Alan J. Bartels

Cherry County is the largest county in Nebraska by area. It spans 5,961 miles and borders 11 other counties, seven in Nebraska and four in South Dakota. Its largest town and county seat is Valentine, population 2,800.

Cody, population 300, is located about 35 miles west of Valentine. This town may be small by size, but it ranks high for uniqueness. A vinegary and a master bootmaker are just two of the artisans you can find here.

Cherry County is located in the state’s Sandhills region and offers many chances to explore this unique landscape. The Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge are two great starting points. The area is known for grass-covered dunes as well as the Niobrara, a National Scenic River. It’s a summer past-time for many Nebraskans to float down this winding river.

Learn more about Cherry County by contacting the Cherry County Visitor and Promotion Board at visitvalentine.org or (402) 376-2969.

Discover Activities in Cherry County

  • Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

    Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge began as a military post. Its mission today is preserving wildlife habitat. A driving tour reveals prairie dogs, burrowing owls, badgers, upland sandpipers, turtles ...

  • Niobrara River

    The Niobrara River winds through tree-filled canyons near Valentine. Canoeists and kayakers prove their paddling prowess through or around rapids and rocks. Inner-tube floaters leisurely let the river do ...

  • Sandhills Boot Co.

    Big feet or small, resident bootmaker Kyle Rosfeld from Sandhills Boot Co. could put boots on them all. When celebrities like Willie Nelson and Neil Young need a new ...

  • Frederick Peak Golf Club

    Frederick Peak Golf Club is a new public course opening in 2017. Ten holes wind through scenic ridges on Valentine’s northeastern edge. Small canyons are golf greens in the ...

  • Circle C Market

    After several years with no grocery store, residents and students from Cody-Kilgore High School built the Circle C Market from straw bales. Students work in the store and ring ...

  • Smith Falls State Park

    Smith Falls State Park east of Valentine is named for its 70-foot tall cascading waterfall – the state’s highest. The park is a popular launching site for kayakers, canoers ...

  • Cherry County Historical Society Museum

    The Cherry County Historical Society Museum showcases exhibits on the history of ranching, the military, Native Americans, pioneers and more. Look for the log cabin and windmill at Main ...

  • Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

    Valentine National Wildlife Refuge protects 72,000 acres of the Nebraska Sandhills. Grass-covered sand dunes rise over marsh-filled valleys. The refuge allows limited hunting. Some lakes are open to anglers seeking ...

  • The Prairie Club

    Several skill challenging and visually stunning golf courses are within a short drive of Valentine. Two 18-hole courses and a 10-hole course can be found at The Prairie Club 20 ...

  • Centennial Hall Museum

    Centennial Hall, erected in 1897, is the oldest standing high school building in Nebraska. It is a museum today. Twelve rooms tell the history of the school, the pioneer era ...

  • George Paul Vinegar

    George Paul Vinegar is in a straw bale building in Cody. Traditionally crafted fruit and wine vinegars flow from here to fine restaurants across the United States. Few communities ...

  • Snake River Falls

    Snake River Falls rushes over a 54-foot-wide ledge on the Snake River. This waterfall is Nebraska’s largest by volume. A short scenic hike through private land leads visitors ...

  • Merritt Reservoir

    The nearly 3,000 acres of sky-blue Merritt Reservoir water surrounded by sand hills is a scenic sight to see in this remote location 26 miles southwest of Valentine. Wide white sand ...

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