Nebraska Game and Parks is encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy summer activities, announcing updates for duck hunters, and detailing adaptations for Lake McConaughy. Modern, air-conditioned cabins are available for booking, offering a comfortable base for exploring state parks and enjoying nature. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-844-637-2757.
For duck hunters, registration for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) begins August 1. Hunters will choose between two bag limits: a traditional six-duck limit with species and sex restrictions, or a three-duck limit without such restrictions, suitable for those developing species identification skills. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to adapt access to Lake McConaughy due to lower water levels, ensuring continued opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, alongside larger white-sand beaches. Visitors planning a trip should call the park at 308-284-8800 for the latest updates on dock access and lake conditions.
Several events are scheduled for August, including a "Paint the Pickets" volunteer day at Fort Hartsuff on August 1, and a living history weekend featuring an 1800s-style wedding reenactment at Fort Atkinson on August 1-2. Platte River State Park will host "Nature after dark" on August 7, exploring nocturnal wildlife and astronomy. These opportunities aim to connect the public with Nebraska's natural and historical resources.