Operating Hours & Seasons

Physical Address

214 W US Highway 20
Valentine 69201

Operating Hours & Seasons

All Park Hours

• Every Day:Open 24 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.

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. 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.

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 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.

Show Standard Hours

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

Internet & Cellular Access

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.

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

Public River Access & Trails:

The western reach of the Scenic River has public access points at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Smith Falls State Park, and the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District's Brewer Bridge landing. Other landings are privately owned. Please contact the outfitters for more information.

Nature trails are found at the refuge and state park. The Fort Niobrara Refuge also features a driving tour through elk and bison pastures and a prairie dog colony. The hike to Fort Falls is fairly short and provides a spectacular view.

Three Other Resources that might be of Interest:

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
4 miles east of Valentine off of Hwy 12.
402-376-3789
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Exhibits explains Fort Niobrara history, local wildlife, and refuge management. Several wayside exhibits addressing Scenic River use and safety are located at the Fort Niobrara launch site.

Smith Falls State Park
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
15 miles east of Valentine on Hwy 12 and 4 miles south on a gravel road
402-376-1306
Smith Falls | Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (outdoornebraska.gov)

Open May through mid-September.

Niobrara Council
280 N. Main Street
Valentine, Nebraska
402-376-2793
http://www.niobraracouncil.org/

The Niobrara Council is a state-recognized organization dedicated to assist the National Park Service and other partners in managing the Niobrara River, coordinating development and carrying out a conservation easement program. Here you can find visitor information as well.

The 16 member council has representatives from local, state and federal governments, local landowners, county commissioners, area industries and the environmental community.