The summer is winding down. Brisk air, layered outfits, and pumpkin spice are on the horizon. Fall is here, and you’re looking to spend time in Valentine, Nebraska.
You’ll need two things:
- A nice, warm place to spend your downtime (The Niobrara Lodge, of course!).
- A breakdown of all of the unique and fun activities Valentine has to offer!
Look no further. Here’s four of our favorite ways to spend our fall days here in Valentine.
1. Cowboy Trail
Location: 1 mile (2 minute drive)
Spanning almost 200 miles across northern Nebraska, the Cowboy Trail is a former railroad track turned massive limestone trail with wooden decked bridges.
Only 90 minutes from Valentine is the old train trestle crossing the Niobrara River. Stretching a quarter mile long and towering 150 feet above the river, this spot makes for a great place for bike rides — all while taking in the breathtaking views!
2. Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Location: 7 miles (14 minute drive)
Fort Niobrara — a former frontier fort from the late 1800s — is now home to a national wildlife refuge. You’ll find bison, elk, prairie dogs and more on driving tours.
Along with the wildlife, you can take the short three-quarter mile hike to Fort Falls, one of the region’s premier waterfalls.
3. Dylan & Ashton Lurz Pumpkin Patch
This free-to-enter pumpkin patch is perfect for a fall date or family time with the kids!
Get everything you need to create Jack-O-Lantern’s while making memories with the family.
Take pictures along the haystacks and enjoy the vast views of pumpkins galore.
As they say, “There is no fee to get into the pumpkin patch, but we do charge for the pumpkins!”
You can visit their Facebook page for more information!
4. Centennial Hall Museum
Nebraska’s oldest-standing high school is now a museum with local area historical artifacts and various room themes throughout the building. This museum is rumored to be haunted.
The story goes that a girl was killed in 1944 after someone poisoned her clarinet reed. Teachers reported seeing her ghost, and now you still may be able to hear music coming from the old music room…
…even with no instruments left in the building.
The museum, located at 3rd and Macomb Streets, is open seasonally:
- Monday-Wednesday – Closed
- Thursday & Friday – 1:00pm-5:00pm
- Saturday – 9:00 am-1:00pm
- Sunday – Closed
So… which activities will you enjoy?
Whether you’re looking to bike Nebraska’s longest trail, spend a day with wildlife, pick pumpkins or visit a haunted museum, Valentine is the place to be this fall!
We’re in the heart of everything Valentine has to offer.