Fort Atkinson to open revamped visitor center

FORT CALHOUN — Celebrate Fort Atkinson State Historical Park’s revamped visitor center with a living history weekend June 3-4 at the park in Fort Calhoun.

The park will host a ribbon cutting and rededication of the center, which features entirely new museum displays, cultural interpretations and an updated theater space, at 10:30 a.m. June 3. At 1 p.m., guest speaker Steve Tomayo will talk about the Native American history at the fort.

Reenactors will offer living history activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. They will portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. At noon both days, they will fire a cannon.

Refreshments, including lemonade and cookies, will be offered Saturday while supplies last.

The complete schedule of events is as follows: Saturday, June 3 10 a.m.: Flag raising 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Living history activities 10:30 a.m.: Ribbon cutting and rededication of the visitor center Noon: Cannon firing 1 p.m.: Steve Tomayo speaks Sunday, June 4 10 a.m.: Flag raising 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Living history activities Noon: Cannon firing 1:30 p.m.: Trapper’s funeral A vehicle park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park, statewide Nebraska Game and Parks offices or in advance online at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Fort Atkinson is one of the earliest U.S. military posts west of the Missouri River. It was established in 1820 on recommendation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and, at its peak, held nearly one quarter of the standing U.S. Army or approximately 1,200 soldiers. The fort was important to the early fur trade, river traffic and Native American relations.

Today, much of the fort has been rebuilt, including the barracks, gates, an armorer’s shop, the council house and the Sutler Store. Now, the visitor center joins those efforts in being revitalized.

Ash Hollow State Historical Park reopens

Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen has reopened after minor flooding over the weekend.

Visitors should continue to use caution when entering park areas during or after rain events, as Ash Hollow is a natural water pathway for water runoff and drainage.

Questions can be directed to the Park Superintendent Tamara Cooper at tamara.cooper@nebraska. gov or 308-778-7708.

Lewis and Clark hosting Dueling

Pianos at the Lake

CROFTON — Tickets now are on sale for Midwest Dueling Pianos at the Lake, set for June 3 at Lewis and Clark State Recreation area near Crofton.

Dueling Pianos, slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Weigand Marina, is a mix of music and comedy. Uncle Jarrols and Crofton Haymarket will serve food, with CJ’s at the Lake providing a cash bar.

Space is limited, so purchase tickets early. Cost is $20 per person or $160 for a table of eight. Purchase tickets at the Lewis and Clark park office or by phone at 402-388-4169.