Valentine, Nebraska

Main Street of Valentine, Nebraska
Snapping Turtle
Bison Herd

Wild Turkeys

Rolling 'Hills' of Nebraska

Nestled in the grass covered sandhills of central north Nebraska is the city of Valentine. With a population of just under 3000 people, in 2007 National Geographic Adventure billed it amongst the top 10 wilderness town/cities. In its day, it was the stamping ground of Sioux, Ponca and Pawnee Indians. In July of 2005 it was almost destroyed by a damaging wind storm, and in July 2006 a fire nearly destroyed it.

We stayed 3 days just on the outskirts of the city and our arrival was greeted by the strong smell of cow manure. It reminded us of Dodge City. We jumped on our bikes and rode up the main street to check it out. Not a real happening place on a Saturday afternoon, but I had fun browsing in the Western Wear store, a gift shop and a craft store. On Sunday we walked a mile to attend the local church. On our way home, we walked down a residential street and chatted to two lads who had just returned from catching some trout in the nearby river. They had also bought home a snapping turtle to cook. They are the largest fresh water turtle in the US and are quite agressive using their sharp edged jaws. Apparently their agility to thrust out their head rivals the capability of a rattlesnake strike. Yikes.

On our last morning we decided to take a drive 5 miles east of Valentine to visit the nearby Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. It is located on the beautiful Niobrara River, famous for canoeing enthusiasts. We got there just on 8am and disturbed some wild turkeys and enjoyed watching a herd of bison. We then headed north towards South Dakota, and marvelled at acre after acre of rolling grassy hills. They are actually the largest tract of stablised sand dunes in the western hemisphere and are held in place by the grass that covers them.