Nebraska and Iowa Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

For the tribes of the lower Missouri mid-summer was buffalo hunting season, and since leaving St. Charles at the mouth of the Missouri River, the Lewis and Clark Expedition had yet to meet a single Indian. After the Corps of Discovery passed the Platte River, a party representing a band of Otos and Missouris arrived at camp. The captains invited them to a council the next day, near present-day Council Bluffs, Iowa. There Lewis informed them that the United States had just acquired the Louisiana Territory, and requested that the native tribes recognize the U.S. as the sovereign power in the region. Later on the Platte River was to provide a green oasis for pioneers traveling westward, and set the path followed by both the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail.

While traveling through this historical region you will find many water-based recreational activities and beautiful vacation spots. There are also various hotspots for bird-watching and wildlife enthusiasts as we tour through Nebraska and Iowa. Whether your game is camping, fishing, water sports, bird-watching, or hiking, these getaway locations are very worthwhile.

A Marina on a Showcase Riverfront

The Riverfront Marina (Omaha, NE) boasts 31 short-term docking slips for boats sized up to 40 ft. Lewis and Clark Landing and the new Qwest Center Omaha both offer numerous activities and events for locals and tourists alike. The historic Old Market area hosts a fine array of restaurants on the riverfront. The marina opens at 5:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM on weekends, closing every night at Midnight. The friendly staff is available during these hours to answer questions and guide boaters.

Campgrounds for Boating Enthusiasts

Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, campers, and picnickers. Featuring 40 acres of land and almost 300 acres of water across 20 sandpit lakes, you will not run out of new spaces to explore! There is a personal water craft (PWC) area that has a specially redesigned lake, a handicap accessible fishing pier, picnic shelters perched right on the PWC beach, and virtually everything you need to let loose that water sports fanatic in you! There are three swimming beaches, modern shower buildings, drinking water, and plenty of campsites available. This is hands-down one of the best vacation spots for fishing, boating, and camping in the area.

Camping Cabins in the Loess Hills of Iowa

Hitchcock Nature Center is made up of some of the grandest remaining stretches of prairie in Iowa and harbors refuge for flora and fauna that are not found anywhere else in the vicinity! This nature center was created to benefit and acknowledge the Loess Hills. Hiking trails, camping, picnicking, bird-watching, snow-sledding, star gazing, and more will fill your days with wonder and peace. This is a must-see for those who want to see a beautiful and exclusive landscape while on a road trip along the Lewis and Clark Trail.

A Sanctuary for Waterfowl

Speaking of bird-watching, the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge was established as a sanctuary for migratory birds and has provided a stopover for all sorts of waterfowl during the changing seasons ever since the last ice age! Ducks and geese visit every fall on their way from the Arctic to their Gulf Coast winter nesting grounds. Bald eagles can be spotted in late November and December before their return in early March. They are often found perching in cottonwood trees along DeSoto Lake. Warblers, gulls, shorebirds, and various other bird life can also be observed during their fall and spring migrations. The DeSoto Visitor Center exhibits 200,000 artifacts found on the 1865-era sternwheeler Bertrand, which was discovered on the refuge in 1968. In a journal entry, dated August 3, 1804, the famous explorer, Clark, noted the abundant wildlife of the area and their activities while camping just below the river loop DeSoto Bend.

Hiking Trails Amidst Abundant Wildlife

Bald eagles, snow geese, and the beauty of natural seclusion can also be found at Wilson Island State Recreation Area. Encompassing 544 acres of dense cottonwood forest, visitors can take advantage of great campsites, hiking trails, and picnicking at this welcoming vacation retreat. Wilson Island has around five miles of trails used for hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. Boating and fishing is available on the Missouri River, as well.