August-September 2026 • Nebraskaland 35
expecting later in the evening. The group planned on
attending Ponca State Park's Missouri River Outdoor Expo
that weekend. Just 30 minutes south of Ponca, Danish
Alps' primitive campground offered the group a less
crowded place to stay during one of the busiest weekends
in the area.
Plus, it's cheaper than staying in a hotel, they said,
and tent campers will usually have no problems finding
a spot. Seventeen primitive campsites are available on
a first-come, first-served basis, and of those, five are
located on the south side of the lake and accessible only
by backpacking in on foot, canoe or kayak — perfect for
campers looking for a remote experience.
Four modern restrooms with showers are located near
campgrounds, as well as four pit toilets strategically
placed around the lake.
Other Activities
Walk off your morning or evening meal on a 5K hike-
bike trail. One-third of the original chip limestone trail
was concreted in May, providing 10-foot-wide ADA-
accessibility in some areas. Under a cooperative agreement
between the Papio Missouri River National Resource
District and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission,
more of the trail will be concreted in future years.
Three-day use areas offer ample shade, seating and
beautiful views of the water for picnicking, birthday
parties and family gatherings.
Hunting is allowed on the 250 acres south of 203rd
Street. The grassland areas hold pheasants, turkey and
quail. Other hunting opportunities include deer and
waterfowl. Regulations apply, so refer to the Nebraska
hunting guides for details.
"With its rolling hills, prairie landscapes, stunning
lake views and with the help of Nebraska's surrounding
natural beauty, this peaceful rural area is a popular
destination for tourists, hunters and anglers alike," said
Park Superintendent Hudson Schweers.
At Danish Alps, visitors experience the charm of
the prairie.
N
ABOVE: Seventeen
primitive campsites are
available on a first-
come, first-served basis.
LEFT: A Colorado
man walks his dogs
on the scenic hike-bike
trail that loops around
the lake.
