This Is Nebraska's Quirkiest Little Town
Valentine, Nebraska, with an approximate population of 2,632, is a town that truly earns its nickname, "The Heart City." The name Valentine might initially evoke images of cherubs and chocolates, but the real quirk of this quaint little town lies in its history, its unusual businesses, and how it chooses to celebrate its connection to this nationwide holiday. This region of Nebraska is wild, with free-roaming bison and recognition from National Geographic Adventure as one of the top wilderness towns to see and explore.
Valentine’s Quirky and Unique Origin Story
Valentine's history, like that of many towns in the American West, is one of periods of hardship and astonishing revival. Valentine was established in 1884 and was named after E.K. Valentine, a congressman who played a significant role in the development of the West.
The challenges of settling the Sandhills shaped the town's early history. Although the land wasn't suited for traditional farming for early settlers, the Kinkaid Act encouraged ranching, leading to a significant increase in Cherry County's population. This historical shift from agriculture to ranching is a notable fact, representative of the ingenuity and tenacity that define the region, far removed from the romantic associations of Valentine's Day.
One of Valentine's oldest quirky customs concerns its post office. Every year, until February 14th, the Valentine Post Office hosts letters from lovers all over the world. Thousands of Valentine's Day cards are sent here to be hand-stamped with a special seal and verse. This goes beyond a simple service, but is a global phenomenon, a testament to the way a small town has leveraged its name to offer a unique connection with people far outside its borders.
Natural Wonders with a Twist
Valentine's immediate natural environment is perhaps its best and quirkiest feature, earning it a spot on National Geographic Adventure's "Best of" designation for wilderness towns.
The Niobrara National Scenic River is the jewel, a designation that speaks to its exceptional beauty. It's just been designated North America's first International Quiet Trail, in honor of its tranquil and unspoiled nature. This 76-mile segment offers unlimited opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, with spring-fed tributaries ensuring steady water levels throughout the year.
The vast Sandhills region, covering 19,000 square miles, is a fanciful landscape unto itself - the largest tract of stabilized dunes in the Western Hemisphere, but covered with lush grasslands thanks to the enormous Ogallala Aquifer. It's a "desert" that's teeming with life and activity, making it a memorable stop on your journey through Cherry County.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, located east of Valentine, is a 77,000-acre refuge that is home to herds of bison and elk, offering a chance to see the animals up close on a 3.5-mile driving tour. Few places can allow you to safely get this close to the indigenous creatures of the untamed lands of the Cornhusker State.
Historic Landmarks with Eccentric Character
Valentine's man-made attractions effectively reflect the unique history and culture of the town and its people. The Bryan Bridge on U.S. Route 20 is one of the more significant historic sites in all of Valentine. While not offbeat in itself, its cantilevered design and status as one of the nation's highest railroad bridges make it a striking engineering feat amidst a rural landscape, a testament to the infrastructural challenges overcome in developing the region.
The Cherry County Courthouse, located on 4th and Main Streets, is a nod to the town's extensive history as the county seat. Its persistence is a testament to the stability of a city that has had its share of natural disasters.
For a genuine look into the area's ranching history, the Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park offers a closer glimpse into a turn-of-the-century working cattle ranch. It's a reminder that beneath the "Heart City" facade lies a strong connection to the rugged, hardworking nature of the Sandhills. It was once home to Eve Bowring, the first Nebraska congresswoman, making it even more historically significant for visiting
The Commercial Sites of Valentine
In the case of business enterprises that reflect Valentine's nature, stores and eateries often tap into local charm. Occupying a historic bank building from 1915, the Broken Spoke Boutique is an excellent representation of Valentine's blend of old and new. The building itself featuring a beautiful restored tin tile ceiling, fir hardwood, and a mosaic hexagon tile floor. Not only does the boutique sell one-of-a-kind clothing and handmade jewelry, but it also specializes in Fair Trade products and vintage items, indicating considerate and creative retailing for a small town.
Bolo Beer Co. and Niobrara Valley Vineyards offer local craft beverages, capitalizing on the Sandhills' unique agricultural products and natural scenery. The result is a set of unique brews and bottles that showcase the special offerings of the wild region surrounding the town, making even the wine and ales carefully crafted and formulated in Cherry County.
There is a lot more to Valentine, Nebraska, than simply being a play on an endearing term for your significant other. While the community itself is small, it feels larger than life with the quirky appeal that ranges from its unique annual ritual where the post office becomes overrun with letters in early February to its natural wonders. Valentine is home to the state's tallest waterfall, free-roaming bison, and a shop in a historic bank building, so it certainly has an unusual mix of charm, adventure, and peculiar personality worthy of exploration.
