WAYNE – Ponca State Park has activities scheduled for Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21. This is the second weekend in-a-row Ponca State Park has created activities for visitors to do while maintaining social distancing. The park cannot run their usual event at this time.
Can you find the sasquatch? Every week the sasquatch moves around the park. Find him on Friday, June 19, then take a selfie with him using #SasquatchSelfieChallenge. Share photos with the park on Facbook or at ngpc.ponca@nebraska.gov.
Also, for Friday, June 19, become a Junior Ranger Angler. Available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., complete all the activities in the guide book to earn your badge. This will teach people to respect fish, their habitats, and how to protect nature. This is recommended for ages five and above. Supplies are located in the three-sided shed at the west end behind the Resource and Education Center.
While supplies last, pick up a Ponca Passport for Saturday, June 20. These are available from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from noon till 1 p.m. Use the passport to explore the wonders of Ponca State Park. Then, people can draw or write about their experience. These can be found on the west side of the Park Office.
Lewis and Clark Trivia will be held on Saturday June 20, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Pick up the grab bag on the west end behind the Resource and Education Center to test your knowledge. Compete with family and friends to see who can ‘float’ down the Missouri River first.
There will be a scavenger hunt on Saturday. It’s called the Buffalo Run Trail Scavenger Hunt. Complete the scavenger hunt along a two-mile hike. This trail will provide beautiful views of the river. It will take people through the winding depths of the river bluffs. These materials are available at the Park Office, on Facebook, and posted on information boards.
Sunday, June 21, hike the Corps of Discovery Trail. The trail is named after the Lewis and Clark expedition after they passed through the area on August 22, 1804. This trail goes through the area that used to be a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) encampment. Cement staircases can be seen as evidence of this. The are extraordinary views of the eastern gateway of the Missouri National Recreation River and Elk Point Bend. This trail is not recommended for inexperienced hikers or bikers. Difficulty is described as moderate to difficult.
Ponca State Park asks people to recreate responsibly and to follow social distancing measures. For more information visit https://outdoornebraska.gov/healthinfo/. Also, check out their Facebook page.