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Merritt Reservoir event named best astrotourism spot in the U.S.

View of Milky Way at Merritt Reservoir

It's no secret: Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area has exceptional dark skies. And now, one popular event hosted at the park has been called the best of its kind.

In July, the travel booking site Omio analyzed 1,400 places around the world for their stargazing qualities. The Nebraska Star Party was named the best location for astrotourism outside of Europe.

Read more in this article from Travel + Leisure, and make plans to visit Merritt Reservoir for yourself. You can also mark your calendar for the next Nebraska Star Party, set for July 20-25, 2025.

Learn more about Merritt

Game and Parks officials holding a large check for $10,000

Memorial run raises $10K for Smith Falls trails

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run! Through your participation, the event raised $10,000 for Nebraska Game and Parks state trails. The race brought together hundreds of people united around raising mental health awareness and understanding.

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The Upland Slam logo with field in background

Can you achieve the Nebraska Upland Slam?

Take advantage of Nebraska's upland bird hunting opportunities and set yourself a challenge this fall: completing the Upland Slam. Harvest four birds in the state — a sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken, ring-necked pheasant and northern bobwhite quail — and receive an official certificate, Nebraska Upland Slam pin and epic bragging rights. You'll be eligible for a grand prize from Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, too.

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Woman shooting a bow

Shooting ranges available for sight-in

Fall hunting season is here, and before you head into the field, it's important to sight-in your firearm or bow. Nebraska Game and Parks has gathered a list of sight-in days, times and locations across the state, newly updated for 2024. Check it out!

See ranges

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OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

A raptor in mid-flight, wings outstretched

Mahoney birding event to focus on raptors

Get ready to go birding this fall and join educators at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Sept. 10. The topic this week will be watching for raptors. Don't miss it!

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The silhouette of a spider suspended on a web with a full moon behind it

Explore Schramm Park after dark

Get in the Halloween spirit with this spider night hike on Sept. 12. Using flashlights, we will search for sparkling webs and reflective eyes. It will be a spooky good time.

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An educator helps a young girl find creatures in a net alongside a lake

Discover the critters of Chadron State Park

An amazing variety of wildlife can be found all around us. Find out how true that is on Sept. 14, as you join educators in searching the grounds of Chadron State Park.

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POPULAR ONLINE

A pheasant hunter in the field

Get the latest Nebraska hunting news

Want to hear the latest Nebraska hunting updates as they happen? Follow Hunt Nebraska on Facebook, which is Nebraska Game and Parks' official hunting and shooting sports page. 

Visit page

Man holding a master angler-sized muskellunge

What to know about master angler awards

Get recognized for your whale of a catch with a Master Angler Award or state record fish title. Check our website to learn about what you need to qualify. It's great information to have.

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Father and son hiking at Indian Cave State Park in the fall

Outdoor activities to try this fall

The season is beginning to turn, and with that comes new opportunities for outdoor fun of all kinds. What are your autumn plans? Here are a few ideas of new adventures to try.

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