Why Visit Valentine
Valentine sits in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, a sea of grass-covered dunes that is one of the largest intact native grasslands left in North America. The town of a few thousand people punches well above its weight for outdoor travelers: it is the gateway to the Niobrara National Scenic River, two major wildlife refuges, and miles of empty Sandhills back roads. Whether you come to paddle, hike, fish, or just unplug under big skies, there is more to do here than a weekend allows.
If river time is your priority, start with our Niobrara River float weekend itinerary, then use the ideas below to round out your trip.
Float the Niobrara River
The number-one thing to do in Valentine is get on the Niobrara River. The spring-fed water runs clear and cool, and the canyon east of town hides dozens of waterfalls. You can tube, kayak, canoe, or ride a stock-tank float, with the classic stretch running from Cornell Bridge down to Smith Falls. Local outfitters on Highway 12 handle rentals and shuttles, so you can do it without owning a boat.
See Smith Falls
About 15 miles east of town, Smith Falls State Park protects the tallest waterfall in Nebraska, a 63-foot spring-fed cascade reached by a short boardwalk from a swinging river bridge. It is an easy add-on to any river day and one of the most photographed spots in the region.
Explore the Wildlife Refuges
Valentine is bracketed by two outstanding refuges:
- Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, just east of town, where you can drive a bison and elk auto tour loop and put in for a river float at Cornell Bridge.
- Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, south of town in the Sandhills, with shallow lakes, marshes, and some of the best birding and prairie wildlife viewing in the state.
Bring binoculars. Spring and fall bring migrating waterfowl and sandhill cranes, and you may spot deer, prairie chickens, and the occasional bison.
Fish and Paddle the Sandhills Lakes
The Sandhills are dotted with spring-fed lakes that hold bass, bluegill, and northern pike. Merritt Reservoir, about 25 miles southwest of Valentine, is a local favorite for fishing, swimming, and stargazing. The reservoir sits far from city lights and hosts the annual Nebraska Star Party for a reason. Bring a kayak or a rod and make an afternoon of it.
Wander Downtown and the Cowboy Trail
Back in town, walk Main Street for cattle-country cafes, a local brewery, and Western shops. Valentine is also a trailhead for the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail, a long rails-to-trails route built on an old railroad grade that crosses high trestles and rolls through the prairie, great for a bike ride or short walk. In summer, time your trip around the Cherry County Fair or a rodeo for a taste of Sandhills ranching culture.
Plan Your Trip
Most visitors come from late spring through early fall, when the river is warm and the refuges are full of wildlife. Base in Valentine for lodging and meals, and give yourself at least two days so you can float one day and explore the refuges and lakes the next. For a structured plan, see our Niobrara River float weekend guide.
