Hit the Niobrara National Scenic River for water recreation surrounded by dramatic bluffs, diverse wildlife and gorgeous waterfalls. Dryland Aquatics in Sparks rents canoes, kayaks and tubes so you can explore at your own pace.
Make Springview’s historic Turtle Butte Lodge your base for hunting, fishing, wildlife tours and the like. Stay the night and lodge cooks, well-versed in wild fare, will prepare your bag for you.
At Ohiya Resort & Casino in Niobrara, on the Santee Sioux Reservation, play more than 25 varieties of machine games, check out the evening’s entertainment and enjoy restaurant specials. Traveling with kids? Resort guests can access an arcade and indoor heated pool.
Early May through early December, shop for woodcarvings, art prints, baked goods and more at the St. James Marketplace in Wynot. The market repurposes an old school on land with a story of its own, so explore the grounds.
Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway
Route Directions
From Valentine:
18 miles east on NE-12 to Sparks • 30 miles east on NE-12 to Springview
103 miles east on NE-12 to Niobrara • 28 miles east on NE-12 to Crofton
17 miles east on NE-12 to Wynot • 29 miles east on NE-12 to Ponca
Small-Town Stop: Crofton
Crofton calls itself the “Best Little Town by a Dam Site” because of its proximity to Lewis and Clark Lake. With just 700 residents, it’s a quiet place to take in some history and enjoy the outdoors.
DO Depending on the season, enjoy activities from swimming to ice-fishing at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area.
SHOP Browse thousands of treasures at family-run Jeanne's Antiques.
EAT Sit riverside at Murdos Aten Resort and enjoy a meal of freshwater fish.
STAY Check into the Historic Argo Hotel, a bed-and-breakfast, steakhouse and lounge.
For more information on the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway check out this trip idea!
