If you’re looking for a hotel in Cherry County, it’s best to first decide what you’d like to focus on: river activities, wildlife viewing, or history. The area’s natural and cultural attractions offer different ways to shape your stay. Seasonal opening hours, changing event dates, and current river conditions also play a role.
River, Waterfalls, and Activities on the Water
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation and Wildlife Management Area is located in the Sandhills of Cherry County. Fishing, boating, and camping are available at the reservoir. Another notable spot on the water is the Niobrara National Scenic River: a 76-mile stretch east of Valentine is suitable for canoeing, tubing, and kayaking. Nearby outfitters rent equipment and offer shuttle services; availability may change.
Nine miles of the Niobrara 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. The western section of the Scenic River also has public river access points at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Smith Falls State Park, and the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District’s Brewer Bridge boat ramp. River conditions and access rules may change; check them before setting out.
There are more than 230 waterfalls along the westernmost stretch of the Niobrara. They include Smith Falls, Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, with a drop of about 63 feet. Two public overlooks offer views of Snake River Falls; check opening conditions before visiting. The Smith Falls State Park Visitor Center offers maps and information about the area, historical information about the park, a fossil exhibit, restrooms, parking, a picnic area, and items for sale. Since the visitor center operates seasonally, check visitor information before your trip.
Wildlife and Trails Through the Landscape
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. Two trails at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, the Civilian Conservation Corps Fire Tower Trail and Marsh Lake Overlook, also offer opportunities for bird and wildlife watching.
Those who want to take in the landscape from a vehicle can drive the nine-mile Little Hay Road Wildlife Drive at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. The route passes three lakes, runs through tall hills, and follows meadows and wetlands; wildlife can also be viewed from the vehicle here. Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area offers a different perspective: it features a 60-acre lake in the Sandhills, surrounded by 180 acres of rolling terrain.
The western part of the region is crossed by the Cowboy Trail, which runs for a total of 317 miles west from Norfolk to Chadron. A 187-mile stretch between Norfolk and Valentine is developed. There are concrete sections in Valentine; most of the trail is made of crushed limestone and includes wooden-plank bridges. Trail development and closures may change, so it’s worth checking the current trail status before your trip. An old railroad trestle on the trail crosses the Niobrara River. It is a quarter-mile long and rises 150 feet above the river.
Government Canyon offers more opportunities as well: the WMA at the northern end of the area, accessible only on foot, offers hiking, biking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. Visiting Home Valley requires some hiking or traveling on horseback.
Ranch History and Planning Your Visit
Valentine Fish Hatchery has been in operation since 1912 and is the oldest operating production facility of its kind in the state. Visitors are welcome during regular business hours; check visitor guidelines before arriving. Government Canyon is located at the northern end of the area and offers a range of activities for visitors looking to spend time outdoors.
Cherry County Historical Society Museum features exhibits on early cattle ranchers, Fort Niobrara, Indigenous peoples, U.S. wars, and pioneer life. An archival library includes historical newspapers and genealogical records. Opening information is seasonal and may change; check before visiting.
Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park preserves a cattle ranch from around the turn of the 20th century as a living history museum. The visitor center displays artifacts and memorabilia from the early days of cattle ranching. The ranch house also displays Eve Bowring’s collection of antique china, silver, and glass.
For a stay at Merritt Reservoir, the night sky can also be a highlight: the annual Nebraska Star Party is held there in late July or early August, around the new moon. Dates vary each year, so check the specific event dates before planning your trip. In Valentine, the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center invites visitors to watch the park film, explore exhibits, and meet National Park Service rangers. Since operations may change, check the latest visitor information.
Discover more destinations: Valentine, Seward County, Richardson County, Colfax County, Washington County, Kearney County, Dawson County, Cuming County.
For the overall travel overview: Nebraska.
