State parks reducing services heading into back-to-school season

Heading into the back-to-school season, Nebraska Game and Parks state park areas are adjusting operating hours and some services due to a limited workforce.

"We have had a tremendous and busy year in Nebraska's state parks and recreation areas," said Jeff Fields, state parks administrator. "Visitors will still find plenty of opportunities to fish, camp, hike, picnic and boat this fall. We appreciate everyone's support and patience as we adjust the hours for some activities because of limited staffing."

Park guests should call ahead to check on activity times and availability to ensure a great park experience. Hours will be updated on the park pages at OutdoorNebraska.gov, where people also can find park contact information.

Upcoming changes include:

Ash Hollow State Historical Park – The Visitor Center and Ash Hollow Cave will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday through Monday until Labor Day. After Labor Day, it will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Chadron State Park – The Trading Post, swimming pool and shooting complex will be closed Monday through Friday starting Aug. 17. The Trading Post and shooting complex will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends through Labor Day. The pool will be open 1-6 p.m. on weekends through Labor Day.

Eugene T. Mahoney SP – Starting Aug. 3, the Family Aquatic Center will be open from noon -5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 30. Through Aug. 16, trail rides will be offered daily. Starting Aug. 17 through Labor Day, trail rides will be available Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Call 402-944-2523 with specific inquiries about other activities or possible limited hours.

Fort Kearny SHP and SRA – The Visitor Center and SRA kiosk will be open through Labor Day. The Visitor Center will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. seven days a week until Oct. 4

Lake McConaughy SRA – Starting Sept. 14, the Visitor and Water Interpretive Center will be open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. All overnight camping on designated camping beaches and in campgrounds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Sept. 11.

Lake Minatare SRA – The park office will open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday until Labor Day.

Louisville SRA – The floating playground will reduce hours to weekends only beginning Aug. 9; the last day of operation will be Aug. 23.

Platte River State Park – Beginning Aug. 16, the spray park will be open noon-5 p.m. weekends only. The last day of operation will be Sept. 7. Horse rides are offered daily through Aug. 15. Starting Aug. 16 through Labor Day, trail rides will be available Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day.

The Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex will be open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Aug. 15 through Sept. 12. Then it will be closed to general use but available for rentals. Contact the park office for details.

Ponca State Park – The swimming pool’s last day of operation for the season will be Aug. 9. Beginning Aug. 10, the visitor center will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Saturday.

Niobrara State Park – The trail rides and swimming pools at Niobrara state parks are operating on weekends only. Park offices and kiosks will begin to reduce hours of operation.

Smith Falls State Park – Beginning Aug. 9, the visitor center will be open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday.

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center – The Nature Center will be open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning Sept. 7. The Shooting Sports Complex is open by reservation only 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Walk-up reservations may be available, depending on staffing.

Venture Parks – Many activity hours may be reducing across the region, which includes Mahoney and Platte River state parks and Louisville and Schramm Park state recreation areas beginning Aug. 2. Call about activity schedules before arrival; find contact information at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Additional parks likely will have reduced hours and services in the coming weeks. For the most up-to-date information, call ahead to the park.