Explore the parks with these Game and Parks events in October

Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. While history is a major theme during October park events, other types of events are scheduled, too.

Don’t forget a vehicle park entry permit is required at Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Arbor Lodge hosting Living History weekends

Step back in time to see trades, talents and other demonstrations come alive inside Arbor Lodge Mansion and on the grounds during Living History weekends at Arbor Day Farm near Nebraska City this month.

On Oct. 1, join in the fun as the Annual Table Creek Rendezvous comes to the grounds for a Mountain Man era encampment. Enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, fabric dyes and printing, seed beadwork, rigid heddle weaving, leather crafting, Dutch-oven cooking, fire building and more.

On Oct. 7-8, learn more about the ethnic heritage and customs of early Nebraskans during a Living History weekend at the Lodge. Representatives from various ethnic groups will share information and provide demonstrations, as well as helpful hints for tracing genealogy and preserving family heirlooms.

On Oct. 14-15, delve into the history and talents of the men and women of Arbor Lodge. Explore topics such as farming, business, painting, sewing, needlework, cooking, entertaining, education, railroads and more.

All demonstration hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 402-873-7222. Visit the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to find ticket prices.

Living History set for Oct. 1 at Fort Atkinson

Visit Fort Atkinson State Historical Park near Fort Calhoun for a Living History event Oct. 1 and see reenactors portray life in an 1820s military fort.

Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They include military demonstrations, mountain man camp, laundresses, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, spinning/weaving, coopering and more.

A valid Nebraska park entry permit is required. Cost to visit the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center is $4 per adult and $1 per child. For more information, contact the park at ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov or 402-468-5611.

Enders Trail Ride is Oct. 7

Horse owners are invited to Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area on Oct. 7 for the annual Enders Trail Ride at this park near Enders.

The scenic, two-hour ride for all experience levels starts at 9 a.m. Mountain time at the Area A Campground. Lunch will be provided. Registration is preferred.

Call or text Dayna at 308-233-1026 or Beau Licking at 308-530-2648 for more information or to register.

Camping is available, but there are no pens for horses.

Honor Pawnee at Fort Kearny on Oct. 7

Come to Fort Kearny State Historical Park and State Recreation Area near Kearney on Oct. 7 and help honor the Pawnee Scouts of the U.S. Army Company A.

The event also will celebrate the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society’s 20th anniversary and feature a Pawnee Native Harvest Exhibit and musical performances with Pawnee singers, dancers and drummers.

There will be a living history exhibit at the SHP from 9 a.m. to noon, a lunch available to purchase from noon to 1 p.m., and the Pawnee event at the SRA from 1 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy River Valley Artisans and Craft Market Oct. 7-8 at Mahoney SP

Start your holiday shopping early at the River Valley Artisans and Craft Market on Oct. 7-8 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland. Browse through handmade arts and crafts at Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge.

Discover a variety of goods at this free market and admire a variety of products: crochet, paintings, fused glass, photography, woodwork, door signs, mini rooms and more. Hours for the show are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 7 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 8.

Make a day of it following the market by spending time hiking the park’s trails, visiting the playground or fishing at CenturyLink Lake. 

Mahoney SP to host art show

Head to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland for an art show on the river Oct. 13-15 in the Peter Kiewit Lodge.

Meet the artists and view their photography, mixed media, paintings, jewelry, woodwork and handcrafted artwork.

Attend from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 13 for a wine and cheese tasting in the upper level conference rooms, and attend the art show from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15. Artists will be on upper and lower levels of the lodge.

Food trucks also will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

This event is hosted by Nye Street Studio.