Niobrara National Scenic River

The Niobrara is a peaceful place to paddle during the week.
With a little something for everyone, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a destination for crossing adventures off your bucket list. Most popular for river recreation, you can float the Niobrara River on a canoe, tube, or kayak as a beginner and have a blast. Hiking, biking, and wildlife watching keep our visitors busy. Oh! And we haven't even told you about the waterfalls yet.
Map showing location of park.
A logo with a blue "HN" and the words Humanities Nebraska
Visiting Scholar to Discuss Women’s History at Niobrara National Scenic River Sept. 25
Nancy B. Johnson, independent scholar, Humanities Nebraska, is scheduled to present the program “Myths of Women’s Madness on the Plains,” on September 25, 2025, at 6:00 pm CDT at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center.
Three rangers show of a tire in their canoe
National Park Rangers to Assist UNL with Niobrara River Cleanup on National Public Lands Day
National Park Rangers from Niobrara National Scenic River will join the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Outdoor Adventures Program for a river cleanup event on Saturday, Sept. 27, in honor of National Public Lands Day.
group of people looking up at the night sky standing in red light
Explore the Night Sky
The Niobrara National Scenic River, in collaboration with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nature Conservancy, is excited to announce a series of enchanting night sky events this fall. These events offer a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky and the fascinating nocturnal creatures that inhabit our region.
Ranger shows off Passport Stamp Station.
Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center Announces Off-Season Hours and New Stamp Station
As fall approaches, the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center will transition to its off-season schedule. Saturday, Sept. 20, will be the final weekend day the Visitor Center is open for the 2025 season.
Guided Foraging Hike at Fort Falls Trail
Visitors to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge are invited to join National Park Service Rangers and an American Conservation Corps Intern on a new guided foraging program which explores the edible, medicinal, and culturally significant plants that thrive along the Fort Falls Trail, Saturday September 6, 2025. The program will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. Central Time.
A beautiful, if short, waterfall empties into the side of the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo
A man takes a photo of a meandering river from an overlook.
Photo by NPS Photo/Ryan Schmieder
Yellows, oranges, and greens dominate the fall colors along the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo
Two people in one canoe paddle along the bluffs of the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo
A view from a canoe, with the photographer's feet resting on the bow, of the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo/Ryan Schmieder
A paddler in a canoe goes through Class II Rapids on the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo/Solveig Perrett
Many people on tubes float down the Niobrara.
Photo by NPS Photo/Solveig Perrett