Most popular for river recreation, you can float the Niobrara River on a canoe, tube, or kayak as a beginner and have a blast. Hiking, biking, and wildlife watching keep our visitors busy.
Oh! And we haven't even told you about the waterfalls yet.
Photo: NPS Photo
Niobrara National Scenic River
With a little something for everyone, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a destination for crossing adventures off your bucket list.
- LocationValentine, NE
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now64°F Sunny
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Aquifers
- Birds
- Bison
- Coniferous Forests
- Deciduous Forests
- Elk
- Farming and Agriculture
14 more topics
- Forests and Woodlands
- Forts
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Freshwater Springs
- Geology
- Grasslands
- Groundwater
- Night Sky
- Prairies
- Ranches
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Unique Species
- Waterfalls
Alerts (1)
CautionLife Jackets Required! By Nebraska State law, all children 13 years old and younger must WEAR a USCG approved life jacket to float the Niobrara… Read more
By Nebraska State law, all children 13 years old and younger must WEAR a USCG approved life jacket to float the Niobrara NSR. Anyone over 13 years old must HAVE a life jacket. If you are renting equipment, your outfitter will provide them.
Things to Do
4 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Bike the Cowboy Trail
The Cowboy Trail is a hiking and biking trail created from the historic bed of the railroad track that passed through Valentine, NE, and the Sandhills. Many hikers and bikers covet the views of the…
Learn more about Bike the Cowboy Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Float the Niobrara River
Fee applies
Experience the beauty of the Niobrara National Scenic River up close and personal by floating the gentle waters through six ecosystems, past waterfalls, and under historic bridges. A gem in the…
Learn more about Float the Niobrara River on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike to Fort Falls
This scenic 1.0 mile hike highlights the 45-foot-tall Fort Falls and the shores of the Niobrara National Scenic River on the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. With free parking, this hike can…
Learn more about Hike to Fort Falls on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Shoot Winter Photography at Fort Falls
See the Niobrara River in the light of a winter lens. Photographers can find winter scenery, natural phenomena's, wildlife, canyons, waterfalls, and the perfect angles for those golden hour photos in…
Learn more about Shoot Winter Photography at Fort Falls on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center
Facility
Begin your journey down the Niobrara at the visitor center, where you may discover what makes this river so special through exhibits and a twenty minute park film. Park…
214 W. Highway 20, Valentine, NE (402) 376-1901 Directions
Details
Begin your journey down the Niobrara at the visitor center, where you may discover what makes this river so special through exhibits and a twenty minute park film. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions, help you plan your trip, or give you a list of outfitters who will provide transportation and canoes, kayaks, or tubes.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Floating and paddling standard hours
Hours details
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Floating and paddling standard hoursOpen 24 hours, daily
Most of the river itself is open 24 hours a day, with the exception of the river that flows through Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. The river in that stretch is open from sunrise to sunset. Please use caution: because the NPS does not own the land, different sites and private businesses have their own hours. Please ensure that you are following individual landowner regulations when you launch, take out, or visit individual areas.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
214 W US Highway 20Valentine, NE 69201
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
64°F
Sunny · feels like 50°
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Today
70° 44°
Sunny2% rain
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Tomorrow
74° 54°
Sunny2% rain
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Sunday
71° 50°
Sunny3% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
Summer (June-August): highs - low 80s to low 100s; lows - 50s to 60s, with occasional thunderstorms and associated strong winds. Moderate dry winds are common in the summer. 8.3" is average summer rainfall. Winter (November-April): Average highs 20-30s, average lows 0-10s with 5.5"/month average snowfall. Spring (April/May) and Fall (September/October) have cooler temperatures: average highs 60-70s, average lows 30-40s with 7.3" average rain/snowfall.
Photos
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Autumn is a perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the Niobrara National Scenic River, from the river or the banks. — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
Valentine, NE 69201
Most visitors start their trip in the city of Valentine, Nebraska. Valentine is 76 miles south of I-90 (Murdo, SD Exit) on Hwy 83; or 130 miles north of I-80 (North Platte, NE Exit) on Hwy 83.
Full directions
The nearest major airports are in Rapid City, SD (220 miles); Denver, CO (391 miles); and Omaha, NE (300 miles)
Mailing address: 214 W US Highway 20, Valentine, NE 69201
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