The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health, raised more than $9,000 for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails in 2023.

The donation could trigger access of up to $32,000 in matching federal Recreation Trails Program funds, if a grant application by Game and Parks is successful this fall.

Event organizers Shannon and Tim Vanderheiden, Tyler’s parents, and Trudy Merritt, Platte River Fitness Series director, presented a check to Game and Parks on Sept. 17 at Smith Falls State Park near Valentine.

“I find solace in knowing that the funds donated will breathe new life into the park we once explored and treasured as a family,” said Shannon Vanderheiden. “The rushing waters of the falls remind me of how our love for Tyler continues to flow within us and forever has carved a path through the cherished moments we shared together.

“I hope our annual efforts will continue to inspire others to discover the beauty and unity within themselves and within the wonders of Nebraska’s breathtaking parks.”

Funds donated from the memorial run will be used to support trail upgrades at Smith Falls State Park, home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall. In addition to recent improvements to the boardwalk to the falls, the park also is expected to see park improvements in 2024, including to the Jim McCalister Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile hiking path through the Niobrara River Valley.

“Because of the generous donation by the Memorial Run, Game and Parks will be able to improve the McCalister trail, making it a more sought-after hike at Smith Falls,” said Parks Division Administrator Jeff Fields. “The Niobrara River Valley is the crossroads of biological diversity, and this trail offers a great way to view the abundance of wildlife.”

Runners from every state in the nation participated either virtually or in-person in the May 20 race, which brought together hundreds of people united around raising mental health awareness. Participants used the hashtags #PreventSuicide and #Run4TJV when they shared their race stories, memories of Tyler and their connection to the outdoors.

“Memorial races like this one resonate with runners in a special way. Attaching something bigger than ourselves to a hard effort creates space for meaning making, something necessary for human flourishing,” Merritt said. “Physical activity is essential to good mental health, and this race speaks to their interrelated nature.”

The annual run began in 2020 with the intent of being a space for healing and support for those who struggle with mental health or know someone who has. People across the state and nation have connected with its message, helping to spread the word and shine a light on mental health and available resources.

“Ty’s life has allowed us to hold a space for those who struggle with their mental health,” said Sydney Keller, Tyler’s sister who also helps organize the race. “My hope is that this continues to be a catalyst for bringing awareness to the importance of mental health and remains a space to recognize and honor the struggles and fight of others.”

The run is organized by the Platte River Fitness Series, run by Merritt, with support by West Central District Health Department, where Vanderheiden serves as executive director. The 2024 race is set for May 25.

Proceeds will continue to be donated to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation for the creation, maintenance or upgrade of trails at state park areas across the state. To learn more, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for “Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run.”

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:

‘The Science of …’ virtual webinar series returns Oct. 5

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s virtual webinar series “The Science of …” returns in October. On three Thursdays 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. 5 – Rattlesnakes; Oct. 12 – Mustelids; Oct. 19 – Animal Eyes.

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 Web Walkers homeschool program

Discover how amazing spiders are during the Wildcat Hills Homeschool Program Web Walkers on Oct. 12 at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. Learn all about their stealth, camouflage and engineering.

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.

Wildcat Tales preschool program is Oct. 10

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Oct. 10.

Each program will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years. The program Web Walkers will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. Children will learn all about spiders' stealth, camouflage and engineering. 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.

Homeschool Hikes set for Oct. 18-19 at Schramm Park SRA

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike to learn about geology at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 and 2 p.m. Oct. 19. The theme is fall leaves.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Reptiles of Nebraska event Oct. 26

Families are invited to celebrate Nebraska Reptile Month on Oct. 26 in Lincoln with Reptiles of Nebraska.

This free event, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources, will take place from 5-8 p.m. at Hardin Hall, located on UNL’s East Campus at 3310 Holdrege St.

UNL Herpetologist Dennis Ferraro will have an exhibit of live Nebraska snakes, lizards and turtles. There also will be touch stations, coloring stations, turtle activities, snake activities, and educational booths.

Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Sensory Safari is Oct. 4 at Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Sensory Safari is an event Oct. 4 where visually and sensory impaired guests will have the opportunity to touch, feel, hear and smell at interpretative stations located throughout the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

Nature experts from organizations across Nebraska will engage visitors at each station during this special event hosted by the zoo and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Registration is required and can be completed at the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Little Saplings program presents Seeds on Oct. 4

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 2023 series continues Oct. 4 with the theme Seeds at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia for Kids is Oct. 10

Do you have young nature enthusiasts at home who love a challenge? Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia for Kids is just for them. Omaha’s Backlot Taphouse at Aksarben will host the event from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 10.

Join the Nebraska Game and Parks education team for a fun trivia event. Create a family team or bring together a group of young nature lovers to answer trivia questions about nature, especially species found in Nebraska. Winners will receive prizes such as nature books, stickers and more.

The Backlot Taphouse is located at 2110 S. 67th St. Suite 108. The event is free with a purchase from the host.

Direct questions to [email protected].

Schramm Park SRA to host three programs

Among the variety of other programming at Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Nature Center are three nature-based sessions for nature lovers this month. Join park naturalists for:

Nature Journaling and Sunset Hike – Learn about nature journaling and take a sunset hike in the park with an educator and master naturalist Oct. 12. Meet at the new shelter near the first pond. The program, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., will include an introduction to nature journaling, time to look for crepuscular critters and awe-inspiring landscapes as we hike at sunset. 

Create Your Own Fishing Fly – The Cornhusker Fly Fishers will be at the Schramm Education Center from 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 21 creating fancy flies for fishing. Watch them or join them in their craft as they teach you how to create your own feathered fly.

Animal Tricks and Treats – At 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 31 at Schramm Education Center, learn about some tricks animals do to survive. Explore behavioral adaptations with live animal ambassadors in the education center classroom. Following the program, make s’mores on the grill.

Birding, archery, snakes the focus of Mahoney programs

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Gretna is hosting a variety of nature-based education programs in October. Join park naturalists for:

Beginner Birding – On Tuesdays in October at 9 a.m., meet at Mahoney’s Owen Marina to explore the world of birding and hike the park looking for birds with a naturalist.

Archery – Test your precision and accuracy with bow and arrows in this introductory archery program from 9-11 a.m. on Saturdays in October. This program is located behind the Bur Oak Shelter past the fence by the hay bale targets. Ages 5 and up. 

Snakes of Nebraska – Stop by the naturalist table at Owen Marina to learn all about snakes from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 21 and 28. Weather permitting, a live animal ambassador snake will make an appearance.

Heartland DSC donates track chair to state parks

Nebraska Game and Parks’ all-terrain wheelchair fleet just got a little bit larger.

The Heartland Chapter of the Dallas Safari Club, a nonprofit dedicated to getting youth outdoors, donated a track chair to the agency’s On Track Program during the recent Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park.

Track chairs, with their ability to navigate terrain that traditional wheelchairs cannot, provide people with limited mobility more ways to hike, hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors. With this donation, Game and Parks now has four track chairs available for public use at events, for mentored hunts, at shooting ranges and other activities and locations across Nebraska.

While Heartland DSC has their own mobility chair program, in learning about Game and Parks’, the organization saw an opportunity to expand the reach of their mission and increase the number of people who benefit from the two programs.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide the On Track Program with a mobility chair and look forward to seeing it get more people exposed to the outdoors,” said Chuck Kopocis, Heartland DSC secretary. “Heartland DSC does not want an individual’s physical abilities to be a barrier to experiencing the outdoors.”

Nebraska Game and Parks launched its On Track Program for the same reason in 2022, with the goal of being able to offer eight chairs for use across the state. The agency is utilizing donations, grants and internal funding sources to achieve that goal.

“We are grateful for Heartland DSC’s generosity and look forward to seeing the difference these chairs can make for park guests who might not have ever had the opportunity to experience all our parks have to offer,” said Jeff Fields, Parks Division administrator.

To inquire about using the available track chairs, call Ponca State Park at 402-755-2284.

To learn more about the program, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov. To learn more about Heartland DSC, visit HeartlandDSC.com.

Cutthroat, rainbow trout stocking schedule announced

Cutthroat and 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 began the week of Sept. 11 with cutthroat and rainbow species stocked in the Northwest District and continues weekly statewide throughout the fall.

“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 — or other unforeseen circumstances — may alter our plans. Be assured we’ll accommodate changes and get every trout stocked in Nebraska’s lake, ponds and creeks.”

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.

After a renovation project at Lake Ogallala this fall is completed, more than 20,000 trout and other species will be stocked when favorable water conditions exist.

Those working to complete their Trout Slam will have their best opportunity to catch cutthroat in the northwest. Cutthroat were stocked this month in the south Grable Pond and Cherry Creek Diversion pond at Fort Robinson State Park, the Wood Reserve ponds on the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area, the White River, Sowbelly Creek and the Alliance Golf Course pond. Between 250 and 825 were released at each location.

In addition, cutthroats will be stocked between Sept. 18-Oct. 2 at:

  • North Morrill Pond, Morrill, 1,000
  • Scottsbluff Zoo Pond, Scottsbluff, 500
  • Carter P. Johnson Lake, Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, 1,000
  • Bridgeport State Recreation Area middle lake, 1,100
  • Grove Sandpit, Royal, 100

The tentative rainbow trout stocking schedule, including quantities, follows:

Week of Sept. 18

  • East Branch Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200
  • Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area pond, Harrison, 600
  • White River, Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, 1,000

Week of Sept. 25

  • East Branch Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200
  • Elm Creek, Elm Creek WMA, Red Cloud, 1,000
  • Bridgeport State Recreation Area middle lake, 2,000

Week of Oct. 2

  • East Branch Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200
  • Grove Sandpit, Royal, 75
  • Fremont State Recreation Area Lake No. 2, Fremont, 4,500
  • Crystal Cove Lake, South Sioux City, 4,500
  • Fontenelle Forest Lake, Omaha, 1,050
  • Benson Lake, Omaha, 1,200
  • Ta-Ha-Zouka Park Lake, Norfolk, 1,500
  • Pawnee Park West, Columbus, 500
  • Bridgeport SRA northwest lake, 1,400
  • Laing Lake, Alliance, 1,500
  • Cherry Creek Diversion Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 250
  • Sidney Legion Park Pond, Sidney, 300
  • Carter P. Johnson Lake, Fort Robinson SP, 2,500
  • Middle Ice House Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 200
  • Lower Ice House Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 500

Week of Oct. 9

  • Lake Halleck, Papillion, 1,200
  • Steinhart Park Pond, Nebraska City, 800
  • Weeping Water Park Pond 1, Weeping Water, 1,500
  • Louisville State Recreation Area pond 1A, Louisville, 600
  • Hanscom Park Pond, Omaha, 450
  • Towl Park Pond, Omaha, 300
  • David City Park Pond, David City, 600
  • East Branch Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200
  • North Morrill Pond, Morrill, 2,250
  • Middle Morrill Pond, Morrill, 450
  • South Morrill Pond, Morrill, 400
  • Scottsbluff Zoo Pond, Scottsbluff, 900
  • Rock Creek State Recreation Area lake, Parks, 3,000
  • Curtis Golf Course Pond, Curtis, 150
  • Oxford City Lake, George Mitchell Park, Oxford, 300
  • Plum Creek Park Lake, Lexington, 750

Week of Oct. 16

  • Bessey Pond, Halsey, 600
  • Ord City Lake (Auble's Pond), Ord, 1,500
  • Gracie Creek Pond, Burwell, 1,000
  • Melham Park Lake, Broken Bow, 875
  • Ansley City Lake, Ansley, 1,000
  • Heartwell Park Lakes, Hastings, 900
  • GI Suck’s Lake, Grand Island, 650
  • Gretna X Pond, Gretna Crossing, Gretna, 200
  • CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 1,500
  • Bowling Lake, Lincoln, 400
  • Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 3,000
  • Humbolt City Park Lake, Humbolt, 600
  • Stanton Lake, Falls City, 200
  • Auburn Rotary Club Lake, Auburn Fairgrounds, Auburn, 800
  • Geneva pond, Geneva, 300
  • Pawnee City Park Lake, Pawnee City, 300
  • East Branch Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200
  • Grove Lake WMA lake, Royal, 1,500
  • Lake Helen, Gothenburg, 2,000
  • Windmill No. 2, Gibbon Windmill SRA, 600
  • Birdwood WMA lake, North Platte, 4,000
  • Humphrey Pond, Ogallala, 600
  • Bethphage Pond, Axtell, 200

Week of Oct. 23

  • East Branch Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200

Week of Oct. 30

  • East Branch Verdigre Creek, Royal, 200
  • Holdrege City Lake (North Park), Holdrege, 1,800
  • Fort Kearny SRA lake No. 6, Kearney, 1,280
  • North Platte I-80 lake, North Platte, 4,050
  • South Grable Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 1,200
  • Middle Grable Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 400
  • North Grable Pond, Fort Robinson SP, 750

November-December

As time and weather allow, the following water bodies will be stocked with rainbow trout:

  • Lake Ogallala SRA, Ogallala, 25,000
  • East Branch Verdigre Creek, Royal, 1,800
  • Crystal Springs Middle Pond, Fairbury, 1,000
  • CenturyLink Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 3,500
  • Bowling Lake, Lincoln, 400
  • Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 3,000
  • Birdwood WMA lake, North Platte, 2,000

Fishing for trout is a great way to introduce all ages of anglers to fishing. A spinning or spincast rod-and-reel with a worm baited hook work well. Many of these places are ideal to try the more complicated casting involved with fly fishing.

If you are just getting into fishing, read Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Find additional information on fishing or buy your fishing permit at OutdoorNebraska.gov/fish. While there, you can see what other species have been stocked in Nebraska’s waters by visiting the “Fish Stocking Database.”

Explore the parks with these Game and Parks events in October
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.

Arbor Lodge hosting Living History weekends

Step back in time to see trades, talents and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and on the grounds during Living History weekends at Arbor Day Farm near Nebraska City this month.

On Oct. 1, join in the fun as the Annual Table Creek Rendezvous comes to the grounds for a Mountain Man era encampment. Enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, fabric dyes and printing, seed beadwork, rigid heddle weaving, leather crafting, Dutch-oven cooking, fire building and more.

On Oct. 7-8, learn more about the ethnic heritage and customs of early Nebraskans during a Living History weekend at the Lodge. Representatives from various ethnic groups will share information and provide demonstrations, as well as helpful hints for tracing genealogy and preserving family heirlooms.

On Oct. 14-15, delve into the history and talents of the men and women of Arbor Lodge. Explore topics such as farming, business, painting, sewing, needlework, cooking, entertaining, education, railroads and more.

All demonstration hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 402-873-7222. Visit the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to find ticket prices.

Living History set for Oct. 1 at Fort Atkinson

Visit Fort Atkinson State Historical Park near Fort Calhoun for a Living History event Oct. 1 and see reenactors portray life in an 1820s military fort.

Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They include military demonstrations, mountain man camp, laundresses, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, spinning/weaving, coopering and more.

A valid Nebraska park entry permit is required. Cost to visit the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center is $4 per adult and $1 per child. For more information, contact the park at [email protected] or 402-468-5611.

Enders Trail Ride is Oct. 7

Horse owners are invited to Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area on Oct. 7 for the annual Enders Trail Ride at this park near Enders.

The scenic, two-hour ride for all experience levels starts at 9 a.m. Mountain time at the Area A Campground. Lunch will be provided. Registration is preferred.

Call or text Dayna at 308-233-1026 or Beau Licking at 308-530-2648 for more information or to register.

Camping is available, but there are no pens for horses.

Honor Pawnee at Fort Kearny on Oct. 7

Come to Fort Kearny State Historical Park and State Recreation Area near Kearney on Oct. 7 and help honor the Pawnee Scouts of the U.S. Army Company A.

The event also will celebrate the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society’s 20th anniversary and feature a Pawnee Native Harvest Exhibit and musical performances with Pawnee singers, dancers and drummers.

There will be a living history exhibit at the SHP from 9 a.m. to noon, a lunch available to purchase from noon to 1 p.m., and the Pawnee event at the SRA from 1 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy River Valley Artisans and Craft Market Oct. 7-8 at Mahoney SP

Start your holiday shopping early at the River Valley Artisans and Craft Market on Oct. 7-8 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland. Browse through handmade arts and crafts at Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge.

Discover a variety of goods at this free market and admire a variety of products: crochet, paintings, fused glass, photography, woodwork, door signs, mini rooms and more. Hours for the show are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 7 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 8.

Make a day of it following the market by spending time hiking the park’s trails, visiting the playground or fishing at CenturyLink Lake.

Mahoney SP to host art show

Head to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland for an art show on the river Oct. 13-15 in the Peter Kiewit Lodge.

Meet the artists and view their photography, mixed media, paintings, jewelry, woodwork and handcrafted artwork.

Attend from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 13 for a wine and cheese tasting in the upper level conference rooms, and attend the art show from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15. Artists will be on upper and lower levels of the lodge.

Food trucks also will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

This event is hosted by Nye Street Studio.

Enjoy Halloween fun in Nebraska state parks
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 several 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.

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

Get into the Halloween spirit at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area near Fremont on Oct. 14 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 when the decoration judging takes place.

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

Two Rivers SRA to host Spooktacular

Two Rivers State Recreation Area near Yutan will celebrate Halloween with Spooktacular 2023 on Oct. 13 and 14.

The heart of the event is in the Goldenrod Campground, where campers are invited to decorate their sites in a Halloween theme.

Among the activities planned for the evening of Oct. 13 are face painting, hayrack rides and serving of hot dogs and nachos.

Scheduled for Oct. 14 are a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting, raptor presentation, campsite decorating contest, cornhole tournament, chili cook-off and potluck dinner. There also will be trunk-or-treating in the Goldenrod Campground.

Mahoney SP to host Halloween is Brewing with Fun

Wear your spooky, creative costumes and visit Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland for Halloween is Brewing with Fun on Oct. 14.

From 2-4 p.m., Owen Marina will be the site for games, pumpkin carving, a costume parade, naturalist programs, a campfire and trolley rides to tour campground Halloween decorations.

Pumpkins will be available to purchase for $6 and carving and decorating tools will be provided. S’more kits and food can be purchased at the marina.

Indian Cave SP to host 28th Haunted Hollow

Bring the family to Indian Cave State Park near Shubert for three weekends of Halloween-themed fun in October with the 28th Annual Haunted Hollow.

Haunted hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, outdoor movies, scavenger hunt, pumpkin walk, craft market and campsite decorating contest are all on tap to keep everyone entertained Oct. 13-14, Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28.

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

Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt set for Oct. 14

The Fourth Annual Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Halloween Haunt will be from 1-6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Main Campground in the park near Elwood.

There will be pumpkin painting, kids’ games, face painting, and educational talks by master naturalists from 1 to 4 p.m. in Area C. There will be campsite trick-or-treating, an Eagle Scout dedication and free hotdogs and marshmallows at the community firepit from 4 to 6 p.m. Small prizes will be awarded to those who sign up and participate in campsite decorating.

Branched Oak SRA to host Spooktacular on Oct. 21

Spend a day with the family Oct. 21 enjoying Spooktacular at Branched Oak State Recreation Area near Raymond.

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

Space is limited for the haunted hayrack rides; tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 402-783-3400 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. starting Sept. 25. Admission is $7 for children under 12 and $9 for 13 and older. Children under 3 free. Pick up pre-purchased tickets at the park office during business hours or at the campground information booth at Middle Oak Creek on Oct. 21.

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

Jack-O-Lantern Junk and Craft Market set for Oct. 21

Indian Cave State Park near Shubert will host a Jack-O-Lantern Junk and Craft Market from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Oct. 21.

There will be a 2-mile Pink Pumpkin Walk, a cancer fundraiser, and raffle at 11 a.m. A T-shirt is included with registration. Call Angie 402-883-0014 or Joyce 402-855-6087 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. A T-shirt is included with registration. A raffle also will take place.

From 3:30-5 p.m., the Buskatiers will sponsor Trick-or-Treat by the Buses, handing out candy and popcorn to children.

Halloween in the Hollow is Oct. 21

Come out to Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen and celebrate Halloween in the Hollow on Oct. 21 from 1-9 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] or 308-778-7708.

Calamus is all about pumpkins on Oct. 21

Visit Calamus State Recreation Area near Burwell for the annual Pumpkin Carvers Event on Oct. 21 for a day full of family-friendly activities.

Pumpkin carving will take place at the playground from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the same area that will host a potluck lunch at noon for all who bring a dish to share.

Kids’ games, prizes and downhill pumpkin rolling derby will be at 1 p.m. on the west side of the shower house area. Carved pumpkins will be gathered at 4 p.m. and put on display for all to see. Lights will be provided, and the campground will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Visitors may enjoy carved pumpkins, decorated campsites and trick-or-treating from 5-10 p.m.

Enders Reservoir SRA to host Haunted Camping

Have a spooky time as the Area A Campground at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area will host Haunted Camping on Oct. 28-29 at the park near Enders.

Participants may enjoy a haunted trail, a camper and campsite decorating contest, games, hayrack rides, a pumpkin carving contest and a costume contest.

Vintage Halloween Living History is Oct. 28-29 at Arbor Lodge

Visit Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City on Oct. 28-29 and enjoy a weekend of vintage Halloween-themed frivolity during Living History Weekend.

Help celebrate Halloween history, customs and games throughout the 52-room Arbor Lodge Mansion.

Demonstration hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, call 402-873-7222. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to find ticket prices.

Haunted Halloween is Oct. 28 at Fort Robinson SP

Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford will host Haunted Halloween from 4-6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Soldier Creek Campground.

There will be a costume contest, pet costume contest, s’mores, trick-or-treating, campsite decorating contest, and a wagon ride through the haunted campground/cemetery.

For more information, call the park at 308-665-2900.

Camp & Treat at Red Willow SRA

Camp for half-price during Red Willow State Recreation Area’s Camp & Treat event Oct. 27-29 at the park near McCook.

Camping rates will be $10 per night for a pad site and $4 per night for a tent site. Restrooms will be open, and water will be available.

Halloween activities will include:

A Camper/Campsite Decorating Contest, where the winner will earn three nights free camping on dates of their choice.
A Kids Pumpkin Carving Contest set for 4 p.m. Oct. 28.
Camper to Camper Trick-or-Treating; please remember to bring treats to pass out.
For more information, see the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.