Located in Nebraska’s beautiful sandhills, Calamus State Recreation Area is a popular place for camping, fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking in the state. Visitors will have ample opportunities for photos of wildlife.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center is an 850-acre tallgrass prairie nature preserve. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, nearly 640-acres of never been plowed native prairie, ponds and wetlands. Discover wildflowers, wildlife, historic 19th-century wagon ruts and beautiful scenic vistas.     

Ash Hollow State Historical Park interprets almost 10,000 years of history. Geologic, paleontological, Overland Trail and Native American exhibits are on display. This stop also offers hiking, biking and equestrian trails with breathtaking views. 

Experience the Sandhills at Harrop Park. This peaceful roadside stop features an educational walking trail, historical marker and picnic site.

Located in a picturesque valley of the Snake River 26 miles southwest of Valentine, Merritt Reservoir offers some of Nebraska’s best fishing, along with boating and camping. It is a deep lake with excellent inflow from the Snake River and Boardman Creek.

See footage of the entire 76 miles of river and learn about what makes this area so rich in paleontology, biology and culture. Comprising of over 200 waterfalls and six ecosystems with hybrid plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.  

Discover the Wild About Nature display, shop in the gift shop, and view magnificent photographs and art in the Hornady Art Gallery. When you venture outside, check out the butterfly garden, a small research herd of American bison and a 35-foot observation tower.