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The 19,131 acres of the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is home to elk, buffalo and white-tailed and mule deer.
A beautiful pine-dotted canyon, including many waterfalls, is a favorite starting point for canoeists on the river. A fee is charged for launching a canoe, kayak or tube.
The refuge is open year-round during daylight hours.
The visitor center, which includes exhibits on area wildlife and on the history of Fort Niobrara, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and in fall and winter months on weekdays only.
The land and water of Fort Niobrara have sustained a rich diversity of wildlife for thousands of years. Fossils from more than 20 extinct mammal species, including the long-jawed mastodon, giant bison, and three-toed horse, have been unearthed here. These animals roamed the area from 13 million years ago through the last ice age, about 12,000 years ago.
Two centuries ago, the refuge and surrounding area was a sea of grass, unbroken except for wooded streams and rivers. Low rainfall, sandy soil, periodic fires, and high winds limited the establishment of trees and the growth of some grasses. Magnificent herds of bison and elk inhabited the area along with sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chickens, prairie dogs, wolves, mountain lions, grizzly bears, and other wildlife. Native Americans followed the bison herds, using them to meet their food, clothing, shelter; and spiritual needs.
As European settlers moved westward in the late 1800s, market hunting and habitat loss caused once plentiful wildlife to decline dramatically. Bison nearly became extinct. Native Americans were moved onto reservations.
Fort Niobrara Military Reservation was established in 1879 to keep peace between the settlers and the Sioux and to control cattle rustlers and horse thieves. During its 27 years of existence, Fort Niobrara was a quiet place, the soldiers fought no battles, but were kept busy maintaining the fort and drilling. The fort was abandoned in 1906 and made into a remount station for the cavalry.
By 1912, this activity was discontinued and the fort dismantled. All that remains is one building (the red barn), old foundations, and earth works.
Outdoor Activities |
