Of Nebraska’s many natural wonders, the Niobrara Valley Nature Preserve is one of the most biologically diverse and visually stunning. Formed in 1980 by the Nature Conservancy, this 56,000-acre property is located in north-central Nebraska and, luckily for us, is open to the public.

This is one of the largest areas in the Great Plains set aside for conservation, and one of the Nature Conservancy’s largest preserves.

YouTube/Amanda Hefner The Nature Conservancy leases land to local ranchers on which to graze their cattle. This, along with grazing bison (more on that later) and prescribed burns, is helping the stewards of the land as they try to return the grassland to its pristine natural state.

Twenty-five miles of the scenic Niobrara River are contained in the preserve.

By National Park Service (National Park Service) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons This breathtaking river is one of Nebraska’s treasures. Many species of animals and plants thrive in the water and along the river’s banks.

The Niobrara also displays some of the state’s most stunning topography, from the sandhills on the south side to the tall bluffs along the north bank and a variety of cascading waterfalls.

YouTube/Amanda Hefner Floating down the Niobrara with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks is a favorite summer activity. The people who partake in the fun not only help maintain public awareness of this beautiful place; they also feed millions of dollars into the local economy each year.

The preserve has a sizable bison herd that was introduced in 1985.

By National Park Service [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Tours to see the herd are another very popular activity here. Native bison once roamed here but were hunted out of existence. Before this herd of 500 was introduced, bison hadn’t lived in the area for more than 100 years. Seeing these majestic animals in their native habitat is an experience that will leave you speechless.

This special place is known as a “biological crossroads” thanks to its unique mix of six ecological classifications.

YouTube/Amanda Hefner Hundreds of species of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects live on the preserve, making it an area of great biological significance. The Nature Conservancy works tirelessly to protect the land and everything that relies on it, preventing development by humans and encroachment by invasive and non-native plant species.

Thankfully, the preserve is open to visitors so we can all enjoy the spectacular sights here.

YouTube/Amanda Hefner There is a visitors center on the property where you can read about the ecology of the preserve and the history of the area. There are two trails available to hikers on the preserve, providing the perfect opportunity to see nature’s handiwork up close.

You probably won’t be able to get this close to the bison on your tour, but even at a distance these animals are absolutely beautiful.

YouTube/Amanda Hefner

The Nature Conservancy leases land to local ranchers on which to graze their cattle. This, along with grazing bison (more on that later) and prescribed burns, is helping the stewards of the land as they try to return the grassland to its pristine natural state.

By National Park Service (National Park Service) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

This breathtaking river is one of Nebraska’s treasures. Many species of animals and plants thrive in the water and along the river’s banks.

Floating down the Niobrara with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks is a favorite summer activity. The people who partake in the fun not only help maintain public awareness of this beautiful place; they also feed millions of dollars into the local economy each year.

By National Park Service [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Tours to see the herd are another very popular activity here. Native bison once roamed here but were hunted out of existence. Before this herd of 500 was introduced, bison hadn’t lived in the area for more than 100 years. Seeing these majestic animals in their native habitat is an experience that will leave you speechless.

Hundreds of species of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects live on the preserve, making it an area of great biological significance. The Nature Conservancy works tirelessly to protect the land and everything that relies on it, preventing development by humans and encroachment by invasive and non-native plant species.

There is a visitors center on the property where you can read about the ecology of the preserve and the history of the area. There are two trails available to hikers on the preserve, providing the perfect opportunity to see nature’s handiwork up close.

The video below gives a complete history of the Niobrara Valley Preserve, including interviews with the ranchers who protect and manage the land.

To get to the Niobrara Valley Preserve from Ainsworth, take Highway 20 west for approximately 10 miles. Turn onto the country road toward Norden and continue another 16 miles. For a detailed map and more information about this magical place, visit The Nature Conservancy’s website.

For more of our state’s lovely sights, check out the 8 Most Incredible Natural Wonders of Nebraska.

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