Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in October.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Schramm hosts Little Saplings on Oct. 1

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2025 series, which occurs on the first Wednesday of the month, returns Oct. 1 with the theme seed safari at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $5 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Learn All About Astronomy at Platter River SP

Join naturalists at Platte River State Park’s RV Campground Shelter for All About Astronomy at 4 p.m. on Fridays in October.

Beginning Oct. 3, participants may make a constellation, use a star chart to identify seasonal stars, examine a moon globe and compare it to the moon in the sky. Late at night they can use what they learned as the stars become visible.

Kayak Holmes Lake under full moon

Join Nebraska Game and Parks outdoor educators for a night of exploration at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake under the rising full moon Oct. 6.

This event is free, but registration is required whether participants borrow kayaks that are limited in number or bring their own. Life jackets and paddles also will be provided.

Meet at 6 p.m. at the beach area on the south side of the lake on Holmes S. Shore Road.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register and get more information. Direct questions to Lia Havlena at lia.havlena@nebraska.gov.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on Oct. 7

Get ready to go birding by participating in the new Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A birding topic is introduced in each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area.

On Oct. 7, the topic for the free, bird-related program for all ages will be the fall migration. Say goodbye to our summer residents and support our migratory birds on their journey.

Library to host Reptile Family Fun Night

Join Lincoln City Libraries and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on Oct. 7 for a Family Fun Night geared toward Reptile Awareness.

Stop by the Charles H. Gere Library, 2400 S. 56th St., from 5:30-7 p.m. to meet some live snakes, turtles and lizards and learn about Nebraska’s native reptile species from Game and Parks staff.

There will be crafts, opportunities to read to a reptile, and fun, reptile-related educational giveaways.

Email any questions to monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov.

Sensory Safari is at Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Sensory Safari is an event Oct. 8 where visually and sensory impaired guests will have the opportunity to touch, feel, hear, and smell at interpretive stations located throughout the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

Nature experts from organizations across Nebraska will engage visitors at each station during this special event hosted by the zoo and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Required registration can be completed at the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Contact monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov with any questions.

Discover ‘Science of’ death and decomposition

Discover the essential role of death and decomposition in Nebraska’s ecosystems as Nebraska Game and Parks’ popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.

On Oct. 9, learn how decaying plants and animals recycle nutrients, support diverse food webs, and shape habitats.

In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.

Wildcat Tales preschool program is Oct. 14

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Oct. 14 with the theme bats of Nebraska.

The program will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Homeschool Hikes set for Oct. 15-16 at Schramm

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Oct. 15 and 1 p.m. Oct. 16. This month's theme is nature journaling.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Wildcat Hills homeschool program to focus on bats

Learn about Nebraska’s amazing birds through stories and hands-on activities Oct. 16 during the Bats of Nebraska homeschool program at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

The free program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations and habitats found only in western Nebraska.

For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Webinar to discuss Wild Herbs for Food and Medicine

The Master Naturalist Mondays virtual webinar series continues at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 20 with Wild Herbs for Food and Medicine.

Join presenter Rachel Liester, an herbal educator and Master Naturalist, in a discussion of ethnobotany, with information on wild plants considered food and medicine in Plains Native American, Alaska Native and Celtic cultures. 

Nebraska Master Naturalist is a statewide volunteer conservation program. The program recruits, trains, manages, and provides resources for our volunteer naturalist members. This free webinar series hosts a variety of presenters and subject matter. It allows Nebraska Master Naturalist to connect to its conservation motivations and inspirations and its naturalist community across the state.

For more information or to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Email any questions to jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov.

Fall turkey hunting season opens Oct. 1

It’s almost October. That means one thing in Nebraska: Fall turkey hunting season is near.

Nebraska Game and Parks has reminders for hunters who will take to the field in search of a bird for the season, which runs Oct. 1-Nov. 30:

  • All harvested turkeys must be reported via Telecheck within 48 hours of harvest. This can be done at OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/telecheck/ or by calling the phone number on the permit. Reporting via Telecheck is mandatory.
  • When hunting during the Nov. 15-23 firearm deer season, turkey hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange on the head, chest and back.
  • Each hunter may only have one fall permit, with a bag limit of one turkey of either sex per permit.
  • Hunters may use either shotgun or archery equipment as methods of take.
  • Everyone who purchases a turkey hunting permit is encouraged to complete the email survey that is sent a few weeks following the close of the season.

There are more than 1 million acres of publicly accessible lands throughout Nebraska, including over 435,000 acres of private lands enrolled in Game and Parks’ Open Fields and Waters Program. The 2025-2026 Public Access Atlas identifies and consolidates these lands.

Hunters can stay up to date on all turkey regulations by reading the 2025 Turkey Guide. The atlas and guide are available for viewing at OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/.

Permits, which are valid statewide, may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.gov and at Game and Parks permitting offices.

Explore the parks with these events in October

Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. While history is a major theme during October park events, other types of events are scheduled, too.

Don’t forget a vehicle park entry permit is required at Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Enjoy living history at Fort Atkinson Oct. 4-5

Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on Oct. 4-5.

Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reenactors portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.

A fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $5 per adult and $1 per child. For more information, contact the park near Fort Calhoun at ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov or 402-468-5611.

Arbor Lodge events in October

Weekends at Arbor Lodge will be busy in October, with these fun, exciting events:

Frontier Days – Visit Arbor Lodge State Historical Park during Frontier Days on Oct. 4-5 to learn more about the days of the early pioneers. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., demonstrations and displays will include ropemaking, early education, antique kitchen gadgets, rag dolls, quilting, dress-like-a-pioneer, old-time toys and games, household chores, early transportation, and more. The Cortland Opry House dulcimer players will perform throughout the day Oct. 4. The Nebraska Game and Parks History Trailer also will be in the park for viewing.

Victorian Era Living History – The Victorian Era (1837-1901) ushered in a unique host of styles and traditions, as well as significant social, economic, political changes. Some of these traditions will be the highlights of Victorian Era Living History on Oct. 11-12 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. See the calendar event entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov for more details.

Murder mystery – The murder mystery “A Villain’s Vendetta” is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Arbor Lodge Mansion. Solve clues, look for evidence, and break the case while mingling with new friends. Participants, who will receive a character to portray as they arrive, may wear their own themed attire or select from available props. Space is limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov to purchase tickets and get more information.

Family Rendezvous at Platte River State Park

Enjoy a day of outdoor fun at the Family Rendezvous on Oct. 5 at Platte River State Park.

Come to the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free activities such as traditional muzzleloaders, archery, tomahawks, slingshots, pellet guns, atlatl, naturalist activities and roasting marshmallows. Participants may bring their own muzzleloaders to sight-in before hunting season.

Food will be available for purchase.

Collect seeds to restore oak savanna at Schramm Park SRA

Schramm Park State Recreation Area is holding a volunteer opportunity Oct. 21 to assist with oak woodland restoration efforts.

Join Nebraska Game and Parks staff in walking the prairie to collect seeds from native plants to help with oak savanna restoration efforts.

Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and long pants, bring water, and outdoor work gloves. Long sleeves are also recommended. All ages are welcome, but anyone under the age of 18 must have an accompanying adult.

Meet at the Schramm Education Center lobby at 9 a.m.

Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov to register. Email jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov with any questions.

 

Explore the parks for Halloween fun in October

State park areas are wonderful places to celebrate Halloween in Nebraska, with many hosting family-friendly activities on weekends in October. Plan your opportunity for fun at several park locations.

Remember: A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Get yours at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at the park entry booth.

Additional state parks may schedule Halloween events in the coming days. They would be listed at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov.

Dusty’s Pumpkinfest at the Cody’s

Visit to Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park every Saturday and Sunday in October for some spooky fall fun.

Beginning Oct. 4, come to Dusty’s Pumpkinfest at the Cody’s, hosted by Dusty Trails LLC, between noon and 6 p.m. Among the activities and games to enjoy are horseback riding, horse-drawn wagon rides, petting zoo, ax throwing, hay slide, zipline, duck race, pumpkin bounce pad, corn canon, inflatable maze, cornhole, corn crib, barrel train and critter catch.

Admission is $14 per person on Saturdays and $12 on Sundays, with children under age 2 free.

Indian Cave SP to celebrate 30th Annual Haunted Hollow

Treat yourself to a smorgasbord of Halloween fun at Indian Cave State Park on Oct. 10, 11, 18 and 25.

The park’s 30th Annual Haunted Hollow event kicks off with trick-or-treating along decorated trails at the old town of St. Deroin on Oct. 10. The Pink Pumpkin Walk, a walk raising funds for local cancer organizations, is at 11 a.m. Oct. 18.

Other activities include a pumpkin roll, haunted hayrack rides, campsite decorating contest, junk and craft market, and Trick or Treat by the Buses. See the calendar event entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov for more details.

Halloween is Brewing with Fun at Mahoney SP

Wear your spooky, silly and creative costume and come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s Owen Marina from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 11 for Halloween is Brewing with Fun.

There will be games, pumpkin carving, costume parade, naturalist programs, campfire, and trolley rides to tour campground Halloween decorations.

Limited pumpkins will be available for purchase. Pumpkin carving and decorating tools will be provided. S’more kits and food will be available for purchase.

Halloween Haunt returns to Johnson Lake SRA

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area’s Halloween Haunt returns from 1-7 p.m. Oct. 11 with plenty to enjoy.

Start off by painting your Halloween vision on a pumpkin and playing kids’ games. Take in all the fun costumes as kids go trick-or-treating at the campsites. The day concludes with judging of the campsite decorating contest and marshmallow roasting.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov for the schedule.

Fremont to host campsite decorating and trick-or-treating

Come join the fun at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area on Oct. 11 for a Halloween campsite decorating contest and trick-or-treating. Both will be from 5-7 p.m.

Ponca SP hosting 27th Annual Hallowfest

Come to Ponca State Park to enjoy a Halloween tradition during the 27th Annual Hallowfest Oct. 11 and Oct. 18.

There will be daytime activities both Saturdays, such as pumpkin archery and critter corner, cabin decorating contest, and trick-or-treating in the campgrounds.

Haunted Hayrack Rides will take place Oct. 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are required and may be made starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 6. See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more details.

Activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 will include the pumpkin roll, s’mores, games, food, pumpkin carving, and pet parade. Pumpkins will be available for purchase.

Calamus hosting Pumpkin Carvers Event

Visit Calamus State Recreation Area for the annual Pumpkin Carvers Event on Oct. 18 for a day full of family-friendly activities.

The day includes pumpkin carving, games and a pumpkin rolling derby, all of which will take place on the west side of the shower house area at Homestead Knolls Campground.

Pumpkin carving will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Kids games and downhill pumpkin rolling derby will be at 1 p.m.

Carved pumpkins will be gathered at 4 p.m. and displayed in the campground, which will be closed to traffic. Lights will be provided for pumpkins.

Branched Oak SRA to host Spooktacular

Spend a day with the family Oct. 18 enjoying Spooktacular at Branched Oak State Recreation Area near Raymond.

Middle Oak Creek Campground will host this event, which will include pumpkin carving, costume contest, campsite decorating, campground trick-or-treating and haunted hayrack rides. Purchase tickets by calling the office at 402-783-3400.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov for more details.

Vintage Halloween weekend at Arbor Lodge

Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and on the grounds during living history weekends at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City.

The Oct. 18-19 weekend is full of vintage Halloween frivolity, celebrating Halloween history, customs, and games throughout the 52-room mansion from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. There also will be displays and crafts.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov to purchase tickets.

Gouge a Gourd with atlatl at Mahoney SP

Gouge a Gourd is an opportunity to learn how to use the primitive spear-throwing device called an atlatl at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Oct. 21, 25 and 28.

Pumpkins, not foam targets, will be what is aimed at in this activity for ages 6 and above.

Meet behind the Bur Oak Shelter between 1 and 4 p.m. on Oct. 25 and 1 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 and 28.

Halloween Candlelight Tours at Arbor Mansion

Arbor Lodge Mansion will host Halloween Candlelight Tours at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Oct. 24-25.

These one-hour tours will lead guests on a candlelight tour through the grand halls and eerie corners of the Morton Mansion. As darkness falls, guests will be led by costumed guides through the dimly lit 52-room mansion, with only candles and candelabras to light the way.

The Halloween Candlelight Tours will be appropriate for families with older children, teens and adults.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov to purchase tickets.

Chadron SP to host Trunk-or-Treat Adventures

Bring the little ones to Chadron State Park for Trunk-or-Treat Adventures from 4-7 p.m. Mountain time Oct. 25.

On this day of sweet treats and costumes, there will be free pumpkin painting, a bounce house and drinks and snacks to purchase at the Trading Post.

The costumed kids may enjoy trunk-or-treating in the campground. Tram rides will be available between the trading post and the campground.

There also will be a campsite-decorating contest, with prizes and incentives for participating. Call 308-432-6167 for more information or to register.

Wildcat Hills hosting Howl in the Hills Night Hike

Experience the Wildcat Hills at night Oct. 25 during the Howl in the Hills Night Hike. This free, .57-mile guided hike through rugged terrain will begin at 7 p.m. Mountain time at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

Bring a flashlight, hiking shoes and a sense of adventure.

Halloween fun at Schramm treehouse

Visit the Treehouse Classroom at Schramm Park State Recreation Area on Halloween for Halloween-themed activities.

From 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 31, participants can learn about why bats, spiders and owls are not as spooky as some people believe they are.

Park educators will help participants make spooky “zines” that they can share with friends to teach them fun facts about some of their favorite nocturnal animals.

Camp & Treat at Red Willow SRA

Enjoy discounted camping rates and Halloween family fun Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at Red Willow State Recreation Area’s Camp & Treat.

Nov. 1, kids ages 14 and younger are invited to bring their artistic skills and compete in a pumpkin painting contest at 4 p.m. There will be a camper/campsite decorating contest and judging at 5 p.m., followed by camper-to-camper trick-or-treating.

All weekend, the camping rates will be $5 off the posted rate for electrical sites and tent sites, with restrooms and water available, weather permitting.