With a little something for everyone, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a destination for crossing adventures off your bucket list. 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 b…
With a little something for everyone, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a destination for crossing adventures off your bucket list. 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.
Photos
Fall colors along the Niobrara NSR — NPS PhotoTaking photos along the Niobrara NSR — NPS Photo/Ryan SchmiederTubers congregate at Smith Falls State Park — NPS Photo/Solveig PerrettRelaxing canoeing on the Niobrara NSR — NPS Photo/Ryan SchmiederCanoeing the Niobrara NSR — NPS PhotoEgelhoffs Rapids on the Niobrara NSR — NPS Photo/Solveig PerrettBerry Falls along the Niobrara NSR. — NPS Photo
How to Get There
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. The nearest major airports are in Rapid City, SD (220 miles); Denver, CO (391 miles); and Omaha, NE (300 miles)
Heading to Niobrara National Scenic River? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Niobrara National Scenic River?
No central reservation system listed for Niobrara National Scenic River. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2842) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Niobrara National Scenic River?
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. The nearest major airports are in Rapid City, SD (220 miles); Denver, CO (391 miles); and Omaha, NE (300 miles)
How do I contact Niobrara National Scenic River?
You can reach the park at phone: (402) 376-1901 or email: [email protected].