Nebraska June Outdoor Calendar

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NGPC news release, 5/29/08:

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

Nebraska 2008 park entry permits are required at all state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas. For more information about individual events, call the telephone number listed with the event. Information can also be found on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Web site at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Homepage.

June 7-8 – Rock Creek Station State Historical Park (SHP) – Rock Creek Trail Days – re-enactment of the Hickok and McCanles fracas; mounted cowboy action shooting; stagecoach rides; poetry, harmonica and song; speaker on buggy driving competition; several historicak interpretations; buffalo stew cookout. (402) 729-5777.

June 7–Sept. 1 – swimming pools will be open at Niobrara and Ponca state parks (SP), call for pool hours: Niobrara SP (402) 857-3373; Ponca SP (402) 755-2284.

June 7 – Niobara SP – every Saturday June 7 - Sept. 1 there will be buffalo cookouts and entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. Reservations required for cookouts. (402) 857-3373.

June 7 – Seward Izaak Walton Range southeast of Seward – Nebraska High School 3-D Bowhunter Match – begins at 8 a.m. and is open to children ages 12 through 18 years who have completed a bowhunter education course (proof of completion must be provided at registration). (402) 471-6134.

June 7 – Victoria Springs State Recreation Area (SRA) – VIK (Very Important Kids Day) – activities for kids 15 years and younger begin at 10 a.m., including big and little fish contests, casting contest, frisbie golf, hayrack rides, paddleboat rides. Victoria Springs SRA is a fishing tackle loaner site. (308) 749-2235.

June 13 – Eugene T. Mahoney SP – Nebraska Star Party – star gazing with the Omaha Astronomical Society and Prairie Astronomy Club using powerful telescopes. Event will be at the golf range from dusk-11 p.m. (402) 944-2523.

June 13-14 – Ash Hollow SHP – Ash Hollow Pageant includes a variety of activities, demonstrations and displays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; chuck wagon supper, adults $9, kids $4, 5-6:30 p.m.; an outdoor performance of “The End of the Trail -- 1862 on the Pioneer Trail” told through actual diaries of pioneers, music by and trail band, begins at 6:30 p.m. both days. (308) 778-5651.

June 14-15 -- Ponca SP – Father’s Day fossil hunt, a plesiosaur/fossil dig guided by a paleontologist to find more of a 95-million year-old marine reptile excavate in 2001; fish fry 11 a.m.-1 p.m., reservations required, call (402) 755-2284.

Eugene T. Mahoney SP – Father’s Day buffet – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Peter Kiewit Lodge Restaurant. (402) 944-2523.

June 18 – Halleck Park, Papillion -- Youth Fishing instructor Appreciation Night -- 5-8 p.m., a recognition of 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. Family fishing 6:30-8 p.m., no charge, those 16 and older must have a current Nebraska fishing permit.

June 20 –Niobrara SP – 7 p.m., RV campground program presented by National Park Service includes leather par fleche making with supplies provided. (402) 857-3373.

June 20-22 – Fort Atkinson SP – Tin and Coppersmithing Guild will hosts its annual convergence to practice the ancient trade and share information and techniques. A variety of activities, lectures and demonstrations are scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. on June 20 and 21, and 9 a.m.-noon on June 22. (402) 468-5611.

June 21 – Chadron SP – Nebraska’s first state park’s 87th anniversary celebration. Enjoy 87-cent lunches 11 a.m.-2 p..m. MT, free paddleboat rides, horseshoe tournament and archery card shoot. (308) 432-6167.

June 24 – Valentine City Park -- Youth Fishing Instructor Appreciation Night -- 5-8 p.m., a recognition of 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. Family fishing 6:30-8 p.m., no charge, those 16 and older must have a current Nebraska fishing permit.

June 26 – Walnut Creek Lake, Papillion – sponsored by the Commission to encourage people to try for the first time, or to rediscover fishing. Bait, rods and reels, tackle and basic instruction provided, those 16 and older must have a current Nebraska fishing permit. (402) 332-3901.

June 26 – Fort Kearny SHP – 148th Anniversary National Pony Express Re-ride. Riders will enter the fort around 7 p.m. (308) 865-5305.
June 27-28 – Ponca SP -- Days of ‘56 Rodeo both nights. (402) 755-2284.

June 29 – Bowring Ranch SHP – Sod House Sunday, many activities including a music fest starting at 10 a.m., a church service at 11 a.m., a chuck wagon lunch starting at 11 a.m., entries for team penning 8 a.m.-noon, music jam and entertainment all afternoon, team penning at 1:30 p.m., children’s games and activities starting at 1 p.m., and the Bowring Ranch home museum and sod house open at 1 p.m. (308) 684-3428.