While they played,

I read history and took pics!

Wait ,

our day wasn't quite over, we played for a bit on the playground.  The game of choice for C and Daddy was The Three Billy Goats Gruff and the troll under the bridge! 

Lewis and Clark Lake AKA The Missouri River

The Missouri River is wide at this point and the Gavin's Point Dam is at the Southeastern end so they call it a lake.  Because of all the snow, snowmelt and flooding upstream there was a lot of debris in the water and on the shore. There were beautiful chalky bluffs on the Nebraska side of the river.  It was chilly but refreshing and a great end to our day!

Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area

It was finally time to set up camp so we headed to our campsite at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area.  The campground was beautiful and clean with modern restrooms and shower houses.  There was a playground, beach and boat ramp.  And neighbors, lots and lots of neighbors.  Everyone was friendly and it was quiet but we kinda felt like we were camping right by the highway, which we very nearly were.  My guess is that people camp there because of the water access, which was great, but we just prefer less people when we camp.  We, at least like the illusion of being in nature. . .

Gavin's Point National Fish Hatchery

We bought some fish food and fed the beautiful Rainbow Trout.  I have fond memories of visiting a fish hatchery with my Grampa Pete. 

It still wasn't quite time

to check into our campground so we visited the Gavin's Point Aquarium.  All(almost all?) the live specimens were native to this area of the country but they had a fascinating exhibit of confiscated wildlife products as well.  It is amazing (and sad) what (and how)  people try to smuggle into this country.

Gavin's Point Power Plant

We toured the Gavin's Point Power Plant, but cameras were not allowed inside. The power generated by the water flowing through the plant can light the plant itself and 30,000 houses! It was a very cool tour!