Spring is Blooming with Nature Events

As winter fades, Nebraska bursts into life with blooming landscapes, migrating birds and outdoor celebrations that bring nature lovers together. Whether you're searching for fresh herbs and flowers, watching birds do their thing, planting tree seeds or foraging for elusive morel mushrooms – spring in Nebraska is a season to get outside and explore. 

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks

Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha
Now Open–May 17, 2025

Experience nature through an artist’s lens—one brick at a time—at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha. Nature Connects is an award-winning outdoor exhibit (open daily), featuring astoundingly precise sculptures crafted entirely from LEGO bricks. Wander through the gardens and discover everything from gravity-defying butterflies and larger-than-life hummingbirds to foxes on the hunt and intricate botanical designs—all made from half-a-million LEGO pieces. It’s a perfect blend of art, nature and creativity that appeals to visitors of all ages.

Audubon Celebrates 50 Years of Crane Season

Rowe Sanctuary, Kearney
March 4-April 12, 2025

Every spring, more than 500,000 sandhill cranes descend upon the Platte River Valley during their annual migration—a breathtaking spectacle that birdwatchers and photographers travel from around the world to witness. But this year celebrates a milestone Crane Season for the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary. The Audubon celebrates five decades of conservation and community with scores of special events, including guided crane-viewing tours daily, educational programs, art workshops, crane folklore and free presentations by leading conservation speakers. Whether it’s your first time seeing the cranes or an annual tradition, this is a must-experience year to attend or participate.

Prairie Chicken Tours

North Platte
March 12-April 12, 2025

Witness one of nature’s most fascinating courtship displays as prairie chickens put on a show for spectators to witness their unique mating rituals. Each spring, male prairie chickens perform their iconic "booming" dance to attract mates, creating sounds and movements across open prairies for hours. Grab your camera to capture it all—private and group tours in North Platte with Dusty Trails are available to bus out to the largest known prairie chicken lek in Nebraska.

Hunting for Morel Mushrooms

Missouri River
April

The emergence of morel mushrooms varies from year-to-year—largely depending on when spring weather arrives as well as the soil temperature and moisture. Generally speaking, you can try your hand at foraging around mid- to –late April (or when you notice the lilacs bloom). Morels ordinarily appear for about two to three weeks (but depend on conditions). You'll want to look for these rich-in-flavor fungi along eastern Nebraska’s river bottoms and hilly wooded areas above rivers. Whether you find a bounty or just enjoy the hunt, it’s a fun-filled day in nature. Be sure to stick to public lands managed by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission or always get permission if hunting morels on private land.

Outdoor Discovery Program

Multiple Locations
April 16-May 9, 2025

Time to get hands-on in the great outdoors with Nebraska Game & Parks' interactive youth programs. Held on select days and different locations (Platte River State Park, Wildcat Hills SRA and Fort Kearny SRA), students will explore a variety of outdoor activities and recreation while learning new skills and wildlife identification. It’s the perfect opportunity for your young ones to unplug and enjoy Nebraska’s amazing state park scenery. Have them bring their sense of adventure and they can expect to learn aquatic education, hunting skills, bowfishing, archery, backpacking, camping and more. 

Spring Affair

Sandhills Global Event Center, Lincoln 
April 24-26, 2025

Get ready for three days of plant shopping: The Nebraska State Arboretum in Lincoln annually hosts a weekend-long event for fellow plant people to mix, mingle and bring some greenery home. From cocktails and a buffet dinner to plant, flower and herb shopping, this is the Arboretum's biggest fundraiser of the year to continue their work in planting trees, making gardens and environmental education. 

Arbor Day Celebration

Citywide, Nebraska City
April 25–27, 2025

Nebraska is the birthplace of Arbor Day: For more than 150 years, the locals of Nebraska City have faithfully planted trees, and along the way, it was decided to commemorate a special day to celebrate their tree-loving heritage (now recognized across the country and in many other countries)! The now weekend-long festivities include tree plantings, nature walks and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Highlights include the Home, Craft & Garden Market, Arbor Day Parade and BBQ and the famous Arbor Day 5K Run.