Smith Falls at Smith Falls State Park on a clear day.

Scenic Byway

Outlaw Trail

231 miles | 3 hours & 45 min. | State 12 between South Sioux City and Valentine

Add stops at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, Smith Falls State Park and Valentine National Wildlife Refuge — some of Nebraska’s top outdoor playgrounds — for a wilder Outlaw experience.

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

Stop 1

Niobrara National Scenic River

Hit the Niobrara National Scenic River for water recreation surrounded by dramatic bluffs, diverse wildlife and gorgeous waterfalls.

Travel Tips

In Valentine, Brewers Canoers & Tubers can help with all your paddling needs!

Dryland Aquatics in Sparks rents canoes, kayaks and tubes, so you can explore at your own pace.

Kayakers on the Niobrara National Scenic River, with green vegetation on each side of the river and bluffs on the left – all underneath a clear blue sky.

Stop 2

Smith Falls State Park

Home to the highest waterfall in the state, Smith Falls State Park is a must if you’re traveling near Valentine.

Travel Tips

The park offers access to the Niobrara National Scenic River, so it’s the perfect destination for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and tubing.

A group of four looking at Smith Falls from a viewing area.

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Stop 3

Monowi Tavern

Tourists from all over the world travel to Monowi each year to visit Elsie Eiler, the mayor and lone citizen of the nation’s smallest town.

Travel Tips

Grab a beer and burger from Eiler at Monowi Tavern to hear her story.

Elsie Eiler at Monowi Tavern. Eiler is the mayor and lone citizen of the nation’s smallest town, Monowi.

Stop 4

Ohiya Casino & Resort

At Ohiya Casino & Resort in Niobrara, owned and operated by the Santee Sioux Nation, play a variety of machine games, check out the evening’s entertainment and enjoy restaurant specials.

Travel Tips

Extend your stay by booking a room at the on-site hotel.

Ohiya Casino & Resort features multiple dining options. Café Court offers on-the-go options, like salads, sandwiches and other snacks. Try seasonal specials at Legends for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you're really hungry, Legends also offers a large buffet. For happy hour or a nightcap, grab a drink from the Lounge.

Small-Town Stops

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.

Travel Tips

Depending on the season, enjoy activities from swimming to ice-fishing at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area.

Browse thousands of treasures at family-run Jeanne's Antiques.

Sit riverside at Murdos Aten Resort and enjoy a meal of freshwater fish.

Explore the development of the Missouri River Basin, where you'll see gorgeous views of Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River.

Head to Wiebelhaus Recreation Restaurant and Lounge for volleyball, bowling and a delicious variety of tasty eats.

Check into the Historic Argo Hotel, a bed-and-breakfast, steakhouse and lounge.

Niobrara

Nestled alongside the Niobrara River, the name of this town means “running water.” With fewer than 400 residents — and as headquarters of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska — it’s an ideal spot for exploring nature and tribal history.

Travel Tips

Play a round of 18 at the Paul Albanese-designed Tatanka Golf Club, one of Nebraska's best courses.

Peruse tribal artifacts, from beadwork to musical instruments, at Ponca Tribal Museum.

In summer at Niobrara State Park, go on a horseback ride and attend the occasional bison cookout.

Check into the Whitetail River Lodge, a log cabin lodge offering hunting packages.

Five people riding horseback at Niobrara State Park.

Keya Paha County

Situated on the border with South Dakota, Keya Paha County invites visitors to explore the rolling hills of northern Nebraska for a relaxing getaway steeped in natural beauty.

Travel Tips

Escape to Larrington’s Guest Cottage in Springview for stargazing, fishing, canoeing and more outdoor fun near the Niobrara River.

While in Springview, stop in for a hearty meal at Cattleman’s Lounge — just the right spot to fuel up before a day outdoors.

Join Saddle Ridge Outfitters just outside of Springview for turkey and deer hunting adventures. Choose from a variety of multi-day, guided and self-guided hunting packages.

Wood Lake Park City Campground in Wood Lake is an excellent stop for those hiking or biking the Cowboy Trail.

Cyclists on a large bridge along the Cowboy Trail.

Two teens sitting at a table at the Lewis and Clark Pulley Museum and Haymarket

Continue Your Outlaw Journey

Saddle up and explore more of the Outlaw Trail. Discover historic sites and exciting attractions, like the Ponca Tribal Museum and Lewis and Clark Lake, on your trip along Highway 12.

View the Outlaw Trail Trip Itinerary