Admission is free on Saturday, May 17, at the Chimney Rock Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Museum and Visitor Center, Fort Robinson History Center, Senator George Norris State Historic Site in McCook, Neligh Mill State Historic Site in Neligh, and John G. Neihardt State Historic Site in Bancroft.

Sponsored by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, historic sites will have special programming for the whole family to enjoy!

Programming:

• The Chimney Rock Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Museum and Visitor Center presents the “Chimney Rock Danger Show” that features black powder firearms demonstrations, flint and steel fire demonstrations, measuring distances with a wagon wheel, prairie croquet, trail frisbee golf, and other educational activities based around the Oregon Trail.
• The Fort Robinson History Center will begin tours of the historic site’s old parade grounds with stops at the blacksmith’s workshop, Cheyenne Barracks, and Adjutant General’s office, kicking off at 9 AM!
• Grab your Nebraska Passport stamp at the Senator George Norris State Historic Site when you explore the home of the U.S. Senator, who fathered the Rural Electrification Act and supported the adoption of a one-house Unicameral legislature in Nebraska.
• The Neligh Mill State Historic Site welcomes Dan Holtz and Gary Zalud, sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Speakers Bureau, for “Heroism on the Plains: Story Songs of Courage and Determination,” a story told through historic narrative and song beginning at 2 PM, with catering provided by Sly’s Family Bar and Grill.
• The John G. Neihardt State Historic Site celebrates the museum’s favorite things: books and community, with something for everyone! Open 12 PM to 4 PM on May 17th, at noon, New York Times best-selling author, Tosca Lee, will discuss her book, “The Long March Home” (co-author Marcus Brotherton), followed by an art show and reception for Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools at 1 PM. Student artwork will be on display through the summer. Light refreshments will be offered at the reception.

Admission is always free at the Sen. George Norris, John G. Neihardt, and Neligh Mill State Historic Sites. For more information, visit https://history.nebraska.gov/explore/.

*Note: Fort Robinson is a state park requiring a pass from Nebraska Game and Parks to enter. Click here to purchase a park permit.

Special thanks to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation for sponsoring this special day celebrating the beginning of the tourism season!