A sweet little town in the Cornhusker State, Valentine exudes natural beauty and charm. With a population of just 2,820, Valentine maintains a small town image but offers plenty of outdoor fun. It provides a multitude of different lodging accommodations from B&Bs to camp sites; though it's somewhat difficult to find pizzazz in the dining area.

Gambling is a sport here. The Rosebud Casino offers poker, black jack and the always-popular slot machines. There's plenty of fun for anyone willing and able to pluck down money in the hopes of hittin' the jackpot.

Beautiful home of the Niobrara River and the artistic Sandhills, splashing waterfalls and scenic roads, Valentine lures travelers. Naturalists turn to wild preserves that house herds of buffalo and nesting birds. Boaters sweep down the rippling river in canoes, rushing past niches of countless wild critters on their way downstream. And anglers whip out their lines in hopes of snaring their supper.

Two miles down the road, the Cowboy Trail runs for 321 miles, and this is one of the trail's most scenic spots. A bridge spans the Niobrara River and from a height of 150 feet, it peers out over the exquisite valley tucked between the Sandhills. Bikers and walkers revel in the beauty here, enjoying peaceful interludes with nature.

Quiet beaches with sparkling water lapping the sandy shores are found at Merritt Reservoir, 26 miles from Valentine. One of the best fishing spots in the state, it is home to bass, crappie, perch, walleye, bluegill, and muskie. Fishing is a year-round sport here with ice fishing tournaments held during winter months. In summer, the beach transforms into a paradise for swimming, sailing and water skiing. Camping, too, is available.

Nature trails trek through Valentine National Wildlife Refuge where naturalists and photographers thrill to the 71,500-acre haven for thousands of wildlife animals. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking and tubing are also found in the area.

Valentine, a.k.a. "Heart City", is a small town in north-central Nebraska.