You Can View Three States From this Park!
by remnjava - Written: Mar 08 '01
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Pros: See three states from this park!
Cons: Can be hilly to walk or bike across
The Bottom Line: A LOVELY park, complete with bluffs (hills) where you can view three states simultaneously!
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| remnjava's Full Review: Ponca State Park |
My husband has been an avid fisherman the past couple of years or so. Not that we caught very many fish, but it was fun being in nature and trying. I might hold a pole for him, but as far as taking a fish off a hook, that is HIS job.
We stopped here about a year or so ago, staying the night. It was unlike most Nebraska parks that we've visited, in that it is more hilly than flat. The first thing that we saw was where a car had overshot the parking lot, and dropped its front wheel -- or was it the rear wheel --, over a drop off and had a HECK of a time getting back onto solid ground. We may have had a terrific rain, quite unlike Nebraska, about that time and it left the soil softer than normal, possibly washing some of it away.
Getting back to the park... When we set up camp, we rather like isolation rather than being close up to our neighbors, so we chose a secluded spot next to a bluff. The weather was damp and we had a hard time lighting the gathered sticks and charcoal that we had brought along for camping purposes in the firegrates. We succeeded and pretty soon the Chedderwurst wieners were safely consumed, as well as the s'mores.
On the way to our campsite, we noticed there was an overlook, where one could see three states simultaneously! Nebraska, the state where Ponca State Park is located, Iowa, just across the river to the east, and South Dakota, just to the north. As well as the outlook itself, there was a sign mentioning the history of the site. It is along the Lewis and Clark trail, which was used to explore the Louisiana Purchase. The park was named for the Ponca Tribe, of which Standing Bear was the chief. His contribution was in helping establish that the Native American Indians were indeed "persons."
We stayed in our pickup bed with the topper overnight. During the night, we heard rustling of paper. We were somewhat concerned and my husband broke out the flashlight, just in time to see some bandits getting into our leftover chips, etc. (raccoons) As well as raccoons, there are also deer, small mammals, Bald Eagles, turkey vultures, ducks, geese and other migrating birds in season. There is also a myriad of wildflowers beginning in late April. The oldest tree, a Burr Oak, is over 350 years old, Burr Oaks being the predominant tree in this area. We also noticed a lot of trees in this park, something that is somewhat unusual for a Nebraska park, being in the plains states.
During the "official season," Memorial Day through Labor Day, there is horseback riding offered for $12, NOT $120 as the misprinted brochure mentions. This includes a guided three mile tour to the top of the lookout point. As well there are two bedroom housekeeping cabins, which may be reserved up to one year in advance for $50. You may also pay $3 to go swimming in a modern pool. Swimming in the Missouri River, with its swift current, is prohibited.
Primitive camping, as well as RV camping, is also available for $8 per night electrical hookups are available for an additional $3-4 depending on amperage needed. Dump stations are available as well. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days, and is on a first come, first served basis. Approximately 87 camping sites are available. The "modern facilities" (indoor plumbing) which we have all come to love, are open from mid April to mid November, weather permitting. There is also a boat ramp for boating in the Missouri River. Cross country skiing and 17 miles of walking trails are also available.
After waking up at an ungodly hour, my husband decided to try his luck at drowning worms, I mean, fishing. We may have caught one or two small fish. I don't remember if any were worth keeping, or if he returned them all. One thing that seems common to most Nebraska parks is that one cannot simply drive up to a lake and set up a pole. The parking is usually at least 200' away from the shore. My husband likes to carry a cooler, chairs and other assorted items with him, so this can be somewhat of a chore. There may also be a bit of a drop off involved. There were not many people there, but we tend to camp off season.
The one thing that I DO remember, is sitting on the shore of the Nebraska side of this portion of the Missouri River, and being able to see South Dakota on the far shore. There is a bit of mystery to this area, something about a lighthouse or an old power plant, but I'll let you discover this for yourself.
You do need a State Park permit as well as a camping permit to drive around and/or camp in this park. I do not feel comfortable giving directions on how to get to this park, but you may call Gail at (402) 755-2284, the park ranger. It is in the vicinity of Hwy 20 and 12. The website for the Nebraska Game and Park Commission is: www.gnpc.state.ne.us
Enjoy! And if I see you there, be sure you tell me that you saw this review on Epinions!
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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