Valentine NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Valentine, Nebraska.
1. Smith Falls State Park
NEBRASKA'S HIGHEST WATERFALL
Smith Falls State Park features Nebraska's highest waterfall, with spring-fed water dropping almost 70 feet before flowing into the Niobrara River. Visitors can access the falls via a short hike and a walk across a historic truss bridge that spans the Niobrara River. The park offers a unique natural attraction nestled in the canyons on the South side of the Niobrara River.
2. Niobrara National Scenic River
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURES
The Niobrara National Scenic River provides excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and tanking adventures. The river flows through scenic landscapes and is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in the region. Visitors can enjoy floating experiences ranging from day trips to overnight adventures, with multiple outfitters available to provide equipment and guidance.
3. Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HISTORY
Fort Niobrara is a 19,000-acre refuge established in 1912 for the conservation of native birds and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge features Fort Falls, which is located just outside of Valentine and offers a perfect quick view or a 3/4-mile nature hike. Visitors can experience diverse wildlife viewing opportunities and explore the natural habitats of the region.
4. Cowboy Trail
HISTORIC RAILS TO TRAILS
The Cowboy Trail is a remarkable rails-to-trails project that converted the abandoned Chicago and Northwestern railroad into a crushed limestone trail with wooden decked bridges. One of the most spectacular features is the old train trestle that crosses the Niobrara River just outside of Valentine, which is a quarter of a mile long and towers 150 feet above the river with breathtaking views. The trail currently extends from Valentine east to Norfolk—almost 200 miles—with plans to eventually reach Chadron for a total of 320 miles.
5. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is located 10 miles south of Prairie Club and offers amazing views of the Sand Hills terrain for miles in every direction. The reservoir provides excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation activities throughout the warmer months. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
6. Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
SANDHILLS PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a 116,000-acre national forest located south of Nenzel in Cherry County, representing the unique Nebraska Sandhills prairie ecosystem. Popular activities include hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, and bird watching among the rolling hills and diverse habitats. The forest provides a tranquil environment for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the distinctive landscape of the region.
7. Valentine City Park
RECREATION ALONG THE CREEK
Valentine City Park is a 40-acre park located just outside of town on North Main Street, where stately oak trees surround Minnechaduza Creek flowing through the grounds. The park is open year-round and offers camping, fishing, a disc golf course, and hiking on more than a mile of trails. Additional amenities include a rentable pavilion with a full kitchen, seating for up to 80 people, and restrooms with free hot showers.
8. Mill Pond
FISHING AND BOATING SPOT
Mill Pond is a small stocked lake located across from Valentine City Park that features fishing docks and a boat ramp for anglers and boating enthusiasts. Only electric motors are allowed on boats, making it a peaceful spot for recreational fishing and relaxation. The pond's proximity to other Valentine attractions makes it an easy addition to any visitor's itinerary.
9. Snake River Falls
NEBRASKA'S LARGEST VOLUME WATERFALL
Snake River Falls is recognized as the largest waterfall by volume in Nebraska, offering visitors an impressive natural spectacle. The falls provide a distinctive contrast to the surrounding prairie landscapes of the Sandhills region. Nature enthusiasts and photographers find this location particularly rewarding for its unique beauty and natural power.
10. Cherry County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Cherry County Historical Museum in Valentine offers visitors the opportunity to dig deep into genealogy research and explore the rich Sandhills heritage. Located next to the Visitor Center, the museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the region's development and cultural history. The museum serves as a valuable resource for understanding the people and events that shaped this unique area of Nebraska.
11. Niobrara Valley Vineyards
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Niobrara Valley Vineyards features a brand new tasting room and event center in Nenzel where visitors can enjoy wine tasting experiences featuring locally produced varieties. The vineyard offers homemade pizza on Friday nights and food daily during the summer months, making it a popular dining destination. Their new "Dark Sky" RV Park provides accommodation options for those wishing to extend their visit and enjoy the clear night skies of the region.
12. Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
WATERFOWL HUNTING PARADISE
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge offers exceptional hunting opportunities for waterfowl including mallards, pintails, green-winged teal, and Canada geese. The refuge provides protected habitat for diverse wildlife species and serves as an important conservation area in the region. Visitors can enjoy not only hunting but also wildlife viewing, photography, and appreciation of the natural ecosystem.
13. Sandhills Art and Metal Gallery
LOCAL ARTISTIC SHOWCASE
Sandhills Art and Metal Gallery in downtown Valentine displays works from local artists, showcasing the creativity and artistic talent of the region. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pieces that reflect the culture and natural beauty of the Sandhills area. The gallery contributes to Valentine's cultural scene and offers distinctive souvenirs for travelers looking to bring home something special.
14. Valentine Sculpture Walk
PUBLIC ART DISPLAY
The Valentine Sculpture Walk features rotating art installations along Valentine's Main Street, allowing visitors to view and vote for their favorite pieces. The sculptures rotate out each year, providing a fresh experience for returning visitors and continuing support for public art. This outdoor gallery adds cultural interest to downtown Valentine and showcases the work of various artists throughout the changing seasons.
15. Centennial Hall
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Centennial Hall, built in 1897, stands as Valentine's historical landmark and the oldest standing high school building in the state of Nebraska. The building now houses a heritage center that preserves and shares the educational history of the region. Visitors can explore this architectural treasure to gain insights into the development of education in rural Nebraska over more than a century.