Skip to main content

Family Guide to the Missouri River Outdoor Expo

Did you know Ponca, Nebraska hosts the Midwest's biggest outdoor expo? This September you could be one of the 50k+ people who visit Siouxland's Ponca State Park to take part in the 90+ activities available!

silhouettes of two adults and a child are visible as they fish on a wooden dock at sunset. in foreground, the words "Missouri River Outdoor Expo Ponca, Nebraska"



When is the Missouri River Outdoor Expo?

The expo happens every September, usually the third weekend. Saturday and Sunday are open to the public, while Friday is dedicated to school field trips. The 2021 expo is on Saturday and Sunday September 18th and 19th, from 9am to 5pm, with school day happening Friday, September 17th, 2021. 

Where is the Missouri River Outdoor Expo?

The Missouri River Outdoor Expo takes place at Ponca State Park in Ponca, Nebraska. The park is about 25 miles or 32 minute drive from downtown Sioux City. There is ample free parking at Ponca State Park, and admission to the Expo itself is free, but like all Nebraska State Parks, a valid park entry pass is required and is not free. Daily passes ($6 per vehicle for NE residents and $8 per vehicle for visitors from other states) and annual passes ($31 per vehicle for NE residents and $46 per vehicle for visitors from other states) are available for purchase. There are also discounted passes available for second vehicles owned by passholders. Full details and online purchase options here, but they are also available in person in town. 



What to do at the Missouri River Outdoor Expo with Kids

  • Outdoor sports: Kids can go hiking, fishing, or kayaking, climb a rock wall, brave the ropes course, or learn how to shoot slingshots, pellet guns, an atlatl, and more
  • Live animals: Kids can watch or help tag monarch butterflies, learn about beekeeping, have opportunities to see raptors, snakes, observe the NGPC Semi Trailer sized aquarium, and explore in touch tanks full of Missouri River fish and turtles
  • Entertainment: Sit back and enjoy watching archery competitions, dog shows, a lumber jack show and more, or take a boat tour on the Missouri!
  • Annual Kids Cookoff: Kids ages 5-10 will compete in a BBQ Quesadilla Competition, held both Saturday and Sunday. Registration is at 10am, and at 10:15am, 10 kids' names will be drawn to compete. Then at 11am, kids aged 11-15 will compete to make stick pies! All ingredients will be provided and creations will be judged on taste, creativity, and cooking technique.
  • The Kids' Zone: The Kids Zone features live animals, furs and skulls, science experiments, a water table, sound wall, and more!
  • Cowboy Camp: In Cowboys Camp, kids can meet a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator, see real Teddy Roosevelt artifacts, and try their hand at branding!


What to bring to the Missouri River Outdoor Expo with Kids

For a day at the expo, I suggest bringing:
  • Diaper changing supplies including a changing mat
  • Clothes and shoes that you and your kids can feel comfortable being active and getting dirty in
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen & hats
  • Life jackets if you plan on boating
  • Cash for food trucks and other vendors
  • Camera!

More details about the Missouri River Outdoor Expo

For more information, check out The Missouri River Expo website and Facebook page. Have fun in Ponca!
Location: Ponca State Park, 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE 68770, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Thanks for joining in the conversation! We can't wait to hear what you have to say. Some comments are moderated, so it may take some time for your comment to appear on the site. We encourage lively discussion, but will delete comments that are hostile, hateful, spammy, or rude.

Popular posts from this blog

Siouxland Pumpkin Patches

Now updated for 2021! One of the best parts of living right in the middle of some of the world's best farmland is access to amazing pumpkin patches! Here are some of the great pumpkin patches within a 2 hour drive from downtown Sioux City, listed by distance from downtown Sioux City. I definitely recommend checking the website or Facebook page of the patch you plan to visit before heading out this year, as things may change quickly, and some are limiting attendance, requesting mask wearing, or taking other precautions to limit the spread of illness. This roundup has been updated to reflect 2021 pumpkin patch hours, rates, and events, and I will update throughout the season as new details are available. Please e-mail me if you own or operate a pumpkin patch and would like to update your entry or add a patch to our list! Scarecrow Farm Photo used with permission from Scarecrow Farm Location : 1592 Charles Avenue, Lawton, Iowa Distance from downtown Sioux City : 8.7 mile
Post a Comment
Read more

Summer Day Camps for Kids in Sioux City

Ready to plan your 2021 summer fun? Here are all the summer day camp opportunities I have found in the Sioux City area for this year, in alphabetical order. I'll put the basic info here and link to the host's website or Facebook page where you can find more details. This page will be updated throughout spring and summer 2021 as new day camps in the Sioux City area are announced. If covid-19 related closures are extended, I will try to reach out to as many of the hosting organizations as I can for an update on their plans, but I also encourage you to ask them directly if it is a concern for you as they will have the most up-to-date information. Summer Camps in Sioux City, Iowa Arena Sports Academy The Arena Sports Academy hosts creative and fun dance camps for kids from preschool to intermediate and advanced dance levels. Summer 2021 dance camps at the Arena cost $50-65 depending on the session chosen and all camps include a T-shirt. Prior dance experience is not req
2 comments
Read more

Sioux City Christmas

Christmas is coming! The Sioux City area has so many fun and festive events to celebrate the Christmas season, and this post will be updated throughout the coming weeks as new events and details  for 2020 are announced. I'm thrilled to share all the festive fun with you! You might also enjoy my posts on Christmas Road Trips (Christmas events in places like Omaha, Sioux Falls, Okoboji, and more!) Christmas Tree Farms in Siouxland , Family Friendly New Year's Eve , Experience Gifts for Siouxland Families (coming soon!), and Last Minute Christmas Gifts You Can Buy in Siouxland ! This post features the best Christmas events in Siouxland, the best places in Siouxland to see Christmas lights , and some of the best places in Siouxland to see Santa ! 
Post a Comment
Read more