Experience your Nebraska Vacation at the Winnebago 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 Powwow.  This colorful event has hundreds of Indian dancers and artist putting on a fabulous celebration for the last five nights of July every year.  It will be a great way to observe the most colorful and intricate native clothing that anyone will ever see, a beautiful Nebraska attraction you can’t miss.

The Ho-Chunk Indians were originally from Wisconsin but around the 19th century the United States Government took the land they lived on so they forced them to relocate.  It wasn’t just a one time move, it was repeated over and over.  They were first relocated to Iowa, then off to Minnesota and then moved to South Dakota where they were held in stockades until they were allowed to escape.  They finally settled in Nebraska where they were allowed to stay.  Many of the tribes moved back to Wisconsin but the majority of the tribes remained in Nebraska.  Many now live on the reservation (some of them) that is their own land.

The pow-wow is a celebration remembering Little Priest who was the last tribal chiefton.  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 powwow not only honors him but also all the Winnebago Indian veterans of war.  The chief, Little Priest, believed in harmony among the people, he forgave the treatment the Indians had received from the government.  He supported good relationships between themselves, the settlers and the soldiers.

The Ho-Chunk Pow Wow is the oldest Powwow in the United States.  The Pow Wow is a way to restore friendships, remember the heritage and the old ways and appreciate the fact that they can all gather together to enjoy the dancing and art of their culture.  It has been held annually since 1866.

Guests are welcome to come and enjoy the festival.  Watch the dancing, apprecaite the music and share the food.  If you haven’t had fried bread before be sure to try it, it is wonderful.

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