The Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation • Nebraskaland
the aquarium's shovelnose sturgeon.
"What's also nice about the new aquarium is that it's all
Nebraska species. The boys can learn about the stuff that lives
here, not in some faraway saltwater sea."
Before the renovations, Schramm primarily welcomed
visitors on a seasonal basis. Now, thanks to being part of the
Venture Parks project in association with the Nebraska Game
and Parks Foundation, that number of visitors has tripled,
including increased year-round visitation.
And for good reason. Matt is not the only person who grew
up in eastern Nebraska and spent very little, if any time, at the
old aquarium. But he's also not the only person who has found
a new place to learn about nature in his own backyard — at
Schramm Education Center.
The Best Kind of Friend
"Friends disappoint you," said Loretta Asche, drawing
laughter from herself. "But vacation friends do not. At least …
mine don't."
Asche's vacation friends have been with her for nearly 30
years at Fort Robinson State Park at their group's annual trail
ride each September. Originally conducted by the Painthorse
Association, this ride is now organized by Asche and gets a
group of longtime "vacation" friends together who have one
thing in common — horses.
"These people are better than friends," she said fondly. They
come from all over the country — from Wisconsin to Maryland,
and for many years they would stay all over northwestern
Nebraska.
But for the past fi ve years, since its completion in 2015,
they've taken up temporary residence at Fort Robinson State
Park's 1891 Offi cers Quarters.
With help from the Foundation, these Quarters are a direct
replica of the original building, constructed in 1891, making
them perfect for large groups of people like Asche's. "We have
enough beds for 18 people," she said. "Four bedrooms. Four
bathrooms. And a large area for meetings and meals. It's so
Since its completion in 2015, Fort Robinson State Park's 1891 Offi cers Quarters has become
a destination for large groups looking for an authentic Western lodging experience. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
