16 Nebraskaland • May 2026
As warmer weather approaches, head
outside and participate in the Outdoor
Nebraska 250-Mile Challenge. The
challenge is hosted by the Nebraska
G a m e a n d Pa r ks Co m m i s s i o n to
celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Enjoy a quiet walk at sunset and
listen to the sounds a park makes as it
settles in for the night or feel the rush of
running, biking or kayaking on a scenic
trail. While you're at it, watch wildlife,
take photos, relax and create many
lasting memories.
Spending time outside has significant
benefits for both physical and mental
health. This challenge offers individuals,
friends and families the opportunity to
get active, reduce stress and connect
with our state's beautiful trails and
outdoor spaces. It is an opportunity for
each person to take their own journey of
discovery and wellness.
This free challenge encourages
Nebraskans to complete 250 miles of
outdoor activity this year to promote
physical and mental well-being through
outdoor adventures. Miles can be
accumulated from a single activity or a
combination of many.
Jesse Petersen, Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission's recreational
trails manager, has been a mountain
bike enthusiast since the early 1990s.
For him, the challenge is more than
logging miles.
"For me, the 250-Mile Challenge is
about discovering the recently created
natural surface trails in our state parks
and state recreation areas. Celebrating
America's 250th birthday from the
saddle also means celebrating the
planning and hard work put into these
bike-optimized dirt trails," Petersen said.
Those participating can track their
progress using their preferred personal
fitness tracker or app. Once the 250
milestone is completed, a photo and
proof of the miles completed can be
submitted at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
On the website, search for "250-mile
challenge" to access the submission
fo r m . A c o m m e m o r a t ive s t i c ke r
will be sent to partic ipants, and
that person will have their name
entered into a random drawing for
a chance to win prizes, including
an outdoors package donated by
s p o n s o rs. T h e p a c ka ge i n c l u d e s
a two-night stay at a Nebraska state
park cabin, a Nebraskaland Magazine
one-year subscription and a 2027 state
park permit.
More than the chance to win a
prize, the challenge is also "about the
celebration of trail development and
the cooperation with Nebraska Game
and Parks that got us here. These 250
miles will show just how far we've come
since the '90s," Petersen said. "Happy
Anniversary America — each mile we
ride is a true gift."
Share your progress and adventures
throughout the year with Game and
Parks by posting photos and tagging
Nebraska Game and Parks in your social
media posts. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov
and search for "trails" to find scenic
areas across the state.
The 250-Mile Challenge
By Julie Geiser
In the Field
Kayakers float Logan Creek, also known as "the dredge," in Thurston County. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
