LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission parks system centennial is in full swing, and June still offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate at state parks across the state.
So hop in the car and hit the road for one of the following opportunities for adventure.
Rock Creek Station hosts 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. June 19, 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.
Ponca State Park to host second annual International Mud Day
LINCOLN, Neb. — Get ready to get downright dirty at the second annual International Mud Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26 at Ponca State Park in northeast Nebraska.
Participate in the mud obstacle course, mud slide and mud play area; paint with mud; make pollinator mud balls — and, of course, make a mud pie.
Temporary wash stations will be setup for quick cleanup before heading home or back to a campsite.
International Mud Day is celebrated around the world each year in June in an effort celebrate nature, get outside — and get really muddy.
The theme for the Ponca event is “The Mud Washes Off, but the Memories Remain”.
For more information, visit calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.
Fort Rob celebrates 100 years of Nebraska parks
LINCOLN, Neb. — Catch equestrian jumpers, reenactors, local crafters and live music at Fort Robinson State Park’s 100 Years of Nebraska Parks celebration June 26.
The event will feature the Fort Market with local crafters from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Buffalo Barracks; equestrian jumping at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the new parade ground; and The Great Plains Garrison reenactors of the Indian Wars era doing a living history demonstration from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the old parade ground.
An old-fashioned barbecue will be at 6 p.m. on the lawn at the lodge, with hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, chips and a drink for $9.
Entertainment will include Nashville recording artist Shane Keane of Hemingford and Melvin Leroy Jr. singing country rock and Christian music. Times are yet to be determined and will be posted to the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.
Show and Shine Car Show at Indian Cave State Park
LINCOLN, Neb. — The Show and Shine Car Show will return to Indian Cave State Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 26.
Registration for cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles will be 9 to 10 a.m.; there is no entrance fee. Awards will be given at 1 p.m.
The event also will feature Hot Wheel Races for little ones at 11 a.m. Participants are invited to bring their own or purchase one at the event for $2.
For more information, visit calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.
The post June offers ways to celebrate state park system centennial appeared first on Nebraskaland Magazine.