Appreciate your Nebraska Vacations at the Pow Wow

Nebraska Attractions

If you are traveling to be near Winnebago, Nebraska for your Nebrasaka vacations in July you may want to schedule time to be at the Ho-Chunk Nation Pow Wow.  This annual event has thousands of Indian dancers and artist performing a fabulous celebration for the last 5 nights of July on an annual basis.  It will be a great opportunity to observe the most colorful and designer native clothing that anyone will ever see, a beautiful Nebraska attraction you can not miss.

The Winnebago Indians were first from Wisconsin but early in the 19th century the U.S. Government took the land they lived on so they forced them to relocate.  It was not just a one-time move, it was repeated over and over.  They were first relocated to Iowa, then on to Minnesota and then to South Dakota where they were held captive in stockades until they managed to escape.  They finally ended up in Nebraska where they were allowed to stay.  Some of the tribes moved back to Wisconsin but the majority of them remained in Nebraska.  Many now live on a reservation (some of them) that is their own land.


The pow-wow is a celebration remembering Little Priest who was the last tribal chief.  He not only was the chief of the tribe but also served in the United States military.  Because of his service in the military he received a life ending wound and died in 1866.  Today the celebration not only honors him but also all the Winnebago Indian veterans of war.  The chief, Little Priest, believed in peace among the people, he forgave the treatment the Indians had received from the government.  He encouraged good relationships between themselves, the settlers and the soldiers.

The Ho-Chunk Powwow is the oldest Pow Wow in North America.  It is a way to renew friendships, respect the heritage and the traditional ways and appreciate the fact that they can all gather together to enjoy the dancing and musicians of the heritage.  It has been held on an annual basis since 1866.

Visitors are welcome to come and apprecaite the festival.  Observe the dance, enjoy the music and share the food.  If you have not had fry bread before make sure to try it, it is wonderful.

The celebration is observed at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1 1/4 miles east of Winnebago, Nebraska on US Hwy 75.  Come out and enjoy the event, even if you can only stay for one day it will be a memory you will treasure from your Nebraska travel guide.