The town of Valentine serves as the logical beginning to a trip along this prairie river. Several outfitters are based here and offer canoes or float tubes as well as shuttle service. Valentine is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and 83 in north-central Nebraska. Fort Niobrara Refuge is located four miles east of Valentine off Nebraska Highway 12. The Refuge offers overnight parking.
Outfitters also offer shuttle service to the refuge.
May through September are the most popular months to canoe the Niobrara. Be advised that weekend activity on the river can be heavy as recreational tubers compete with canoeists for space. All rights reserved.