Situated astride the picturesque Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska, Ponca State Park is at the eastern gateway of the Missouri National Recreational River, a 59-mile section featuring the only unchannelized section of the river bordering Nebraska. Designated under the Scenic River Act in 1978, this section of river gives visitors a glimpse of how the untamed river looked before modern man changed it forever. Both the park and the town are named for the proud Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. It was the famed Ponca Chief Standing Bear who fought and won the court battle to have the Indian declared a "person" under American law. His achievement won him a place not only in history but also the Nebraska Hall of Fame. Here, too, Lewis and Clark passed through during their epic journey up the Missouri. The National Park Service has designated Ponca State Park as part of the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail. With more than 17 miles of trails, the park provides hikers and bikers with ample opportunities to explore and view the diverse flora and fauna close up.

• Take a Haystack ride, available by reservation (groups of 15-25) in spring and summer. In the fall, hayrack rides run on weekends. Haunted haystack rides are scheduled for two weekends in October.