The summer is winding down, and school has arrived. Because the weather is still great, there are plenty of things to get out and do! Here is a list of five one-day-trips you can do to get your kids out of the house this weekend!
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Ashfall Fossil Beds
Located 4 miles east and 6 miles north of Orchard, NE, Ashfall Fossil Beds provides entertainment and education for people of all ages. Interactive displays and the opportunity to talk to real paleontologists are definitely the highlights of the day. You can also visit the fossil preparation area and the Hubbard Rhino Barn where you just may discover a piece of history!. There is an area for picnicking, so you can make the most of the day. Their current hours through September 2 are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is $7 for ages 3 and up and you must have a Nebraska Park Entry permit to enter (you can buy at the visitor’s center).
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O’Neill High School Rodeo
Stop by Carney Park in South O’Neill on Sunday to support the Nebraska High School Rodeo competitors as they compete on Sunday, August 25th. Cowboys and cowgirls from across the state will be in the Irish Capital. The event begins at 8:00 AM.
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Honey Creek Observatory
North of O’Neill
On Friday, August 23rd at 9:00 PM, you can visit the Honey Creek Observatory with the little astronomer in your life. This session occurs at 3rd quarter moon which means the moon will rise late in the night and allow nice dark skies! After a constellation tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some deep-sky objects including galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Oh, you can look at Jupiter and Saturn too! Interested persons should e-mail Mark to register or call 308-293-5776 and leave a message with how many to expect. There is no charge.
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Nebraska State Fair
While it’s the farthest distance of the events, the State Fair is totally worth the drive! When looking at the schedule for Saturday and Sunday, there were 69 and 112 events, the most out of any day of the State Fair! You can get a one-day carnival wristband and ride all the rides you want for $30. The options are endless, and some of the events are too intriguing not to experience! Click here for a copy of the all-day every day schedule. Many high school bands will be playing including the Veridgre Jr./Sr. Band on Saturday at 11:45. Other events range from a Texas Longhorn Show to a magician, and there’s no way everyone in the family won’t be satisfied. A full schedule of events can be found here. Ages 6-12 have a $3 gate admission while adults 13-59 are $12 this weekend.
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Millrace Park in Atkinson
47450 877th Rd, 1 mi. west of Atkinson, NE
Millrace Park is a gem. With camping spots and solid fishing above the dam, the park could fill your whole weekend. Bring your frolf (frisbee golf) discs and try your luck on the 9-hole course while avoiding losing your disc in the 14 acre lake. If the kids get tired of fishing, there’s also a playground and the recently paved Bluebird Trail.
*Bonus* Page Community Day
Head out to Page for the Community Day on Saturday. There’s an activity for everyone starting with a trap shoot, followed by everyone’s favorite waiting game, cow pie bingo! Free-will offering pulled pork sandwich at the Kountry Korner Cafe from 5:00-8:00, road rally starts at 5:30, and then there will be a beer garden and music by the Prairie Thunder Band 8:00 PM -12:00 AM. For a full schedule of events, click here!
