Visitor Centers

The Best Place to Find Us

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.

Addresses

Physical Address

214 W. Highway 20
Valentine, NE 69201

Mailing Address

214 W. Highway 20
Valentine, NE 69201

Directions

The visitor center is located in Valentine, Nebraska, 76 miles south of I-90 (Murdo, SD exit) or 130 miles north of I-80 (North Platte, NE exit) via Hwy 83.

Hours & Seasons

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

Amenities

• Accessible Rooms
• Assistive Listening Systems
• Audio Description
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Benches/Seating
• Braille
• Captioned Media
• Cellular Signal
• Fire Extinguisher
• First Aid/Medical Care Available
• Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
• Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
• Information
• Information - Maps Available
• Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
• Internet/WiFi Available
• Junior Ranger Booklet Available
• Parking - Auto
• Recycling
• Restroom
• Restroom - Accessible
• Scenic View/Photo Spot
• Theater/Auditorium
• Toilet - Flush
• Trash/Litter Receptacles
• Water - Drinking/Potable
• Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Email Address

Send this visitor center an email

Phone Numbers

• Voice phone number
  [phone]
• Fax number
  [phone]

Image Gallery

View of the Niobrara Visitor Center from main parking lot

View of the Niobrara Visitor Center from Highway 20

Visitor center interior with many exhibits and photos

Theater Room at Visitor Center with Television and seats

Junior Ranger books with assorted plastic badges and patches on a tabletop

The Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center viewed from the east on Highway 20.
NPS Photo/ B. Roshone

The Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center viewed from the west on Highway 20.
NPS Photo

Our Visitor Center has exhibits with photos and information about the park along with activities and films
NPS Photo/M.Vetch

Enjoy the park film, "Prairie River Home" from the attached theater or take a picture with our photo backdrop to commemorate your trip
NPS Photo/M.Vetch

Explore All the Niobrara has for Kids with the Junior Ranger Programs
NPS Photo/ M.Vetch

 

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Niobrara NSR Visitor Center

360 Degree view of the Niobrara NSR Visitor Center.