Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is 19,131 acres in size and located along the Niobrara River in north-central Nebraska. Fort Niobrara NWR was established by Executive Order in January 1912 as a “preserve and breeding ground for native birds.” Furthermore, the unusual, and unique assemblage of plant communities currently present at the Refuge (Sandhills Prairie, Mixed Prairie, Rocky Mountain Coniferous Forest, Eastern Deciduous Forest, and Northern Boreal Forest) support a rich diversity of wildlife generally unchanged from historic times. Under the Wilderness Act of 1964, a 4,635-acre portion of Fort Niobrara was designated a Wilderness Area in 1976; a portion of the Niobrara River through the Refuge was designated a National Canoe Trail by Congress in 1982; and, in 1991, a 76 mile stretch of the Niobrara River including the River through this Refuge was designated Scenic under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The refuge is located approximately 4 miles east of Valentine, Nebraska just off State Highway 12. From downtown Valentine, NE head north on N Main St and take a right on E 5th St; E 5th St. becomes Highway 12. Drive about 4.5 miles to 16D/County Road, and turn right over Cornell Bridge. Follow Refuge signs. 

Fort Niobrara Refuge offers two hiking trails, the Fort Falls Hiking Trail and the Wilderness Access Foot Trail. Both trails offer interesting views of wildlife and their various habitats.