AGRITOURISM IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO EXPERIENCE A TRUE WORKING CATTLE RANCH WITH ALL THE FIXINS, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN ROWSE’S 1+1 RANCH. —LAJOLLA P., TRIPADVISOR “ ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Niobrara River float, Valentine NIOBRARA RIVERVIEW RETREATS, VALENTINE 5 ecozones // Take a wildlife hike // Get out on the water Outdoor serenity is the trademark of this working cattle ranch that borders two miles of the Niobrara River and Schlagel Creek Canyon. Here, you’ll find five different ecozones. Rolling sandhills give way to pine river breaks and mixed hardwood-covered valleys filled with wildlife. The rustic, air-conditioned lodge, accommodating 10 to 64 guests, features a large kitchen, dining hall and seven bedrooms, each with a bathroom and shower. Spend your evenings roasting marshmallows around the firepit and playing yard games. Water-lovers will welcome the easy river access for swimming, wading or sunbathing, and arrangements can be made for tubing and kayaking. Nesting trumpeter swans and numerous bird species call the 30-acre marsh home. Catch-and-release northern pike (some larger than 10 pounds), largemouth bass and bluegill can be fished from the shore or from provided kayaks and canoes. Among the ranch’s many trails, owner Steve Hansen, a biologist by profession, offers a self-guided nature hike using a handheld GPS. Overnight stabling and trail riding are available for horse owners. CREDIT: FOWLER/NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE, NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION HORIZONS WITHOUT BOUNDS Go behind the scenes of Nebraska’s farming and ranching operations with Dr. Bill Burdett, a large-animal veterinarian whose tours introduce you to his ranching friends. Along the way, take in geographical, historical and novel attractions from the Missouri River to the Pine Ridge. Wildlife encounters make lasting impressions. On the four-mile drive through Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari , you’ll get up close to bison, pronghorn antelope and prairie dogs. Sandhill crane season, peaking in March, impresses with viewing tours at Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center near Grand Island and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary. Wessels Living History Farm, York Monkey Ranch Buffalo Tours guarantees a personal introduction as you feed the shaggy-bearded beasts. VisitNebraska.com 15
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 15
