Jenna Bartja News Today

After the January thaw, the Niobrara National Scenic River in Nebraska is reopening with the designation as the first "Quiet Trail" in North America.

Thanks to a joint effort between two Nebraska state agencies, the 729-acre Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is now the first certified International Dark Sky Park in the state.

Flatwater Free Press

The annual Nebraska Star Party held at Merritt Reservoir last month was the first since the sites international certification for uniquely dark skies. Some think it deserves even greater recognition.

Last year the International Dark-Sky Association confirmed what partygoers have known for years: The Sandhills boast some of the darkest skies on Earth. 

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County, Nebraska has been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area leads dark-sky conservation efforts in the iconic Sandhills region of Nebraska by becoming IDA's 200th certified International Dark Sky Place.

KNHAP press release The grassroots Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership (KNHAP), a diverse, bi-state partnership of cultural, historical, economic development and tourism organizations and individuals, has formed in hopes of establishing a National Heritage Area within 49 counties between North Central Kansas and South Central Nebraska. The mission of the Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership is to connect communities and attractions, instill pride of place, and promote immersive exper...