Take a Canoeing, Kayaking, Tubing or Tanking trip down the Niobrara National Scenic River choose from these Niobrara River outfitters. Did you know that the Niobrara National Scenic River is now designated as the first US Quiet Trail and 2nd in the world through Quit Parks International? Come experience quiet, with only the sounds of nature. Friday & Saturday might not be “quiet” 😉 …
Shop Small Business Saturday or Holiday Preview in November See events calendar.
For Waterskiing or pulling a tube and drop your boat in Merritt Reservoir or Cottonwood Lake for a day of endless fun in the sun
If you would rather be Fishing, sink a line and start catching walleye, perch, crappy, northern, bass, and monster musky in Merritt Reservoir. Try one of the crystal-clear lakes of the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Lakes offering bass, northern pike, perch, and bluegill.
Camping choices are nearly endless – pitch a tent, park your RV, or rent a cabin. Campgrounds can be found in town, in the country, by the river, or in tucked back in the trees
Delight in our lineup of winter Events Valentine Heart of Christmas Parade of Lights, Bull Bash, Cork Thornton Ice Fishing Tournament
Meet your friends at the local Brewery – Bolo Beer Co. Enjoy outdoor yard games or relax by the fire pit while you enjoy your favorite brew. Often serving food on Friday nights at the brewery, is Hoebe’s Smokin Meats.
See local artist work at Valentine Library, Sandhills Art and Metal Gallery in downtown Valentine.
Wine Tasting at Niobrara Valley Vineyards brand new tasting room and event center in Nenzel. Enjoy homemade pizza on Friday nights and food daily in the summer. If you are collecting stamps for your Nebraska Wine Passport, then they are your next stop. Check out their new “Dark Sky” RV Park
Rent a 4-wheeler from Tehrani Motors in Valentine and buzz the trails at the Samuel McKelvie Forest. If you drove your RV and want to adventure, rent a car! Want to hunt but don’t have a truck…. rent a truck! If you don’t want to bring your camper ….. rent a camper! You might have to get that one from Easy Camper!
Go chasing Waterfalls morning walk to Smith Falls Nebraska’s Highest waterfall is nestled back in the canyons on the South side of the Niobrara River in Smith Falls State Park. Fort Falls is located on the Fort Niobrara Wildlife refuge, just outside of Valentine. It is so close to town and is perfect for a quick view or you can take in 3/4-mile nature hike while you are there. Snake River Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in Nebraska.
Dig deep into Genealogy research and rich the Sandhills heritage at the Cherry County Historical Museum in Valentine next to the Visitor Center. The Valentine Public Library is also a great resource.
Stargazing at Merritt Reservoir a place so dark, so isolated, so removed from civilization that people from all over will travel there just to look up at stars. They are home to the Nebraska Star Party that gathers every summer at Merritt.
Perk up with a fresh brewed Coffee, cappuccino, espresso or smoothie at Janine’s Flower Exchange – Take time to shop their wonderful gift line while your coffee is being made. Lots of great finds in every corner!
Bird Watching at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge or along the Niobrara National Scenic River or a nice drive along the Brownlee Road through the sandhills of Cherry County. In April and May, photo blinds are placed on prairie chicken and sharp tailed grouse booming grounds within the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Call to book a blind.
Bowling is perfect for a fall or winter night out for the family at Brewers Bowling Center – Not in the summer though… They are busy putting you on the river – sorry.
Step back in time and cool off with an Ice Cream treat from Sandhills Art and Metal & Ice cream shop. So many ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from along with Capuchino and other treats.
Scenic Drives are everywhere in Cherry County, but a favorite is Sparks River Road that will take you on a winding drive along the National Scenic Niobrara River where you will see an abundance of wildlife.
Valentine and the surrounding communities have Garage Sales all summer long but the best is the City Wide Garage Sale that is always in July – check our calendar of events for details
Try your hand…or throw…at Disc Golf at the Valentine City Park. Play your way through the 40 acres of mighty oaks and pines. If you need Frisbees check out True Value Hardware in Valentine – They always keep a set in stock just for you
Turkey or upland game Hunting is abundant in the Sandhills. There is a large area of public land to roam. Be sure to pick up a Public Access Atlas at the Valentine Visitor Center or from the NE Game & Parks
Visit a small Student Run Grocery Store in Cody. They even helped build it. Find their story here. The Circle C Market is pure charm.
Spring and Fall are full of Craft Shows and Festivals – Old West Days, 1884 Day & Spring Fling Craft Fair are in April, Pumpkin Patch Craft Fair, Moonlight Madness, and the Lurz Pumpkin Patch
History and Mystery can be found at Centennial Hall Museum – 12 rooms of memorabilia and a room or two of hair-raising mystery. You will have to experience it for yourself. The Cherry County Historical Museum, next to the Valentine Visitor Center, is rich in history and Genealogy.
Trophy Deer and Antelope Hunting is achievable in the Sandhills. Mount your next Mule deer or Antelope off of the Samuel McKelvie Forest or White Tail out of the canyons surrounding the may rivers and streams of the region.
A Few unexpected food options for a small town: We aren’t too small of a town to have a Food Truck – Look for The Hog Trough to be serving up some dyno mite BBQ around the area. Bulldoggers BBQ is not hard to find – They are our neighbors on Main Street! Great BBQ!!! Great Daily specials!!!
Take your shot at some Cowboy Fast Draw with the Sparks and Spurs annual shoot find out more about Cowboy Fast draw and places they will be
Lace up those shoes and take a Run on the many trails setting up. Valentine. Run the Cowboy Trail, or for a more remote location try your hand at the Sandhills Marathon.
Family fun by the river Niobrara River Fest canoe and kayak races. Activities and entertainment for the whole family. Bring a lawn chair and plan to spend the day (or 2)
Fireworks for the 4th of July Celebration and Demolition Derby at the Cherry County Fairgrounds
Nebraska Star Party likes to party by the new moon every summer at Merritt Reservoir. It is a perfect opportunity to Stargaze learn about our solar system from those who are passionate about it. See when it is this year and mark your calendar to attend.
Relax in the quiet of the Valentine City Park. take a stroll or a hike along the Minnechaduza creek, picnic under the pavilion, play sand volleyball, horseshoes, or throw a line in the water off the footbridge. Primitive camping is available, too
Enjoy homemade Baked Goods and fresh Deli Sandwiches at the Old Mill Bulk Foods
Do what the cowboys do, attend a Branding and see how its done. Or just stop by the Peppermill for some Rocky Mountain Oysters – Ask Robert to explain it for ya 😉
Experience the old-world style process Vinegary at George Paul Vinegar in Cody. They specialize in small batch 5 year aged Vinegar
Eat like the locals do and have Breakfast or Lunch Thursdays at the Sale Barn Café at Valentine Livestock Market
Honor our fallen. The Veterans Memorial Site in front of the court house on Main Street in Valentine – Honoring WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam – Funding has been raised and new monuments to be added soon.
View the Elk at the Heartland Elk Ranch and experience nature around you – also a Cherry County Passport Stop so get your stamp while you are there.
Sod House Sunday at Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park in Merriman, Cherry County. Horses graze the front lawn of the visitor center. Grier, June 25, 2005. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
