38 Nebraskaland • August-September 2025
grandchildren, they faithfully return
to the expo to off er their popular
outdoor cooking demonstrations, as
well as help set up during the week
ahead.
This event is primarily run by
volunteers, Leware said. And they're
always looking for more, especially on
Sunday afternoon when everyone's
eager to get home.
"When it's over, we're all so thankful,
but it is such a rewarding experience
overall," she said.
It takes a lot of heart, gumption
and sweat to make an event of this
magnitude possible. But to execute
year after year, for two decades,
introducing untold thousands to the
outdoors in an accessible way — that's
a mission statement realized many
times over. The expo's impact has been
immeasurable.
"It's one of those places you can go
and see parents, grandpa, grandma,
the kids, the dog — all in one family
unit," said Deputy Director Jim
Swenson, who often hears from people
who chose careers in conservation
because of the expo. "In today's world
of distraction and all kinds of options
for families to consider, this is an
event that brings them where they can
truly fi nd themselves and brings them
outdoors. It keeps them connected —
that connectivity to the landscape is
critical to conservation."
The Missouri River Outdoor Expo is
where people and nature meet. Come
experience it for yourself the third
weekend of September.
N
Husband-and-wife team Leon, left, and Merrie Hansen of Wichita, Kansas, draw in
crowds each year during their outdoor cooking demonstrations.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
Ponca State Park
One of Nebraska's most visited state
parks, Ponca State Park is popular for
its forested hills, scenic vistas, great
wildlife watching, Missouri River
access, and beautiful and varied
lodging options. It is a destination for
all types of family gatherings, from
family vacations to weddings.
