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Itinerary: Summer Vacay in the Sandhills

Summer's prime time for enjoying the lush Sandhills. Explore the rolling terrain on horseback or an ecotour, navigate serene waters by tube or tank, and check off bucket-list attractions like Buffalo Bill's Ranch and Smith Falls State Park.  

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Valentine, NE

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Local's Tip

The best time of year to take this trip is in the spring or summer. Especially in June and July, the Sandhills are lush, green and beautiful.

Day 1
Breakfast at Espresso Shop by Caravan

419 N. Dewey St.
North Platte, NE
United States

Gather with the locals for coffee culture, music and food in historic downtown North Platte. The Espresso Shop by Caravan is a purveyor of fine coffee and freshly made breakfast and lunch items.

Shop Grain Bin Antique Town

10641 S. Old Hwy. 83 Rd.
North Platte, NE
United States

Shop this one-of-a-kind antiquing destination. Grain Bin Antique Town's salvaged and re-purposed historical grain bins are filled with antique treasures of all kinds.

Another Round Sports Bar & Grill

1008 W. 18th St.
North Platte, NE
United States

The lunch menu at Another Round Sports Bar and Grill features burgers, salads, wraps, sandwiches and more. 

Discover Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center

1249 N. Homestead Rd.
North Platte, NE
United States

Get your best view overlooking Bailey Yard, the "world's largest classification rail yard." From atop the Golden Spike Tower's two observation decks, you'll watch the action as the crews of Union Pacific Railroad sort and connect over 10,000 rail cars a day on two classification hump yards, with nearly 120 bowl rows and 315 tracks. Stop by the large gift store, enjoy a walk around the outdoor flag walk or ride the elevator to the eighth-floor indoor observation deck overlooking the rail yard. Ask questions and hear "behind the scenes" stories from guides who once worked on the yard. Learn more via interactive kiosks or simply relax and listen to the trains.  Open daily year 'round. 

Hang out at Pals Brewing Company

4520 S. Buffalo Bill Ave.
North Platte, NE
United States

Pals Brewing Company was designed around its core team members—who they are and what they love to do. More than a tap room, you'll find games, regular happy hours, pizza, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres (think squeaky-fresh cheese curds and cocktails like the Oettinger Old-Fashioned, mixed from passed-down recipes). 

Check into Best Western Plus North Platte Inn & Suites

3201 S. Jeffers
North Platte, NE
United States

Conveniently located close to Interstate 80 in the heart of Nebraska. Pets are allowed based on the availability of pet-friendly rooms—call for details.

Golden Spike Tower

Golden Spike Tower

Day 2
Ride or Float with Dusty Trails

7 N. Buffalo Bill Ave.
North Platte, NE
United States

After complimentary breakfast at the hotel, steer toward outdoor adventure—and a taste of the wild West—with Dusty Trails. Located at Buffalo Bill's Scouts Rest Ranch, the outfitter can equip you to ride horseback through Buffalo Bill's original ranch or float the iconic North Platte River in a tank, tube, canoe or kayak. Check out the petting zoo while onsite. 

Tour Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park

21 Scout's Rest Ranch Rd.
North Platte, NE
United States

Tour the memorabilia-packed home and barn of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody: buffalo hunter, scout and creator of the Wild West Show. House and barn open May through September; call for hours. Park permit required. Camping available.

Relax at Bootleg Brewers

45145 829th Rd.
Taylor, NE
United States

Find this Sandhills oasis—40 acres featuring a brewery and beer garden, steakhouse and cabins—on a working ranch near scenic Calamus Lake. 

Take an Ecotour at Comstock Premier Lodge

81785 Rd. 457
Sargent, NE
United States

Take a tour around this lodge to view a colorful variety of bison, elk and species of sheep including bighorn cross and aoudad.

Overnight at Comstock Premier Lodge

81785 Rd. 457
Sargent, NE
United States

Retire to this 8,500-square-foot lodge for thoughtful accommodations, comfort and service surrounded by acres of majestic ranch land. Take in the scenery and watch the wildlife. After a day afield, relax in the steam room or enjoy a drink by the fireplace. Then rest up for another day of adventure—all sleeping rooms feature comfortable beds and private bath.

Bootleg Brewers in Taylor, NE

Bootleg Brewers

Day 3
Do a Sandhills Ranch Ecotour

83720 Valleyview Ave.
Burwell, NE
United States

After breakfast on the patio of Comstock Lodge, head to Calamus Outfitters for a Sandhills Ranch Ecotour. This guided driving tour provides an up-close look at the complex bio-diversity found in the area—without skimping on panoramic views of the rolling landscape. Along the way, you'll learn about local history, ranch management and conservation projects while stopping to view native plants and grassland bird habitat. 

Tank with Calamus Outfitters

83720 Valleyview Ave.
Burwell, NE
United States

What is tanking? Calamus Outfitters takes a plastic water or feeding tank (usually reserved for livestock), adds seating and invites you to float down the river. The Calamus River is ideal for tanking—or tubing—thanks to its relatively slow current and shallow depths, making it enjoyable for all ages. The serene Nebraska Sandhills scenery that surrounds the river doesn't hurt, either.

Dine at Peppermill & E.K. Valentine Lounge

502 E. Hwy. 20
Valentine, NE
United States

Locals recommend this spot for its mouthwatering menu and excellent service. Expect the freshest possible ingredients, including beef produced in Nebraska.

Grab a Beer at Bolo Beer Co.

420 E. 1st St.
Valentine, NE
United States

Brewmaster Chris Hernstrom, known around town as "Chris the Brewer," comes to Bolo Beer Co. from an equally untamed region, the Pacific Northwest. There, he spent years as a winemaker and as a brewer at Boneyard Beer Company in Bend, Oregon. Try Bolo to taste how Chris is blazing his own trail on Nebraska's Sandhills frontier.

Stay at The Niobrara Lodge

803 E. US Hwy. 20
Valentine, NE
United States

Check into centrally located Niobrara Lodge for an amenity-rich stay, including complimentary breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub and spacious outdoor patio.

Bolo Beer Co.

Bolo Beer Co.

Day 4
Chase Waterfalls with Brewers Canoers & Tubers

433 E. Hwy. 20
Valentine, NE
United States

Wondering what makes the Niobrara River so scenic? It's spring-fed, making it a "River of Waterfalls"—a rare find in Nebraska. The best way to view the falls is from the river, whether you're floating in a tube or paddling a kayak. You might even beach your "boat" and enjoy a short hike to a waterfall along the way. Brewers offers two- to six-hour trips and shuttle service to help outfit your adventure. 

Visit Smith Falls State Park

90165 Smith Falls Rd.
Valentine, NE
United States

In Nebraska's newest state park, cross a national historic bridge over the Niobrara River to see the state's highest waterfall. Then, hike the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail to view diverse ecological sytems that exist nowhere else in North America. 

Return to Peppermill & E.K. Valentine Lounge for Dinner

502 E. Hwy. 20
Valentine, NE
United States

Retire Back to The Niobrara Lodge

803 E. US Hwy. 20
Valentine, NE
United States

Rest another night at the Niobrara Lodge. 

Smith Falls State Park in Valentine, NE

Smith Falls State Park

Day 5
View wildlife at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

5 mi. E. of Valentine on US Hwy. 12
Valentine, NE
United States

Spot elk, bison, deer and more than 230 species of birds at this refuge. Then, follow canoeists and kayakers to the canyon dotted with pine trees and waterfalls, a favorite put-in spot. Open year 'round (daylight hours). 

Get Lunch at Bulldoggers BBQ

223 S. Main St.
Valentine, NE
United States

Dig into pulled pork, beef brisket and more Southern-style BBQ favorites at Bulldoggers BBQ.

Explore Snake River Falls

23 miles SW of Valentine on Hwy. 97
Valentine, NE
United States

Follow scenic paths for glimpses of dramatic, wide riverfalls that plunge into a deep canyon. Open year 'round 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Enjoy Dinner at The Prairie Club

109 S. Main St.
Valentine, NE
United States

This semi-private golf club features three restaurants. Take your pick! 

Stargaze at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area

28 mi. SW on NE Hwy. 97
Valentine, NE
United States

For some of Nebraska's best fishing, head to Merritt Reservoir. The deep lake with excellent inflow from the Snake River and Boardman Creek is nestled in a picturesque valley of the Snake River. Bonus: Camping is available here under Nebraska's expansive night sky, perfect for star-gazing. 

Star Gazing at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Valentine, NE

Stargazing at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area