The Niobrara National Scenic River is located in north-central Nebraska, United States, approximately 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Omaha. In 1991, Congress set aside 76 miles (120 km) along two stretches of the Niobrara River for preservation. The Niobrara River drains over 12,000 square miles of the Sandhills, one of the largest stabilized dune fields in the world. Take a leisurely float on this outstanding Great Plains river in north-central Nebraska. The westernmost 26 miles (40 km) of the Scenic River section, from the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (just east of Valentine) to the Rocky Ford portage, offer outstanding canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing. Considered a superb example of a Great Plains river, the Niobrara is home to over 500 plant species including many not otherwise found within the region, including birch, ponderosa pine and aspen (both quaking and bigtooth species). Youâ
