National Scenic River temperatures are typically in the 80's. When the night sets in temperatures drop down into the 50's. For the period of the wintertime highs are frequently in the 30's, and nighttime lows in the 0's for Niobrara National Scenic River.
This 76-mile
reach of the Niobrara River in northcentral Nebraska was added to the nation's Wild and Scenic River System in 1991 to showcase a stellar example of a Great Plains river and preserve a unique ecological crossroads where six distinct ecosystems, some at or beyond their normal geographic
limit, mix. The western third of the Scenic River is home to some ninety waterfalls, highest among them being Fort Falls and Smith Falls that topple more than seventy-five feet from a Sand Hills ledge to the valley floor. The Niobrara Valley is also a remarkable cultural
landscape dotted with historic resources and small ranches and farms that have been locally owned for generations. The upper reach of the designated river is labeled one of the nation's premier canoeing rivers and is enjoyed by tens of thousands annually. Portions flow through
a Federally designated wilderness. CONTACTS Email - niob_administration@nps.gov Write to
Headquarters
P.O. Box 591
O'Neill, NE 68763 - or -
Niobrara National Scenic River
P.O.
Box 319
Valentine, NE 69201 Phone
Headquarters - (402) 336-3970
TRAVEL BASICS
Operating Hours, Seasons
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a visitor center at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge that chiefly
showcases Fort Niobrara history and refuge management. Several wayside exhibits addressing Scenic River use and safety are located at the Fort Niobrara landing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission operates a visitor center at Smith Falls State Park that, in part, interprets
the natural history of the Niobrara valley. River Access, Trails: The canoeable reach of the Scenic River is chiefly accessed at the Fort Niobrara Refuge, Smith Falls State Park, and the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District's Brewer Bridge landing. Nature trails are developed
at the refuge and state park. The Fort Niobrara Refuge features a driving tour through elk, bison, and longhorn cattle pastures. Weather & Climate
Summer temperatures vary from the 70s to 90s, with occasional thunderstorms. Canoeing and sightseeing in the spring and fall are popular and pleasant on frequent warm days.
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