Fort Niobrara Wilderness

Fort Niobrara Wilderness is a protected area in northern Nebraska covering 5,000 acres of grasslands, steep bluffs, forests, and sections of the Niobrara River. The terrain shifts between open plains and wooded ravines, with the river winding through the landscape and shaping the land's character.

The area originated as a military fort in the late 1800s and became a National Wildlife Refuge in 1912 to protect native bird species. This transformation marked the shift from military use to conservation of the land and its wildlife.

The land carries the imprint of Native American presence and frontier settlement across the Great Plains, visible in the unchanged landscape that surrounds you. Walking through it offers a sense of how this region looked to those who came before.

The area is open from sunrise to sunset, and visitors should bring plenty of water and wear weather-appropriate clothing since conditions can change quickly. Trails can be sandy or muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended for comfortable walking.

The refuge houses approximately 350 bison that roam the grasslands, and protects over 200 bird species including prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse. These animals thrive here because the landscape is actively managed to maintain their habitats.