Hope to see you again! Visiting Valentine? Due to the high demand for floating on Saturdays. Along the 76-mile path of this river in Nebraska, there are plenty of opportunities to appreciate nature, learn about the history of Niobrara, have fun with family and friends, and have a wonderful time away from home. The Niobrara River is a VERY FAMILY safe river. The chteau was expanded by Maximilien de Bthune, first duke of Sully and prime minister of King Henry IV of France (1560-1641), who is buried on the grounds of his . We do take walk-ins, but strongly suggest that you make your reservation weeks in advance for weekend trips. Sparks, NE 69220 The scenery is amazing on this popular stretch of the Niobrara River. Starting your trip at Cornell (Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge launch site) , Berry Bridge or Smith Falls and ending at Berry Bridge, Smith Falls or Brewer Bridge. *You will have to portage around Rocky Ford and the Egelhoff Rapids. Starting (Departure Point) Please make reservation at least 1 week in advance. *$10 per vessel charge will be added to haul your equipment*. Tricks to find the perfect rig. At Rock Barn (mile 30), camp on a grassy terrace looking over the Niobrara Valley Preserve of The Nature Conservancy, where 60,000 acres of native grasslands and bottomland forest stretch uninterrupted along 25 miles of the river. US. Canoe, tube or kayak trip from Cornell Bridge (Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge launch site) to Smith Falls or Brewer Bridge. Recently Updated Tamales are a project, but many handseven tiny onesmake lighter work. Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska - Backpacker Red Tape Bring $5 per person for permits. We would love to help you set up your trip down the Niobrara River. Starting at Cornell, Berry Bridge, Smith Falls or Brewer Bridge and ending at Stan's Landing or Sunny Brook. SHUTTLE TIMES FOR ROCKY FORD CAMP AND OUTFITTERS Children 5-7 may ride with a parent depending on weight (Weight Limit 50 Pounds) Additional charge $5 per child - shuttle charge (1 child per paying adult) 54 QUART COOLER TUBES AVAILABLE $15 OVERSIZED COOLER TUBES PLEASE DO NOT BRING PERSONAL EQUIPMENT UNLESS YOU HAVE PRIOR APPROVAL FROM MANAGEMENT! The parks campground is accessible by RVs and trailers, but no RV facilities or campsites are available. SO WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU PAY. No parking or landing fees at Brewer Bridge. For many Midwesterners, holiday feasting kicks off with a relish tray. Pets are allowed. The scenery was wonderful, float was awesome, very relaxing, and an occasional walk in the water. *TAX ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. Everyone over 18 must sign our liability form, any one under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the form releasing consent. Family-Owned Nebraskan Company Offering Niobrara River Water Activities, The shuttle will leave at 11:45am from Brewer Bridge for shuttle upstream to Berry Bridge. This prairie river, designated under the US National Wild & Scenic Rivers System, is indeed extraordinary. See the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge from a whole new perspective. Sort By: Make the most of your river trip with our paddle guides, advice on renting equipment and what to know before you float. Additional Details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please call to bookour hotel shuttle service! We look forward to helping you get outdoors to experience a Niobrara River Adventure! Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes). Ponderosa pine creep in from the western mountains, mixing with paper birch straight out of a New England calendar. We of course monitor the river conditions and the Niobrara River was great this year! See you on the river! NE This year there would have been enough water but I would be concerned about the Niobrara being a little too fast for children. For a quick overview of our prices, check out our price list: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. The four miles of the Niobrara River always has a current. Come Again! Starting your trip at Cornell, Berry Bridge or Smith Falls and ending at Berry Bridge, Smith Falls or Brewer Bridge. Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Shoes suitable for wading (not flip flops) are recommended. We do not send anyone on the river if it is flooding or moving too fast. Day of reservations may not be available. 100 for any one day trip. Brown trout and rainbow trout are present within the tributaries of the river, and many skilled anglers are presented with challenges when trying to catch them. For this do-it-yourself spring wreath, we bundled inexpensive paper-mache eggs in fuzzy, vibrant yarn. The park is located 76 miles south of Interstate 90. Youll find that northern, western, and eastern forest ecosystems thrive in the area, in addition to three Great Plains prairie plant communities. Niobrara River Tubing Trip - Ultimate Guide! - The Prosperous Blonde At Smith Falls State Park (mile 16), beach your canoe on river right and hike up a short path to the highest falls in Nebraska (63 feet). Rates are per person for Kayaks, and Canoes. Seasonal Information: Des Moines' Hottest Food Neighborhoods You Need to Know About. ALL of our other 70+ other customers that day told us they had a GREAT time and at least 3 of the groups that day have already booked another trip. Top Things to Do in Valentine and the Niobrara River Valley Starting at Cornell, Berry Bridge, Smith Falls or Brewer Bridge and ending at Stan's Landing or Sunny Brook. To avoid the larger groups of people we suggest that you join us during the weekdays. Hear the stories of the people who know these waters best. Although there are no provisions for camping at Niobrara National Scenic River, there are loads of opportunities for fun. We can meet you at the Little Outlaw Office and instruct you to Brewer Bridge. Niobrara State Park's RV campground is set at the park's southeastern end, just a bit to the west of the Niobrara River. Rental Dryland Aquatics in Sparks does canoes, paddles, and PFDs for $30 per day, including shuttle. These guys are the real deal! Guided Raft Trips. Midwest Family Fun Tubing the Niobrara | Wander With Wonder We were happy to have you join us and hope you come again. During that time of year the water in the Verdigre creek is a little low. Launch your canoe at the Cornelle Bridge, drift two miles to the Fort Falls Nature Trail, and tie up for a sidehike. See you on the river! PLEASE KEEP THIs IN MIND WHEN YOU book your trip. Thanks for joining us and your kind review! We do trips by reservation only. Fall is prime time, thanks to mild daily highs and no bugs. Usually, we see a few people in canoes and kayaks in the area by mid-April, weather depending. Keep an eye out for loner bull bison that sometimes walk down from the prairies to graze along the stream. Both Diane and Calvin are so friendly and helpful in giving directions to you prior to the trip on the rivers(Verdigre and Niobrara) to make it a great day for you. One of the state's best fishing lakes, the reservoir (26 miles southwest of Valentine) also hosts the annual Nebraska Star Party, which attracts astronomers of all skill levels for lectures and stargazing. They are available at the park office. (800) 337-3119; drylandaquatics.com. Date Released We visited in the off season but they made it very easy. 2 Hour: Ft Niobrara to Berry or Berry to Brewer Bridge 3 Hour: Ft Niobrara to Nichols Landing/Smith Falls State Park (6 people minimum with the shuttle as well as weekday only) 3 Hour: Berry Bridge to Penbrook 4 Hour: Ft Niobrara to Brewer Bridge(Monday through Friday only) 5 Hour: Ft Niobrara to Penbrook Check-In: It is rare in our area to have the Niobrara River flood. The custom hotel shuttle is an excellent option for those staying in Valentine and surrounding areas who have a tubing adventure . Took an afternoon trip with Niobrara Adventures, with 16 teens and 2 adult sponsors (Cross Country Team-building Trip), we were staying in the State Park nearby. At 70 feet, the icy shower of Smith Falls (east of Valentine) is the state's tallest. Hoping to go again! Licensed and Insured through the state of Nebraska. There are no direct public transportation services to Niobrara National Scenic River. Lots of wildlife/birds can be seen along the way, bald eagles nest, least tern, pelicans, etc. Starting at Cornell, Berry Bridge, Smith Falls or Brewer Bridge and ending at Rock Barn. Dryland Aquatics This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Hundreds of bird species, bison and elk populate six major habitats at the 19,131-acre refuge 4 miles east of Valentine. Very poor Expirence. But any other time of the year, youll find its cool, spring-fed waters empty and idyllic. Brewers Canoers The Niobrara is a class I river with class II and III rapids. Day of reservations may not be available. The staff had our reservation incorrect and basically called us incompetent. We enjoyed every part of it and the staff went over and above to make sure that we had everything for our float trip!! Float Times & Map. Paddle Nebraska's Niobrara River - Backpacker Float Times & Map - Graham Canoe Outfitters On hot summer weekends, as many as 2,000 tubers bob down north-central Nebraskas Niobrara River. We are now offering trips starting from Berry to either Brewer Bridge (4 hour trip) and to Stan's Landing (6 hour trip). At times the walls of the valley would close in giving rise to 50-75 ft embankments and sometimes these embankments had waterfalls flowing right into the river. I havent herd of any floods but im not sure. This casual Valentine eatery dishes generous portions of comfort food, like chicken-fried steak and beer-battered french fries. The chteau of Sully-sur-Loire dates from the end of the 14th century and is a prime example of a medieval fortress. We appreciate your concern about floating too much this year. Loved having your group! We regret to hear that the river missed the mark with your experience. 2023 Prices - Dryland Aquatics But if you need a rush, try the river's signature ritual: a walk into the icy 63-foot shower of Smith Falls, one of more than 180 waterfalls around Valentine (300 miles northwest of Omaha). Must have park sticker to park a Smith Falls State Park. Guided walks and programs that tell stories about the park are offered by rangers at some of these areas too. Arrangements can be made for large groups staying in Valentine. Water flows determine amount of portaging so be prepared to walk with your tube in low water areas. Our Water Adventures is a combination of floating, walking, and exploring. And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. NO HIDDEN FEES. Most of our customers use our shuttle service as it is both convenient and reasonable. The Niobrara runs east-west through the prairies in an ecological transition zone rich with crossover species. After a brief stop at the waterfall you will continue for about 2 more hours to your final destination at Brewer Bridge. Berry Bridge Campground/launch or landing site: launching or landing, and camping. With your trip starting at Cornell (Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge launch site) and ending at Smith Falls or Brewer Bridge on day one. Call for price and more info. NO HIDDEN FEES. The trip took us about 3 hours. All children 12 and under are required to wear life jackets at all times. Camping at Smith Falls. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon effortlessly gliding down the river on an inflatable tube. Explore the scenery, sandbars, and wildlife of the beautiful mouth of Niobrara River by Niobrara, Nebraska. Is there lots of walking involved or just get in tube and float? Sully-sur-Loire - Wikipedia Rates are per person. Such breaks may reward you with a colorful sighting: Waterfowl and shorebirds, including rare piping plovers and interior least terns, nest on the many sandbars. 41115 Sparks Rd Hiking, biking, and wildlife watching keep our visitors busy. If youd prefer a quiet trip, theres room for that also. *TAX IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. Wear watershoes or sandals and get ready to drag your canoe for short stretches if you misjudge the depth and run aground on the sandy shoals. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Rocky Ford Camp and Outfitters - Canoe Rentals, Kayak Rentals (800) 337-3119; drylandaquatics.com Red Tape Bring $5 per person for permits. Save some time and download our liability disclaimer and have your groups sign it. Remember: Someone will have to get wet to land the tanks at your finish site. Parking fees and landing fees can be paid at the campground. It is unfortunate that you did not enjoy your trip. $40 Weekday Special $40 per person Monday - Thursday 8:30 & 10:30 Shuttle Canoe, tube or kayak trip from Cornell Bridge (Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge launch site) to Smith Falls or Brewer Bridge Find out more Price List 2023 1 Day Tube Trip more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. There, you will leave your car and we will shuttle you up to Berry Bridge, your launch point. Accurate weather information from weather.gov, 214 W US Highway 20 As clearly stated on our website there is a hall mile of the Verdigre before you get into the Niobrara River. . This includes a shuttle from Sparks and life jackets. Far removed from the urban landscape (the closest major city is about 300 miles away), this national scenic river and major canoeing destination runs less than waist-deep and never gets too crowded to enjoy. Those who venture inland find hiking trails through the river valley and climbs to uninterrupted views. The weather was perfect! We provide life vests to all customers that they can use for floating in the rare circumstances a tube may deflate. No matter which trip you choose, you are sure to enjoy the Niobrara river. Thats because the activity is extremely enjoyable and refreshing. Thanks, Diane. It has its own parking lot. Once youve finished tubing, we will meet you and take you back to your accommodation. A mix of rolling . To become a National Scenic River, a river stretch must meet certain criteria and they must have site-specific outstanding remarkable values. Please make reservation at least 1 week in advance. Valentine, Most trips start from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Canoe Launch Site. Transportation. Map and Guidebook Get them both in the waterproof Niobrara River Guide ($15, niobrarariverguide.com). Hi i am Carley and I took my familt there last year. We will pick you up at your campsite. Approaching Valentine, the trail crosses the Niobrara River on a century-old, 148-foot-high steel trestle bridge; stop for valley views. If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 or believe you have been exposed, please call as soon as possible to reschedule/cancel your trip. Price 4 person tank- $349 includes shuttle Tour Highlights This is very unique way to float the Niobrara River in itself. We learned that the Niobrara is actually rated as a top-10 river for canoeing in the United States. Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is the place to see the Old West's shaggy mascot; about 350 bison live there. Put in the water on the Verdegris River which flows into the Niobrara about 1/2 mile downstream. We do by reservation so we can try to care for our customers in a timely manner. We needed to care for those customers first. Cowboy Trail. Rounding a bend, youre as likely to see a herd of eastern whitetails as a dozen mule deer. Your group was one hour early as confirmed even by the person in your group who made the reservation. Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites. They do tell you to be prepared to do some walking depending on the level of the water on the rivers that day. Located around Valentine, Nebraska, Niobrara National Scenic River features a Visitor Center that can be accessed by vehicles along Highway 20. . Come midweek to avoid summer's weekend canoe traffic. Extremely friendly staff. Penbrook Landing/Campground: landing and camping. River trips range from 2 hours all the way to 6 hours, depending on your trip selection and date. Niobrara National Scenic River (U.S. National Park Service) To inspire people getting out and exploring the Niobrara National Scenic River complete the Niobrara River Challenge! The Outlaw Scenic Byway, or Nebraska State Highway 12, passes right through the southern edge of Niobrara State Park, which is located just two miles west of the town of Niobrara. Our services include shuttle service and your choice of vessel - Canoe, Kayak, and of course our most popular the giant float Tubes. For groups of 8+ we can shuttle you from your hotel/motel in Valentine and drop you to Berry Bridge where youll begin your trip. This is when we move your vehicle from one landing to another. So sorry, we didn't notice we had a question. At the center, a film about the park is on hand, as well as park rangers who are available to answer all your questions. If two children want to share, one will pay full price and the other will pay the extra rider fee. We could have went on longer being so much fun! Back on the Niobrara, continuous riffles whisk you five miles through the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. This includes a shuttle from Sparks, life jackets and paddles (canoes and kayaks only) * TAX, LAUNCH AND LANDING FEES ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. In addition to these birds, several threatened and endangered bird species on federal and state lists are commonly found in Niobrara. The channel races through an easy class 2 rapid. Rental Dryland Aquatics in Sparks does canoes, paddles, and PFDs for $30 per day, including shuttle. Whether in summer, spring, or fall, youre guaranteed a wonderful paddling experience in your watercraft. As for the equipment rented one of the tubes had a hole in it. On our most popular trip you'll experience a wonderful stretch of the Niobrara River, from Ft. Niobrara to Brewer Bridge. Call us at 1-800-337-3119 to make a reservation. Thanks for your review and hope to see you again! Weekends usually have a large amount of visitors enjoying the water. If you'd like to set up or inquire about a "group booking" call us at 402-376-2046. We did see an eagle and least tern on our trip. These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing, Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland, An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make, Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall, DIY Pistachio Wheat Stalks for Fall Decorating, Exploring in Nebraska's Stunning Sandhills, 76 miles of the Niobrara designated as a national scenic river. more, River Rafting & Tubing Kayaking & Canoeing. COVID-19 UPDATE: We are looking forward to providing you with a socially-distanced outdoor adventure during this challenging time! Note: We no longer take out at Rocky Ford. With your trip ending at Rock Barn *You will have to portage around Rocky Ford and the Egelhoff Rapids. This is very unique way to float the Niobrara River in itself. Definitely a highlight of my vacation. A 76-mile stretch of the Niobrara River, including the River through the Ft. Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), was designated Scenic by Public Law 102-50 in 1991. We have two main shuttle options for our tubing trips: Staying close to the Niobrara? Paddlers on the Niobrara . Download the app. Volunteers are an important part of the National Park Service mission! This cost of the tubing + hotel shuttle is $90-95 per person. In fact, a 76-mile portion of the Niobrara River was designated as a national scenic river for its breathtaking natural beauty, and wildlife. Parking fees and landing fees can be paid at the campground. On this trip youll have the chance to see the impressive Smith Falls waterfall, Nebraskas highest waterfall. As a result, the park is a popular destination for these water-related recreational activities. See how you can tap into finding wellness while you explore the National Parks. Family-Owned Nebraskan Company Offering Niobrara River Water Activities. Tubed last week in July '14 and the Verdegris river level is low so there was more walking that hoped. Explore the natural characteristics along the Niobrara National Scenic River. Thank you so Much Marlene and Harlan. Niobrara Adventures: Hours, Address, Niobrara Adventures Reviews: 4/5, Nice tubing options and excellent service. Fees 76 miles of Free-Flowing Fun With a little something for everyone, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a destination for crossing adventures off your bucket list. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We require a deposit of 1/2 to hold your equipment. It was built at a strategic crossing of the Loire river. Easy way to see the river. Paddled by moonlight? The majority of the visitors at Niobrara National Scenic River come there to float on the river either by canoe, kayak, tube, or raft. SO WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU PAY. Niobrara National Scenic River - Fort Niobrara Launch Site, There are many landings and launch sites for canoes, kayaks, and tubes on the Niobrara National Scenic River. Your group chose to wait at the end of your trip for your shuttle back. We're sorry that the trip did not go well for you. On day two, youll come to the wildest part of the river. Ferrires-en-Gtinais ( French pronunciation: [fj tin]; literally "Ferrires in Gtinais ") is a commune in the Loiret department in north-central France. The area is smaller than in the past and the access to the water is steeper. Holds two adults or one adult and up to two kids. Estimated finish time is 4:00 pm at Brewer Bridge, Tank set up with camp chair seating and lifejacket, This trip is suitable for beginners, however we do need to make sure at least one person is willing to get out and help tow the craft to shore at the finish site. Each member of your group will be required to sign a waiver before embarking on your tubing trip. It's an excellent river for beginners, though if the water is low, you will . Must have park sticker to park a Smith Falls State Park. All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian. They are both very knowledgeable about the area. SO WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU PAY. Keep your eyes open for glimpses of wild turkeys, ducks and geese, plovers, herons, kingfishers, kestrels, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, coyotes, and even wild elk. As with most rivers, we explain to all customers there is logs or sticks that you need to watch for while floating that may puncture your tubes. Keep your eyes out for herons, bald eagles and other species along your trip! If you fancy such activities, youll find waterfowl, game birds, white-tailed deer, as well as other wildlife that you can hunt for within the parks area. Rental comes with Paddle and PFD.-We offer Kayak Delivery and Retrieval services in immediate area that includes the Niobrara River and Missouri River-We offer Shuttle Service for one driver to . We will then instruct you to Berry Bridge launch point where you will begin your trip. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. For the most upscale accommodations in the Valentine area (and great golf along three courses), head to the well-appointed lodge and cabins at this golf resort. The half mile of Verdigre is sometimes all floatable, sometimes partially floatable, with some walking. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. All prices for the rental of canoes, tubes and kayaks include shuttle from Sparks, life jackets, paddles for (canoes and kayaks only). Thanks for joining us and your kind review. Consult our, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge has one. Join us on one of our tubing trips along a beautiful stretch of the Niobrara River. The Delicate, Spongy Basic Crepe Recipe You Can Master at HomePlus 4 Ways to Upgrade It. Approaching Valentine, the trail crosses the Niobrara River on a century-old, 148-foot-high steel trestle bridge; stop for valley views. SIMPLE RESERVATIONS - our online system handles individual and group reservations. Another runs a microbakery from her home. A few hundred yards into a juniper-filled sandstone canyon, youll reach the 40-foot-high falls. All of these add up to about 160 plant species inhabiting the park. The rails-to-trails route runs 195 miles from Norfolk to Valentine. Kayaking the Niobrara River - Saving Time in a Bottle You'll have four hours to relax on a giant tube, floating down the slow flowing, Niobrara river. Niobrara Adventures 4 8 reviews #1 of 2 Tours & Activities in Niobrara River Rafting & Tubing Kayaking & Canoeing Closed now 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Write a review See all photos About Tube & Kayak rentals on Niobrara river with shuttle service. Those who venture inland find hiking trails and wildlife in two national refuges and climbs to uninterrupted views. Korean egg sandwiches, Australian baked goods,Southeast Asian bing bing wrapsheres an in-the-know guide to eating your way throughthis culinary capital. Here are some guidelines we follow to help ensure your safety during your visit: Advance reservations are required. Welcome to Brewers Canoers and Tubers, your premier destination for river trips down the beautiful Niobrara River. Little Outlaw was so accommodating for our last minute plans and made everything fun and easy! Campground Adventures - Niobrara Adventures Campground & Beach Our services include shuttle service and your choice of vessel - Canoe, Kayak, and of course our most popular the giant float Tubes. You will do more floating when the river if fuller in the beginning of the year or after a rain. As a result, youll need to request permission from the landowner(s) before hunting on private property. Parking fee and landing fees for Berry Bridge can be paid at the iron box.