Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge - Valentine, Nebraska - Natural Wildlife Habitat

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is a natural wildlife habitat and tourist attraction located four miles east of Valentine along the Niobrara River in Nebraska. The Refuge is open during the daylight hours with fishing permitted from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Motor vehicles are only allowed on public use trails and driving on the ice or off-road is strictly prohibited.

The refuge provides an ideal chance for visitors to observe and learn about wildlife in their natural habitat. It was initially established in 1935 to protect part of the Sandhills and wildlife and eventually it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976. The Sandhills is the largest remaining tract of mid and tall grass prairie in North America with Indian grass, big and little bluestem, prairie sand reed, and sand love grass helping to shield the sand dunes from the strong winds.

Situated at the refuge is a visitor center, which opens from 8am to 4.30pm daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and Monday to Friday for the remainder of the year. Here visitors can see various displays and exhibits, a bookstore and staff are available to answer any questions about the refuge. It is hoped people will understand more about protecting endangered plants and animals and how this and other refuges in the country provide habitat, food, water, cover, and space for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and plants.

Visitors can take a three and a half mile self-guided tour on a car route that starts near the visitor center. Various natural and historic points of interest can be seen along the route including animals such as bison, elk and prairie dogs, and an accessible observation deck overlooking the scenic Niobrara River corridor is another feature. A nature trail running just less than a mile descends from the overlook to the base of Fort Falls, and then follows on to the river before taking visitors back up to the top of the canyon.

There are alternative ways of exploring the area such as on foot or by taking a float trip along the Niobrara River, which can take up to four hours. A small fee is charged for each watercraft launching on the refuge and some private owners in the area even rent their watercraft and provide shuttle services. Other activities at the wildlife refuge include watching the Bison Roundup and Auction each fall, or for the children there is a Kids Fishing Day and the Junior Ranger Program.

Over 230 bird species rest, feed or nest at the refuge such as golden-winged warblers, wood ducks, grasshopper sparrows, sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chickens. The animal population is perhaps dominated by the 350 bison and 100 elk but there are 48 other mammal species located here too. Visitors may also want to try and locate some of the 24 reptile and amphibian species, as well as several fish species amongst the wet and dry habitats of the refuge.