Niobrara National Scenic River

Things To Do Near Niobrara National Scenic River

RV enthusiasts will love visiting the Niobrara National Scenic River for its wonderful, nature-filled sites. If you feel like going on a quest, be sure to hit one of the nearby trails, some of which are more difficult than others. If you're hungry, check out one of the local family-owned restaurants and pick up some food, or if you brought your own, set up a picnic somewhere by the flowing waters of the Niobrara River.

Hiking Trails

• Niobrara Loop Trail

  On this lightly trafficked trail, you'll find yourself surrounded by nature. Part of the trail is forested while other parts give you a view of the rushing Niobrara River. It's great for walking or running.

  Location

  89261 522 Ave., Niobrara, NE 68760

  Length

  1.6 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Chalk Bluffs Multi-use Trail

  The Chalk Bluffs Multi-use Trail is for those who are looking for a challenge. The trail runs alongside a large blue lake, easily seen from high up on the steep slopes. Throughout your journey, you'll come across open fields and thick woods. Besides hiking, you can ride horses or go mountain biking.

  Location

  Gavins Point Drive, Yankton, SD 57078

  Length

  3.7 miles

  Intensity

  Difficult

• Fort Falls Trail

  The Fort Falls Trail is for anyone wanting to take it easy. It sees hardly any foot traffic and is great for all skill levels. A nearby river, towering hills, and golden plains are some of the trail's wonderful sights.

  Location

  39983 Refuge Road, Valentine, NE 69201

  Length

  1 mile

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Niobrara State Park

  Located where Nebraska and Missouri meet, you can find tons of activities to do at Niobrara State Park. If you're hungry, hunker down for a picnic or, if you're feeling adventurous, head out on a hike. You can find white-tailed deer and wild turkeys roaming the park, or you can meet up with a wrangler and go for a horseback ride.

  Location

  89261 522 Ave., Niobrara, NE 68760

• Smith Falls State Park

  Named after homesteader Frederic Smith, Smith Falls State Park is home to Nebraska's tallest waterfall, Smith Falls. This park is excellent for canoers and kayakers or for just plain hiking. It became a state park in 1992 and is home to remnants of the last Ice Age nearly 20,000 years ago.

  Location

  90159 Smith Falls Road, Valentine, NE 69201

• Keller Park State Recreation Area

  With 196 acres at your disposal, you can do anything here. Anglers come here to catch rainbow trout and other warm-water fish. Go hiking on the park's steep, tree-covered hills, or settle down and watch the wildlife while having a picnic.

  Location

  U.S. Hwy 183, Ainsworth, NE 69210

• Long Lake State Recreation Area

  The Long Lake State Recreation Area sits on 30 acres. It is made up of tall sandhills, and a sandhill lake glistens nearby. You can go fishing and picnicking. Hunting is popular during certain times of the year as waterfowl make their homes here.

  Location

  2 miles east of Johnstown and 22 miles south on County Road, Bassett, NE 68714

Museums

• Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center

  Here, you can find many exhibits about the Niobrara's ecology and wildlife. If you're not sure what to do in the surrounding area, a park ranger will set you on the right track. Some days, they have activities for children.

  Location

  214 West Hwy 20, Valentine, NE 69201

• Ponca Tribal Museum

  At this Native American museum, you can find artifacts like headdresses, tools, jewelry, and musical instruments. If you want to dive deeper into Niobrara's history, you can view archived writings and photos. Tribal families regularly donate photos and artifacts.

  Location

  88915 521 Ave., Niobrara NE 68760

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Broken Spoke Boutique

  This building started off as a bank after its construction in 1915 and closed in 1964. Many businesses operated out of this building over the years until 2016 when it was taken over by the boutique. At the Broken Spoke Boutique, you can find dresses, jewelry, stuffed animals, and much more. They also have clothing for infants and young children.

  Location

  205 N. Main St., Valentine, NE 69201

• Ainsworth Flowers & Gifts

  This flower shop opened in 1963 and is great for any occasion. Besides floral designs, you can get candy and balloons. It doubles as a small coffee shop where you can order espresso and smoothies. It also has a gift shop.

  Location

  159 N. Main St. Ainsworth, NE 69210

• Sand Hills Lounge

  At Sand Hills Lounge, you can order some burgers or check out their beer selection. While you're waiting for your food, be sure to take part in some bar games.

  Location

  317 N. Main St., Long Pine, NE 69217

• Big John's Restaurant

  You can order a little of everything at Big John's Restaurant. They serve meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and are known for their outstanding burgers.

  Location

  1110 E. 4th St., Ainsworth, NE 69210

How To Get To Niobrara National Scenic River

The Niobrara National Scenic River winds its way through northeastern Nebraska and into southern South Dakota. Head west on I-90 W. Take exit 235 for SD-273 toward Kennebec, and almost immediately turn left onto SD-273 S. Turn left to merge onto I-90 E. Follow it for about 15.5 miles. Take exit 251 toward SD-47 S. Turn right onto SD-47 S, follow it for about 10 miles, and then, turn right onto SD-49 S. Merge onto US-183 S. Follow for 38 miles to enter Nebraska. Turn right onto Riverside Road, and then, take a slight left. The river will be up ahead.

Most of the Niobrara National Scenic River is open 24 hours a day year-round. Beware that the river flows through different properties, so they may have different operating hours.

Address

214 U.S. Hwy 20, Valentine, NE 69201

Fee: Entry fee $0

If you're looking to get away from it all and vanish into the depths of nature, Niobrara National Scenic River is one way to do so. Travelers will love how it is situated between some sparsely populated cities all the while being close to all the things you'll need. Why not do it all from the comfort of an RV?