Summer Activities

Summer Activities

Whether you want to have a slow, steady float down the river or a fun day on the lake, Cherry County does not disappoint.  Maybe you want to go for a hike, bike ride or star gaze.  We have that, too. Is a brewery, winery, or a vinegary more your speed?  Then a road trip down Hwy 20 will do the trick.

*New* Easy Camper Rental

Just when you thought Nebraska couldn’t get any cooler, Easy Camper Rental comes along and sets up shop! No need for you to take your camper on the long haul. […]
  • Camping
  • Rentals

#1 – Float! Choose an Outfitter

Choose from the many local outfitters to experience the Niobrara River by Kayak, Canoe, Tube or Tank. It is sure to be a trip you will never forget and will […]
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Tanking
  • Tubing

Bird Watching in the Sandhills

The Nebraska Sandhills region represents the largest natural ecosystem in the state, covering nearly 19,000 square miles, or almost a quarter of the state. It is also the largest remaining […]

Cowboy Trail

The Cowboy Trail rails to trails project converted the abandoned Chicago and Northwestern railroad into a crushed limestone trail with wooden decked bridges. Currently, the trail is open from Valentine […]
  • Biking
  • Hiking

Frederick Peak Golf Club

It’s unique, has views you’ll dream about, and will challenge you to come back and visit again and again at the Frederick Peak Golf Club in Valentine, Nebraska. Designed by […]
  • Golfing

George Paul Vinegar

The Johnson family has been making small batch vinegars since 2008 in our straw bale vinegary in the Sandhills of Nebraska. To make the very best vinegar, you have to […]

Golden Prairie Bison Tours

Golden Prairie Bison is run by Carl and Vicki Simmons. We strive to be good stewards of the land and livestock we own and manage near the edge of the […]
  • Camping
  • Eco-tourism
  • Tours

Merritt Reservoir – Campgrounds

Merritt Reservoir is an oasis amid the giant oasis of the Sandhills. The lake has almost 3,000 acres of water, pure sand beaches, and 73 miles of tree-lined shore. Merritt […]
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Water Sports

Niobrara River

The beautiful Niobrara River attracts thousands of visitors every year. Designated as a National Scenic River by Congress in 1991, it’s also part of the National Parks family. The river […]
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Tanking
  • Tubing

RV Parks & Campgrounds

By the river. By a lake. In the woods. In town. Close to town. Cherry County has no shortage of camping spots and electrical hook ups. Look here to see […]

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

Nestled in the Sandhills and bordering Merritt Reservoir, this 115,000-acre forest offers many outdoor activities. The word forest is used somewhat loosely in this case, as only 5,000 acres of […]
  • Biking
  • Bird Watching
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting

Smith Falls State Park

*NOTICE* Smith Falls new Bridgeway IS COMPLETE and OPEN!!!! One of the Niobrara River Valley’s many waterfalls, Smith Falls is the highest in the state. The spring-fed water drops almost […]
  • Hiking
  • picnicing
  • waterfalls

Snake River Falls

(RECENTLY RE-OPENED) – Open Daily 9-5 Among Nebraska’s most spectacular waterfalls, Snake River Falls tumbles over a 54 foot wide ledge and flows 12 miles to the Niobrara River. When […]
  • Hiking
  • waterfalls

Star Gazing

The Cherry County skies are a canvas of the brightest stars you have ever seen. The lack of light pollution and the tranquil and quiet surroundings make it the ideal […]

The Prairie Club

The Prairie Club, just 17 miles south of Valentine, offers two world class golf courses plus a challenging par 3 course called the Horse Course. The Dunes Course, designed by […]
  • Dining
  • Golfing

The Sandhills

The Sandhills of Nebraska, the quiet beauty of the state. Covering 19,000 square miles, it is the largest tract of stabilized sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere. Considered an inhospitable […]
  • Scenic Drives

Valentine Bike Share

Valentine’s newest addition. The Cowboy Trail trailhead on main street will greet you with these adorable bikes. Rent 1 for a couple hours. Follow the cowboy trail out East of […]

Valentine City Aquatic Center & Park

For those who are a bit squeamish about swimming in lakes or streams…there’s always this beautiful zero depth, walk in pool located on Bias Street.  The green tube looking things […]
  • Pool

Valentine City Park

The Valentine City Park is located just outside of town on North Main Street. Stately oak trees surround Minnechaduza Creek, which flows through the 40-acre park. It is open year-round […]
  • Camping
  • Disc Golf
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

This 72,000-acre refuge is set in a beautiful combination of rolling sandhills and pristine spring-fed lakes. Nine of the lakes are open to fishing year-round, offering bass, northern pike, perch, […]
  • Biking
  • Bird Watching
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Ice Fishing

Valentine State Fish Hatchery

Located just northeast of Valentine in a pine-covered valley, the Valentine Fish Hatchery is one of five hatcheries in the state. Spread over 700 acres, the hatchery handles millions of […]