What are the 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

Niobrara National Scenic River

Home
United States
Valentine, NE
Niobrara National Scenic River

This national park site is well known for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, but also features incredible scenery and wildlife!

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.

08/29/2026

Due to weather conditions, our Night Sky event at Keller Park State Recreation Area for 8/29 is cancelled. The fishing clinic at the same location will begin at 5, as planned.

Our next scheduled Night Sky viewing will be Sept. 19 at The Nature Conservancy near Norden Chute. Please join us for an evening of celestial awe in September.

NPS photo

08/28/2026

Who remembers trying to catch tadpoles as a kid? 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️
If you ever did, was it a bullfrog tadpole? If it was, it must have seemed huge (4-7 in) compared to our adorable featured frog, the northern cricket frog (0.75-1.5 in)! This tiny amphibian is an amazing indicator of wetland health and general environmental quality, and you can spot them in the shallow waters along the . Have you ever seen one?
Share your tadpole stories!

08/27/2026

🌄 National Park Week – Thankful Thursday 🌄

As we celebrate , we want to take a moment on this Thankful Thursday to recognize the incredible partners who help make everything we do possible.

A huge thank-you to the University of Nebraska’s Outdoor Academy, who will join us for our National Public Lands Day River Clean Up on September 26! Their support and enthusiasm make a meaningful difference in connecting people with the outdoors.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners, landowners, visitors, and dedicated volunteers. Your commitment to stewardship helps protect and share the beauty of our public lands for generations to come. We couldn’t do it without you!

🚣‍♀️ Sign up now to join the National Public Lands Day River Clean Up on September 26, Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/2rBiSVsM5U

Together, we make our parks stronger. 💚

08/26/2026

We’re excited to welcome Chris Mather as the new superintendent of Niobrara National Scenic River!

With over 16 years in the National Park Service, Chris is dedicated to preserving the Niobrara River and fostering partnerships.

08/25/2026

August is National Water Quality Month. Globally, nearly 2 billion individuals lack access to clean water. Due to the dedicated efforts of organizations and individuals working together to create and manage the resource, the Niobrara River and the Ogallala Aquifer continue to provide residents with this valuable resource. We encourage you to learn more about water quality and the steps that can be taken to protect our water resources.

08/25/2026

🎉 Happy Founders Day!

Today we celebrate the creation of the National Park Service on August 25, 1916 — and the mission that continues to guide us: protecting America’s natural and cultural treasures for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all.

Join us at 5 pm at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center for a special Founders Day program! 🎤

Our rangers will share an engaging look at what the National Park Service does, how we care for the Niobrara, and how our work connects to the broader story of preserving public lands across the country.

Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your love for parks! 💚

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on this special day.

NPS Photo/2018

08/18/2026

The National Park Service turns 110 on August 25th! Celebrate with us on Saturday, August 22nd—experience a ranger-guided canoe float. Canoes and a limited number of kayaks are provided free of charge. Spots are limited—reserve your place now at 402-376-1901!

08/12/2026

School is starting, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end. As the river valley puts on her fall colors, check out what we have in the visitor center. We’ve filled a jar with pumpkin candies, and we’d love for you to stop by and guess how many are inside. Come join the fun—prizes await the three closest guesses!

08/11/2026

Please be advised that, effective today, US Hwy 183 and Nebraska Hwy 7 will revert to their 1966 designations. The routing between Springview and US-20 will be adjusted accordingly. The section from Springview to Ainsworth will be designated as Nebraska Hwy 7, and from Springview to Bassett as US Hwy 183.

08/01/2026

Grab your hats, pack your sense of adventure, and head over to Norden Chute—our next fishing clinic is right around the corner!
Today August 1, 4-7 PM, we’re casting off for a morning full of learning, exploring, and reeling in some fun. Whether you’re brand new to fishing or already a pro, there’s something here for everyone.

Afterwards, we will have a twilight river walk where we learn about the importance of dark skies and the river at sunset. 7-8 PM

Kids 12 and under will snag a free fishing pole thanks to our fantastic partners at the National Park Foundation and the Friends of the Niobrara! For first‑timers or folks without gear, no worries—we’ll have equipment available for you to borrow and try out during the event.
Participants can also take on the 2026 Fishing Challenge in honor of Niobrara NSR’s 35th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary! Kids under 12 should register early for priority access to limited‑edition challenge coins and a free fishing pole (while supplies last).
📘 Pick up your JR. Angler Booklet early or grab one at the Visitor Center.
🏅 Bring your completed booklets on clinic day and complete the IGFA Passport booklet to earn your 2026 commemorative coin.
📌 Sign‑Up Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/S42rpq0pjp
Questions? Call 402‑376‑1901 or visit www.nps.gov/niob.
Let’s cast some lines and make memories on the Niobrara! 🎣🌿
NPS Photo/ June 2025

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

http://www.nps.gov/niob

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Niobrara National Scenic River posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Valentine?