Make the most of summer with these ideas

There is still plenty of summer left ? and here?s some summer things you might want to do before fall makes its appearance:

• Stargazing at state parks. Summer is an excellent time of year for stargazing; not to mention the Perseid meteor shower will hit its peak soon. Visit Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area to enjoy some of the best stargazing in the state. Or, visit Eugene T. Mahoney State Park for their Nebraska Star Party on Aug. 19 and get amazing nighttime views with powerful telescopes.
• Go swimming. Ready to cool off? Nebraska's state recreation areas have designated swimming beaches scattered across the state. Find one near you on our website.
• Take pictures at a scenic spot. Enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or sunset with camera in hand! How about a visit to Nebraska's highest waterfall at Smith Falls State Park, or the scenic Pine Ridge bluffs of Fort Robinson?
• Go on a picnic. What better way to enjoy a sunny day than with an afternoon in a shady spot with some lemonade and fried chicken? Here are our suggestions for great picnicking spots.
• Visit a nature center. For those with curious minds, a visit to a nature center is a great way to learn something new. See Nebraska's native species up-close with interactive exhibits at Schramm Education Center in Gretna. Or, learn about the plants and animals of the Pine Ridge at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.
• Make some s'mores. What camping trip is complete without some ooey-gooey s'mores? Here are our tips on how to roast the perfect marshmallow.

Start planning your summer adventure today, and visit our website to find a state park area near you!

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