Skip to main content

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 906th 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.


About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

Related Articles

Hunting on state recreation areas begins Sept. 2

Aug 27, 2025

Hunting on state recreation areas begins Sept. 2

Hunters are reminded Nebraska’s SRAs are closed to hunting until the Tuesday following Labor Day.

Read More
Experience Living History weekend at Fort Kearny

Aug 22, 2025

Experience Living History weekend at Fort Kearny

Join Fort Kearny State Historical Park for a living history weekend Aug. 30-Sept. 1.

Read More
Vanderheiden Run donations hit $40,000

Aug 21, 2025

Vanderheiden Run donations hit $40,000

The 2025 donation of $13,000 will be used to improve the Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail.

Read More