Nebraska Game and Parks has temporarily closed Pressey Wildlife Management Area in Custer County following a wildfire that broke out April 22. The closure ensures public safety while emergency responders manage the fire amid severe drought conditions affecting over 81% of the state.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park will reopen for the 2026 season with cave tours available May 1 through September 30. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance through the park's website or by phone at 1-855-922-6768. Two tour options include the Paradise Tour and Classic Tour, with varying difficulty levels and pricing.
Sections of Schramm Park State Recreation Area will close daily from April 27 to May 1 for hazardous tree removal. The Canyon Pond boardwalk, Interactive Stream, Burr Oak Loop, and playground will be closed from dawn to 5 p.m. for public safety.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is hosting multiple May education events including the Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas training webinar on May 3, Big Butterfly Count workshop on May 9 at UNL West Central Research Center in North Platte, Nature Nerd Trivia Nights on May 13 at five breweries, and a Herp Hike on May 16 with Conservation Nebraska in Crete.
The Region 1 Beyond BOW (Becoming an Outdoors Woman) program at Lone Pine State Park invites adult women to build outdoor skills through workshops in backpacking, fly fishing, archery, bird identification, navigation, and wilderness survival. The event takes place May 29-30, 2026, with registration opening April 20 at $45 per person.
Lake Lurleen State Park in Alabama has officially reopened after a complete transformation funded by the state's $85 million parks investment. The renovation includes 67 upgraded RV campsites, nine new bathhouses, seven pavilions, improved boat launch facilities, and expanded wi-fi access throughout the park.
Platte River State Park's Stone Creek Falls Trail has reopened following a $840,000 renovation project led by Venture Parks regional superintendent Michael Townsend. The improvements include ADA-accessible features, a paved parking lot, new pedestrian bridge, observation deck, and modern restroom, funded by the Recreational Trail Program, Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run donation, and Nebraska Outdoor Recreational Development Act dollars.
Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area and Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area have been added to Nebraska Game and Parks' camping reservation system. Starting April 20, guests can reserve 50% of campsites at both parks for arrivals beginning May 1 through OutdoorNebraska.gov or by calling 1-844-NEPARKS.
A new accessible playground has opened at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Alabama, made possible by the Alabama State Parks Foundation with lead contributions of $100,000 from the Daniel Foundation and $50,000 from the Thompson Foundation. The project enhances the park experience for families and visitors of all abilities.
The Great Lakes Way, Michigan Air Line Trail, and Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park have been designated as Pure Michigan Trails by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Pure Michigan. The recognition highlights top trails that promote healthy lifestyles, conserve natural resources, and support economic activity in local communities.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park hosts a free nighttime program on April 18 featuring traditional Blackfeet star stories from a cultural presenter, followed by a celestial viewing session with park telescopes available for visitor use.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will offer trail maintenance training on April 18 at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell. Participants will learn skills from staff at Lone Pine State Park, Flathead Lake State Park, and the Montana Conservation Corps, then volunteer at local state parks. All tools, meals, and snacks will be provided.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has lifted its temporary ban on campfires and prescribed burns at all state park areas and wildlife management areas following recent rains and the State of Nebraska's decision to rescind its burn ban.
Arkansas State Parks and the USDA Forest Service have entered a cooperative operating agreement to support public access at Blanchard Springs Caverns during the 2026 season. Guided cavern tours will begin May 1, 2026, with reservations available through recreation.gov. The site will undergo major renovations following the 2026 season, with a grand reopening anticipated in 2028.
Registration is open for the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run on May 30 at Cody Park in North Platte, offering 2- or 5-mile distances in-person or virtually. Proceeds benefit the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail renovation at Smith Falls State Park, with funding matched by the Recreational Trails Program.
Alabama State Parks has expanded its glamping experience to Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, partnering with Timberline Glamping. The new glamping tents, now available at six state parks across Alabama, offer comfortable accommodations with real beds, electricity, and climate control for outdoor enthusiasts.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will conduct a shoreline restoration project at Cooney State Park from April 6 to May 13 to repair damage from 2022 flooding. Marshall Cove and Red Lodge campgrounds will experience closures and restrictions, while Cottonwood Campground remains available for visitors.
Arkansas State Parks announced the opening of the one-mile Owl Pass Trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock. The accessible paved multi-use trail connects the West Summit Day-Use Area to the Arkansas Arboretum and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, and users of track chairs, wheelchairs, and mobile scooters.
Pokagon State Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt for children up to age 10 on Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. at the Upper CCC Shelter Lawn. The event, sponsored by the Steuben County Tourism Bureau, features three age groups with golden eggs redeemable for prize baskets.
Nebraska Game and Parks reminds guests that a temporary campfire ban remains at all state park areas and wildlife management areas following Gov. Jim Pillen's extension of the statewide burn ban through April 10. Camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel are permitted as alternatives.