Ponca SP

Summary

Situated astride the picturesque Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska, Ponca State Park is the eastern gateway to the 59-mile section of the Missouri National Recreational River, one of two unchannelized stretches of the river bordering Nebraska

Attractions

Ponca State Park features one of the state's most comprehensive outdoor/environmental education programs. Onsite staff and volunteers help guide and educate visitors on the history, biology, ecology, astronomy, geology and archeology of the area. Many how-to programs on outdoor recreation are also given, including fishing, backpacking, wilderness survival, cooking and others. During late spring, summer and early fall, programs are given daily for both adults and children.

With more than 20 miles of trails, the park provides hikers and mountain bikers many opportunities to explore the park's backcountry. Several mountain bike races are held every year making the Park's trail system noted for its diverse and often challenging trails.

In the summer, swimmers can cool off at the Park's swimming pool where lifeguards are on duty. The Highland Oaks Public Golf Course is located on the southern boundary of the park. The challenging 9-hole course offers spectacular park vistas and a luxurious clubhouse. A boat ramp and 2 miles of river access offers boaters and anglers many opportunities to experience the Missouri National Recreational River. A canoe/kayak launch is located 6 miles upriver on Ponca State Park's North Addition offering a more adventurous outdoor experience. The park also has Youth Fishing Programs and a Fishing Tackle Loaner Program.

The Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center houses the park office and new opportunities in education and recreation are being developed. This 17,000 sq. ft. facility has a large interpretive display/exhibit area, a field laboratory and conference rooms. Meeting rooms will accommodate groups up to 250 or can be subdivided for smaller gatherings. A fully-equipped kitchen is available for rent.

Campground Notes: Ponca State Park provides excellent camping. Paved electrical camp sites in two modern campgrounds with 30/50 amp electrical hookups. There are showers, picnic tables, fire pits, dump station, and playground. Modern facilities operate from April - October, weather permitting. Primitive camping is available year-round.

Cabin Notes: Ponca State Park offers 27 cabins year-round and four rustic cabins from April through mid-November. Fifteen are year-round, four bedroom mini-lodges. Each mini-lodge includes two full bathrooms, spacious kitchen, living room, patio, big screen TV, cable, wireless internet, wood fireplace, and gas grill. There are ten year-round, two bedroom cottages with full kitchen, electric fireplace, gas grill, wireless internet and cable TV. Two year-round two bedroom green cabins are also available. They are constructed from straw bales, offering a unique and eco-friendly lodging option. The green cabins include a kitchen, bathroom, big-screen TV, cable, wireless internet, and gas grill. Four rustic cabins are open April through mid-November with kitchenette, bathroom and air-conditioning. Bedding, towels, cooking utensils, dishes and tableware are provided at all cabins.