Situated along picturesque river bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, with views into South Dakota, Ponca State Park is the eastern gateway to the Missouri National Recreational River. Upstream, beginning at Ponca, is a 59 mile stretch of river which remains little changed since prehistoric times - the only unchannelized portion of the River in Nebraska.
The park encompasses 1,400 acres of heavily wooded rolling hills and bottomlands. There are numerous ammenities including a swimming pool, boat ramps, 20 miles of hiking trails, rental cabins, and an excellent modern campground. I was privileged to visit and camp here during the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which camped in this same area 200 years before. Ponca State Park has been designated a part of the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail.
The name "Ponca" comes from a native American Indian tribe which lived in this area. Ponca Chief Standing Bear is the man who fought and won his case to have American Indians recognized under United States law as persons. He is now listed in the Nebraska Hall of Fame.
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