Lewis and Clark State Park lies on the shores of Blue Lake, an "oxbow" formed by the meandering Missouri River many years ago.

The park is named for Meriwether Lewis, secretary to President Thomas Jefferson, and for Captain William Clark, United States Army.

In 1804, President Jefferson commissioned these men to lead an expedition into the northwest to explore the vast territory purchased from France. With 26 men and supplies, Lewis and Clark left St. Louis and traveled up the Missouri River by keelboat.

On August 10, 1804, the expedition arrived at the site where Lewis and Clark State Park now lies. They spent some time exploring the region and making observations on the geographical conditions, plants and animals.

The Nation Park Service has designated the park as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Every year, thousands of people visit the park for recreation and for information about the Lewis and Clark expedition. A fun-filled weekend festival is held at the park every June to celebrate the expedition and to relive the lifestyle of the era. The event features contests and events for all ages, bluegrass music and lots of living history.

Camping

The park's campground is a great place to spend a leisurely vacation in the outdoors. The 112 campsites, all with electrical hookups, lie along the lakeshore, 12 of the sites are pull through with full service hookup. Modern restrooms, showers and a trailer dump station are available.

Picnicking

Lewis and Clark is a very popular area for family picnics. The park has over 30 acres of picnic grounds with tables, fireplaces and drinking water. A shelter is available for picnic use and may be reserved through the park ranger.

Lodge

The park has an enclosed shelter/lodge that is available for rental all year. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the lodge in 1930. In 1999 the lodge was renovated and restored making it the perfect place for your family reunion next summer. To rent the lodge contact the Park Ranger at 712- 423-2829.

Hiking

Lewis and Clark State Park is a fine place for a leisurely hike. On the trails, park visitors can see various plants and wildlife: deer, rabbits and squirrels, as well as a number of bird species. A self-guided nature trail provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the natural environments of the park.

Monona County Historical Complex/Depot Museum
(visit the Museum Complex for more information)

The Monona County Historical Complex, located on the north side of Onawa, features the city's old Chicago/Northwestern Railroad Depot Museum, Country School, Church, Log Cabin Home and related restored historical structures.

A large modern building displays exhibits throughout the year to interest and educate history buffs.

Monona County Fairgrounds

A large, well-lighted county fairgrounds is at the north end of Gaukel Park. It includes 12 show buildings, a grandstand, restrooms and two concession areas.

During the late summer, when Onawa hosts the Monona County Fair, this facility becomes a hub of activity for local 4-Hers, farmers and other organizations. The fair brings demolition derby's, tractor and truck pulls and other headline attractions.

The Monona County Fairgrounds is available for groups to rent throughout the year. Various groups such as the Holiday Ramblers, Airstream Campers, and the Gold Wing Touring Group have used the facility for their groups. More information is available by contacting the Fair Secretary at 712-423-2096 or mononacofair@onawave.net .

Monona County Arboretum

Located on the east edge of Onawa the arboretum has displays of native grasses, plants, and trees and hosts a Natural History Museum and Conservation Center. Many of Onawa's citizens have tested their carpentry skills making a birdhouse at one of their many seminars or taken in a nature movie on movie night.

CasinOmaha/Omaha Indian Reservation

Casino Omaha, located just five miles northwest of Onawa, has put the community on the map. The casino has stimulated Onawa's economy by providing recreation, tourism and job opportunities.
The casino features over 300 slot machines, black jack and poker tables, large dining area, bar, snack area with yogurt bar, gift boutique and more. The casino plans to build a motel and a stage for live performances.

Loess Hills

Recently dubbed "Iowa's best-kept secret" and the "Beauty Spot of Iowa," the Loess Hills have become the talk of the region.

The Loess Hills of western Iowa were formed some 14,000 years ago. This two hundred-mile chain of hills was shaped by a peculiar combination of wind and silt.

Travel on the Loess Hills Scenic Byway just outside of Onawa and explore some of the country’s most unique and beautiful countryside. The Scenic Byway received national status in 2001. Along the byway explore the scenic look out, the Loess Hills State Forest, Preparation Canyon, and the visitors center and gift shop. Many tours through the Loess Hills are available ranging from hospitality tours, historical tours, ethnic tours and fall foliage tours. 

For a map or other information contact the Chamber or the Loess Hills Hospitality Association loesshil@longlines.com  712-886-5441 

 Visit the on-line home for the Loess Hills Hospitality Associstion. 

Missouri River - located only 7 miles west of Onawa.

Camping -   are available west of Onawa at the Lewis & Clark State Park, Decatur Bend Park, the On-Ur-Wa RV Park & Lighthouse Marina & Campground.  

The On-Ur-Wa RV Park features pull-thru full hook-up sites, laundry, recreation area and is only a few steps away from several restaurants, and a convenience store. We are pet friendly. onurwarv@onawave.net or 712.423.1387 

Lighthouse Marina & Campground is located west of Onawa nestled along the Missouri river and feature campground facilities and access to boat ramp. 712.458.2015.

If you prefer staying along the Missouri River, cross the Decatur bridge to the Decatur River Cabins where two cabins are stocked and ready for visitors. The cabins also have their own screened in gazebo with a fire pit and firewood available. Call John or Shelia at 402-349-5586.

Monona County Courthouse and Onawa Public Library - are both just east of the downtown area, across the street from each other, and are both on the National Historic Register. Both of these unique buildings are still in use for their original purposes. The Onawa Library is an Open Access Library broadening opportunities for learning and personal enjoyment. The library has a free Internet Center with six computers available free for public use. The library has updated both the children’s corner and the adult corners with new, comfortable reading furniture. There was a major addition to the original Carnegie Library added in 2005. The Library will celebrate 100 years in October 2008.

Overnight Accommodations -  In addition to the campground facilities available we have the Onawa Super 8 Motel dlbdmb4usa@netscape.net or 712.423.2101.

Slow down the pace of your busy life at the Country Homestead Bed and Breakfast east of Onawa in the beautiful Loess Hills zahrts@country-homestead.com or 712.353.6772.

Shopping and Eating - After a busy day at one of our events, museums, or parks you can enjoy an excellent meal or go shopping for gifts or antiques at any one of our many restaurants or stores.

Onawa Theatre - After setting empty for many years our theatre has been given new life!  Here in Onawa you’ll experience the very latest in sound systems while sitting in a historic theatre.  The renovations have taken a long time but are worth the wait.  You’ll be able to take in a show at 7:30 p.m. seven days a week.  712.423.1576.

The Onawa Community Theatre - has its very own building for holding plays and talent shows. Maybe on your visit here you’ll be lucky enough to catch one of their many fine performances. FMI: Lou Hewitt, dlhewitt@longlines.com  712.433.1281. 

Onawa Aquatic Center (visit Onawa Parks for more information)

NEW IN 2003 Opened early in January 2003 a brand new Community and Recreation Center. The center has a community hall able to seat just over 400 people with full kitchen facilities, smaller meeting rooms, an executive boardroom with overhead TV and PowerPoint equipment, a fully equipped exercise room, and a room for community youth groups to hold their meetings and supplies. For further details please visit the Community Center.

City Recreation Events Community youth enjoy participating in spring and fall soccer leagues, Taekwondo, and summer softball and baseball. Adults enjoy volleyball on Wednesday nights and basketball on Sunday nights both at the West Monona High School during the school year. The new rec center has started many other league and tournaments for all ages. 

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