Photo: Sandra Uecker/USFWS · Public domain, cropped to fit and resized
Wildlife refuge in Nebraska
Fort Niobrara Refugewildlife
At Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Male sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chickens display on their leks in April and May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (a season, not a peak). Its usual window for this year has passed.
Checked against 3 official sources.How we check
Local timing
In April and May
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Add the usual window to my calendarAbout Fort Niobrara Refuge
What it is
A wildlife refuge in Nebraska
What you'll see
- Grouse and prairie-chicken leks, in April and May (a season)
Before you go
- Access: Open to explore on foot in daylight hours.
Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge ↗
Right now at Fort Niobrara Refuge
From the Weather Service and the Park Service
Next 7 days
Forecast: National Weather Service
- Today74° 52°2% rain
- Mon87° 55°–
- Tue80° 51°–
- Wed76° 52°1% rain
- Thu73° 51°3% rain
- Fri76° 58°3% rain
- Sat80° 54°10% rain
Heads up. Windy (winds up to 20 mph): Monday, Friday Night, Saturday, Saturday Night.
Today: sunrise 7:43 a.m., sunset 7:19 p.m., light until 7:48 p.m. Moon waning crescent, 32% lit (our calculation).
Your guide to the area
Best spots and nearby places
- Fort Niobrara Refuge
- Nearby, next spring
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census; Canada, Mexico and lakes Natural Earth; spot positions agency pages.
Where to watch
Fort Falls Hiking Trail
One of the refuge's two hiking trails
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗ · Under the place's pin
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗Under the place's pinWilderness Access Foot Trail
The way into the Fort Niobrara Wilderness, open on foot in daylight
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗ · Not on the map
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗Not on the map
Around Fort Niobrara Refuge
In season first, then nearest; straight-line miles
The year at Fort Niobrara Refuge
From the official sources, starting now
Fall
Sep to Nov
Deer rut
November
Winter
Dec to Feb
Nothing listed
Spring
Mar to May
Grouse and prairie-chicken leks
In April and May
Prairie chickens booming
April
Grouse and prairie chickens on their leks
April and May
Summer
Jun to Aug
Woodland birding along the river
Late spring and summer
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
Season: in April and May. Male sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chickens display on their leks in April and May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (a season, not a peak).
Is it the season at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: its usual wildlife window for this year has passed. Next time: in April and May, local timing.
When do prairie chickens and grouse display at Fort Niobrara Refuge?
In April and May, the males display on their leks; listen for the prairie chicken's low, whistling booming in April.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I hike into the wilderness at Fort Niobrara Refuge?
Yes, on foot in daylight hours.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the birding best along the river at Fort Niobrara Refuge?
In late spring and summer, in the woodlands along the river.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge?
The best spots are Fort Falls Hiking Trail and Wilderness Access Foot Trail. Fort Falls Hiking Trail: one of the refuge's two hiking trails. Wilderness Access Foot Trail: the way into the Fort Niobrara Wilderness, open on foot in daylight.
What is Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge has something to see in 6 months of the year. Prairie chickens booming: Apr. Grouse and prairie chickens on their leks: Apr–May. Woodland birding along the river: May–Aug. Deer rut: Nov.
How we know
The official pages behind every date on this page