Rate Niobrara National Scenic River
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Scenic River
Operating Hours & Seasons
Floating and paddling standard 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. 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.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
Additional Information View More
- Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge river use:
- –
- Sunday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Monday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Tuesday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Wednesday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Thursday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Friday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Saturday: Sunrise – Sunset
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Niobrara NSR Entrance Fees
There are no fees to enter the Niobrara NSR. However, because the NPS does not own the land along the river, individual sites and private landowners may charge a fee.
- $5.00 – Smith Falls State Park day use fee
Smith Falls State Park, within the boundaries of the Niobrara NSR, charges a day use fee (per carload). Those with a Nebraska State Park Pass are not charged the day use fee. Federal passes are not valid for this entry fee. NOTE: no fee is charged for those visiting the waterfall from the river.
About
There are no fees to enter the Niobrara NSR. However, because the NPS does not own the land along the river, individual sites and private landowners may charge a fee.
Smith Falls State Park, within the boundaries of the Niobrara NSR, charges a day use fee (per carload). Those with a Nebraska State Park Pass are not charged the day use fee. Federal passes are not valid for this entry fee. NOTE: no fee is charged for those visiting the waterfall from the river.
Not Ordinary, Extraordinary
The 76 miles of the Niobrara National Scenic River winds through dramatic bluffs, incredible wildlife diversity, gorgeous waterfalls, world-class fossil resources, and plenty of floating fun for the whole family. Less than 1/4 of one percent of US rivers are designated under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. Come discover why this prairie river has earned this honor.
Directions
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).
Visitor Centers
Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center
Begin your journey down the Niobrara at the visitor center, where you may discover what makes this river so special through exhibits and a seven-minute video. 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.
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. Spring (April/May) and Fall (September/October) have cooler temperatures: average highs 60-70s, average lows 30-40s with 7.3″ average rain/snowfall.
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Nearby Businesses
