11 -- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Peter Kiewit Lodge Mothers Day Buffet –11 a.m.-6 p.m. Park entry permit required. Contact: Restaurant, (402) 944-2523, ext 7127.

May 11 -- Ponca State Park -- Mothers Day Buffet –11 a.m.-1 p.m. Menu includes roast beef, ham, vegetables, salads, desserts. Park entry permit required. Reservations required, (402) 755-2284.

May 17 – Statewide -- Free Fishing and Park Entry Day – no park entry permit or fishing license required. All other rules, regulations must be observed.

May 17 – Victoria Springs State Recreation Area -- free fish and free park entry "Kid Fishing Day," 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for kids and adults, picnics, playgrounds and fishing, Victoria Springs is a fishing tackle loaner site. For information call (308) 749-2265.

May 22 – Holmes Lake, Lincoln -- Youth Fishing instructor Appreciation Night -- 5-8 p.m., a recognition of current youth fishing instructors for their efforts. Dinner at 5:15 p.m., followed by information about upcoming opportunities and new resources. After dinner instructors will work with kids and families and mentor new instructors. Pre-registration is required for adults attending dinner. (402) 332-3901.

May 22 – Holmes Lake, Lincoln -- Family Fishing Night -- 6-8 p.m., public event sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, everyone welcome , an opportunity for families with little to no fishing experience or who want to get back into fishing. The Nebraska Youth Fishing Program will provide bait, rods and reels, tackle and basic instruction, all those ages 16 and older are required to have a current Nebraska fishing permit to fish.

Beginning May 24 – Ponca State Park -- Outdoor Education Programs -- daily programs such as outdoor skills, environmental education, and arts and crafts, contact park for schedule, (402) 755-2284. Park entry permit required.

Beginning May 24 – Statewide – parks summer season begins with a wide variety of activities, such as horseback trail rides at Eugene T. Mahoney, Platte River, Ponca, Niobrara, Chadron and Fort Robinson state parks. Swimming pools open at Eugene T. Mahoney, Platte River, Chadron and Fort Robinson state parks. Niobrara and Ponca state parks pools open June 7. There are paddleboat rentals at many park locations, activities at the activity center and summer melodramas at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. There are jeep rides into the buttes and morning breakfast hayrack rides at Fort Robinson State Park. For more information contact the Nebraska State Parks Division, (402) 471-5586.

May 24 -- Fort Atkinson State Historical Park -- The Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center is open daily from May 24-Sept.1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

May 24 -- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park -- Family Aquatic Center opens, with two water slides, 0-depth swimming and wave pool, kids’ water playground, change house, and concession. The Aquatic Center is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend. Hours: Daily - noon-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Beginning mid-August, open Saturday and Sunday noon-5 p.m., 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 4-8 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday closed. Adults $7, children 12 and under $6. Park entry permit required.

May 27 – Indian Cave State Park -- Pioneer Longrifles Rendezvous -- black powder gun club. Park Entry permit required.

May 31 -- Fort Atkinson State Historical Park - Living History Demonstration, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., volunteers portray life at an 1820s military fort. For information, call (402) 468-5611. Park entry permit required.