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    Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park

    4.7 (9 reviews)

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    Ted P.

    If your interest in fossils extends beyond dinosaurs to the pleistocene epoch, this is the place for you. Hundreds of rhinoceroses (and other smaller animals) were buried here in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption in Idaho thousands of years ago. The falling ash (hence ashfall) preserved the rhinos and their children in their death throes, like the Romans in Pompeii. It's like the La Brea tarpits with white ash instead of black tar. There is an informative museum and nice gift shop, as well as a large building enclosing the active dig site, where you can watch paleontologists excavate dozens of fossil skeletons in their original positions. If you are roaming the midwest looking for other interesting fossil sites, I recommend the mammoth excavation site at Hot Springs, South Dakota, 300 miles west of here. Unique and fascinating, highly recommended.

    The Fossil Beds

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    Ashfall State Historical Park - Fossil bed

    Ashfall State Historical Park

    4.0(4 reviews)
    11.8 km

    Ashfall State Historical Park is part of the Nebraska Game and Parks system so a current park…read moresticker is a requirement for admittance. With that detail covered, the views alone are worthy of the trip and admission. Add in the historical value of a million year old fossil bed and you have a great family stopping point on your trek across Nebraska. Pack a lunch and take in the views from one of the pavilions then journey back in time at the fossil bed barn to view the excavated bones of birds, three toed horses, rhinos and more. Paleontologists are working on-site and share their latest finds. Pictures and an audio tour are available by scanning a QR code on your phone or tablet. This stop appeals to kids and adults and is very educational. I have to admit that I was less interested in making this stop than my husband but I am glad I deferred. We both enjoyed the stop and will make the trip again when our grandson is old enough to enjoy the trip.

    Long ride from Sioux City but worth it! Very well laid out, knowledgeable/friendly people, nice…read moreinexpensive gift shop, and plenty of rolling hill views. Best of all is the number of revelations regarding life at a watering hole for numerous creatures and how a volcanic eruption over a thousand miles away had a cataclysmic effect on just a small area of the world. Wasn't sure about the long ride but honestly, not so bad. Added bonus...pay homage to a couple of B-17 crews by visiting their memorial as you pass through Laurel, NE on your way to Royal from Sioux City.

    Photos
    Ashfall State Historical Park - View of the fossil bed barn.

    View of the fossil bed barn.

    Ashfall State Historical Park
    Ashfall State Historical Park

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    Niobrara State Park - Bunk beds

    Niobrara State Park

    4.7(6 reviews)
    48.6 km

    Spent three days with extended family spread over two cabins. Very minimalist but comfortable. One…read moreroom had two bunk beds, best described as similar to naval beds with odd dimensions. Mattresses were covered in plastic and measured approximately 30" wide by 72" long by 4" deep. Linens were provided. Second room had a full (NOT queen) bed lifted pretty high. Elderly or disabled persons may need different accommodations to stay in this room because the top of the mattress was at least 36" above the floor. Linens were also provided. The cabin was furnished with all basic kitchen utensils, pots, pans, and dishes for four people. Dish soap was also available. A four burner range with oven, microwave, toaster, and basic fridge/freezer. The air conditioner cooled the main livingroom/kitchen space, but not the bedrooms. There was a wall-mounted flat screen TV that we did not use, so I cannot review it. Bathroom had towels and wash cloths for at least four people. Water pressure was great and the water got plenty hot. The back of the cabin had a sizeable screened porch with a table and four chairs. The porch exited to a small picnic table with a very basic park-style square grill where charcoal or wood could be used to cook. No firepit or fire ring was located near the cabin. Amenities included a nearby pool and horseback riding on select days. Hiking was minimal and limited mostly to mowed paths. Perfect for casual walkers or families with small children.

    We enjoyed our stay. The lodge offered a great gathering place for our family reunion. It had an…read moreamazing view of the currently-flooded Missouri River. Our cabin had a wonderful view as well. The cabins have 2-3 bedrooms, A/C, a kitchen, a living area, and a screened-in porch. Other parts of the park teach about the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and overlook the confluence of the Niobrara River with the Missouri. There are hiking paths and fishing ponds. The rolling hills and wooded areas make a beautiful setting. Pets are allowed.

    Photos
    Niobrara State Park - Tubing the river!

    Tubing the river!

    Niobrara State Park
    Niobrara State Park

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    Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area

    Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area

    4.5(4 reviews)
    83.6 km

    Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton honestly surprised me with just how breathtakingly…read morebeautiful it was. The scenery here has this wide-open, tranquil, almost cinematic quality to it -- rolling greenery, shimmering water, peaceful shorelines, endless skies, and the quiet movement of the Missouri River weaving its way through the landscape like a living ribbon cutting through the heart of America. There is something deeply calming about this place. For visitors unfamiliar with the area, the recreation area sits along Lewis and Clark Lake, which was created by the Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River. The region is named after the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, which traveled through this part of the country in the early 1800s while exploring the vast Louisiana Purchase territory. Standing near the water, it is honestly not difficult to imagine how enormous and untamed this landscape must have felt to early explorers centuries ago. My husband especially wanted to stop here because one of his hobbies is flying drones, and he absolutely loves capturing aerial footage of the Missouri River as it winds across different states. At this point, I think the Missouri River and my husband are in a long-term relationship and I am simply there as emotional support and snack distribution. And honestly, I understand why he loves it so much. The Missouri has such a distinct personality depending on where you encounter it. My husband and I have followed portions of the river through several states over the years including South Dakota, Missouri, Montana, and North Dakota, and we have even taken river excursions on it in other regions. Each stretch somehow feels slightly different while still carrying that same immense presence and quiet historical weight. But this particular area near Yankton felt especially serene. The water was beautiful, the surrounding scenery was lush and vibrant, and the peacefulness of the area made it very easy to lose track of time simply standing there taking it all in while my husband happily maneuvered his drone around like a man conducting an aerial symphony. It truly was one of those unexpectedly lovely stops that quietly stays with you afterward.

    This is my happy place! It's a sprawling state park with endless areas to explore. Set with the…read moreNebraska cliff side in your view, along with the lake, it's the most serene park. There are plenty of camping an RV areas to set up camp. There are also a lot of parks, and bathrooms. There are trails that outline the lake, as well as trailed set closer to the highway. There are multiple entry points, but well paved roads, and signage to guide you. All the park officials we've ever ran into are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend stopping here to stay, or on your travels.

    Photos
    Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area
    Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area - The beach and day use area

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    The beach and day use area

    Willow Creek State Recreation Area - Bench overlooking Willow Creek Lake.  This is next to the hiking path that surrounds the lake.

    Willow Creek State Recreation Area

    2.5(2 reviews)
    58.4 km

    The campground is really nice. Electric hookups only. There's a water fill station for RVs, but…read morethe dump station is closed. (Pierce, NE is 5 miles away and has a free dump station). Norfolk is 15 miles away and has all the stores/fuel/restaurants you need. The Lake is the star attraction. Just a quick walk and I saw a dozen types of birds, including White Pelicans! The lake is shallow, maybe 30 feet at the deepest. Lots of access for fishing from shore, and a couple boat ramps. There are nine rock breakwaters jutting out to make it easier to fish from the shore. There's a swimming area, but because of the hot weather recently, swimming was off-limits due to toxic algae. There's a hike/bike trail all the way around the lake, and links to a trail to Pierce city limits. A separate horse trail also surrounds the lake, plus there is a camping area for equestrians. A search for over-the-air (digital) TV channels resulted in over 30 selections. The guard house is not manned, but the park rangers patrol daily. Plus the camp hosts help keep the bathrooms tidy. Overall, the park is well laid out for camping, lots of trees and plenty of room. A large playground, and even Frisbee-Golf! If you're tent camping, or if you don't mind driving 5 miles to dump your holding tanks, this is a great campground.

    RV'd here for a couple nights. The RV spaces are paved and flat with lots of room between slots…read more Electric only, no water or sewer. There is a fresh water fill area, but no dump station, so it's a useless camp for most RV'ers. Reservation was made online, and very overpriced given it's not a full hookup. There is a man-made lake, but the beach was closed due to toxic algae. The nearby town of Pierce is small, and has no grocery store. Norfolk is over 30 minutes away due to a bridge being out on the shortest route. Antenna TV users will get zero channels. The shack coming into the park is not manned, and the camp host seemed confused about our reservation dates as she asked why were a day early when we weren't. No one seems to make a security patrol at night, and nearby RV'ers blasted their music until 2am. The shower house is "pay to spray". You have to insert quarters to make the water work. The shower was full of bugs both dead and alive. Overall: An overpriced campsite with little to do, no water or sewer, no dump station, a filthy shower you need to pay for, a confused and neglectful camp host, a lake filled with toxic algae all next to a tiny town with very little to offer... save your money and time and look elsewhere.

    Photos
    Willow Creek State Recreation Area - Willow Creek Lake.

    Willow Creek Lake.

    Willow Creek State Recreation Area - Typical camping site, paved, with electric, well spaced from other camping spots.

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    Typical camping site, paved, with electric, well spaced from other camping spots.

    Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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