Harrisburg welcomes new animal attractions, entertainment options

July 18, 2018

This paid piece is sponsored by the Lincoln County Economic Development Association.

There are tons of new things to do in Harrisburg – especially if you’re an animal lover.

It starts at Air Madness, the indoor trampoline park that opened last year next to The Academy sports training center on North Cliff Avenue.

The owners added a petting zoo for summer, bringing visitors up close with goats, pigs, calves, chickens and horses.

“We have different portable houses for each animal and then areas where you can interact with the goats, horses and calves,” manager Tyler Pederson said. “You can get food, you can feed them, you can go in their pens and play with them.”

Tickets are bundled with admission to Air Madness. The petting zoo likely will be open until September.

Hours are the same as Air Madness: noon to 8 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Big J’s Roadhouse

On the same property, Harrisburg residents and visitors will find a new dining option.

Big J’s Roadhouse BBQ & Grill opened in late June and is an expansion of a restaurant from Humboldt.

“We just felt like it was an up-and-coming town,” manager James Clark said. “From what we hear, it’s a very fast-growing area, and honestly the opportunity fell into our lap.”

The restaurant offers a menu that includes pulled pork, brisket, steak, seafood, and hand-pattied burgers. There also are daily specials and catering options.

“We felt very welcomed even from the moment we signed on to do this. We had a lot of outreach from different people saying they were excited for us to come here,” Clark said.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Arcade bar

A unique entertainment option awaits at EightyOne, an arcade bar that opened late last year in a retail center at Cliff Avenue and Willow Street.

There are 50 games ranging from vintage Space Invaders and Pac Man to multiplayer games and imported Japanese games.

The bar offers a selection of beer and wine.

Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday and 5 p.m to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Pampered pets

A new owner has brought new upscale options for canine guests in Harrisburg.

Teri Jo Olean and her husband, Shane, bought the pet resort on Highway 115 across from the Country Apple Orchard last year and renamed it The Resort by SDK. They also own Smoken Dakota Kennels in the Tea area.

“It’s conveniently located, and it’s just a growing community. Harrisburg has been awesome,” she said.

The Resort offers day care and overnight services for dogs, with indoor play areas and upgraded outdoor playgrounds featuring bone-shaped pools, climbing areas and optional nature walks.

“This is more like a resort-style experience. So it’s a very luxurious upscale fun environment,” Olean said.

Other amenities include fresh-baked biscuits, bedtime stories and spa services including facials and massages.

Want a reservation? Plan ahead.

“If you want a reservation for a weekend, you’d better call in advance,” Olean said, adding they’re already taking bookings through Christmas.

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Harrisburg welcomes new animal attractions, entertainment options

From new places to eat to arcade-style entertainment and plenty for animal lovers, here are four reasons to make a trip to Harrisburg yet this summer.

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