44 Nebraskaland • November 2023
MIXED BAG
When it's too cold to be outdoors, you don't have to stay
cooped up at home. Try any of these opportunities for indoor
fun, where you can learn more about nature and Nebraska
history, get active or be entertained.
Educational Opportunities
Interested in learning more about a particular place? Then
you'll love the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, which explores
the features of this pine-clad butte range, and the Missouri
National Recreational River Resource and Education Center,
located at Ponca State Park, where you can learn more about
the Missouri River. Also check out Schramm Education
Center near Gretna, which explores Nebraska's aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems.
Want to learn how fi sh are raised and stocked across
the state? Visit one of Nebraska Game and Parks' fi ve fi sh
hatcheries, many of which off er tours and educational
opportunities.
Recreational Activities
Bring the family to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park's Activity
Center, which hosts a large indoor playground with fun tubes,
slides, net bridges and ball pit. Or go next door to the Venture
Climb complex, which features a 42-foot climbing wall and
bouldering structure.
If you enjoy archery and target shooting, or would like to
learn, visit the Turpin Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln.
This family-friendly facility off ers indoor archery and fi rearm
ranges, educational classes, workshops, special events and
instruction for all ages and skill levels.
Museums
Interested in Nebraska history? Many of Nebraska's state
historical parks off er museums or visitor centers where you
can indulge your curiosity in Nebraska's past.
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, located in Nebraska
City, is the home of Arbor Day. During the park's winter
hours, tour this elegant mansion and learn more about the
Morton family.
Many other park museums and visitor centers are open
only by appointment in the winter months, so you can enjoy
having the place to yourself. This includes Ash Hollow,
Buff alo Bill Ranch, Fort Atkinson, Fort Hartsuff , Fort Kearny
and Rock Creek Station state historical parks.
Entertainment
Be dazzled by magic tricks and sleight of hand at Eugene
T. Mahoney State Park, which is hosting performances by
magician Ryan Chandler throughout the winter at Kountze
Memorial Theater. Find the schedule at melodrama.net and
reserve your tickets by calling 402-944-2523, ext. 7122.
For more information on the activities listed here, visit
OutdoorNebraska.gov. A park entry permit is required at
Nebraska state parks.
YOUR NEBRASKA STATE PARKS — INDOOR STYLE
By Renae Blum
JEFF
KURRUS,
NEBRASKALAND
JENNY
NGUYEN-WHEATLEY,
NEBRASKALAND
JENNY
NGUYEN-WHEATLEY,
NEBRASKALAND
