Rivers of Nebraska
Air Date: 03/02/2018
Experience the splendor, vitality and value rivers provide to Nebraska and its people.
Go on a scenic journey high above the Platte and Niobrara rivers. Get a birds-eye view of the iconic Nebraska rivers as a drone soars high above the flowing waters telling the tale of the two rivers, each with their own special story.
Nearly 80,000 miles of rivers cross Nebraska, crucial to the state and its people. They provide water for agriculture, municipalities and industry. In addition, they provide habitat for numerous plant, animal and fish species, some of which are endangered or threatened. But they provide beauty and enjoyment to the state as well.
The Platte: One of the few braided prairie rivers, the wide yet shallow river is often known as the lifeblood of the state. It was vital to the establishment of communities in the 1800s. With the North Platte coming from Wyoming and the South Platte from Colorado, the two combine making the Platte the only river that extends from the western border to the eastern border of Nebraska.
The Niobrara: Of the tens of thousands of river miles in Nebraska, only 76 are designated 'National Scenic River'. That's a portion of the Niobrara east from Valentine. One of the reasons for the designation is the biological crossroads the river area helps create for plant species biodiversity. Another is the smooth flowing river that makes it great for canoeing, tubing and kayaking.
The stories of these rivers help tell the stories of the history of Nebraska and it's people.