Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

This 19,000-acre refuge occupies the grounds of a former military fort established in 1879, now home to free-roaming bison, elk, and Texas longhorn cattle. The 3.5-mile auto tour loop winds through mixed-grass prairie and along the Niobrara River valley, passing prairie dog towns and offering wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. Visitor center provides maps and interpretive displays about the area’s military and natural history.

Main entrance is right off Highway 12, about 4 miles east of Valentine. Auto tour is accessible to any vehicle on gravel roads. Best wildlife viewing is early morning or evening. Refuge is open dawn to dusk daily, visitor center closed Sundays and federal holidays.

Historic fort with free-roaming bison and elk herds.