Outlaw Trail
Ponca State Park, NE

Two miles (3.2 km) north of Ponca on Highway 26E, Ponca State Park is a perfect getaway to enjoy the landscape of Nebraska. 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 (94 km) section featuring the only unchannelized section of the river bordering Nebraska. The National Park Service declared the park as part of the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail. This state park offers the visitor many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors from the extensive trail system, to camping and cookouts.

Inside the park, there are camping facilities, both modern and primitive, as well as cabins. In addition to these choices, visitors may enjoy the programs the park offers on astronomy, ecology, history, and paleontology. Ponca State Park is a paradise for observing wildlife, especially bird watching in the fall and winter. Deer, wild turkey and even bald eagles reside in the Ponca State Park. The park also is home to unique plants and trees. In fact, in the center of the park a black oak tree, the "Old Oak Tree," has survived 360 years. Camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, cookouts, family events and more await visitors to the park. Visitors are also able to view three states from the Tri-State Look Out.