Things to do & places to visit in Valentine, Nebraska, United States

Valentine city in Nebraska, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 8:24.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (27 attractions)

5.0 The Plains Trading Company Booksellers (11 reviews)
- A must-stop!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

I stop at this wonderful little bookstore every time I pass through Valentine. The owner obviously keeps up with current trends in reading. The selection of Nebraska, Western, and Native American books is especially good (and what I care about). The shop also offers a range of high-quality gifts including toys, wine, tea, coffee, art, etc. Staff is friendly. See more..
5.0 Broken Spoke Boutique (10 reviews)
- 10/10
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Located in Valentine, Nebraska—one of America's 100 Best Adventure Towns according to National Geographic—Broken Spoke Boutique is an adventure in and of itself. The boutique's building was originally constructed in 1915 as Nebraska State Bank and operated as such until the bank closed its doors in 1964. Over the next 50 years, as businesses came and went, so did the building's charm. Its beautifully crafted characteristics were covered up, including its tin tile ceiling, fir hardwood, and mosaic hexagon tile floor. Whitney Mayhew, a South Carolina native, moved to Valentine in 2016 and immediately recognized the town's charm. Inspired by Charleston's beauty and architectural allure, she saw potential in the building and began to expose the features that time and the community had forgotten. Throughout the remodel process, Whitney made sure to utilize many elements of early twentieth century design and made it a priority to emphasize the workmanship of the era. See more..
5.0 Frederick Peak Golf Club (5 reviews)
- Way cool golf course!
Spent 2-3 hours Golf Courses

The Frederick Peak Golf Club, opened in 2017 has replaced the old Deer Park Golf Course in Valentine, Nebraska. Designed by Tom Lehman and Chris Brands, this 10 hole track lies adjacent the Minnechaduze Creek and winds in and out of the scenic canyon. See more..
4.5 Smith Falls State Park (174 reviews)
- Waterfall in NE!
State Parks

I grew up in NE but was not aware of this park until recently. We visited on our way home from a trip to South Dakota. There are several waterfalls located near Valentine but our hotel recommended this one for accessibility. The park permit is self pay right now due to COVID. There are latrines located around the park, the visitor center is currently closed. It is about a 0.4 mile walk to the falls, down a few stairs, over a bridge, and on some boardwalks; it was not too much for my 4 yo and parents in their 60s. The waterfall is so beautiful and you can step into the cool water and sand at the bottom. I think a park employee was there monitoring safety. We were able to "social distance" for the most part. If we are able to return sometime I would definitely try to float the river as that looked very popular! See more..
4.5 The Prairie Club (84 reviews)
- Exceptional
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Golf Courses

Deep in the heartland of America, on the rim of the Snake River Canyon, near Valentine, Nebraska, is The Prairie Club, a place that rivals more famous golfing destinations and attracts devout believers in the game. Played as it lies, this uniquely American terrain has been so gently seeded, each hole so naturally revealed, it is as if the Divine Hand wore a golf glove: unimaginable beauty, heightened senses, and a focus on leaving well enough alone. Those who make the journey will discover 46 of what may be the world's most undisturbed holes of golf, recently ranked in the Top 100 in America. When the sun goes down over the Canyon, guests find all of the comforts of Midwestern hospitality in a 40,000 square foot Lodge, complete with one of the finest dining experiences available. One look towards the heavens will reveal a blanket of stars so bright you'll begin to understand why the Pioneers left the city all those years ago. See more..
4.5 Cowboy Trail (50 reviews)
- A must see in the Sandhills!
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

This bridge in Valentine is close to the western trail head. Public can walk, run or bike out onto this bridge for breathtaking views! The path approaching the bridge is well maintained and if you're lucky, you'll see little lizards skittering across. My mother in law walked the entire Cowboy Trail in August. She packed her own tent and stopped every now and again in the towns along the way. It took her close to 2 weeks but she loved the adventure and highly recommends it to anyone. See more..
4.5 Niobrara National Scenic River (41 reviews)
- Floated (4 hour float)
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

It is a shallow wide river, best views are up by Valentine and highly recommend to do a float trip. We Kayaked it (first time for both of us doing this and we are in our 60s (I know how to swim hubby no). Depth in Oct ran 2 inches up to probably 4 feet. Was a beautiful trip and is what made it worth going ti NB See more..
4.5 Brewers Canoers & Tubers (24 reviews)
- Best customer service
Kayaking & Canoeing

I couldn't love a business more. Mary went above and beyond to save the day! Many future trips are in the planning! See more..
4.5 Little Outlaw Canoe, Tube and Kayak Rentals (20 reviews)
- Great outfitters
Kayaking & Canoeing

Booked a 2 hr kayaking trip on the Niobrara River. Gentleman who shuttled us was very informative and told us to stop at Smith Falls. He had everything we needed for our trip. We saw a Blue Heron as we were kayaking. Great trip. See more..
4.5 Bolo Beer Co (12 reviews)
- I love craft breweries... this is one of them
Breweries

I was camping in the dirty park and walked 1.4 miles to get here to get a beer. It was well worth it. I wanted to eat too, and ordered a delivery from a local restaurant. Had a great burger. Back to writing about Bolo... they have several nice beers on tap and we're able to do proper social distancing. I had a sample flight and liked the scottish so much I had a pint of that too. Lots of seating/table options. Toilet facilities were clean. Staff is friendly. See more..
4.5 Valentine National Wildlife Refuge (11 reviews)
- Valentine area
Monday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails

In September I take a solo trip to areas I’ve never been before always off the beaten path I did a western tour, Colorado Wyoming Montana, North Dakota South Dakota Kansas staying off the Interstate,I stayed in valentine for two Nights at a wonderful small motel , the trade winds,I toured around the back roads of the Sandhills went to a cowboy shoot at the fairgrounds which was really really cool ,valentine is on US Route 20 the route I live on but it’s 1400 miles east and the geography is very different. I probably flew over valentine on my way to Denver to start my trip politicians refer to this as flyover country ,these places are the most magically wonderful areas of our country the people are friendly hard-working and great to talk to,so instead of going to Disneyland Las Vegas New York City or some other ridiculous place go to the Real USA valentine Nebraska See more..
4.5 Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area (6 reviews)
- Great Spot Off the Beaten Path
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

I camped here and absolutely loved it. There are several campground areas so none of them seemed to be over crowded or too loud. The lake was clean enough for swimming and boating. It is about a 20-30 minute drive to Valentine so the access is still easy if you want to go out to eat or explore the Valentine area. The scenery was great and I would certainly recommend it to anyone looking to get off the beaten path. See more..
4.5 Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Management Area (4 reviews)
- Don't knock fishing.
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

My husband fishes here and I wondered what the attraction was. Go there yourself you will be surprised. See more..
4.5 Valentine City Park (3 reviews)
- Nice city campground
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Playgrounds

I stayed here during a trip on my motorcycle. There are several campsites along the creek that flows through the park, mostly oriented to small RVs. I found a nice site across the bridge, and for $5 it was perfect. Heck even at 5 times the price I would have been ok. There is a public toilet facility with running hot water and even showers. It a short walk into town. My site had a fire ring but I didn't bother with a campfire. I was really tired so after a trip to town I hit the sack. It was quiet and felt safe. See more..
4.0 Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (119 reviews)
- Great walk to Fort Falls
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Prairie dogs, antelope and buffalo are some of the animals that can be spotted at this wildlife refuge. See more..
4.0 Bryan Bridge (22 reviews)
- Historic
Bridges

A very special bridge to observe and read the plaque and information panel. I walked across the bridge and got some great photos. See more..
4.0 Graham Canoe Outfitters (14 reviews)
- Graham Canoes Outfitters....
Kayaking & Canoeing

My family of five rented tubes from Grahams and did a 4 hour tube down the Niobrara River and had a good experience. They recommended doing the float that does not allow alcohol so we did not have the mass of humanity that is further down the river. Good call. We only saw a few canoers and kayakers the entire 4 hours on a Saturday. Friendly service. I would use them again. See more..
4.0 Valentine Municipal Swimming Pool (1 review)
- Park next to the pool was fun.
Sports Complexes • Water Parks

Pool was closed still, but the park next to it was fun. We happened to get there on a warmish day. They have several play areas, tire swings, bridge, seesaw’s, walking box, and plenty of parking. No restrooms were open since the pool was closed was the only down side. See more..
4.0 Valentine Public Library (1 review)
- Great little library
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Libraries

Stopped by with my family and the kids loved this place. They have a nice spot to read for kids and to color. They have a few computers and the kids enjoyed getting some books to read. Nice place to go to on a cold snowy day. See more..
3.5 Rocky Ford Camp & Outfitters (20 reviews)
- Something different
Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

Rocky Ford Camp & Outfitters is one of the most unique outfitters on the Niobrara River. We offer the only views of Nebraska's sole class 3 rapids on the river. Floating down the river you will be able to enjoy views of over 30 spring fed waterfalls and streams including Nebraska's highest waterfall. With float trips ranging up to 22 miles, there are plenty of opportunities to view wildlife and the 6 different ecosystems on the river. The best part of floating and staying with Rocky Ford is that all trips end at your campsite! Our 2020 Season runs from May 22nd to September 7th. We offer Canoe, Kayak, and Tube rentals 7 days a week. We also offer 30 campsites (up to 25 people per site), 4 cabins (up to 14 per cabin), and 8 electrical hook-ups. For guests there are public restrooms & FREE showers at the Main Office. Come join us,because LIFE IS BETTER ON THE ROCKS! *Disclaimer - Guests are unable to go over the rapids with our rental equipment. Season length subject to change.* See more..
3.5 Centennial Hall (5 reviews)
- Fascinating concept, weird visitor policy.
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

As this was among the only non-outdoor recreation related "Things to Do" in Valentine, we were eager to explore, and looked forward to documenting the history captured in this preservation project. Beautiful building and a few interesting period artifacts, but oddly, this is the only museum in 43 states we've visited that does not allow pictures, even with waivers or permissions. Particularly strange, as the Hall has no website and we could find no promotion of it anywhere but on TripAdvisor. Very disappointing. As a retiring teacher, it would have been a great photo memory for my students. Worth the visit for personal curiosity, but nothing to take from it but memory. See more..
3.0 Snake River Falls (6 reviews)
- Worth the time.
Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls

Just a short ride (22) miles from Valentine on HWY 97. If you cross the Merritt cannel you missed the turn. The road to the Falls is on the west side of 97 back about 1/4 mile from cannel crossing. The falls are on privet property owner by the Sportsman Club. There is two paths to view the falls one on the right side of club house and the other to the left side of club house. Both are dirt walks so be careful. See more..
3.0 Ballards Marsh Wildlife Management Area (1 review)
- Secluded camping in the Sandhills with nearby hunting and fishing
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Ballards March Wildlife Management Area is about 20 miles south of Valentine, NE on US Highway 83 in the heart of Nebraska's sandhills. The large marsh and adjacent grasslands are managed by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. It is a great place to see common birds and wildflowers of the sandhills. Perhaps you will hear a coyote or see the bald eagles which nest in trees just up the road. A free primitive campground is available with room for a half-dozen tents or trailers. There are a couple of picnic tables, fire boxes, a hand-operated water pump and an outhouse. The gravel loop road allows easy maneuvering for trailers. The campground is well shaded by large elms and is a delightful stop for a picnic during the summer. I camped here in late June, and had the place to myself. I was delighted to hear the trill of meadowlarks and the chirp of crickets and see fireflies at night. Staying at Ballards Marsh allows an early start for those who want to fish, hunt or watch birds at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge (about 3 miles to the South on Route 83). See more..
1.0 Bunkhouse Restaurant and Saloon (1 review)
- Horrible - Don't waste your time
Monday: 6:00 AM - 1:00 AM Bars & Clubs
The Bunkhouse was dirty, and after 20 minutes of getting no service, we walked out. Every table in the place was piled with dirty dishes. I would not recommend this place to anyone. See more..
The Corner Pub (0 review)
Bars & Clubs
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Dozer's Games (0 review)
Monday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM Game & Entertainment Centers

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Rosebud Casino (0 review)
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos

Rosebud Casino features the best in slot machines, table games and bingo for you to try your hand at. As you make your way through the casino, you'll also find an assortment of entertainment and dining options that will satisfy any palate, including the popular Rosebud Room Buffet. Extend your stay by making a reservation at the Quality Inn Rosebud Casino! See more..