44 Nebraskaland • December 2022
MIXED BAG
SNOWED IN BY CHOICE
By Jeff Kurrus
There's not a better winter destination in Nebraska than the mini-lodge cabins at Ponca State Park. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
One of my most memorable family winter trips was to
Ponca State Park. We barely beat the snow storm there from
the metro, then spent the next two days not able or willing
to drive anywhere else. Instead, we hiked, snow-boarded and
ice-fished when we were outside, and when back inside our
mini-lodge, cooked, played board games and snuggled up
together in front of the fireplace. Those were some of the best
times I've had with my wife and children. I hope everyone
gets the chance to be snowed in at a Nebraska State Park.
Here are a few other places to get stuck this winter.
This time of year, one of Chadron State Park's six duplexes
are the perfect getaway from the world until they close from
Jan. 2 through March 3. Catch up on some reading or take
inspiration from Thoreau — wooded buttes and canyons
will provide the solitude you need to get ink flowing. Feeling
extra feverish? Bring a camera to walk in one of Nebraska's
most beautiful winter landscapes. Chadron State Park offers
6 miles of hiking trails, and with the Nebraska National
Forest adjacent, you'll have access to another 100 miles of
scenic trails and back roads.
With seven modern, two-bedroom cabins open through
the winter and situated right on the water, Lewis and
Clark State Recreation Area offers the perfect fish-and-stay
destination, where you can go from Vexilars and jigging rods
back to football and a warm dinner in minutes. All cabins at
Lewis and Clark have a covered patio, picnic table, outdoor
grill and campfire ring, and fill up quickly in the winter.
Recognized as two of eastern Nebraska's most popular year-
round destinations, Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state
parks offer various lodging options throughout the winter.
From hiking and sledding to bringing in your own holiday
decorations, these are two of the state's best winter getaways.
Whether you come to ice fish, hike or to just relax, these parks
near the metro will make you feel miles away from the city.
Visit ReserveAmerica.com for more information on these and
other Nebraska winter lodging options. Reservations can be
made as far as a year in advance. Several parks also offer a
30% discount during certain days of the week — a great deal in
addition to a much-needed break from the real world.
