Sand Hills, Nebraska


Gentle rivers meander along pine-studded canyons, towering waterfalls and a veritable ocean of prairie grasses alongside America's largest man-made forest, a wildlife refuge of gigantic proportions and cattle ranches that are better comprehended from the air than the ground. It's a wide-open landscape. A landscape that inspired Mari Sandoz to produce some of this country's finest fiction. A landscape you'll enjoy exploring by car or canoe.
Explore Sand Hills
Deer Park Golf Club
Deer Park is a scenic nine-hole golf course overlooking the Minnecheduza Creek
Valentine, NE RecreationThomas County Courthouse
Following the establishment of Thomas County, Thedford became the county seat in 1887, and a courthouse was built two years later. The courthouse served the county well until it was destroyed in a fire in 1920. After some delays a special election was held in 1923
Thedford, NE Historic CourthousesNiobrara Valley Preserve
The Niobrara Valley Preserve of the Nature Conservancy is a 50,000
Ainsworth, NE Wildlife RefugesJohnstown
In 1991, the village of Johnstown was the site of filming for the CBS Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, "O Pioneers!" Viewing the old fashioned main street with board sidewalk is a trip down memory lane with a unique "Old West" appearance.
Johnstown was established in 1882
Ainsworth, NE Historic TownsMiller Hotel - NHR
The Miller Hotel in Long Pine was originally built as a two-story frame house in 1895. It was converted to a hotel in 1914 when a ten-room wing was added. The hotel is historically significant for its association with the
Ainsworth, NE National RegisterWalcott House - NHR
This one-and-one-half-story frame house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a simplified example of a Neo-Classical Revival dwelling, based upon earlier Greek Revival style houses in the eastern and mid-western states. F. M.
Valentine, NE National RegisterColeman House Museum
The Coleman House contains clothing, furniture, memorabilia, a genealogical file,
Ainsworth, NE MuseumsMerritt Fishing
Merritt Reservoir offers some of Nebraska's premiere fishing. It is a deep lake with excellent inflow from the Snake River and Boardman Creek, Consequently, the reservoir is well-insulated against excessive drawdown
, NE FishingBessey Nursery
Located near Halsey, the Bessey Nursery, as originally established, comprised fifteen acres of land south of the Middle Loup River and included a two-story headquarters building, mess hall, barn, and shop building. The nursery was created in 1903
Thedford, NE National Register