Visitors traveling 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 route travelers 6 miles north on U.S. Highway 83, and includes 6 miles of unpaved roads to reconnect to Highway 12.
To find out about Smith Falls, or other Nebraska state parks, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.