SCENIC BYWAYS Smith Falls 1 Valentine 83 Miles 231 The Route State 12 between South Sioux City and Valentine 3 281 2 12 N io b r a r a R iver 20 Missouri River 183 81 4 OUTLAW TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY Add stops at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, Smith Falls State Park and Valentine National Wildlife Refuge—some of Nebraska’s top outdoor playgrounds—for a wilder Outlaw experience. 4 WILD OPPORTUNITIES 1. Hit the Niobrara National Scenic River for water recreation surrounded by dramatic bluffs, diverse wildlife and gorgeous waterfalls. Brewers Canoers & Tubers in Valentine rents canoes, kayaks and tubes so you can explore at your own pace. 2. Make Springview’s historic Turtle Butte Lodge your base for hunting, fi shing, wildlife tours and the like. Stay the night and lodge cooks, well-versed in wild fare, will prepare your bag for you. 3. At Ohiya Casino & Resort in Niobrara, owned and operated by the Santee Sioux Nation, play a variety of machine games, check out the evening’s entertainment and enjoy restaurant specials. Traveling with kids? Resort guests can access an arcade and indoor heated pool. 4. In Ponca, explore 22 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails within Ponca State Park , the eastern gateway to the 59-mile section of the Missouri National Recreational River. In spring, take a guided bird tour to spot migrating species that stop over in the park’s wetlands. Brewers Canoers & Tubers, Valentine Ponca State Park, Ponca SMALL STOP TOWN NIOBRARA Nestled alongside the Niobrara River, the name of this town means “running water.” With fewer than 400 residents—and as headquarters of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska—it’s an ideal spot for exploring nature and tribal history. DO – Peruse tribal artifacts, from beadwork to musical instruments, at Ponca Tribal Museum . DO – In summer at Niobrara State Park , go on a horseback ride and attend the occasional bison cookout. DO – Learn about the youngest member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on the Shannon Trail . STAY – Check into the Whitetail River Lodge , a log cabin lodge offering hunting packages. CREDIT: FOWLER/NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE, NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION VisitNebraska.com 39
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 39
