Niobrara Valley Preserve

The Niobrara Valley Preserve spans 56,000 acres across Brown and Keya Paha counties, featuring pine canyons, grasslands, and a 25-mile section of the Niobrara River.

The Nature Conservancy acquired this land in 1980, transforming former cattle ranching territories into a conservation area that reintroduced bison after a century-long absence.

The preserve functions as an educational center where researchers, ranchers, and students collaborate on projects to maintain ecological balance through traditional grazing methods.

Visitors can explore two designated hiking trails near the visitor center, with options for both long and short loops offering views of the Niobrara River.

The preserve contains six ecological systems, housing 581 plant species, 213 bird types, and maintaining two separate bison herds across 19,500 acres of grazing land.

Location: Nebraska

GPS coordinates: 42.78340,-100.02800

Latest update: March 5, 2025 01:28