LINCOLN, Neb. — History, recreation and nature. You will find events that will let you enjoy them all in Nebraska’s state park system in July.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission parks system centennial is in full swing, and July still offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate at state parks across the state.
Take a road trip and see what opportunities for adventure you can find.
Fort Atkinson to host Living History July 3-4
LINCOLN, Neb. – Listen as guest speaker Don Borcherding interprets Lt. Andrew Talcott, the man who drew up the plans for Fort Atkinson during Living History Days at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on July 3-4.
Borcherding will give two presentations on his historical work following the routes of Talcott. The first will be at 1 p.m. July 3 called “Journey to Council Bluffs and Surveys at Fort Atkinson.” On July 4 at 1 p.m., his presentation will be: “Mapping a Route to Camp Coldwater (later Fort Snelling).”
Borcherding also will demonstrate surveying the “old” way. He is involved in a conversation with Capt. Matthew Magee who will travel with him to Camp Coldwater, and Maj. Stephen Long, who blazed the trail to Colorado and is famous for Longs Peak. The discussion between these men is about their upcoming expeditions.
For more information on the day’s schedule of events, see the calendar entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.
A park entry permit is required.
Rock Creek Station to host Ranch Life Saturdays
LINCOLN, Neb. — Travel back in time to the mid-1800s during living history Saturdays at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park in southeast Nebraska
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 17, reenactors will bring history to life with period dress, interpretations and demonstrations.
The historical park — one of the Pony Express stations — is on 350 acres of prairie, its creek bottom timber-studded. Deep ruts carved into the earth by wagons traveling the Oregon and California trails remain plainly visible.
The historical park also contains the reconstructed Pony Express barn, bunk house and several cabins, viewable from the 6 miles of hiking and nature trails.
Learn more about the park at outdoornebraska.gov/rockcreekstation. Learn more about the event in the listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.
A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the park.
North Platte Pow Wow at Buffalo Bill Ranch SHP set for July 9-11
LINCOLN, Neb. – Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park will host North Platte Pow Wow: Honoring Our Veterans on July 9-11.
The event will feature dance and drum contests and include singers, more than 20 food and merchandise vendors and special guests. The Grand Entry each day will be at 7 p.m. July 9, 1 and 7 p.m. July 10, and 1 p.m. July 11.
Admission is $7 per day or $15 for a weekend pass. Part of the proceeds benefit Operation Christmas Card, which sends Christmas cards to American troops deployed around the world.
For more information, contact Char Swalberg at 308-520-9516. Camping will be available.
A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the park.
Calamus Kayak Adventure Race scheduled July 29
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Calamus Kayak Adventure Race is scheduled for July 29 at Calamus State Recreation Area.
The race will have competition in four divisions: kids, adults, open class and 2-person. Kayaks will be provided for the kids and adults divisions; personal kayaks may be used for the open class and 2-person divisions.
Registration will be held at the York Point Picnic shelter from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The races will start at 11 a.m. in the cove at York Point. If wind is an issue, the races will be moved to the Buckshot Bay boat ramp area. Trophies will be awarded to the winners of each division.
A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the park.
Discover diversity of Wildcat Hills during BioBlitz
LINCOLN, Neb. – Join natural resource experts and community volunteers in discovering the diversity of the Panhandle during the Wildcat Hills Bioblitz July 16-17.
This free event, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in partnership with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, is designed for the entire family. Engaging sessions will include camera trapping, birds, wildflowers, spiders and insects, and reptiles.
Registration is required and can be completed by calling 308-436-3777 or emailing ngpc.wildcat.hills@nebraska.gov.
A park entry permit is required.
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