Bridge project will affect some Smith Falls SP visitors

Visitors travelling through Valentine to access Smith Falls State Park will be affected by road construction starting this fall.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation will start work on the removal and reconstruction of the Nebraska Highway 12 bridge over the Minnechaduza Creek 3 miles east of Valentine. This road closure will occur Sept. 3 through May 23, 2025.

The detour to reach Smith Falls SP from Valentine, will be: travel 6 miles north on U.S. Highway 83, 3 miles east on unpaved 906^th Road, 1 mile south on unpaved Nolett Road, and then 2 miles east on unpaved Whitetail Road to connect to Nebraska Highway 12. The road for Smith Falls is 8 miles east on the highway.

To find out about Smith Falls, or other Nebraska state parks, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.