Nebraska Sandhills

Here in the beautiful Sandhills of Nebraska, we have a variety of wildlife for our viewing enjoyment year-round and many lovely places to explore.

Connect with nature and enjoy the unique habitat of the Nebraska Sandhills.

After the welcomed rainfall, the Sandhills are alive with various blooming flowers and aesthetic odors. In the evening, nut sedge's pleasant scent permeates our wetland site.

Wildlife

Here in the beautiful Sandhills of Nebraska, we have a variety of wildlife for our viewing enjoyment year-round.

Trumpeter Swans and Geese Flying over the Niobrara River.

  • American Bittern
    American Coot
    American Goldfinch
    American Robin
    Baltimore Oriole
    Barn Swallow
    Black Tern
    Blue-Winged Teal
    Brown-Headed Cowbird
    Canada Goose
    Cattle Egret
    Chipping Sparrow
    Common Crackle
    Common Flicker
    Double-Crested Cormorant
    Eastern Kingbird
    Great Blue Heron
    Horned Lark
    House Sparrow
    Killdeer
    Lark Sparrow
    Mallard
    Morning Dove
    Northern Pintail Grouse
    Northern Shoveler
    Orchard Oriole
    Owl
    Red-Headed Woodpecker
    Red-Winged Blackbird
    Ring-Necked Pheasant
    Tree Swallow
    Trumpeter Swan
    Upland Sandpiper
    Western Kingbird
    Western Meadowlark
    White Pelican
    White-Faced Ibis
    Wilson’s Phalarope
    Yellow-Headed Blackbird

Prairie Chicken & Sharptail Grouse Viewing

Are you ready for an unforgettable wildlife experience? Imagine witnessing the captivating mating dances of prairie chicken and sharptail grouse! From late March to mid-May, you can see this stunning display of nature's beauty every year. And with our cozy cabins near the refuge, you can easily reach one of the viewing blinds before sunrise. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to witness these incredible birds in their natural habitat!

Hiking

If you enjoy solitude in nature, there are many places to hike through the gorgeous Nebraska Sandhills. The CCC Fire Tower Trail is an excellent easy hiking path by Hackberry Lake. The trail is a short drive from your cabin, and there is an old fire tower that you can climb to get a nice view of the area.

Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is outside Valentine, Nebraska, along the Niobrara River. The refuge is a gorgeous area to visit, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see all of the buffalo that roam this area.

A buffalo standing in a grassy field at the Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge outside of Valentine, Nebraska

Smith Falls State Park

Are you ready to see the tallest waterfall in Nebraska? Smith Falls State Park has a lovely trail that will take you along the Niobrara River to the waterfall.

Walking the Cowboy Trail

The Cowboy Trail stretches across the northern region of Nebraska, spanning a distance of 195 miles. It traces the historic path of the old Chicago & Northwestern rail route, known as the "Cowboy Line," from Norfolk in the east to Valentine in the west. If you follow these directions, you will arrive at a parking lot just outside of Valentine. From there, you can take a stroll across the Niobrara River bridge and marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery that awaits you.