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Security First Bank Valentine Chamber of Commerce

Valentine, Nebraska

Valentine, Nebraska

Valentine is Nebraska's "Cupid Capital" as each year thousands of Valentine greeting cards bearing special cachets are mailed across the nation and to foreign countries on February 14. Long before valentine cards became its namesake's ambassadorship, the early settlement which became the county seat of Cherry County was named in honor of Congressman E.K. Valentine, following his favored election in 1882.

In 1890, Fort Niobrara was established to provide military protection to the settlers in the region. Although there was no Indian trouble in the immediate area, the post remained active until 1906. In 1912, a portion of the original Fort Niobrara was set aside as a national game preserve. Its impressive visitors' center features excellent wildlife and natural history displays and historical artifacts from the old fort.

Centennial Hall, Nebraska's oldest standing high school, and the Sand Hills Museum and Cherry County Historical Museum each contribute collections sharing the history of the Sandhills area.

The newly designated scenic river, the Niobrara River, known as Nebraska's swiftest river, is also considered its finest canoeing water. The 25 mile river segment from Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge is the most popular area with canoeists. Several falls and cascades include Smith Falls, the tallest falls in Nebraska, tumbling 75 feet. Outfitters and Trail Rides allow you to see the Niobrara Valley like you've never seen it before! Add a trail ride to your canoeing experience and enjoy scenic beauty unlike anywhere else.

Highway 20 from Valentine past Harrison has been designated an official Nebraska Scenic Byway. Selected highways showcase Nebraska's diverse scenery, history, and recreational opportunities for visitors and Nebraskans alike to discover and enjoy.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Cowboy Trail

By the late 1800s, the United States saw railroad tracks stretched, like a giant web, across its entirety, carrying cargo and travelers towards settlement in the West. Long silenced, abandoned, and almost forgotten, a hundred years later the rails are beginning to see travelers once again. They'

Valentine, NE Recreation

Deer Park Golf Club

Deer Park is a scenic nine-hole golf course overlooking the Minnecheduza Creek

Valentine, NE Recreation

Walcott House - NHR

This one-and-one-half-story frame house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a simplified example of a Neo-Classical Revival dwelling, based upon earlier Greek Revival style houses in the eastern and mid-western states. F. M.

Valentine, NE National Register

Cherry 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 Register

Cherry 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

Things to do near Valentine, NE

Smith Falls SP Wildlife

Often referred to as the "biological crossroads of the Great Plains," the 30-mile stretch of Niobrara River east of...

Merritt Camping

For campers, primitive overnight facilities are available at all the areas on this scenic reservoir, along with drinking wate...

Smith Falls SP Historic Footbridge

Recognizing the biological and scenic significance of Smith Falls and the need for its preservation, the Nebraska Game and Pa...