Looking for a Nebraska staycation? New book has you covered

VALENTINE, Neb. - Cities big and small are trying to brew up economic development, including through craft beers.

“I like the vibe here,” Chelsea Fuhrer said.

Fuhrer is hanging out at Bolo Beer Company in Valentine, one of the 100 places featured in a new book titled, “100 Things to do in the Nebraska Sandhills Before You Die.”

“The environment is kind of like what we’re used to in Sioux Falls. We used to live in Sioux Falls, so to have a different atmosphere than what you would find at a bar downtown is great,” Fuhrer said.

In addition to Bolo, author Alan Bartels also featured more well-known tourist spots, such as Merritt Reservoir, the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, and Smith Falls State Park.

“You can’t ignore the tallest waterfall in Nebraska for sure,” Bartels said.

But many pages showcase hidden gems, events and festivals that even locals might not know about.

“Use it as a guide. Throw it in your car, and discover things that you may have been within a few miles of your whole life, but never knew about,” Bartels said.

Those include helping an at-risk turtle species cross the road, a pumpkin carving festival and a duck race.

“The Hungry Horse Saloon in Ericson, Nebraska is pretty famous. To pull onto that street, it’s like driving into 1890s Nebraska. It’s beautiful with a wide street and an authentic, old saloon,” Bartels said.

Unique spots in the Sandhills that Fuhrer said offer something for everyone.

“You can go downtown and shop, or if you’re into nature, there are lots of trails and parks you can visit as well,” Fuhrer said.

A variety of activities that could have you vacationing close to home this summer.