Ponca State Park

Ponca State Park, outside the town of Ponca, NE, was named after Ponca Chief Standing Bear and is part of the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail. Ponca State Park covers a massive 2,400 acres of dense forest, rolling hills, Missouri River bluffs and bottomland. The rich presence of wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, barred owls, foxes, bobcats, and many other interesting creatures. Bird watching is a great attraction here- with warblers, scarlet tanagers, northern orioles, red-breasted grosbeaks, indigo buntings, and ruby-throated hummingbirds all fluttering by. Be sure to visit the “Old Oak Tree” near the center of the park which is aged at 320 years old! Over 20 miles of trails in Nebraska backcountry make this the perfect place for hiking and mountain biking. Three miles of river give boating enthusiasts and anglers a great opportunity to explore the waters. Swimming, horseback riding, and a 9-hole golf course make summertime fun well-rounded for the entire family!