Niobrara National Scenic River
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Niobrara National Scenic River |
Contact Information:
Niobrara National Scenic River
P.O. Box 591
O'Neill, NE 68763
402-336-3970
http://www.nps.gov/niob/
Size: 23,074 acres.
Location: Includes a 76-mile stretch of the Niobrara River in north-central Nebraska, from the Borman Bridge southeast of Valentine, east to the NE 137 Bridge north of Newport.
Description: The river flows through an ecological crossroads where six distinct ecosystems mix. The upper reach of the designated river is recognized as one of the nation's premier canoeing rivers. The western third of the Scenic River is home to over two hundred waterfalls, including 63-foot Smith Falls. The Niobrara Valley is also a remarkable cultural landscape dotted with historic resources and small ranches and farms that have been locally owned for generations.
Activities: No National Park Service facilities are available. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a visitor center at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge that explains Fort Niobrara history, local wildlife, and refuge management. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission operates a visitor center at Smith Falls State Park. Activities include canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The canoeable portion of the Niobrara National Scenic River is accessed primarily at the Fort Niobrara Refuge, Smith Falls State Park, and the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District's, Brewer Bridge landing. Nature trails can be found at the refuge and state park. The Fort Niobrara Refuge features a driving tour through elk and bison pastures as well as a prairie dog colony.History: Authorized on May 24, 1991.
See other National Scenic Rivers
See other Nebraska National Parks
