Niobrara National Scenic River

The Niobrara is a peaceful place to paddle during the week.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Person stand facing a river while holding pencil and drawing pad
Niobrara National Scenic River Issues Call for Art for 35th Anniversary Open Show
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.
A beautiful, if short, waterfall empties into the side of the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo
A man takes a photo of a meandering river from an overlook.
Photo by NPS Photo/Ryan Schmieder
Yellows, oranges, and greens dominate the fall colors along the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo
Two people in one canoe paddle along the bluffs of the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo
A view from a canoe, with the photographer's feet resting on the bow, of the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo/Ryan Schmieder
A paddler in a canoe goes through Class II Rapids on the Niobrara NSR.
Photo by NPS Photo/Solveig Perrett
Many people on tubes float down the Niobrara.
Photo by NPS Photo/Solveig Perrett