Niobrara National Scenic River — W Us Highway 20
Valentine, NE Hours and Location

214 W Us Highway 20
Valentine, NE   69201Driving Directions
Phone: (402)376-1901(402)376-1901 Maps & Directions

https://www.nps.gov/niob/planyou...

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

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.

Permits and Reservations Information