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.
Missouri National Recreational River/Facebook
It’s just across the river from Vermillion, South Dakota, and provides some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see in Nebraska.
Mike Esping/Google Reviews
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.
Micheal Pierce/Google Reviews
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.
Jason Askew/Google Reviews
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.
Missouri National Recreational River/Facebook
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.
Bartlomiej Hanus/Google Reviews
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.
National Park Service
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.
Chevy Cavalier/Google Reviews
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.
National Park Service
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.
Chevy Cavalier/Google Reviews
Whether you decide to visit in the summer when lush vegetation and a thick smattering of wildflowers decorate the landscape…
Jason Askew/Google Reviews
…or in the dead of winter when the leaves are bare and the snow and ice paint a muted landscape, you’ll no doubt feel at one with nature here.
Bartlomiej Hanus/Google Reviews
Can’t you just hear this place calling your name?
Sam Kirsch/Google Reviews
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.
Missouri National Recreational River/Facebook
Mike Esping/Google Reviews
Micheal Pierce/Google Reviews
Jason Askew/Google Reviews
Bartlomiej Hanus/Google Reviews
National Park Service
Chevy Cavalier/Google Reviews
Sam Kirsch/Google Reviews
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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Address: Mulberry Bend Overlook, NE-15, Newcastle, NE 68757, USA
