What is there to do at Niobrara National Scenic River?

Popular activities include Astronomy, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Canoeing.

Which national parks are within a day's drive of Niobrara National Scenic River?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Missouri National Recreational River (3 h 26 min), Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (3 h 40 min), Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail (4 h 35 min), Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (4 h 42 min), Wind Cave National Park (4 h 45 min), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (4 h 52 min).

A beautiful, if short, waterfall empties into the side of the Niobrara NSR.

NATIONAL SCENIC RIVER

Niobrara National Scenic River

With a little something for everyone, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a destination for crossing adventures off your bucket list.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

state

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Niobrara National Scenic River

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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Aerial view of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape.

Niobrara National Scenic River◆◆this park

National Recreational River · Nebraska

Missouri National Recreational River

Niobrara National Scenic River◆◆this park

National Historic Site · South Dakota

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Niobrara National Scenic River◆◆this park

National Historic Trail · Iowa

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Niobrara National Scenic River◆◆this park

National Historic Trail · Iowa

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Niobrara National Scenic River◆◆this park

National Park · South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park

Niobrara National Scenic River◆◆this park

National Monument · Nebraska

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Driving times from Niobrara National Scenic River, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Floating and paddling standard hours

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

AstronomyBikingBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCanoeingFishingGuided ToursHikingHuntingHunting and GatheringJunior Ranger ProgramKayakingPaddlingPark FilmRiver TubingShoppingStand Up PaddleboardingStargazingTubingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Summer (June-August): highs - low 80s to low 100s; lows - 50s to 60s, with occasional thunderstorms and associated strong winds. Moderate dry winds are common in the summer. 8.3" is average summer rainfall. Winter (November-April): Average highs 20-30s, average lows 0-10s with 5.5"/month average snowfall. Spring (April/May) and Fall (September/October) have cooler temperatures: average highs 60-70s, average lows 30-40s with 7.3" average rain/snowfall.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Niobrara National Scenic River?: Popular activities include Astronomy, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Canoeing.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Niobrara National Scenic River?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Missouri National Recreational River (3 h 26 min), Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (3 h 40 min), Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail (4 h 35 min), Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (4 h 42 min), Wind Cave National Park (4 h 45 min), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (4 h 52 min).