Niobrara National Scenic River

Niobrara National Scenic River This national park site is well known for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, but also features incredible scenery and wildlife!
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Niobrara National Scenic River is a national park site established in 1991 through the support of some of the local residents. One of the 1/4 of 1% of US rivers protected under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, the land on each side of the river is owned by private individuals or other organizations. It is well known for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, but is also significant for its free-flowing wate

r, incredible scenery, hundreds of small but beautiful waterfalls, unusual variety of plants and wildlife, and world-class fossil resources.

✨ TONIGHT: LIGHT UP THE FALLS! ✨It’s finally here—Light Up the Falls returns this evening at Smith Falls State Park, hos...
06/13/2026

✨ TONIGHT: LIGHT UP THE FALLS! ✨

It’s finally here—Light Up the Falls returns this evening at Smith Falls State Park, hosted by our partners at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. We’re excited to join NGPC in bringing a full evening of programs, hikes, and activities leading up to the illumination of Nebraska’s tallest waterfall.

🌟 Evening Activities Begin at 7:00 PM (CT)
Stop by for ranger‑led programs, guided hikes, interpretive talks, and kid‑friendly activities to enjoy as daylight fades over the Niobrara.

✨ Main Ceremonies Begin Around 9:00 PM (CT)
Gather with us as night settles in for the lighting of Smith Falls—an unforgettable way to celebrate this special place.

🎟 Important Reminder:
A valid Nebraska Game and Parks entry permit is required for all visitors attending the event at Smith Falls State Park.

We can’t wait to see you tonight for a glowing celebration along the Niobrara!

NPS Photo: S. Perrett, 2025

Happening Tonight at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center!📅 Tonight — Friday, June 12🕕 6:00 p.m.📍 Niobrara ...
06/12/2026

Happening Tonight at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center!

📅 Tonight — Friday, June 12
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center – Valentine, NE

Join us this evening as the National Weather Service office from North Platte, Nebraska presents an engaging program on flooding. They’ll be connecting regional weather patterns to the unique landscape of the Niobrara National Scenic River, including the main causes of flooding such as heavy rainfall events, ice jams, and powerful bomb cyclones.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the river, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the natural processes that shape our region.

The National Park Service is proud to host this free public program, and we welcome everyone—locals, visitors, and river enthusiasts—to stop by and join the conversation.

🌿 See you tonight!

NPS Photo/ 1/2026

✨ LIGHT UP THE FALLS RETURNS JUNE 13! ✨We’re thrilled to join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission once again as they ...
06/11/2026

✨ LIGHT UP THE FALLS RETURNS JUNE 13! ✨

We’re thrilled to join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission once again as they host the second annual Light Up the Falls celebration at Smith Falls State Park! This special evening highlights the beauty of Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, and we’re excited to offer a full lineup of programs and activities alongside NGPC’s event programming.

🌟 Activities Begin at 7:00 PM (CT)
Visitors can enjoy ranger‑led programs, guided hikes, interpretive talks, and kid‑friendly activities throughout the evening. Explore, learn, and experience the falls area as dusk settles over the Niobrara.

✨ Main Ceremonies Start Around 9:00 PM (CT)
As night falls, join us for the illumination of Smith Falls — an unforgettable moment that celebrates the natural beauty of the Niobrara River corridor.

🎟 Important: A valid Nebraska Game and Parks entry permit is required for all visitors attending the event at Smith Falls State Park.

We can’t wait to welcome you for another glowing night on the Niobrara!

NPS Photo/ S. Perrett, June 2025

Join us for an Evening Program at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center!📅 Friday, June 12🕕 6:00 p.m.📍 Niobra...
06/11/2026

Join us for an Evening Program at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center!

📅 Friday, June 12
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center – Valentine, NE

The National Weather Service office out of North Platte, Nebraska will be on-site presenting an informative program on flooding. This engaging session will explore how flooding occurs on the Niobrara National Scenic River, including the primary causes such as high rain events, ice jams, and even bomb cyclones.

Rangers and weather experts will connect these natural events to the unique dynamics of the Niobrara, offering valuable insight for visitors, local residents, and anyone curious about our river’s natural processes.

The National Park Service is excited to host this free public program, and we welcome everyone to come learn, ask questions, and enjoy an evening at the Visitor Center.

🌿 We hope to see you there!

NPS Photo/ G. Warrick, 2021

🌌 Tonight’s the Night! 🌌Join us this evening at Boardman Creek Campground for our rescheduled Night Sky Program at Merri...
06/05/2026

🌌 Tonight’s the Night! 🌌

Join us this evening at Boardman Creek Campground for our rescheduled Night Sky Program at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area!

Hosted by the Niobrara National Scenic River, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the Platte Valley Astronomical Observers, this free program offers an opportunity to explore some of Nebraska’s darkest skies and learn more about the stars, planets, and constellations visible overhead.

📍 Boardman Creek Campground
📅 June 5, 2026
🌠 Weather permitting we might even see the aurora borealis!

Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and your sense of wonder as we gather beneath the stars in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills.

🚗 Please note: A Nebraska Game and Parks Commission vehicle park entry permit is required for entry into Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area.

We look forward to seeing you under the night sky!



📸 Photo Credit: BJ Roshone, 2025

Artist Reception & Awards Ceremony35 Years on the NiobraraOpen Show • Niobrara National Scenic River • 2026Come celebrat...
05/28/2026

Artist Reception & Awards Ceremony

35 Years on the Niobrara
Open Show • Niobrara National Scenic River • 2026
Come celebrate artist inspired by the Niobrara River at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center on May 29, 2026.

Awards announced at 6:00 pm (central) with light reception to follow.

If you stop by be sure to check out the Art Walk on Main Street in Valentine-- there will be other artists in town and Nebraska's Poet Laureate Jewel Rodgers.

Niobrara NSR Visitor Center
214 W. Highway 20
Valentine, NE 69201

Awards:
Student, Amateur & Professional: 1st $75, 2nd $50, & 3rd $25,
Rangers Class: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd (no cash prizes)
Best of Show: $100

Funding for awards provided by the National Park Foundation & Friends of the Niobrara

Photo Credit: Gordon Warrick, 2018

NPS: B. Roshone, 5.28.2026

📢 Event Update: Night Sky Program Rescheduled📢Due to uncertain weather conditions and forecasted storms, the Night Sky P...
05/07/2026

📢 Event Update: Night Sky Program Rescheduled📢

Due to uncertain weather conditions and forecasted storms, the Night Sky Program planned for May 9 at Boardman Creek Campground has been postponed.

We’re excited to share that the program has been rescheduled for June 5, 2026, (June 6 as a backup date) at the same location.

⏱️ Event time will be announced as we get closer.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you’ll join Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the Platte Valley Astronomical Observers under clearer skies this June at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area!



Photo Credit: BJ Roshone, 2021

🌌 Night Sky Program Update!Due to tonight’s forecast, our Night Sky Viewing at Boardman Campground—originally planned fo...
04/17/2026

🌌 Night Sky Program Update!

Due to tonight’s forecast, our Night Sky Viewing at Boardman Campground—originally planned for Friday, April 17—has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 9 p.m. MT.
Weather may still play a role Saturday night. If cloud cover sticks around, viewing will be limited, but we’ll do our best to share what we can of the night sky.

Niobrara National Scenic River is proud to be a presenting partner for this program. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the amazing volunteers from the Platte Valley Astronomical Observers for their flexibility and dedication.

If skies don’t cooperate this weekend, don’t worry—more night sky programs are planned throughout the 2026 season. Stay tuned! 🌠

NPS Photo/ B. Roshone, 6/2024.

During the federal government shutdown, this account will continue to share critical information about park access, safe...
10/01/2025

During the federal government shutdown, this account will continue to share critical information about park access, safety, and resources. Some services may be limited. For more details, visit: doi.gov/shutdown

NPS Photo/2023

🪲At dusk on the prairie, the American burying beetle emerges - scouring the grasslands for small dead animals to bury an...
10/01/2025

🪲At dusk on the prairie, the American burying beetle emerges - scouring the grasslands for small dead animals to bury and preserve for its young. It may sound eerie, but this critically endangered species plays a vital role in nature’s cleanup crew. 🌾

Staff from Niobrara National Scenic River recently teamed up with USFWS biologist Mel Nennamen to survey these rare beetles and support their conservation.

Once nearly gone, this threatened species had an outstanding year with 181 observations, up from only 45 in 2020.



To learn more about the ABB, visit https://www.fws.gov/species/american-burying-beetle-nicrophorus-americanus

Address

214 W Highway 20
Valentine, NE
69201

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(402) 376-1901

Website

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