Niobrara

https://www.nps.gov/niob/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobrara_National_Scenic_River The Niobrara National Scenic River is in north-central Nebraska, United States, approximately 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Omaha. Congress set aside 76 miles (120 km) along two stretches of the Niobrara River for preservation, including: Fish and Wildlife, Scenery, Fossil Resources, High Water Quality, and Recreation. 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. Most visitors start their trip in the city of Valentine, Nebraska. Valentine is 76 miles south of I-90 (Murdo, SD Exit) on Hwy 83; or 130 miles north of I-80 (North Platte, NE Exit) on Hwy 83. The nearest major airports are in Rapid City, SD (220 miles); Denver, CO (391 miles); and Omaha, NE (300 miles) Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center Begin your journey down the Niobrara at the visitor center, where you may discover what makes this river so special through exhibits and a twenty minute park film. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions, help you plan your trip, or give you a list of outfitters who will provide transportation and canoes, kayaks, or tubes. The visitor center is located in Valentine, Nebraska, 76 miles south of I-90 (Murdo, SD exit) or 130 miles north of I-80 (North Platte, NE exit) via Hwy 83. Smith Falls State Park This state park Berry Falls along the Niobrara NSR. A beautiful, if short, waterfall empties into the side of the Niobrara NSR. Berry Falls is one of over 200 waterfalls that visitors may see along the Niobrara National Scenic River's bluffs. Taking photos along the Niobrara NSR A man takes a photo of a meandering river from an overlook. Parts of the river are shallow and meandering, making beautiful backdrops for people to take photographs. Fall colors along the Niobrara NSR Yellows, oranges, and greens dominate the fall colors along the Niobrara NSR. Autumn is a perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the Niobrara National Scenic River, from the river or the banks. Canoeing the Niobrara NSR Two people in one canoe paddle along the bluffs of the Niobrara NSR. The Niobrara is a peaceful place to paddle during the week. Relaxing canoeing on the Niobrara NSR A view from a canoe, with the photographer's feet resting on the bow, of the Niobrara NSR. Much of the Niobrara National Scenic River is easy paddling, suitable for novice canoers. Egelhoffs Rapids on the Niobrara NSR A paddler in a canoe goes through Class II Rapids on the Niobrara NSR. An experienced canoer takes on the Class II Egelhoffs Rapids along the Niobrara National Scenic River. Tubers congregate at Smith Falls State Park Many people on tubes float down the Niobrara. On Saturdays, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a great place to meet hundreds of other tubers. Bat Acoustic Monitoring at Niobrara National Scenic River The Northern Great Plains Inventory and Monitoring Network monitors bats to detect long-term trends in bat populations at Niobrara National Scenic River. Eight acoustic recording stations detect the unique ultrasonic calls bats use for echolocation. Monitoring helps protect the bat communities that live and forage in the park side view of a small light brown bat hanging upsidedown from a cave ceiling Landbird Monitoring in Niobrara National Scenic River The Niobrara National Scenic River is a crossroads where many animal and plant species coexist. and the central reach of the Niobrara River serves as an east-west avian corridor. As a result, the Niobrara Valley supports an exceptional biological diversity of birds. The Northern Great Plains Inventory and Monitoring Network has been surveying landbirds here since 2013. black songbird with vivid orange patches on its wing, sides, and under its tail. Shaping the System under President George H.W. Bush President George H.W. Bush was an ardent supporter of the national parks. Explore some the parks that are part of the legacy of the presidency of George H.W. Bush, who served as the 41st president of the United States from January 20, 1989 to January 20, 1993. President George H.W. Bush shaking hands with a park ranger at the World War II Memorial National Park Getaway: Niobrara National Scenic River Sometimes, you find the best things where you may least expect them. In the middle of the Great Plains, amid the waving golden prairie grasses of the Nebraska Sandhills, winds the Niobrara National Scenic River. An oasis in a dry landscape, the sight of the river is a dramatic change. Circle of tubers on the Niobrara River NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. [Site Under Development] kayak on river National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Winter Escapes on the Niobrara Escape to natures art gallery, watch for winter wildlife, or take a walk on the chilly prairie as a way to Niobrara National Scenic River in the winter. A bison with snow on its back in dead grass. Finding Peace on the Niobrara The Niobrara River is 76 miles of quiet winter peace in the heartland of Nebraska. Find a meandering abode of river banks, wildlife, and frozen waterfalls for mindfulness, peace, and inspiration. A hiker on a viewing platform covered in snow with a waterfall in the background. What to Know Before You Go Quick Guide to Floating the Niobrara River and Packing Checklist. Three canoes on a river with green banks and a blue sky. Finding Wellness in the National Parks Explore what wellness is and how you can tap into it while visiting Niobrara National Scenic River and other National Parks. A woman stands drawing the river and cliffs before her. Series: What to Know Before You Go Hoping to float down the river? Here's what our rangers think you should know before you go. Check out our recommendations for a great float, what to pack, and how to do it yourself or work with and outfitter. Two kids and a young woman paddling a canoe in the sunshine. Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Cenozoic Era The Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago [MYA] through today) is the "Age of Mammals." North America’s characteristic landscapes began to develop during the Cenozoic. Birds and mammals rose in prominence after the extinction of giant reptiles. Common Cenozoic fossils include cat-like carnivores and early horses, as well as ice age woolly mammoths. fossils on display at a visitor center The Republican 5-3-1889 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 5-3-1889. Highlights include: Short blurbs:Sunday parade abolished or not, Chaplin Lewis, Men relieved, Catholic mass, Troops, paymasters, Fine concert held Wednesday at post -a tribute, Lieut’s Hyde & Richardson movements, Brutal assault in the meeting of men two fort of company drinking parties on the prairie, Washington’s Centennial The Republican 4-19-1889 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 4-19-1889. Highlights include: New colored recruits, Two lovers separated, Gen. Hatch internment, Priv. Greer learns hard lesson, Privates’ hunting on furlough, Journalistic flattery, Fensch family’s move to Atlanta, Infantry Drum Major keeps wedding plans secret, Year’s first battalion drill, Some court martial humor, Private Moore sentenced. The Republican 6-7-1889 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 6-7-1889. Highlights include: Corporal Nulty promoted, New boarding house commenced, Dress parade scheduled, Troublesome Knatz more trouble than mosquitos, Monday payday more disorderlies, More fugitive settlers Indian scare, Gen. Kantz on business trip. The Republican 6-21-1889 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 6-21-1889. Highlights include: Record shooting, The Best have dwindled, Ft. Niobrara well-represented at circus in Valentine, Sad Accident Account of Full Military Funeral, At Last! -Decision on inspections. The Republican 5-31-1889 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 5-31-1889. Highlights include: Troups mustered, First accident, season’s shooting, Lieut. Stafford promoted, Extraordinary shooting story a hoax, A legal holiday observed, New buildings soon commensed, Lt. Co. Smith’s changes, Colony of settlers questions presence of Indian, Saturday’s entertainment - repeated applause. The Republican 5-24-1889 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 5-24-1889. Highlights include: Water tank in progress, New fort buildings could lead to a new restaurant, Old commissary’s future, Saturday entertainment, Baseball match, Cavalry vs. Infantry Game not finished, Record making shooting, Company drills, dress-parade, Free Concerts at Night, a lights spectacle, as well The Republican 4-12-1889 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 4-12-1889. Highlights include: Death of Col. Hatch, buggy accident, Spring’s appearance, Magic lantern show, lecture, Drinking misfortunes of colored soldiers, Hunting party’s humor report, Death and epitaph of a G troop fine horse, Engineer’s crew transforming kerosene cans, Sword and shield editorial on soldiers’ drinking The Republican 4-26-1889 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 4-26-1889. Highlights include: Sergent Armour, promoted, Sergt. Macie returns a married man, Hair dressing business has addition. Easter at the Fort was good, ball game, Temporary Hospital Steward, Private Graemer promoted, Coaches of Omaha board of trade pass the Fort, Quite a tale of a pair of boots. The Republican 12-7-1888 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 12-7-1888. Highlights include: Lieutenants’ 4-month leave, Upcoming nuptuals for non-com, Mrs. Whitney’s return from California, Building new spacious Hospital ward, Pastime Club annual “hop," Thanksgiving feast/service at Fort. The Republican 4-20-1888 Historic Newspaper Article, Transcribed from The Republican from Valentine, Nebraska. "Bugle Notes from the Fort" Column. Dated 4-20-1888. Highlights include: Ballgame, Fort vs. Valentine men, Social Club gave a hop, Visitors to the Fort, Performance at the Fort, Young People’s romantic behavior Floating with an Outfitter Guide to floating the Niobrara River using Local Outfitter's to rent gear and vessels. Floaters on tubes on a river with a tan bluff and blue sky behind. Floating with Your Own Gear Looking for advice on how to float the Niobrara River when you have your own equipment and want to avoid fees? Look no further! Here's our paddle guide for floaters with their own gear. Three people in a canoe, one turned back smiling at the camera. Neogene Period—23.0 to 2.58 MYA Some of the finest Neogene fossils on the planet are found in the rocks of Agate Fossil Beds and Hagerman Fossil Beds national monuments. fossils on display in a visitor center Cenozoic Era The Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago [MYA] through today) is the "Age of Mammals." North America’s characteristic landscapes began to develop during the Cenozoic. Birds and mammals rose in prominence after the extinction of giant reptiles. Common Cenozoic fossils include cat-like carnivores and early horses, as well as ice age woolly mammoths. fossils on display in a visitor center Buffalo Soldiers of Fort Niobrara Buffalo Soldier of Fort Niobrara, Nebraska, circa 1880's. African American soldier on a horse in a dusty landscape Series: Bugle Notes from the Fort "Dear sir, I was a drunkard for twenty-five years and can scarcely remember of being sober for a single day during that time...But thank heaven! I secured a pair of your intemperance proof shoes and have been a sober and happy man ever since." "The most troublesome things here are the knats which walk all over a man and defy you to capture them. You can kill a mosquito, which is a consolation itself, but a knat seems to have come into existence to keep the art of swearing from dying. African American Soldier on horseback, black and white historic photo. Floating the Eastern Niobrara River Hoping to canoe camp and see the entire Niobrara River? Here's our best advice for how to make it happen. Two canoers on shallow waters with grey sky behind. Physical Benefits of the National Parks On a visit to Niobrara National Scenic River, or another National Park, there are a variety of physical health benefits that a visitor can take with them when they go. Here is our synopsis of some physical health benefits that you might take with you. A man standing at a distance from the river with green prairie around him. Mental Benefits of the National Parks The National Parks are meant for the enjoyment and benefit of the people. Explore the mental benefits of getting outside and visiting your local National Park, especially Niobrara National Scenic River. Three hikers at the junction of a trail, observing a river flowing by. Bridges of the Niobrara Bison crossing the Niobrara National Scenic River via the Buffalo Bridge in the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Bison crossing bridge on a foggy morning Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Things to Do in Nebraska Find things to do, trip ideas, and more in Nebraska. Steep bluff with pink sky above and yellow leaves below. Top Ten Tips For the Niobrara National Scenic River Canoes on the Niobrara National Scenic River Canoes floating down the Niobrara National Scenic River on a sunny day. Series: Things to Do in the Midwest There is something for everyone in the Midwest. See what makes the Great Plains great. Dip your toes in the continent's inland seas. Learn about Native American heritage and history. Paddle miles of scenic rivers and waterways. Explore the homes of former presidents. From the Civil War to Civil Rights, discover the stories that shape our journey as a nation. Steep bluff with pink sky above and yellow leaves below. Series: Geologic Time—Major Divisions and NPS Fossils The National Park System contains a magnificent record of geologic time because rocks from each period of the geologic time scale are preserved in park landscapes. The geologic time scale is divided into four large periods of time—the Cenozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, Paleozoic Era, and The Precambrian. photo of desert landscape with a petrified wood log on the surface 2022 Excellence in Education Awards View 2022 recipients of the National Park Service Excellence in Education Awards, which recognize expertise within the field of education. Young students participate in an activity with a park ranger at a table outdoors. Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera.