Venturing Noses: Valentine, Nebraska
This travel spot is featured in our seventh blog series, Sheps Stay.
What if a vacation with your dog could take you to rolling Sandhills, a winding river, and Nebraska’s highest waterfall? Valentine, Nebraska, offers a getaway that is anything but ordinary, with natural wonders and outdoor experiences around nearly every corner. From exploring the Niobrara River Valley to discovering the 63-foot Smith Falls, this small Nebraska town offers plenty of reasons to pack up the car, bring your four-legged companion, and see where the journey leads.
Nestled in the heart of Nebraska's breathtaking Sandhills, Valentine is a small town with a very big heart. Known as "America's Heart City," this welcoming destination offers the perfect escape for travelers looking to swap busy schedules for wide-open spaces, scenic beauty, and unforgettable adventures with their dogs.
Surrounded by rolling grass-covered dunes, winding rivers, and some of Nebraska's most spectacular landscapes, Valentine is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The nearby Niobrara River, scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife areas, and Merritt Reservoir provide endless opportunities to explore together. The region is also home to Nebraska's only official International Dark Sky Park, where visitors can end the day beneath an incredible canopy of stars. With so much natural beauty to discover, it's easy to find ways to make your dog part of the experience.
When it's time to grab a bite, Old Mill is a convenient local stop for sandwiches, pizza, soup, bakery treats, and other goodies. Pick up something to enjoy on the road or pack a meal for a picnic, then find a scenic spot where you and your pup can relax and enjoy it together. It's a simple way to make mealtime part of the trip without having to leave your four-legged travel companion behind.
After a day of exploring, Fishberry Campground offers a peaceful place to settle in and enjoy the beauty of the Niobrara River. With its scenic setting and laid-back camping atmosphere, it's a wonderful home base for travelers exploring Valentine with their dogs. There's something special about ending an adventure-filled day outdoors, surrounded by nature, and relaxing with your best four-legged friend.
With so many places to explore, eat, relax, and experience the outdoors together, Valentine offers much more than a simple getaway. It is the kind of destination that makes you want to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and create memories with the ones who mean the most—including the four-legged members of the family.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone had paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Valentine, Nebraska. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Merritt Dam Road Hill House
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 5 beds and 1 bath.
Photos by AIRBNB
It features the following amenities:
Located on 9 acres, perched high above the rolling Nebraska Sandhills offering stunning views of the Sandhills and the Snake River Valley
Snake River flows directly below the property
Steps from Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
Fully stocked kitchen
Loft area
Two expansive decks--large lower deck and an upper deck
BBQ grill
Covered carport
What would Luie Boone have thought of this rental? He would have woofed:
My humans had a vacation planned to Valentine, Nebraska, and I was supposed to go along. I dreamed about the Merritt Dam Road Hill House, high above Merritt Reservoir and the Snake River Valley, with nine private acres and beautiful Sandhills views.
I imagined exploring with my humans and discovering all the wildlife—birds, rabbits, deer, and even those funny, prickly porcupines! My humans would have kept me safely on my leash because of the porcupines, even though I would have wanted to sniff everything. I was also excited about the cattle. Sometimes herds are moved along Merritt Dam Road, and they did have the right-of-way. I pictured myself watching those big cows from the car while we patiently waited for them to pass. I even wondered if I would have met Waylon, the owners' big dog. Most of all, I dreamed of sitting on the deck with my humans, watching the sunset and gazing at the stars. But that adventure never happened. I passed away before we could make the trip, but I like to imagine that somewhere I'm still running through those Sandhills, watching the wildlife, admiring the porcupines from a safe distance, and waiting for the cattle to cross the road. Maybe someday, if my humans visit Nebraska, they'll look over Merritt Reservoir and think of me. I'll be there in their hearts.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone had sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Valentine, Nebraska!
Smith Falls
A visit to Smith Falls is a must when exploring the Valentine, Nebraska, area.
As Nebraska's tallest waterfall, this stunning 70-foot cascade is the perfect place to enjoy nature with your four-legged companion.
The short, scenic walk to the falls includes a crossing over the historic Verdigre Bridge, a restored steel truss footbridge spanning the Niobrara River.
The bridge itself is a beautiful part of the experience and offers lovely views along the way to the falls.
Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they remain on a leash.
Keep an eye out for deer, songbirds, and other wildlife, and be sure to give them plenty of space.
Whether you're taking photos, enjoying the waterfall, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, Smith Falls is a beautiful stop to share with your pup.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Just outside Valentine, Nebraska, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place to explore the Sandhills with four-legged friends.
Covering 19,131 acres, the refuge features open prairie, wooded areas, abundant wildlife, and nine miles of the scenic Niobrara River.
The river is a highlight, especially for dogs that love the water.
Watching pups splash and play in the Niobrara adds a fun touch to a day spent exploring the refuge.
With its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and river views, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful dog-friendly stop when visiting Valentine and the surrounding area.
Marsh Lakes Overlook Trail
Marsh Lakes Overlook Trail is a short, easy walk at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge that gives visitors a beautiful look at the Sandhills, grasslands, and marshes that make this area so special.
At only about 0.13 mile, it’s an easy stop for families and a great little outing for dogs, too.
The overlook has interpretive displays about the refuge, wildlife, and Sandhills ecosystem, while the trail provides peaceful views of the surrounding marshland.
It’s a simple way to enjoy some of Nebraska’s natural beauty without taking on a long or difficult hike.
Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash, making this a nice spot to stretch four legs and take in the scenery together.
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is a beautiful place to enjoy the Sandhills with a four-legged companion.
Located southwest of Valentine, the recreation area surrounds a deep, scenic reservoir known for fishing, boating, camping, and some of the darkest skies in Nebraska.
Dogs are welcome throughout the area as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet, making it easy to explore the shoreline, enjoy the scenery, and relax together outdoors.
With wide-open views, peaceful water, and plenty of places to stop and take in the landscape, Merritt Reservoir makes a great addition to a dog-friendly Valentine adventure.
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a peaceful place to experience the wide-open beauty of Nebraska’s Sandhills with a four-legged companion;
Located near Valentine, Nebraska, the forest features rolling grass-covered hills, scattered pine trees, quiet trails, and beautiful backcountry scenery.
Dogs can enjoy exploring alongside their owners while taking in the wildlife and natural landscape.
The Niobrara River borders the northern portion of the forest, while the Snake River is found near the southern area.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
For dog lovers looking for a quieter place away from the crowds, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a wonderful place to slow down, explore, and enjoy Nebraska’s unique Sandhills country together.
The Cowboy Trail
The Cowboy Trail in Valentine, Nebraska, offers a wonderful way for dogs and their owners to experience the beauty of Nebraska’s Sandhills together.
Following an old railroad route, the trail winds through wide-open prairie, rolling landscapes, and peaceful scenery where dogs can enjoy plenty of new sights and smells.
The crushed limestone surface and relatively gentle route make it a nice option for exploring together.
One of the highlights of the trail is the historic railroad bridge crossing the Niobrara River just east of Valentine.
The bridge stretches about a quarter of a mile and rises approximately 148 feet above the river, giving visitors an incredible view of the Niobrara and the surrounding Sandhills. Walking across the bridge with your dog makes for a memorable experience and an especially great photo opportunity. With the river below, wide-open Nebraska skies, and beautiful scenery all around, it is a unique place to capture a special moment with your four-legged companion.
Dog safety note: The bridge is high above the river, so keep your dog securely leashed and close to you while crossing. Stay alert for cyclists, other trail users, and horses, and take your time if your dog is nervous around heights or unfamiliar sounds. A little extra care can help make this beautiful part of the Cowboy Trail a safe and enjoyable experience for both of you.
Wildlife, peaceful surroundings, and the feeling of being out in the open country add to the adventure.
For dog lovers traveling through Valentine, the Cowboy Trail is a wonderful place to stretch your legs, enjoy the scenery, and make some four-legged memories along the way.
Heartland Tubes
Looking for a fun adventure to enjoy with your pup?
Heartland Tubes in Valentine, Nebraska, is a great place to spend a summer day floating the beautiful Niobrara River.
Bring your four-legged friend along to enjoy the cool water, sandy shores, and peaceful scenery while you relax and take in the outdoors.
Be sure to bring fresh water, a leash, waste bags, and a doggy life jacket for your furry passenger.
With stunning scenery and a laid-back pace, a float with Heartland Tubes is a memorable way to experience Valentine, Nebraska, with your best friend by your side.
Bolo Beer Co
The dog-friendly fun doesn’t end when the outdoor exploring is over.
Bolo Beer Co. in Valentine, Nebraska, is a welcoming local brewery where dogs are welcome in the taproom and outdoor area.
It’s a relaxed place to take a break, enjoy a locally made beer, and spend time with your four-legged companion.
Bolo crafts a diverse and approachable lineup using fresh, pure water from the Ogallala Aquifer, adding a unique piece of local character to every brew.
Their selection includes the clean, slightly sweet pilsner-style “Aquifer,” the citrusy IPA “Americus,” and richer ales like the caramel-and-roasty “Waggle.”
With a variety of beers to choose from and a laid-back atmosphere where pups are welcome, Bolo Beer Co. makes a great stop for dog lovers exploring Valentine.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Valentine, Nebraska
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that would have put Luie Boone's leash in a twist and he would have woofed:
My humans had planned to take us on vacation to Valentine, Nebraska, and I was so excited to see what it would be like. I had heard there was a beautiful river called the Niobrara, and I imagined myself running along the shore, sniffing everything, and splashing in the water. I knew my humans probably wouldn’t let me jump in wherever I wanted because some areas had rules about where dogs could go, and the river could have strong currents and rough water. They probably would have made me stay on the trail and watch from the shore, even though all I would have wanted was to get my paws wet. I would have loved exploring the trails, smelling all the new scents, and seeing the sights of Valentine with my humans. It sounded like it could have been such a fun adventure, but sadly, we never got the chance to go. Before that vacation could happen, I passed away, leaving my humans with only the memories of all the adventures we had shared together. I never got to see the Niobrara River or splash in its water, but I like to imagine that somewhere, I’m still running free with my paws wet and my humans close by.
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