Heart City Creative District

Valentine is the “Heart City” of the Nebraska Sandhills with a rich heritage of Lakota Sioux culture and ranching, western shops and art, museums and historic buildings, the cowboy trail head, chic boutiques and gift shops, the sculpture walk, a brewery, renowned steakhouses, antiques, and a homemade ice cream shop! Once known as the “toughest cowboy town in Nebraska” the town’s borders lead to numerous opportunities to explore natural resources.

The Niobrara Valley ecosystems, the Niobrara national scenic river, state and national parks with beautiful waterfalls, historical sites, world-class golf courses, a winery and vinegary, a state fish hatchery, Merritt Dam Reservoir, and more provide a one-of-a-kind heartwarming experience! Local festivals and annual events feature prized bulls on main street during The Bull Bash, cowboy poets, western art, and classic cowboy music during Old West Days and Old Settlers Day, canoes and kayaks on the river during Niobrara River Races, cowboys and cowgirls wrangling horses and cattle during the Cherry County Fair Rodeo, and fishermen braving the winter weather during the Cork Thornton Ice Fishing Tournament.

Artists come from miles away to spend a week on the Niobrara River painting beautiful landscapes with the Sand Painters Art Guild and diverse musicians perform on stage as part of the Valentine Area Arts Council season. Local creative entrepreneurs sell their products at Cowboy Trail Head and in markets across the globe. Cherry County is also the #1 beef producing county in the United States and the ranching presence of grit, stewardship, and fellowship runs strong through all aspects of the local experience.

In the Heart City, highways 20, 83, 12, and 97 all intersect which creates a thriving crossroads where big adventure and warm hospitality awaits all who travel here. Our hearts beat strong for the Sandhills way of life and we believe once you visit the Sandhills it will imprint on your heart too!