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Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

102 Reviews

#2 of 15 things to do in Valentine

Features Animals

Nature & Parks, Nature & Wildlife Areas

Valentine, NE

Review Highlights

“Pristine ”

Valentine is a great scenic weekend getaway road trip spot. The refuge area along the Niobrara... read more

Reviewed 4 days ago

dcruznm

Dakota Dunes, South Dakota

via mobile

“Lots of bison and prairie dogs!”

What a wonderful drive through refuge. Bison up close and personal. Don't miss the falls, which are... read more

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

hern2

Youngstown, Ohio

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Certificate of Excellence

Traveler Overview

4.0 102 reviews

Excellent53%
Very good29%
Average12%
Poor5%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“bison”(34 reviews)

“prairie dogs”(40 reviews)

“visitor center”(11 reviews)

About

Prairie dogs, antelope and buffalo are some of the animals that can be spotted at this wildlife refuge.

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Valentine, NE

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1 - 10 of 101 reviews

dcruznm

Dakota Dunes, South Dakota

184

Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

Pristine

Valentine is a great scenic weekend getaway road trip spot. The refuge area along the Niobrara River is serene and expansive. The water falls, bison herd, prairie dog field and open grasslands make it breathtaking.

Date of experience: May 2019

Thank dcruznm

Diane B

Arlington Heights, Illinois

7137

Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Quick hike and saw the buffalo!

After spending the day in the car, this was a great little hike before we ate dinner and spent the night in town.

Date of experience: May 2019

Thank Diane B

hern2

Youngstown, Ohio

7436

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Lots of bison and prairie dogs!

What a wonderful drive through refuge. Bison up close and personal. Don't miss the falls, which are a short hike through well-maintained paths and include metal staircases.

Date of experience: April 2019

Thank hern2

PAtraveler04

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

128

Reviewed April 23, 2019

Excellent Wild Life Drive

Went there is March, so visitor center not open on the weekend. The wild life drive was great, saw elk, praire dogs,a badger. Be aware the roads can be muddy. If you go, be sure to hike down to the falls and to the upper...More

Date of experience: March 2019

Thank PAtraveler04

dogchow2016

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

6815

Reviewed November 17, 2018

A Hidden Gem

We recently toured the refuge as a side trip when we visited a friend who is a traveling nurse working in Valentine, NE. What a surprise! The refuge is a wonderful combination of prarie grassland and a beautiful river gorge with multiple waterfalls. The park...More

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank dogchow2016

lewisplace

Mason City, NE

14422

Reviewed November 10, 2018

Beautiful landscape

During the hours just before dusk, we failed to see much wildlife, but the roads are well maintained and the landscapes quite beautiful.

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank lewisplace

Jeff C

West Des Moines, Iowa

Reviewed September 27, 2018

Where The Buffalo Roam!

Really cool side trip during a visit to Prairie Club. Plenty of buffalo and gophers to view, plus other wildlife. Highly worth an hour of your time to see a rare part of nature and history.

Date of experience: August 2018

Thank Jeff C

Sunsetred42

San Antonio, Texas

Reviewed August 29, 2018 via mobile

Fort falls

This waterfall is located in the wildlife refuge. It’s very steep but has good steps and railing. Well worth the walk. You will drive through the prairie dog town on your way to the falls. Stop and watch for awhile. They’re cute.

Date of experience: August 2018

Thank Sunsetred42

Seahawkfan12

Salina

27178

Reviewed August 28, 2018

Prairie dogs and a waterfall, no elk or bison were visible

I was hoping to see elk or bison but they were hiding while I was there. The abundance of prairie dogs and sunflowers made up for it. The hike to the waterfall was easy and fun, and the falls are lovely. I wish the trail...More