2018 Activity Schedule For additional information please call the park office at 402-857-3373.

May 26 - September 2 Horse Trail Rides Monday – Thursday: 9:30, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday Closed; Friday – Sunday: 9:30, 10:45 a.m., 1, 2:15, 3:30 p.m. 45-minute ride, NO doubles. Rides can be scheduled one day in advance. $18 per person; ages 6 and up June 2 - August 5 Swimming Pool 402-857-3710 Swimming passes are available at the park office. Daily Admission: Adults (13 & older) $4, Children (3-12) $3, 2 & under FREE. Open 1-6 p.m.; August 6 – September 2 Weekends only; subject to lifeguard availability

June 16, Buffalo Cookouts and Entertainment July 14, 21, September 1 Located at the Buffalo Cookout Pavilion. Cookout meal will start serving at 6 p.m.; entertainment will follow immediately after serving meal. Reservations are required and must be made by noon on the date of the cookout. Adults (13 & older) $12; Children $8. May 26 7 a.m. Early-bird Bird Watching Join park superintendent Mark Rettig and wildlife bird specialist Mark Brogie as they guide you through the park trails for an early-bird hike and bird watching experience.

10 a.m. Bird in Hand Program with Wildlife Biologist Bird Specialist Mark Brogie Located at the RV campground shelter. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. National Park Service All Day Event Located at the Buffalo cookout pavilion with mobile ranger station and fishing. May 27 10 a.m. Sidewalk Chalk Art with Monarch Pollinator Program Located at the park office June 16 6 p.m. Buffalo Cookout and National Park Service Program “Steamboats on the Missouri”. June 17 9 a.m. – noon 9th Annual Father’s Day Fishing Tournament Enjoy a morning of fishing with family and friends. Prizes will be awarded for biggest fish and most caught. Register at the park office or buffalo cookout pavilion. Loaner fishing poles and tackle will be available. June 18 9 a.m. – noon Buffalo Cookout and Humanities Program “The Legacy of Neihardt and Black Elk” by Nancy Gillis. June 23 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. National Park Service River Adventure Day, Mobile Ranger Station, Explore Their “Visitor Center on Wheels” At Buffalo cookout pavilion also a mini rendezvous hosted by Niobrara SP will be available with slingshots, tomahawks, fishing, dutch oven cooking, eagles nest and fly tying. July 1 10 a.m. Sidewalk Chalk Art with Pollinator Program Located at the park office July 4 10 a.m. Pollinator Program in the RV Campground with Ice Cream Social July 5 - 27 6 a.m Water Aerobics Located at the Swimming pool with instructor Jan Sixta. Monday - Friday $3 per person. July 13 7 p.m. “S’mores with the Doerrs” Located at the RV Campground July 14 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Gary and Liz Doerr Present the 5th Anniversary Geocaching “Event With A View” Located at the buffalo cookout pavilion. 6 p.m. Buffalo Cookout and Photographing the Night Sky Program with Bill Hittle Bring your own camera and learn how to photograph the night sky. 9:30 p.m. (or at dark) Night Sky Program and Constellations by Bill Hittle Explore the night sky with telescopes provided by Bill Hittle, shoot pictures of the night sky with telescopes provided by Bill Hittle, shoot pictures of the Milky Way, viewing will start at 10 p.m. Located at the 2nd Picnic shelter on the three mile loop. July 20 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Desperado Days Pool Party Sponsored by Hartington Bank July 20 - 21 Becoming an Outdoors Woman- Niobrara/ Kayaking Trip This program is designed to teach more advanced skills. Contact Dina Barta [email protected], 402-890-6463 or Suzanne Schmidt [email protected], and 402-471-5566 for more information. Kayak and equipment provided. July 21 6 p.m. Buffalo Cookout and National Park Service Program, “Bright Eyes” July 20 - 21 Desperado Days: Hosted by the City of Niobrara July 22 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Kite Day Located at picnic shelter on 3 mile loop. Bring your favorite kite or borrow one from the park. Fun for all ages. August 4 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. National Park Service, Mobile Ranger Station, Explore their “Visitor Center on Wheels” Located at the buffalo cookout pavilion August 5 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Waterfowl Hunting/Cold Water Hypothermia Safety Class Located at the swimming pool. Bring your chest waders, hunting gear, etc... and practice water safety in a controlled environment. August 10 - 12 Tribe of Nebraska POWWOW August 30 4 p.m. Niobrara-Verdigre Cougars Cross Country Invitational: Hosted by Niobrara State Park September 1 5 p.m. Buffalo Cookout and Humanities Nebraska Program, Joan Wells and Simon “Up the Nebraska Cattle Trail and Songs of the West”. September 2 10 a.m. Sidewalk Chalk Art with Pollinator Program Located at the park office 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. National Park Service, Mobile Ranger Station, Explore their “Visitor Center on Wheels” Located at the buffalo cookout pavilion September 8 6th Annual Night Owl Run/Walk Register with Niobrara State Park online at OutdoorNebraska.org, $25 registration fee. Registration 7 p.m.; Race 8 p.m. - October 1 7 p.m. The Triumphant Return of the White Pirogue II Historical program at the Niobrara City Boat Ramp. They are navigating the Missouri River from Randall Creek Recreation Area to Ponca State Park with a replica of the historical white pirogue of the L&C Expedition. #r

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