| Exploring With Lewis & Clark |
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Make your own Lewis and Clark experience as you tour along this historically significant path. On it you’ll find a choice of attractions ranging from modern-day vineyards and American Indian sites to stops that Lewis and Clark made on their famous expedition. This tour will take you along the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers and through rolling farmland, charming towns, scenic vineyards, and areas chockfull of wildlife. Explore the art, culture, and history of Nebraska’s Winnebago Tribe at the Winnebago Cultural Center and Museum, Woodland Trails Art Center, AllNative.com art center, and the Honoring-the-Clans Sculpture Garden and Cultural Plaza. You can also view a majestic bison herd up close. While away the afternoon near Ponca exploring Ponca State Park’s many miles of recreational trails, wildlife watching opportunities, scenic tri-state Missouri River overlook, and Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center. Two miles east of Wynot, St. James Marketplace is home to a wonderful farmers’ market, craft fair, and tearoom. The spacious front porch and downstairs speakeasy tavern in the Historic Argo Hotel in Crofton are ideal relaxing places. The hotel is said to be haunted—an added benefit. Check out native Nebraska bison as you ride in a covered wagon at the Kreycik Riverview Elk Ranch near Niobrara. Afterwards, experience the rich history and culture of the Ponca Tribe at the Ponca Earthlodge and Ponca Tribal Museum in Niobrara. Stepping back in time has never been easier than at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal. Here you’ll see the fossils of thousands of camels, horses, and other prehistoric mammals preserved in volcanic ash. Or travel back to a time when mills were the center of commerce for many Nebraska towns at Neligh Mills State Historic Site in Neligh. See just how wild Nebraska can be! Pierson Wildlife Museum Learning Center in Neligh features one of the country’s largest collections of wild game, including 100 full-body mounts and 50 head mounts. Witness firsthand the winemaking process at Cuthills Vineyards near Pierce, and then spend a leisurely afternoon sampling Nebraska wines, relaxing on the spacious patio overlooking the vineyards, or eating a delicious catered meal in the historic barn. While in the area, visit Plainview’s Klown Doll Museum, home to more than 2,000 clown dolls. Route Directions Start on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Winnebago 35 miles north on US-75, west on US-20, west on NE-12 to Ponca 29 miles west on NE-12 to Wynot 17 miles west on NE-12 to Crofton 28 miles west on NE-12 to Niobrara 35 miles south on NE-14, west on US-20 to Royal (Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park) 21 miles east on US-20, south on NE-12 to Neligh 52 miles east on US-275, north on US-81, northeast on NE-13 to Pierce |
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