Dixon County – Ponca

Located in the Northeast corner of Nebraska; boarding South Dakota and Iowa is picturesque Dixon County, home to Ponca State Park.  Ponca State Park, the eastern gateway to the 59-mile section of unchannelized Missouri National Recreational River; encompasses 2,400 acres of rolling woodlands, scenic vistas, Missouri River access, great wildlife viewing, 22 miles of trails, special events, and so much more.  Lewis and Clark passed through Dixon County during their epic journey up the Missouri River in 1804. Today, the National Park Service has designated Ponca State Park as part of the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail.   Just inside the community of Ponca, NE is the Adam’s House Museum and Blacksmith Shop; a living history museum representation of the vital role of blacksmiths in the history of American communities. View original tools and machinery restored to working condition. The Days of ’56 Rodeo, the 3^rd largest PRCA Rodeo in Nebraska and the largest outdoor expo, the Missouri River Outdoor Expo are held annually at Ponca, NE.

Thirteen miles northwest from Ponca is Newcastle, NE, home to Casa De Paz House of Peace a spiritual respite retreat, Turkey Creek Equestrian Campground, Annie’s Dig, and the annual Labor Day Celebration and Threshing Bee where you can see firsthand how wheat and oats were harvested in early years.   Annie’s Dig is an archeological excavation site listed on the National Register of Historic Places; open by appointment only.

 Eighteen miles southwest from Ponca is Allen, NE, home to the Dixon County Museum. Early memories of how life was during the founding years of Dixon County are found here; household items, pictures of the early ten towns, pictures from the 87 country schools, military uniforms, railroad history, farming implements, firetrucks, horse drawn school bus, and genealogy material.  Allen’s local eatery Henry’s is located in the former Goods Garage and International Harvester Dealership building.

Eleven miles south of Allen is the community of Wakefield with its cobblestone main streets, 1882 Train Depot Museum, 1915 Round Barn, 1890 Haskell House, Little Red Hen Theatre, and the 1915 Graves Library Museum.  The Little Red Hen Theatre puts on three productions annually.  Wakefield is also home to the annual Balloon N’ BBQ Celebration. 

Dixon County Businesses

Business/WWW	Address	City	Contact #
ALLEN
Polly Auctions	Open Mon - Sun 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
	105 East 2nd St	Allen	(712) 251-0505
EMERSON
Special Events by Gala’s Galore	Event Planner
	107 N Main St	Emerson	(402) 660-3607
PONCA
Cedar Hills Bar & Grill	Open Tues - Thurs: 11am - 10pm Fri/Sat: 11am - 12am Sun: 11am - 10pm Mon: CLOSED Unique, one of a kind - experience this icon in Dixon County
	3rd street	Ponca	(402) 755-2633
The 755 Pub
	108 S East St	Ponca	(402) 755-2325
MARTINSBURG
Bob's Bar & Grill	Open 7A to 1A Serve lunch specials Monday through Friday Menu consists of bar/pub foods. Laid back atmosphere that's off the beaten path
	5205 Main Street	Martinsburg	402-945-2995
NEWCASTLE
Castle Bar	Open Mon - Sun 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Fri/Sat 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
	409 Main St	Newcastle	(402) 355-2668
WAKEFIELD
The Quilt Shop	Open 9 am - 5 pm M-F, 10am - 2 pm Saturday, additional times by chance or appointment. 75 -100 quilts/quilted items on display at all times. "Where there is a quilt show every day". Over 8,000 bolts of fabric. Over 30 antique sewing machines on display
	314 Main St	Wakefield	(402) 287-2325