NRD Recreation Areas
NRD Recreation Areas
Burn Bans
Governor Pillen's Executive Order for a statewide burn ban ended May 20, 2025. However, Governor Pillen still urges Nebraskans to use caution with any open fires and observe all recommended guidance for managing controlled burns going forward. In addition, invidual NRDs may have their own burn bans due to the ongoing drought. Before starting a campfire at an NRD Recreation Area, please check the rules/regulations with the local NRD.
NRD Recreation Areas
Feeling the need to get away from it all? You’re in luck! Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) offer numerous opportunities to enjoy and appreciate our natural world. Many of the NRDs build and operate public recreation areas available to all who wish to view wildlife, fish and hunt, take nature walks, use bike trails or participate in other outdoor activities. NRD recreation facilities are built and operated to meet multipurpose needs – combining recreation with flood control, wildlife habitat enhancement, soil erosion and sediment control, or wetland renovation along our rivers and streams to protect lives, property and the future. So, whether you are a visitor to Nebraska or a resident of our beautiful state, get out and enjoy one of the numerous NRD recreation areas.
NRD Recreation Exploration
The NRD Recreation Exploration challenges participants to visit as many Natural Resources District (NRD) recreation areas as they can between March 1, 2025, and Sept. 19, 2025. Visit an NRD recreation area and submit a photo here for a chance to win prizes!
- Monthly Drawings: March-September 2025 ($100 Scheels gift card)
- March Winner: Tanner Hawkins, York, Nebraska
- April Winner: Rhonda Zimmer, Lincoln, Nebraska
- May Winners
- June Winners
- July Winners
- August Winners
- September Winner
- 2025 Second Runner-Up ($300 Scheels gift card)
- 2025 Runner Up ($500 Scheels gift card)
- 2025 Grand Prize Drawing ($1,500 Scheels gift card)
2024 NRD Recreation Exploration Winners!
Use the map below to plan your stop at more than 80 NRD recreation areas across the state!
Thank you to
for helping sponsor the NRD Recreation Exploration!
Before heading out to an NRD recreation area, check out Nebraska's Department of Environment and Energy's weekly environmental alert to ensure there are no harmful algal blooms or bacteria concentrations in the water. NRDs are a partner in NDEE's harmful algal bloom sampling. Learn more HERE.