Nebraska is a northern midwest state (bordered by South Dakota to the north and Kansas to the south) and was part of the original Louisiana purchase in 1803. Nebraska was first explored by Lewis and Clark in 1804 and was crossed by the Oregon Trail pioneer wagon train drive in 1812. Winters in Nebraska are long and cold, but Nebraskans have found a number of outdoor activities to entertain themselves during the winter months.
Ice Skating at Mahoney State Park
Ice skating is a popular outdoor winter recreation activity in Nebraska. There are a number of man-made and natural facilities for ice skating throughout Nebraska, including an outdoor skating rink at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is near Ashland. Ice skating is allowed at all state parks and recreation areas if the conditions are safe.
Sledding and tobogganing down snow-covered hillsides has been a tradition in Nebraska and elsewhere for many generations. There are a number of public and private locations where you can pay for a few hours of sledding down groomed hills (including sled rentals etc), but there are of course hundreds of local "sledding hills" where kids use everything from cardboard boxes to wooden pallets as sleds.
Ice Fishing and Hunting in Nebraska
Fishing is very big in Nebraska, and some fisherman are so serious about it they are willing to carve holes in the ice and go ice fishing no matter how cold it gets. Rainbow trout are stocked in the fall at a number of Nebraska lakes specifically for winter fishing, and largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill can also be caught in various lakes and creeks.
Hunting is another popular winter past-time in Nebraska. The various hunting seasons stretch from Labor Day through early May, and many a Nebraskan is willing to wake up early and brave the cold for his or her shot at a 14 point buck or a trophy wild turkey.
Winter Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing and Bird Watching
There are many scenic places to hike or cross-country ski throughout Nebraska, and many natives and visitors enjoy communing with nature regardless of the season. The Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and the Branched Oak and Lewis and Clark State Recreation Areas are all well-known for their hiking trails and other winter activities. Bird watching is another activity for nature lovers in Nebraska, and you can watch bald eagles as they catch fish at Lake Ogallala from the viewing facility below the south end of Kingsley Dam. The eagles are only there regularly for the last few weeks in January.
For more information on travel see:
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Clayton Browne - Clayton Browne has a BA and an MS in Anthropology, and has been writing professionally since 1994. He worked for many years in both ...
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