Cherry County: Niobrara, waterfalls and Sandhills

Cherry County combines the Sandhills with the Niobrara River and an unusual variety of nature and history. Along the westernmost stretch of the river, there are more than 230 waterfalls. These include Smith Falls: at about 63 feet high, it is Nebraska’s tallest waterfall. The Cowboy Trail’s old railroad trestle also crosses the Niobrara River; it is a quarter-mile long and rises 150 feet above the river. When planning a trip, it’s worth choosing between water activities, wildlife viewing and historic sites—and then looking for a vacation rental that suits your holiday priorities.

Sandhills, lakes and river landscapes

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation and Wildlife Management Area is located in the Sandhills of Cherry County. Activities there include fishing, boating and camping. The Nebraska Star Party is also held annually at the reservoir. It is scheduled for late July or early August around the new moon, with dates varying from year to year. If you’d like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for the relevant year.

Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area offers a different side of the Sandhills: the lake covers 60 acres and is surrounded by 180 acres of rolling terrain. Together with Merritt Reservoir, it offers a choice of different landscapes and activities—from the lake and its shores to boating and fishing. The experiences you want to shape your holiday can be a helpful starting point when choosing accommodation.

On the Niobrara

A 76-mile stretch of the Niobrara National Scenic River east of Valentine is suitable for canoeing, tubing and kayaking. Nearby outfitters rent equipment and offer shuttle services; check availability as you plan. Nine miles of the river run through Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Five miles downstream from Cornell Dam, a section is open to the public for launching your own kayaks, canoes or tubes. The western stretch also has public river access at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Smith Falls State Park and the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District’s Brewer Bridge landing. Check river conditions and access rules before setting out.

In Valentine, the Niobrara National Scenic River visitor center welcomes guests who want to watch the park film, explore exhibits or meet National Park Service rangers. For a different perspective on the landscape, the Cowboy Trail runs 317 miles in total from Norfolk west to Chadron; 187 miles between Norfolk and Valentine are developed. There are concrete sections in Valentine, while most of the trail is made of crushed limestone and crosses timber-planked bridges. Trail improvements and closures may change, so check the latest trail information if you’re planning to use it.

Wildlife and outdoor trails

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. The 9-mile Little Hay Road Wildlife Drive in Valentine National Wildlife Refuge passes three lakes, winds through tall hills and runs alongside meadows and wetlands. Wildlife can be viewed from your vehicle—a different way to experience the landscape from the refuge’s hiking trails.

Two of these hiking trails are the Civilian Conservation Corps Fire Tower Trail and the Marsh Lake Overlook; both offer opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing. Government Canyon also offers opportunities for hiking, biking, birdwatching and wildlife photography. This WMA is at the northern end of the area and is accessible only on foot. Visiting Home Valley also requires some hiking or travel by horseback. This makes it possible to compare different kinds of nature experiences without treating the trails as if they all involved the same distance or level of difficulty.

Ranch history and regional collections

Valentine Fish Hatchery has been operating since 1912 and is Nebraska’s oldest still-operating production facility of its kind. Visitors are welcome during regular business hours; check visitor arrangements in advance. The Smith Falls State Park visitor center has maps and information about the surrounding area, historic park information and a fossil exhibit, as well as restrooms, a parking lot, a picnic area and items for sale. The visitor center operates seasonally, so check when it is open before your trip. Snake River Falls has two public viewpoints; check opening conditions before visiting.

The Cherry County Historical Society Museum has exhibits dedicated to early ranchers, Fort Niobrara, Indigenous peoples, U.S. wars and pioneer-era life. An archival library includes historic newspapers and genealogical records; seasonal opening hours may change. Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park preserves a ranch dating from around the turn of the 20th century as a living history museum. Its visitor center displays artifacts and memorabilia from the early days of ranching. Eve Bowring’s collection of antique porcelain, silver and glass is also on display in the ranch house.

When looking for a vacation rental, you can start by considering which experiences will tip the balance: river excursions and wildlife viewing, lakes and the Star Party, or museums and ranch history. Base your choice on the places you actually want to visit, and take seasonal opening hours and guidance on river access and events into account.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Dundy County, Buffalo County, Franklin County, Cuming County, Sheridan County, Adams County, Gage County.

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