Start the day off with Ponca's most strenuous hike: 500-some vertical feet up a heavily wooded bluff to a lookout where you'll be rewarded with views of both South Dakota and Iowa, as well as a look at the Missouri River as Lewis and Clark would've seen it over 200 years ago (thanks to the 1978 Scenic River Act).
After a lunch back at camp, trek over to Ponca's ice-cold pool, open from 1:00-6:00pm daily, where you're guaranteed to be refreshed. In the afternoon or evening, hike over to the Old Oak Tree, a 320-year-old behemoth at the park's center or go fishing for catfish (late June is the best time of year).
The next day, continue exploring the park's backcountry by foot or bike, or go for a guided horseback trail ride, which run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Golfers can test their mettle at the 9-hole Highland Oaks Public Golf Course, which is at the southern end of the park. In the afternoon, take a short bike ride into the town of Ponca via a paved trail or, if you've brought a boat, put in or take out at the boat ramp, located at the park's north addition.
If you're driving back via Highway 20, make sure you stop at the Sweet Tooth Drive-In (which is not actually a drive-in), in Jackson, Nebraska, which advertises the best malts on Highway 20.
Or, for the more environmentally aware, enjoy a cone.
Further information regard Ponca State Park and its many adventures can be found at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
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