With the opening of the frontier and westward expansion the bison were almost decimated and in 1912, a Nebraskan named J. W. Gilbert offered six buffalo and seventeen elk to the federal government if land could be found to house them. The lands in and around old Fort Niobrara, built originally to protect homesteaders, were chosen to house Gilbert's animals and would become part of the refuge that exists today. In 1936, a herd of Texas longhorn cattle was also established on the refuge and its descendants continue to graze the grounds today. In 1991, a 76-mile stretch of the Niobrara was designated as a National Scenic River in recognition of a Great Plains river rich in biological diversity. Of these 76 miles, a route from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge to the area before Norden Bridge offers paddlers a mostly uninterrupted trip of just over 30 miles.
Longer trips are possible but require either numerous portages or hazarding low water.
It also provides for excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities. The river flows through the refuge framed by high cliff walls, rolling prairie, and scattered groups of bison, elk, deer, and longhorn cattle. Work Outdoors at GORP Jobs Click Here. All rights reserved. Privacy policy .