NIOBRARA STATE PARK
Situated at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers on Nebraska's northeastern border, Niobrara State Park offers visitors an opportunity to sample a wide range of outdoor experiences. Cabins, camping from RVs to tents, picnicking, swimming, boat ramps, Missouri River raft tours, horseback trail rides, hiking, fishing, history or communing with Mother Nature are all availble at this exceptional state park.
A large population of white-tailed deer call the park home, and wild turkeys roam freely through the cabin and tent camping areas. Beaver, muskrat and mink prowl the river banks, and the varied bird life ranges from the majestic eagle to the tiny chickadee. The song of the whippoorwill blends with the call of the coyote in a nighttime serenade. For the wildlife enthusiast, Niobrara offers ample photo opportunities or just the chance to observe the many species native to the area. Nature's bounty is readily visible during a drive along the park's seven miles of roads or a stroll along the 14 miles of hiking trails.
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Niobrara State Park's cabins sit high on the bluffs overlooking the beautiful Missouri River Valley. There are 12 two-bedroom cabins and seven three-bedroom cabins. All cabins are air conditioned and heated. Bedding, towels, cooking utensils and tableware are provided. Cabins have kitchenettes, complete with a small stove and refrigerator; a screened back porch and a patio with picnic table and grill.
Niobrara State Park offers beautiful tent camping spots tucked in to the hills overlooking the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers. For RVer's Niobrara offers a modern campground complete with 30-amp electrical hookups.
Other facilities include drinking water, modern restrooms, showers, dump station, picnic tables and grills. A handicap fishing bridge spans the Niobrara on the northern section of the park which offers excellent catfishing. Playground equipment for the youngsters is also available in the campground.
All campers must register. Reservations are accepted. Reservations are taken for 50% of the modern camping. Reservations are taken up to 1 year in advance of arrival day. Year to date reservations begin at 9 .m. CT, by phone, in person or over the Internet.
The tent camping area extends along three miles of extremely hilly, winding, one-way road. Grills and ground-level fire rings are provided for tenters. Many sites are situated on elevated hills adjacent to the Niobrara River. Cedar trees abound in the tent camping area, interspersed with groups of elm, hackberry and ash. Backpackers will also find Adirondack shelters here. Grills and picnic sites are located at various points along the one-way loop. One picnic shelter situated on the highest hill in the park, gives a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.
1. Niobrara State Park offers a modern swimming pool for visitors to enjoy.
2. The park's outdoor pool is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
3. Lifeguards are on duty during the operating hours of the swimming facility.
4. There's also an adjacent wading pool available specifically designed for young children and toddlers' safety in mind.
5. Visitors can rent inner tubes at the concession stand near the pools area.
6. The Missouri River borders Niobrara State Park but isn't recommended due to strong currents and boat traffic.
7. Swimming lessons aren't offered within this state park; guests should have basic swim skills before entering any water body here.
8. Pool parties or group reservations may be arranged with prior notice by contacting Nebraska Game & Parks Commission directly.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two boat ramps available, one on the Missouri River and another on Niobrara River. Canoeing is popular along these rivers due to their calm waters and scenic views. Additionally, there's an opportunity for tanking - floating down the river in large livestock tanks which can accommodate groups up to six people.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the Missouri River's diverse species, including catfish, walleye and bass. Boat ramps are available for use.
Niobrara State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables, grills and shelters. Some areas provide stunning views of the Missouri River.
Cycling enthusiasts can explore several miles of trails, suitable for all skill levels. Be wary of steep inclines.
The park offers a variety of terrains to navigate on two wheels - from paved roads to rugged dirt paths.
Remember that helmets are strongly recommended when biking in the area due to potential hazards and uneven terrain.
Biking after dark is not advised as there's limited lighting along most routes which could lead to accidents.
Ensure you have adequate water supplies before setting off; hydration stations may be sparse throughout your journey.
Check weather conditions beforehand since some trails might become impassable or dangerous during adverse weather situations.
Be cautious around wildlife encounters while cycling; keep safe distance and do not feed them under any circumstances.
Always adhere strictly with posted signs regarding trail closures or restrictions for bikers' safety purposes within this location.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 200 species of birds, including bald eagles and wild turkeys. The park's diverse habitats attract a variety of birdlife throughout the year. Birding trails offer opportunities for both novice and experienced bird watchers to explore different areas within the park.
Niobrara State Park offers a modern swimming pool; horseback trail rides led by wranglers; fishing in the nearby rivers; hiking the 14 miles of trail; bird watching and other nature study, or just a chance to loll in the shade away from the hectic pace of day-to-day living. Saturday evenings, Memorial Day through Labor Day, Niobrara State Park hosts a Buffalo Cookout.
The park maintains three boat access areas to the Missouri River at the old Niobrara townsite. The Verdel site is 8 miles upstream with toilets available. Ferry Landing is located 2 miles downstream close to Standing Bear Bridge.
The J. Alan Cramer Interpretive Center offers not only an exceptional view of the park, but it also highlights people and places that played key roles in the history of the area, including the story of the Ponca Indians.
Adjacent to the park is Bazile Creek Wildlife Management Area, which provides additional opportunity of wildlife viewing, fishing, boating and hunting in season.
Visitors may want to check out the site of the mosasaurus palentological find, an important one, since it was the first complete fossil of its kind found in Nebraska. Other areas of interest are the Ponca Cemetery, Mormon Monument, and the Ponca Agency and Standing Bear monument, as well as other local historical attractions. Ask for directions at the Park Office. The City of Niobrara offers a modern 9-hole, grass-greens golf course.
Driving directions for Niobrara SP
If you are driving from Omaha on I-29 to Sioux city, take Hwy 20 to Hwy 12, then 2 miles west of Niobrara, if traveling from the west on Hwy 12, Niobrara State Park is about 10 miles from the town of Verdel on Hwy 12.Niobrara State Park should not be confused with the popular Canoeing & Tubing river "The Niobrara River." The popular Niobrara River is located near the town of Valentine, NE. The town of Valentine is approximately 200 miles west of Niobrara State Park.