2015 – 07 – 18: Scenic Destinations Day 34 - Explorations along the Missouri River

From Ponca State Park Nebraska

To Beck Camp Grounds Decatur Nebraska 
Total Distance Traveled: 60 miles

What a storm last night!  The winds were blowing so hard I heard leaves and twigs falling all around.  The rain came driving down and I had to close even the hatch to prevent water from getting in!  Thank goodness for electricity and that I could have the fan running or it would have been stifling hot!

Then there was the thunder and lightening! As I was wide awake I took to counting the seconds between light flash and sound to estimate how near the lightning strikes were.  

The morning dawned with clear blue skies.  But there were so many branches down! One nearby camper got hit by a large branch and reported damage.  I was lucky and escaped being hit by storm tossed limbs, no branches on my car!

While I allowed the mosquito tent on my car to dry I showered, and ate breakfast and got some writing done. Thoughts were just flowing out of me this morning.  It was 11 before I was on the road.  

Missouri River seen from Ponca State Park boat launch area 

Before leaving Ponca State Park I went to the boat launch to see the Missouri river from the waters edge. 

View from the Tri State Overlook 

Then I went to the Lewis and Clark Tri-State Overlook.  From this vantage point you can see Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa.   



I had another opportunity to drive through the town of Ponca and then continued on Hwy 12 to where it ends at Hwy 20. Then I followed Hwy 20 to Sioux City.

Along this route I spotted a collection of windmills.  At first I thought I might be a windmill museum. But the sign posted said L.P Gill Landfill. When I looked it appears to be some kind of methane gas capture program. The variety of windmills did make this spot along the highway stand out with a unique signature. 

The rest of the drive into Sioux City was short and pleasant.  

I stopped at Scenic Park for some photos of the Missouri River.  The view was mostly toward the boat launch area.





While in Sioux City SD I used the local McDonald's for a late lunch and internet break, then I headed to Sam’s for gas and groceries. By now it was 3 pm and I decided to stop at the next camping opportunity along the Missouri River.  

I returned to Nebraska on Hwy 77 and then followed highway 75 south, to Dakota City.  

View to the River near Cotton Wood Park 

Here I took a detour to Cotton Wood Park on River Road to see the Missouri River once more. 

Homer Nebraska

Continuing south on Hwy 75
I passed through Homer 

Winnebago Nebraska

and Winnebago both in Winnebago Reservation.

View toward Macy from Hwy 75

Then I passed through Macy in Omaha Reservation.  

Omaha lands along Hwy 75

There are rolling hills in this area of Nebraska and the reservation farms seem prosperous at first glance.  Of course from the outside looking in one does not know the true situation of the people's lives.  I think I have to make a note for my trip planning in the future to include some kind of contact with the aboriginal people.  If you want to understand a people you have to take the time to interact with them and get to know them.  To my native brother and sisters, I would love to be able to visit with you rather than just pass through your lands as I discover and explore the diversity of this land.

View from Blackbird Scenic Overlook 

My next stop was at Blackbird Scenic Overview. Not only was there a stunning view to the east,

there was also a very informative display about the history of the area and river conservation initiatives. 

rolling roads leading into Dacatur 

Stunning views along rolling countryside brought me into Decatur.

Missouri River Bridge in Decatur

Arriving in Decatur I poked around looking for the riverside water front where I discovered this stunning view to the bridge over the river. 

From this location I also spotted some campers off to the side.  I decided to poke around some more and find the back roads entrance to a tiny 16 site campground where I self-registered for the night.  It was by now 4:30 and a nice time to stop and enjoy the evening. 

The skies remain clear and it looks like it might be a clear night.  I chatted with Mel on the phone and read my book, did some Sudoku and basically had a restful evening. 

Renate Dundys Marrello 
2015 - 07 - 18 

Link to see all of the day's pictures

Link to my Facebook Reflections Page


Route maps for the day

Route map for 2017 - 07 - 18