76 miles of Free-Flowing Fun

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.

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Duration:
1 minute, 38 seconds

Enjoy the natural soundscape of the Niobrara National Scenic River.

A group of tubes on a river with two canoes on the sandy shore.
What to Know Before You Go

Make the most of your river trip with our paddle guides, advice on renting equipment and what to know before you float.

Canoes floating down the Niobrara National Scenic River on a sunny day.
Top Ten Tips for the Niobrara NSR

Just in time for Great Outdoors Month in June, rangers share their insider tips for visiting the Niobrara NSR.

Group of children show off their prize bandanas
Niobrara River Challenge

To inspire people getting out and exploring the Niobrara National Scenic River complete the Niobrara River Challenge!

People and cars in a gravel parking lot with coolers and canoes.
People of the Niobrara

Hear the stories of the people who know these waters best.

A man sits on the point of a canoe on a sandbar looking through binoculars.
Searching for what makes us well.

See how you can tap into finding wellness while you explore the National Parks.

Green grasses, waterfall, and river
Nature of the Niobrara

Explore the natural characteristics along the Niobrara National Scenic River. From waterfalls to Sandhills prairie there is much to discover

A small girl in a vest full of badges stands in front of a brown building.
Niobrara Activities for Kids

Cool activities and videos for your kids to explore the Niobrara River!

A storm with dark clouds brews over a calm river.
What is a Wild & Scenic River?

To become a National Scenic River, a river stretch must meet certain criteria and they must have site-specific outstanding remarkable values

Students standing in front of a white board with thumbs up.
Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are an important part of the National Park Service mission! Learn more about volunteers and what they do for Niobrara NSR!

A tuft of grass displays prominently in front of Minnechaduza Creek.
Weather Report

Accurate weather information from weather.gov

Last updated: December 8, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

214 W US Highway 20
Valentine, NE 69201

Phone:

402 376-1901

Contact Us