Plan Your Visit

Start Your Planning:

• Basic Information
• Floating the River
• What to Know Before You Go
• Visitor Center
• Places to See
• Things to Do
• Where to Stay

Adventure around every Riverbend.

Niobrara National Scenic River is a unique National Park with 76 miles of riverbed to explore and many other public lands in the region. 

The National Park Service manages only the riverbed in partnership with the public and private landowners on the river. There are so many ways to explore the Niobrara River Valley, including our number one, floating the Niobrara River.

If you'd rather keep your feet dry, explore the public land at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and Smith Falls State Park. Both have beautiful views of the river, short hiking trails, and seasonal visitor centers.

The links to the right are a great place to start planning your trip, whether or not you are floating, there is something for you to explore on our 76 miles of river. For up-to-date conditions and ranger recommended activities, plan to stop at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center when you visit.

 

Floating the Niobrara National...

21 Images

From leisurely floats to exhilarating whitewater, the Niobrara offers a variety of experiences.

 

Park-Operating Hours

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.

Visitor Center(s)

Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center

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

Operating Schedule Details