3 Gorgeous Frozen Waterfalls In Nebraska That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

If you’ve ever wondered – aloud or to yourself – “Are there waterfalls in Nebraska?” you may actually be surprised at the answer: Yes! While many folks are surprised to learn that Nebraska has any waterfalls at all, they’re even more surprised to hear that we’ve got more than 200 of them. The majority of the cascades are located along the Niobrara River, as tributaries make their way toward the larger stream. Most of the waterfalls in Nebraska are gorgeous any time of the year, but if you’ve never seen them frozen in the winter, you’re in for a real treat! To see what we mean, check out this trio of frozen waterfalls in waterfalls in Nebraska.

Niobrara National Scenic River/Facebook

Located on the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Falls is a popular hiking destination in the summer. When the temperatures dip low enough, however, this picturesque waterfall looks like a crystal-covered treasure, and it's definitely worth a winter visit! The ​​trail to the falls is an easy, one-mile loop; whenever you hike in the winter, though, make sure you're dressed appropriately for the weather.

Fort Falls Trail, Ft Fls Trl, Valentine, NE 69221, USA

Jared Fitzgerald/Google Reviews

During your visit to the refuge, be sure to keep your eyes open for the 350 bison that still roam here, as well as coyotes, fox, and deer, all of which are year-round residents.

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Smith Falls State Park, 90159 Smith Falls Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, USA

National Park Service

As the tallest waterfall in the state, Smith Falls gets a lot of attention. It doesn't hurt that it's located right on the Niobrara and accessed via a truly charming hike. The hike to the waterfall is along an easy, ​​1.1 mile, out and back trail. The waterfall rarely freezes completely, but even partially frozen it's absolutely lovely.

Check out this YouTube video from BJ Roshone to get a glimpse of Smith Falls in the wintertime:

steveodonnell/Getty Images

Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St, Louisville, NE 68037, USA

Jarod Wenger/Google Reviews

One of the most easily accessible and therefore most often photographed falls in the state, the Stone Creek Falls at Platte River State Park are a real gem. The falls at Platte River State Park are short and wide and empty into a sweet little pool below, and when the water freezes in the winter it looks like something out of a painting. You can access the falls by taking a short, easy .4 mile - out and back - trail from the parking lot to the falls. But there are many more ​​trails in this park if you wish to explore further.

While there are plenty of photographs out there of Nebraska’s waterfalls in the summer when the water is flowing, pictures of them in their frozen state are harder to come by. If you’ve captured any and would like to share, be sure to post them in our comments. We’d love to see them! Also, remember when you’re out exploring this winter, be sure to pack all the cold weather essentials you’ll need to stay safe and warm out there.

Interested in seeing more waterfalls in Nebraska? Here are five of the Cornhusker State’s most well-known waterfalls.