Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway
Winnebago Indian Reservation, NE

The Winnebago Indian Reservation is home to a Pow Wow that celebrates the Annual Homecoming of the Winnebago's last great war chief, Little Priest and 75 of his warriors. The Pow Wow is an important event and at the event you will see colorful clothing and beautiful singing and dancing. There is a variety of food and crafts from many tribes throughout the Midwest. This particular Pow Wow celebrates Little Priest, who was imprisoned in South Dakota with 75 of his warriors after the Winnebago tribe had been uprooted from their Minnesota home and forced to live in South Dakota, and then later in Nebraska. Little Priest volunteered for the United States Army in Nebraska to help quell Indian uprisings on the Plains. In 1866 he and his warriors returned, and this homecoming festival is still held today as the Annual Homecoming Pow Wow celebration held in July.

After living in northwest Kentucky, the Winnebago eventually settled in the area of Wisconsin. After epidemics of small pox and measles and treaties with the US, the population of the tribe decreased and they were forced to move from Iowa, to Minnesota, to South Dakota, and finally to Nebraska. Today, the tribe is pushing for an increase in tourism and the Winnebago tribe has developed a bison herd. The interpretive and visitors center provides visitors a chance to learn the cultural importance of bison to Plains tribal culture.