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)
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.
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.
Winter (November-April): Average highs 20-30s, average lows 0-10s with 5.5"/month average snowfall.
Spring (April/May) and Fall (September/October) have cooler temperatures: average highs 60-70s, average lows 30-40s with 7.3" average rain/snowfall.
Entrance Fee-free
This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required.
Begin your journey down the Niobrara at the visitor center, where you may discover what makes this river so special through exhibits and a twenty minute park film. 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.
Current Hours (Winter Hours)
September 2–May 26
Sunday:Closed
Monday-Friday:8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday:Closed
Run Labor Day to Memorial Day each year.
Early fall is a great time to be on the river (September-October), many locals float in those months
Winter is our off season, from November to March; we see fewer crowds and visitor center traffic in these months.
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:30 AM–4:30 PM
The Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center is a perfect way to begin your trip to explore the Niobrara. Exhibits, a twenty minute film, and park rangers will all help you plan your visit and discover why the Niobrara is so special.
Summer is our busiest season (On Season), between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Off Season runs (September to May) and has fewer crowds and traffic on the river.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Winter Hours
September 2–May 26
Sunday:Closed
Monday-Friday:8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday:Closed
Run Labor Day to Memorial Day each year.
Early fall is a great time to be on the river (September-October), many locals float in those months
Winter is our off season, from November to March; we see fewer crowds and visitor center traffic in these months.
Holidays
2025–2026
New Year's Day
January 1, 2026
Closed
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 19, 2026
Closed
Washington's Birthday
February 16, 2026
Closed
Memorial Day
May 26, 2025
8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Labor Day
September 1, 2025
8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Columbus Day
October 13, 2025
Closed
Veterans Day
November 11, 2025
Closed
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025
Closed
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
Closed
Holiday
Date
Hours
Public WiFi is available.
The Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center does have WiFi on site for visitors to use.
Cellular access in the town of Valentine is usually acceptable. In the Niobrara River Valley service can be spotty- especially while floating the river.
Established in 1991, 76 miles of the Niobrara River was designated as scenic. The protected boundary beings near Valentine, NE, and ends at Highway 137 on the eastern side of Nebraska. The National Park Service protects the river corridor in partnership with public and private land owners along its banks.
The Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center is located in Valentine, NE, and welcomes visitors to watch the park film, discover exhibits, and meet the National Park Service Rangers who care for the river daily.
Many visitors choose to float the Niobrara and connect with local private outfitters to find equipment, guidance, and lodging. With respect for our private land owners on the river, please pack-in/pack-out any trash and recycling, and utilize public restrooms at public lands partners locations.
Never floated before? The Niobrara is a great entry-level river with a gentle flow. Check out the current river conditions to learn more!
