Sand Hills, Nebraska


Gentle rivers meander along pine-studded canyons, towering waterfalls and a veritable ocean of prairie grasses alongside America's largest man-made forest, a wildlife refuge of gigantic proportions and cattle ranches that are better comprehended from the air than the ground. It's a wide-open landscape. A landscape that inspired Mari Sandoz to produce some of this country's finest fiction. A landscape you'll enjoy exploring by car or canoe.
Explore Sand Hills
Niobrara Canoeing
Recognized among the 10 top canoeing rivers in the nation by Backpacker magazine, the Niobrara River flows leisurely through steep sandstone canyons. Nebraskans also rank the river, designated a National Scenic River by Congress in 1991, in the top 10 favorite tourists stops in the state.
< Ainsworth, NE RecreationBessey Nursery
Located near Halsey, the Bessey Nursery, as originally established, comprised fifteen acres of land south of the Middle Loup River and included a two-story headquarters building, mess hall, barn, and shop building. The nursery was created in 1903
Thedford, NE National RegisterCherry County Historic Bridges - NHR
Cherry County has six bridges listed on the National Historic Register usually designated as such because of their age and unique designs.
Bell Bridge
Valentine, NE National Register
Johnstown
In 1991, the village of Johnstown was the site of filming for the CBS Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, "O Pioneers!" Viewing the old fashioned main street with board sidewalk is a trip down memory lane with a unique "Old West" appearance.
Johnstown was established in 1882
Ainsworth, NE Historic TownsKeya Paha County Courthouse
This building has supported the official business of Keya Paha County since is construction in 1914
Springview, NE Historic CourthousesPost Office Mural - NHR
The former Valentine United States Post Office, constructed in 1936-37, is a one-story, brick and limestone Modernistic style building. While the building retains a high degree of integrity, its national historical significance derives
Valentine, NE National RegisterSellers-Barton Museum
The first museum was a log cabin built in 1936, with logs from the Niobrara River. Mrs. Nettie Sellors provided the funds for
Ainsworth, NE MuseumsKeya Paha Historical Society Museum
The Keya Paha Historical Society welcomes you to experience 100 years of County history come to life, by beginning your visit at this unique museum in Springview. Here, inquire about guided tours, lectures, and historical events of the county.
The building, listed on the
Springview, NE MuseumsCherry County Courthouse - NHR
Although Cherry County is the largest county (in square miles) in Nebraska, early settlement did not occur until the late 1870s. By the early 1880s, however, settlement began to increase spurred on, in part, by the construction of the railroad. In 1883
Valentine, NE National RegisterColeman House Museum
The Coleman House contains clothing, furniture, memorabilia, a genealogical file,
Ainsworth, NE MuseumsSpringview Murals
These murals displayed inside the Keya Paha County Courthouse were created by Shirley Nelson in 1984 and depict a view of main street Springview in its early years and an inspiring reflection of Keya Paha'
Springview, NE Arts