Exploring Nebraska's State Parks

Are you looking for things to do in Nebraska? If you’re not a Nebraska Game & Parks pass holder, this might be your sign to become one.

We’re firm believers that there’s nothing a little time outdoors can’t fix! The annual park pass offers holders access to Nebraska’s 76 state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas. Did you even know our state had 76 places like these available to you?

For the 2023 calendar year, a single permit for a Nebraska-licensed vehicle is $31 ($47 to get permits for two vehicles). Talk about a budget-friendly expense that offers endless opportunities for fun!

Each state park or recreation area offers unique activities and things to do, but in general, you can do the following with your state parks pass:

• Hiking and walking the forested and paved trails
• Fishing
• Camping
• Getting involved in conservation efforts
• Birdwatching and wildlife viewing
• Hunting
• Boating and paddling
• Participating in education classes and events

At some of these parks, you can even do things like zip-lining and “glamping”!

We’ve been pass holders for the past two years and have yet to venture out to any state park areas further than a 15-mile radius. That’s because there’s been so much to do and see at the four state park and recreational areas close to our home alone:

• Schramm State Park and Schramm Educational Center
• Mahoney State Park
• Platte River State Park
• Louisville State Recreation Area

At these parks, our favorite activities include:

• Mini golf (Mahoney)
• Activity center (a giant indoor jungle gym connected to an expansive indoor rock climbing center and an outdoor seasonal ice skating rink - Mahoney)
• Hiking the forested trails (you could spend all day just exploring and taking in the beauty of the parks)
• Having picnics with food and drinks that we bring
• The playgrounds (there’s an awesome one at Platte River State Park, but the other parks have great ones, too)
• Attending “Little Saplings” kids classes on the first Wednesday of every month (Schramm Education Center - for 2-5 year-olds)
• Feeding the fish at the ponds and hatchery areas (Schramm Park)
• Climbing the giant observation towers at Platte River State Park and Mahoney State Park to get fantastic views of the area
• Exploring all that Schramm Education Center has to offer (a huge toy and craft area, indoor aquarium and animal exhibits, a camping play area and more)
• Free kayaking on Fridays in September (Platte River State Park)
• Attending events (like Classic Christmas at Mahoney and participating in the Yule Log Quest scavenger hunt at Platte River State Park)
• Splash pad / spray ground at Platte River State Park and the Aquatic Center (a waterpark with wave pool, play area and water slides) at Mahoney State Park
• Exploring the crawdad ponds (Platte River State Park)

There’s still so much we haven’t experienced at these four areas alone, but we’re also excited to expand our state parks passport in the near future. Within a short drive of Gretna are Indian Cave State Park and Ponca State Park, so we plan to check those destinations out this year.

Even if you are already a passholder, we’ve found that many people aren’t aware of the extensive list of events put on by the various parks. Every event or class we’ve attended has been high quality, fun and more than worth our time. There are events for different age ranges and different types of hobbies or activities. You can check out the event calendar here.

If you’re interested in purchasing a state parks pass, you can do so here.

Happy exploring!