March 2025 • Nebraskaland 29
opportunity, and the three-and-a-half-
hour drive from Lincoln was worth it.
But the rest of the park was calling.
My family had three days to explore
Niobrara State Park, and we soon
discovered that watching sharp-tailed
grouse isn't the only spring activity
the park off ers.
Day One
"This is an amazing view." That
was the fi rst thing my mom said upon
walking into our cabin. Niobrara State
Park's cabins are arranged atop a
forested bluff overlooking the Missouri
River Valley. Glance out the windows
or step out the back door, and you face
a sweeping view of trees and water.
My parents were also impressed
by the cabin itself. "It's like a little
house," Mom said, taking in the living
room with sofas and a fully-furnished
kitchen. "I didn't know how modern it
would be."
We wouldn't head out to see the
grouse until morning, so we took some
time to explore. Park superintendent
Cogan Thompson told us we could see
eagles at Niobrara Confl uence Wildlife
Management Area, a nearly 3-mile
area spanning the entire north edge of
the park and beyond.
Bathed in golden evening light, two
mature eagles watched us quietly from
the trees. I had never been that close to
one before.
That evening, we also saw about a
dozen turkeys along the roadsides. We
would spot many more throughout our
stay and hear their gobbling often.
Sharp-tailed grouse engage in standoff s during their spring mating rituals at Niobrara State Park,
as seen from a new viewing blind. CURT BLUM
One of many red admiral butterfl ies
observed along Deer Creek Trail.
CURT BLUM
