Nebraskaland

58 Nebraskaland • November 2022 MIXED BAG Despite drought conditions statewide, there was still beautiful fall color to see at various natural areas throughout Nebraska, including Ponca and Indian Cave state parks in the eastern part of the state. But for those looking to extend their fall color viewing into November, look no further than the state's prairie parks. Even after the leaves have fallen, the grasses in these areas give visitors a longer color season until everything is replaced by winter white. Rock Creek Station State Historical Park — Enjoy expansive views of tallgrass prairies. The dried, orange grassy fields bring a feeling of warmth to the cooler weather. Start on the trail that begins near the visitor center and head south through the prairie. A closer look in the grasses reveals some hidden gems — dried seedpods, birds' nests that were once camouflaged in the green grass of summer, intricate spider webs still clinging to dried stems of grass and wildlife trails that deer and other mammals frequently use. At adjacent Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area, 13 electric camper pads are available for visitors. Rowe Sanctuary — More than 200 plant species highlight the restored tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies of Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary. The vast diversity of plant species creates a mosaic of fall colors and shapes. Visit during early morning and around dusk when the grasses are aglow with the sun's light. Enjoy a close-up look of Nebraska's native prairie along the cutback trail (0.7 miles) that starts at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center. The trail meanders through the prairie and alongside the Platte River. An 8-minute drive away, Windmill State Recreation Area welcomes campers with 69 electrical camper pads and 20 non-pad, basic sites. Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area — Wildcat Hills is where the pines meet the prairie. Take a walk among the pine forests or continue to enjoy the oranges of November with swaths of prairies speckled with yucca. After a stay at one of the area's 12 basic campsites, take a drive from Wildcat Hills to Fort Robinson State Park. The prairies on this drive become more beautiful as winter approaches, with the grasses turning from green to varying shades of yellow, reds and browns. Watch for pronghorn grazing in this vast prairie along the way. Fort Robinson State Park — Upon arrival, take a scenic drive up through Smiley Canyon and enjoy the contrast of bluffs and prairies, where horses graze and the sounds of pinyon jays can be heard and seen among the stands of yellow grass. Overnight stay options abound at Fort Robinson State Park, from group lodging in buildings once used for housing soldiers stationed at the fort to 102 electrical sites and 28 basic camp sites. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area — Merritt is a great jumping off point to explore the Sandhills prairies. The wide-open landscape offers views like no other and, arguably, fall is the most beautiful time to visit. The yellow, orange, red and brown hues of the rolling grass-covered dunes must be enjoyed in-person, as a single image cannot capture the beauty and depth of this vast prairie. The willows in the wetlands between the dunes add a pop of red to this landscape. With numerous camping options over several campgrounds, enjoy spectacular Sandhills sunsets before settling in around the fire for some stargazing. Then, the next morning, take the Merritt Dam road on the north side of the reservoir to continue your adventure to the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. PRAIRIE PARKS By Olivia DaRugna, Watchable Wildlife Biologist Rock Creek Station State Historical Park near Endicot. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND

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