Niobrara National Scenic River • Nebraska

A beautiful, if short, waterfall empties into the side of the Niobrara NSR.

A man takes a photo of a meandering river from an overlook.

Yellows, oranges, and greens dominate the fall colors along the Niobrara NSR.

Two people in one canoe paddle along the bluffs of the Niobrara NSR.

A view from a canoe, with the photographer's feet resting on the bow, of the Niobrara NSR.

A paddler in a canoe goes through Class II Rapids on the Niobrara NSR.

Many people on tubes float down the Niobrara.

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.

Berry Falls is one of over 200 waterfalls that visitors may see along the Niobrara National Scenic River's bluffs.
NPS Photo

Parts of the river are shallow and meandering, making beautiful backdrops for people to take photographs.
NPS Photo/Ryan Schmieder

Autumn is a perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the Niobrara National Scenic River, from the river or the banks.
NPS Photo

The Niobrara is a peaceful place to paddle during the week.
NPS Photo

Much of the Niobrara National Scenic River is easy paddling, suitable for novice canoers.
NPS Photo/Ryan Schmieder

An experienced canoer takes on the Class II Egelhoffs Rapids along the Niobrara National Scenic River.
NPS Photo/Solveig Perrett

On Saturdays, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a great place to meet hundreds of other tubers.
NPS Photo/Solveig Perrett

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Enjoy the natural soundscape of the Niobrara National Scenic River.

A group of tubes on a river with two canoes on the sandy shore.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Green grasses, waterfall, and river

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.

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

A storm with dark clouds brews over a calm river.

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

An Intern and a volunteer stand in front of rapid with high drop.

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.

Accurate weather information from weather.gov

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

214 W US Highway 20
Valentine, NE 69201

Phone:

402 376-1901

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