[8] Ponca was established in 1856 and is Nebraska's fourth oldest town.

[2] It was named for the Ponca Indian tribe native to the region.

[3] Ponca experienced growth when the Covington, Columbus and Black Hills Railroad was extended to it in 1876.

[11] Ponca also hosts one of the oldest rodeos in Nebraska, called the “Days of ‘56” to honor the founding members of the community.

[12] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.73 square miles (1.89 km2), all land.

[13] Ponca is part of the Sioux City, IA–NE–SD Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The park is located on the heavily forested high bluffs and steep hills along the Nebraska banks of the Missouri River.

Ponca State Park is the eastern terminus for float trips through the federally designated National Wild and Scenic River.