Cherry County: Niobrara, Sandhills and Nature

When looking for a hotel in Cherry County, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: the Niobrara, wildlife viewing, trails through the Sandhills, or local history? The landscape and activities offer different ways to spend your days.

Sandhills, Waterfalls, and Lakes

Along the westernmost stretch of the Niobrara, there are more than 230 waterfalls. These include Smith Falls, Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, with a drop of about 63 feet. This stretch of river gives the landscape a different character from the lakes and rolling terrain of the Sandhills: waterfalls and riverbanks sit alongside expansive natural areas.

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation and Wildlife Management Area is located in the Sandhills of Cherry County. The reservoir offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The annual Nebraska Star Party is also held at the reservoir, scheduled for around the new moon in late July or early August. Dates vary each year. If you prefer to pair nature experiences with a specific event, you can take it into account when planning your trip and check the exact dates in advance.

Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area also showcases the landscape on a smaller scale: it includes a 60-acre lake surrounded by 180 acres of rolling terrain. The lake and open countryside offer a different natural feature from the waterfalls along the Niobrara. When choosing where to go, these differences may matter more than a long list of individual attractions.

River Activities and Practical Information

East of Valentine, a 76-mile stretch of the Niobrara National Scenic River is suitable for canoeing, tubing, and kayaking. Nearby outfitters rent equipment and provide shuttle services; availability may change. Nine miles of the river run through Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Five miles below Cornell Dam are open to the public for launching your own kayaks, canoes, or tubes. Check river conditions and current access rules before setting out.

In the western section of the Scenic River, public river access is available at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Smith Falls State Park, and the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District’s Brewer Bridge landing.

The Smith Falls State Park visitor center offers maps and information about the surrounding area, historical information about the park, and a fossil exhibit. Facilities and amenities also include restrooms, a parking lot, a picnic area, and sales options. The visitor center operates seasonally, so check whether it is open before you arrive. In Valentine, the Niobrara National Scenic River visitor center welcomes visitors to watch the park film, view the exhibits, and talk with National Park Service rangers. Operating conditions here may also change.

Wildlife Viewing: From Your Vehicle or on Foot

At Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can see a herd of 350 bison as well as deer, coyotes, eagles, grassland birds, and prairie flowers. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. For those who want to explore the landscape by car, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge has the nine-mile Little Hay Road Wildlife Drive. The route passes three lakes, crosses tall hills, and runs alongside meadows and wetlands; wildlife can be viewed from your vehicle.

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge also has two trails for bird and wildlife viewing: the Civilian Conservation Corps Fire Tower Trail and Marsh Lake Overlook. These trails complement the Wildlife Drive with an on-foot perspective, without assuming a particular walking time or level of difficulty. Government Canyon is a WMA accessible only on foot. It offers opportunities for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.

Trails and History

The Cowboy Trail runs 317 miles west from Norfolk to Chadron; 187 miles between Norfolk and Valentine have been developed. There are paved concrete sections in Valentine. Most of the trail consists of crushed limestone and includes wooden-plank bridges. An old railroad trestle on the Cowboy Trail crosses the Niobrara River. It is a quarter-mile long and rises 150 feet above the river. Development and possible closures may change; check the current status if you are planning a specific route.

The Valentine Fish Hatchery has been operating since 1912 and is the oldest still-operating production facility of its kind in the state. Visitors are welcome during regular business hours; coordinate your visit in advance. The Cherry County Historical Society Museum features exhibits about early ranchers, Fort Niobrara, Indigenous peoples, U.S. wars, and pioneer life. Its archival library includes historical newspapers and genealogical records. Check seasonal opening hours before visiting.

Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park preserves a ranch from around the turn of the 20th century as a living history museum. The visitor center contains artifacts and memorabilia from the early days of ranching. The ranch house also displays Eve Bowring’s collection of antique china, silver, and glassware. These sites complement nature and trail experiences with insights into ranching and regional history.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Valentine, Red Willow, Holt County, Garfield County, Sheridan County, Valley County, Seward County, Buffalo County.

For the broader travel overview: Nebraska.