National Scenic River

Niobrara National Scenic River

Niobrara National Scenic River is a National Scenic River in Nebraska. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.

Nebraska National Scenic River No entrance fee

Updated · NPS Data API

A beautiful, if short, waterfall empties into the side of the Niobrara NSR.
Berry Falls along the Niobrara NSR. · Photo: NPS Photo (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

1

Closures

0

Campgrounds

0

Visitor centers

1

Current alerts and closures

1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 1 caution and 0 information.

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.

Posted or updated Feb 2, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.

Things to do

A metal bridge with wood walkway extends across a green landscape with a river below.
Photo: NPS, 2017

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.

Year-round Pets allowed

Biking

a collection of 7 tubes on the river, with 13 people floating on them; they are tied together.
Photo: NPS Photo

Float the Niobrara River

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 Sandhills of the Great Plains.

1-8 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies Pets allowed

Paddling

A waterfall curves down the side of a dark canyon wall before forming a wide shallow pool below.
Photo: NPS, 2017

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.

20-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

See all 4 things to do in Niobrara →

Activities the NPS lists for Niobrara.

AstronomyStargazingBikingCampingFishingGuided ToursHikingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingJunior Ranger ProgramTubingRiver TubingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Operating hours

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.

Floating and paddling standard hours
DayHours
MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

Weather: 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.

Contact and directions

Phone
4023761901
Email
[email protected]
Address
214 W US Highway 20, Valentine, NE 69201
Coordinates
42.7941, -99.9187· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor CenterDaily: 8:30AM - 4:30PM402-376-1901Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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More parks in Nebraska

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Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/niob/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.