📷 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Public domainFort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Valentine, NE
Bison and elk graze the prairie above the Niobrara River on a site that was once an army post. Drive the wildlife loop and walk down to Fort Falls.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve on the Niobrara River in Nebraska's Sandhills, about 5 miles (roughly 8 km) east of Valentine on Highway 12. It was founded in 1912 and covers 19,131 acres (about 7,700 ha). It includes mixed-grass prairie, coniferous and deciduous forest, and Nebraska's first designated wilderness area at just under 5,000 acres.
The refuge is home to bison (a herd of about 350 animals), elk, deer, coyotes, eagles and grassland birds. Lonely Planet mentions a 3.5-mile (about 5.6 km) loop that starts at the visitor center, as well as waterfalls in the area. Nine miles of the Niobrara National Scenic River flow through the refuge; the five miles below Cornell Dam are open to kayaks, canoes and tubes.
Day use is free, and the grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open weekdays only. A wristband is required for river trips. Check hours and access in advance.
- Nearest town
- Valentine, NE
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.8889, -100.4755
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Fishberry CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
All campsites in Nebraska · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is in Valentine, NE, at GPS 42.8889, -100.4755. It is about 63 mi from Thedford.
Can you camp near Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fishberry Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 1 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Niobrara River: waterfalls and fossil rhinos.
What is there to see near Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Smith Falls State Park (8 mi), Snake River Falls (23 mi), Nebraska National Forest, Bessey District (69 mi) and Dignity (83 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)