Niobrara National Scenic River, in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Outdoor Adventures Program, invites volunteers to celebrate National Public Lands Day by participating in a river clean-up float on Sept. 26, 2026. Participants will paddle the scenic stretch of river from Smith Falls State Park to Rocky Ford, collecting trash and helping preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of the Niobrara River.
The National Park Service has selected Chris Mather as the next superintendent of Niobrara National Scenic River. He will assume the role in mid-September 2026.
Niobrara National Scenic River is inviting artists to submit original works for an open art show commemorating the river’s 35th anniversary in May 2026.
National Park Rangers from Niobrara National Scenic River will join the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Outdoor Adventures Program for a river cleanup event on Saturday, Sept. 27, in honor of National Public Lands Day.
Nancy B. Johnson, independent scholar, Humanities Nebraska, is scheduled to present the program “Myths of Women’s Madness on the Plains,” on September 25, 2025, at 6:00 pm CDT at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center.
The Niobrara National Scenic River, in collaboration with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nature Conservancy, is excited to announce a series of enchanting night sky events this fall. These events offer a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky and the fascinating nocturnal creatures that inhabit our region.
As fall approaches, the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center will transition to its off-season schedule. Saturday, Sept. 20, will be the final weekend day the Visitor Center is open for the 2025 season.
Visitors to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge are invited to join National Park Service Rangers and an American Conservation Corps Intern on a new guided foraging program which explores the edible, medicinal, and culturally significant plants that thrive along the Fort Falls Trail, Saturday September 6, 2025. The program will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. Central Time.
National Park Service rangers at the Niobrara National Scenic River announce the upcoming Voices of the Niobrara Speaker Series, a month-long event celebrating the rich history and diverse voices of the Niobrara River Valley. This series will feature presentations from indigenous leaders, historians, and local ranchers, offering a unique opportunity for community dialogue and education.
Niobrara National Scenic River is thrilled to announce the participation of renowned storyteller and musician Chris Sayre during the upcoming Nebraska Star Party on July 24, 2025. Sayre will deliver two captivating presentations at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Join Shane Tucker, Nebraska’s Highway Paleontologist, at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center in Valentine, Nebraska, for a thrilling program on August 1! Did you know that some of the fossils found in Nebraska are over 300 million years old? Dive into the remarkable fossil heritage of Nebraska and the Niobrara River corridor at this exciting event!
A new National Park Service report shows that 80,000 visitors to Niobrara National Scenic River in 2023 spent $8 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 111 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $9.4 million.
