Why I Love the Nebraska Outdoors
Memorial Day has reminded me of those that have helped make the Good Life possible
and allowed us to chase our outdoor adventures with the zeal in which many of us do…
Memorial for the Unknown Soldier
I am a Nebraskan by choice – and it was a good choice. If you have an itch for outdoor adventure, there are few places offering the variety of ways to scratch it than right here in Nebraska. So I begin my list of just a few of the things I think prove we truly are living the Good Life in Nebraska’s outdoors:
State Historical Parks – You have heard of the Pony Express, but have you ever seen it in action? Nebraska is where Wild Bill Hickok started his name and where legend Buffalo Bill Cody called home. You not only can visit these places, but you can live the experiences.
Prairie Chicken – The prairie chicken is the stuff of legend having entertained & fed the pioneers and those before them. Unlike most other states the greater prairie chicken thrives in Nebraska and still provide a connection to our past as well as recreational opportunity for those who watch them dance in the spring or hunt them in the fall.
Walleye Waters
Farm Ponds to Reservoirs – If you do not think Nebraska has much to offer anglers, you have not looked very hard. There are statewide competitions to see who can catch the most species of fish, and, this year, even a chance to fish for a million dollars. Even the lowly carp has it’s day.
Turkeys Gobbling in Spring – To call a spring gobbler to within yards, or even feet, to perform its spring ritual, is an experience well worth the early hours and sleep deprivation. Nonresidents have figured out that Nebraska is a must-visit state for turkeys – but Nebraskans have not.
2 Kinds of Deer – We got them both – white-tailed & mule deer. And we get the chance to hunt them each year. In Nebraska we don’t worry about preference points, we concern ourselves more about getting the correct days off from work when the season is open.
Western NE Prairie Chicken
Rainwater Basins – When conditions are right, there are few spots as much fun for the waterfowler than these shallow water areas in South-Central Nebraska. These areas almost always have something to offer those willing to look for them.
Western Adventure – Think western big-game hunting and elk, bighorn sheep & pronghorn come to mind. Yep, we got them all. Word is getting out about them, too.
Lake Wanahoo – How many times do you expect a new lake, specifically designed for the angler, to open up in eastern Nebraska within your lifetime? Don’t miss out on the pike, blue cats & other fish currently waiting to be caught in this lake’s first year.
As I mentioned this is just the beginning of my list – now I want to hear what is on yours…
hershy
I too, am not a native of Nebraska, but I am so happy I am here now. I admit, I didn’t know much about NE at all before moving here, I absolutely love it now. Whoever thinks NE is flat, hasn’t been out and bout at all.
I love the seasons, and all there is to do. The gorgeous state parks with year round activities.
camp in the river front camping at Ponca state park, and watch the sunrise over the river. Hike the trails along the river, and stop at a break in the trees, be able to view Iowa, SD, and NE all at once.
Camp and hear the coyotes howl at the full moon.
Go for a kayak, canoe or motorized boat trip on the Upper Missouri between Ft Randall and Niobrara, and see the gorgeous cliffs on the NE side of the river. Go kayaking on the Niobrara River and watch a bald eagle fly off the sandbar and grab a fish out of the water 20 ft away.
Camp at Niobrara State park, and stay for the presentation at the buffalo cookout on Saturday night, See where the Niobrara and the Missouri Rivers meet.
Not sure how to do something, you don’t have to look far to find an organization with an upcoming event or two to learn. Nebraska Game and Parks, National Wild Turkey Federation, Women in the Outdoors.
Spring and fall turkey hunting.
Driving and seeing nothing but crops and fields as far as the eye can see; might not be appealing to some, but if I have to be in a car for hours at a time, I’d rather see nature out my window than a concrete jungle.
Great points, Karen!
hershy