Standing Bear State Park

About This Project

In honor of this Ponca tribal leader, a 22 foot bronze statue of Chief Standing Bear was created as the focal point of the eight acre park. The statue, which faces the rising sun, is situated atop the highest elevation on the native prairie grass site. Chief Standing Bear stands on a boulder of indigenous limestone overlooking an eternal flame rising through limestone which appears to float above the reflecting pool. Winding paths lead from the viewing court to six tribal viewing courts nestled among the trees. The six area tribes, the Kaw, Ponca, Pawnee, Otoe-Missouria, Osage, and the Tonkowa have provided content to make four dimensional scrapbooks complete with tribal stories and audio recordings. Traditionally, an arbor constructed of willow branches was erected each year to host the annual Pow Wow. In considering a more permanent arena and arbor, a 160 foot diameter arbor full of Native American symbolism has been erected.