VALENTINE, Neb. – Access to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall is temporarily closed due to an ice jam along the Niobrara River, but visitors to Cherry County can still enjoy plenty of natural beauty this winter. The jam caused huge chunks of ice to be piled up at the Smith Falls State Park campground.

However, Cherry County Tourism Director Regina Osburn says the area still offers plenty of winter activities.

“Everybody knows that Valentine is the summer playground,” Osburn said. “But there’s tons of things to do in the winter months too. The waterfalls are beautiful this time of year, and there are a lot of fishing and hunting opportunities.”

One alternative destination is Fort Falls, Nebraska’s second-tallest waterfall, located within the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. The 45-foot cascade, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Sandhills, remains a scenic attraction even in the colder months.

“So if you want to come ice fishing or just see some of the sights in the wintertime, it’s actually very beautiful,” Osburn said.

For the latest updates on the Smith Falls State Park campground, visitors are encouraged to call the park office at 402-376-1306.