Nebraska Niobrara National Scenic River map and highlights

Niobrara  National Scenic River. Basic information for visitors to the Niobrara  National Scenic River In north-central Nebraska, near Valentine.    

Niobrara National Scenic River in north-central Nebraska, near Valentine.    

Eastern deciduous, western pine, and northern boreal forest  ecosystems merge with short and mixed-grass prairie in the beautiful  Niobrara River valley. Free-grazing cattle, windmills, abandoned  historic barns, and dilapidated ranch homes offset the natural  landscape. The upper portion of the 76-mi stretch of waterway is  excellent for canoeing. The scenic river was authorized on May 24, 1991.     

      

WHAT TO SEE & DO     

Canoeing and tubing (rentals in Valentine and along river).  Facilities: Visitor center, hiking trails. Programs & Events:  Niobrara Council River Cleanup and BBQ (May), Canoe Outfitters River  Appreciation Day & Clean-up (Sept.). Tips & Hints: Go weekdays  to avoid crowds; May-Oct. to run river; May, June, Oct. and Nov. for  migrating waterfowl; June for wildflowers; and late Sept.-mid-Oct. for  fall colors. Most common canoeing section of river begins east of  Valentine and runs downstream 30 mi. Much of river frontage is privately  owned; respect landowners' property rights. Busiest on July and Aug.  weekends, least crowded Nov.-Mar.     

      

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES     

Camping: None at site. Near Valentine: Smith Falls State Park  (Rte. 12, 15 mi east of Valentine, tel. 402/376-1306; 16 sites; $3;  flush and pit toilets, showers, hook-ups).  Hotels: None in park. In  Valentine: Comfort Inn (101 Main St., tel. 402/376-3300 or 800/478-3307;  50 rooms, 6 suites; $75), Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (803  U.S. 20 E, tel. 402/376-3000 or 877/376-3003; 41 rooms, 19 suites; $90).  X Restaurants: None in park. In Valentine: Hot Stuff (203 E. Rte. 20,  tel. 402/376-2283; $3-$14), Peppermill (112 N. Main St., tel.  402/376-1440; $5-$ 10; no dinner Sun.).  Groceries & Gear: None in  park. In Valentine: Hendersons IGA (710 E. U.S. 20, tel. 402/376-1144),  Yucca Dune (148 E. 1st St., tel. 402/376-3330).     

      

FEES & HOURS     

Free. River access fee $2 per boat at wildlife refuge. Smith  Falls State Park entrance fee ($2.50). River open daily, but may freeze  in winter. Wildlife refuge visitor center open Memorial Day-Labor Day,  daily 8-4:30; Labor Day-Memorial Day, weekdays 8-4:30.     

      

HOW TO GET THERE     

Valentine is off U.S. 83, 76 mi south of 1-90 and 130 mi north  of 1-80. River access points are in Fort Niobrara Refuge, Smith Falls  State Park, and the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District. Nearest  airport: Rapid City, SD (215 mi).     

      

CONTACTS     

Niobrara National Scenic River (Box 591, O'Neill, NE 68763,  tel. 402/ 336-3970, fax 402/336-3981,). Valentine Ranger Station (146 S.  Hall St., Valentine, NE 69201, tel. 402/376-1901). Valentine Chamber of  Commerce (239 S. Main St., Valentine, NE 69201, tel. 402/376-2969).  Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (5 mi east of Valentine on Rte.  12).