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Niobrara State Park, NE

Niobrara State Park, Nebraska

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, horseback trail rides, hiking, fishing, history or communing with Mother Nature . . . it all awaits at this exceptional state park.

Modern facilities, including cabins, are open from mid-April through mid-November, while activities like the swimming pool and trail rides operate from Memorial weekend through Labor Day. Park grounds are open year-round for picnicking, hiking, sightseeing, and primitive camping.

Visitors are urged to practice safety at all times. Parts of the park are situated on high bluffs that can be hazardous for the unwary and the careless.

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Niobrara State Park Cabins

Niobrara SP Cabins
Niobrara SP CabinsNiobrara's 19 modern housekeeping cabins sit high on the bluffs, offering a commanding view of the breathtaking expanse of bluffs, cliffs and river. There are 12 two-bedroom units, and seven 3 bedroom units. 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.

A group lodge is available for conferences, retreats, family reunions and the like. Situated on a ridge overlooking the Missouri River, it, too, offers a spectacular view of the vicinity. The lodge has a well-equipped kitchen and rest rooms and Accommodates up to 110 people.

Reservations for all lodging may be made up to a year in advance.

Niobrara State Park Camping

Niobrara SP Camping
Niobrara SP CampingThe modern RV campground has 69 pads, all with 30 amp electrical hookups. Other facilities include drinking water, modern rest rooms, 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.

The tent camping area extends along three miles of extremely hilly, winding, one-way road. Grills and ground-level fire rings are provided for renters. 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.

Niobrara State Park Float Trips

Niobrara SP Floating
Niobrara SP FloatingSign up for Niobrara State Park's Upper Missouri River Float Trip and experience this grand river's history and natural wonders. There is nothing like the feeling of swirling water beneath and refreshing breezes all around as you float quietly past local wildlife in its natural habitat.

Float trip reservations are suggested to ensure your spot on this unique excursion. Call the number below for costs and available times. Departure times and trip lengths vary depending on the weather. Passengers depart from the park's main office at the specified times. Be sure to come prepared for the elements. Bring sun block, sunglasses, a hat and perhaps a lightweight long-sleeve shirt and trousers. If rain or other inclement weather is expected, proper protective clothing is a necessity. Be prepared to do some easy paddling, then settle into "The Little Pearl" and enjoy your Upper Missouri River Float Trip adventure.

The U.S. Coast Guard inspected craft that will transport you along the beautiful Upper Missouri River is a Zodiac inflatable workboat with a Honda 75 h.p. engine. This modern day explorer's vessel holds 10 passengers and is operated by a licensed Missouri River pilot. It was named "The Little Pearl" after a ferryboat that ran on the Missouri around the turn of the century.

Special trips can be arranged upon request.

Niobrara State Park Boating

Niobrara SP Boat Access
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.

Niobrara State Park Learning Centers

Niobrara SP Interpretive Center
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.

Visitors may want to check out the site of the mosasaurus paleontological 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.

Niobrara State Park Outdoor Activities

Niobrara SP Outdoor Activities
Niobrara SP Outdoor ActivitiesNiobrara State Park offers a modern swimming pool; horseback trail rides, led by wranglers; fishing in the old park lagoon and in 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.

Park Area Attractions

Niobrara 18

Hartington 12

Plainview 2

Neligh 4

Crofton 4

Park Area Events

Park Area Businesses

Niobrara 22

Hartington 8

Crofton 5