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Dakota County, NE

Dakota County

Dakota County was named after the Dakota tribe of Indians, who are more
commonly called the Sioux. Located along the western shoreline of the Missouri River, the county embellishes history of early Native American cultures unfolding into the development of relationships with fur traders and explorers assigned to map the new western territory acquired by the United States.


For about three months in 1804, captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the men of their Corps of Discovery up the Missouri River where it runs along Nebraska and Iowa. They were assigned by President Jefferson to explore the new Louisiana Purchase area and hopefully find a waterway to the west coast. Going upriver, the expedition used a keelboat and two smaller boats pirogues, as they made their way through a seemingly endless prairie region, recording observations and discoveries each day.


Today, travelers can capture that same sense of discovery. The Lewis and Clark Byway, along US Highway 75, is designated as a Nebraska Byway. It extends from the Washington County line to South Sioux City. The Byway parallels the Missouri River, traveling through Washington, Burt, Thurston, and Dakota Counties. Towns directly on the route are Nashville, Fort Calhoun, Blair, Herman, Tekamah, Decatur, Macy, Winnebago, Homer, Dakota City, and South Sioux City.


About 15 miles south of South Sioux City, the highway enters the adjoining Winnebago and Omaha Indian reservations. Both host colorful powwows featuring native dancers.


Explore Dakota County


War Eagle Monument

Wambdi Okicize, known as "War Eagle" is said to have been Mdewakanton or Isanti Dakota Indian. A friend to the white people, he died in 1851. A monument was erected on this bluff honoring War Eagle, which provides a breathtaking view of the tri-state area.

South Sioux City, NE Monuments

Outlaw Trail - Nebraska Highway 12

The wild west era where famous outlaws, horse thieves, lynch mobs and lawmen ruled is past. Today, along the Outlaw Trail, travelers are greeted by friendly folks as well as plenty of quiet hideaways.

South Sioux City, NE Trails

Southridge Golf Club and Dome

South Ridge Golf Club and Dome is a landmark in the Siouxland area. Built in the late nineteen twenties the course was continually changed with the purchase of additional land and new

South Sioux City, NE Recreation

11520 Meisch House - NHR

The Meisch House is a well preserved and notably elaborate example of one of Nebraska's most common house types: the one-story "square" or "cubic" house. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house was constructed in 1888

South Sioux City, NE National Register

Emmanuel Lutheran Church -NHR

The Emmanuel Lutheran Church, located in the town of Dakota City , was the first Lutheran Church to be built in the Nebraska Territory. It is believed to be the oldest church building of any denomination in the state of Nebraska. The building also housed the

Dakota City, NE Historic Churches

Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center

Board the M.V. Sergeant Floyd and begin a journey into the region's maritime history. Built in 1932 as an inspection boat by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center chronicles the Missouri River'

South Sioux City, NE Museums

Sergeant Floyd Monument

On July21, 1804, when the Corps of Discovery was near the Council Bluff, Sergeant Charles Floyd wrote, "I am verry Sick and Has been for Sometime but have Recoverd my helth again..." Although he did not mention his health again, Floyd did not really improve and, on August 20

South Sioux City, NE Monuments

Combs School Museum

The Combs School was erected in 1887 at Omadi. The Missouri River began to undermine the town, so it was moved to Tom Smith's claim south of Homer. When the Burlington Railroad was built, the school was found to be on railroad property, so it was again moved south of Homer on Highway 77

South Sioux City, NE Museums

O'Connor House Museum

The two-story, brick house, located near Homer, was designed and built by Cornelius O'Connor, an Irish immigrant. O'Connor had been a carpenter, but became a farmer after settling in Nebraska. He represented

South Sioux City, NE Museums

Argosy's Belle of Sioux City Casino

Sioux City's riverboat casino features 12,000 sq. ft. on three decks with over 400

South Sioux City, NE Recreation


Explore Dakota County