Valentine, Nebraska Travel Guide
Introducing Valentine, Nebraska! Located in the Sandhills region, Valentine is home to nearly 3,000 residents. Located on the Niobrara River, Valentine attracts visitors for its excellent paddling, camping, golf, hiking, biking, and wildlife. Visitors can explore two nature preserves, the river, and bike the Cowboy Trail. This is a great destination for all things outdoor adventure. Valentine is close to Rapid City, SD (3hr 10min, 210 miles), Sioux Falls, SD (4hr, 240 miles), and Omaha, NE (5hr, 305 miles). Whether it’s a weekend in nature or a week-long vacation out of the city, Valentine is sure to impress!
Valentine is the ultimate outdoor destination. The town sits on the banks of the National Scenic Niobrara River, which features over 70 miles of free-flowing, undammed water. The river is popular for kayaking and floating, so consider getting rentals from Brewers, Canoers, and Tubers, Little Outlaw Canoes, Tubes, & Kayaks, or Graham Canoe Outfitters. Many of these rental companies also offer riverside camping. Take a walk or long bike ride along the Cowboy Trail, the 317-mile-long trail that runs through town. Check out the Niobrara River Bridge and Bryan Bridge while on the trail. Valentine also has great golf courses, including The Prairie Club and Frederick Peak Golf Club. Head to Valentine City Park for disc golf, fishing, camping, and hiking.
Speaking of hiking, Valentine is home to not one but two nature preserves. Head to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge for hiking, tubing, and camping, plus a chance to see bison and prairie dogs. Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is also nearby and features hiking trails through a variety of habitats, making it the perfect place to see plenty of wildlife. Interested in doing some shopping? Find your next favorite book from The Plains Trading Company Booksellers or a new clothing item from Broken Spoke Boutique.
Since Valentine is so small, there are not many food options. But that does not mean they do not have some great food! Head to Coachlight Cafe for classic diner food and Bulldoggers’s BBQ for BBQ favorites. Enjoy a draft at Bola Beer Co. after a day on the river, and try the frybread tacos at Bunkhouse Restaurant, a Navajo specialty.
Need a place to stay? As mentioned, try riverside camping at one of the rental companies or at Valentine City Park. Consider renting a room at Trade Winds Motel, Raine Motel, or Comfort Inn.
Want to visit Valentine but not sure when? Consider coming during the Niobrara River Festival, which includes boating races on the river, live music, and food vendors. Whatever you’re into, Valentine, Nebraska has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gives you a glimpse into life in Valentine that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
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