Niobrara National Scenic River

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-21 to 2026-12-15; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

At the park

• Biking activity
• Hunting activity
• Waterfalls scenic feature
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail
• Fishing water
• Paddling (kayak/canoe) water

Shows and experiences

• Junior Ranger program

Before you go

First aid

In-park (mapped location) — First aid station marked on the park map. Confirm the current location with any team member on arrival.

Limits

Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go

⚠ Caution: Life Jackets Required!

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.

Getting 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)

Weather & when to go

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.

Visitor center

Fort Falls

Visitor center

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Visitor center

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Visitor center

Fort Niobrara NWR Launch Site

Visitor center

Nichols Landing

Visitor center

Nichols Landing

Visitor center

Niobrara National Scenic River Bookstore

Visitor center

Niobrara National Scenic River Bookstore

Visitor center

Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center — The Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center is a perfect way to begin your trip to explore the Niobrara. Exhibits, a twenty minute film, and park rangers will all help you plan your visit and discover why the Niobrara is so special. Summer is our busiest season (On Season), between Memorial… — The visitor center is located in Valentine, Nebraska, 76 miles south of I-90 (Murdo, SD exit) or 130 miles north of I-80 (North Platte, NE exit) via Hwy 83.

Visitor center

Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center

Visitor center

Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center

Visitor center

Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center

Facilities on the park map

4 bench, 2 defibrillator, 1 first aid kit, 1 first aid station, 6 picnic area, 18 restroom, 16 visitor information, 2 water fountain.

History

Opened

1991

• Park opened