Wildcat Hills Nature Center
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area Nature lovers should take a hike! A hike, that is, through the trails of Western Nebraska’s Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. The picturesque paths reveal a side of Nebraska that most people don’t realize is there – a unique biological landscape found nowhere else in Nebraska. Thousands of Ponderosas delight the senses with their rich pine scent and towering beauty. Scenic vistas of the wildland’s buttes and canyons, and North Platte River valley below provide a perfect backdrop for a peaceful day in the woods. And wildlife such as birds and deer only add to the tranquility of the experience. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the herd of bighorn sheep that also makes occasional appearances within the Hills.
Before hitting the 3 ½ mile trails, park visitors stop in at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, where state park permits are sold (daily $4/vehicle). Once inside, you won’t want to leave until you have explored the building’s two stories of animal exhibits, paleontology displays, live beehive and bird observation area. Also, ask why there’s a 27-foot ponderosa pine in the building, and how it got there. Friendly staff greet visitors and tell them all about what the park has to offer, including any educational programs on that day. Videos detailing the unique features of the Wildcat Hills are available to watch and, it’s not uncommon to look out the window and find a wild turkey pecking on the building’s ground-level windows.
A walk out on the deck reveals a bird’s-eye view of the park area, which encompasses just under 1,000 acres. As an added treat, nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument is in clear view from the deck. Besides hiking opportunities, families can come to the park for a picnic, either under a shelter overlooking acres of trees and wildlife or along an open driving path in the middle of it all. Wintertime provides great snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding` within the park. After spending the day hiking, biking, picnicking and sight-seeing, visitors can settle for the night in the park’s primitive camping areas, surrounded by nothing but the trees and the stars, far enough from town that they won’t even be reminded of the hustle and bustle of everyday life (camping permit $7).
In addition to everyday opportunities, the nature center offers programming during the school year, day camps for all ages and the High Plains Science Adventure camp for 6th – 8th grade students throughout the summer. Bird banding takes place in September and the public is invited to observe. No matter what brings people to the Wildcat Hills, they are sure to be impressed.
Located 8 miles south of Gering on Highway 71, the Center is open daily during the summer and M-F during the off-season.
Phone: 308-436-3777