The View From This Little-Known Overlook In Nebraska Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words
By Delana Lefevers|Published April 27, 2022
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Just across the river from Vermillion, South Dakota is the Mulberry Bend overlook in Newcastle, Nebraska. Long ago, the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through here and noted its exceptional beauty. Even before that, Indigenous tribes made their homes along the river and enjoyed the bounty of deer, turkey, and other food sources. Today, it’s a great place to stop and appreciate just how lovely the river and the land really are.
Overlooking one of the few remaining stretches of the Missouri National Recreational River that are untouched by human hands and free-flowing sits Mulberry Bend Overlook in Newcastle.
Take a look at the informational signage when you arrive. It will tell you more about the Missouri National Recreational River as well as Mulberry Overlook. Lewis and Clark traveled through this area and were impressed with the variety of plant and animal life that inhabited the then-wild landscape.
The overlook consists of two parts connected by a path: a lower and an upper level. There's a parking lot to leave your car in while you go explore, and the trail to the first overlook from the parking area is paved and easily accessible on foot or via wheelchair.
There are several opportunities along the way to stop and gaze out over the river, so don't get so wrapped up in the destination that you forget to enjoy the journey.
In both main overlook areas, you can read informational placards that tell visitors all about the history of the river as well as the surrounding area and the people who once inhabited it. It's a peaceful place to rest and reflect on nature's boundless beauty.
The overlooks also provide information about the Indigenous tribes who made their homes here and the ways they lived off of this fertile land. These informational displays are wonderfully detailed and contain some fascinating details that every history buff and nature lover can appreciate.
There are stairs to get to the second overlook, so it's not currently accessible. The main loop usually takes about half an hour to traverse. But there are additional backwoods trails that you can also meander.
If you're in for a bit of an adventure, you can take Mulberry Trail from the upper overlook. The wooded area is wild and full of an incredible array of plants, trees, and wildlife, along with the magnificent views of the river.
The well-marked side trails will add another 3/4 of a mile or so to your hike. These trails are strenuous and shouldn't be attempted by beginner hikers or those who aren't sure of their footing.
Mulberry Bend Overlook can be found on Hwy 15 on the Nebraska side of the river. It’s located on the east side of the highway, and it’s well-marked so you don’t have to worry about missing it. Visit the National Park Service for more helpful information about this lovely place.
Please be aware that the overlook has recently been closed for upgrades; check with the National Park Service to make sure Mulberry Bend Overlook is open before you visit.
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