About Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Fort Niobrara Refuge, established in 1912, is located on the northern edge of the Nebraska Sandhills along the Niobrara River with a total of 19,131 acres. An unusual mix of topography, soils, and rock formations along with differing exposures to sun, wind, and moisture creates a rich diversity of plants and animals. Forests and riparian areas (habitat bordering streams, lakes, wetlands) border the river; conifer forests grow on drier hillsides and canyon slopes; and mixed-grass prairie is found on the tablelands north of the river and sand hills to the south. Sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie chickens, and a variety of migratory birds thrive on the Refuge along with bison, other resident mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. In 1960, a 200 acre stand of Ponderosa pine in the northern portion of the Refuge was designated as a Research Natural Area; and in 1976, approximately 4,635 acres in the northern portion of the Refuge, including the Niobrara River corridor, was designated as Nebraska’s first Wilderness Area. In 1982, five miles of the Niobrara River on the Refuge was designated as a National Canoe Trail, and in 1991, a total of 76 miles of the Niobrara River including the entire stretch of River through the Refuge was designated by Congress as a Scenic River.
How to Get There
The refuge is located approximately 4 miles east of Valentine, Nebraska just off State Highway 12. From downtown Valentine, NE head north on N Main St and take a right on E 5th St; E 5th St. becomes Highway 12. Drive about 4.5 miles to 16D/County Road, and turn right over Cornell Bridge. Follow Refuge signs. Click here to see the approximate location of the Refuge.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1398) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge is located approximately 4 miles east of Valentine, Nebraska just off State Highway 12. From downtown Valentine, NE head north on N Main St and take a right on E 5th St; E 5th St. becomes Highway 12. Drive about 4.5 miles to 16D/County Road, and turn right over Cornell Bridge. Follow Refuge signs. Click here to see the approximate location of the Refuge.
How do I contact Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 402-376-3789 or email: fortniobrara@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
