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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Nebraska  /  Valentine  /  Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine

4.6
#5 of 6 in Parks in Valentine
Hiking Trail · Hidden Gem · Park
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Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is located in the U.S. state of Nebraska and includes 19,131 acres (77.42 km2). The refuge protects a portion of the largest remaining area of tall and mid grass prairie remaining in the U.S. Collectively known as the sand hills region of Nebraska, the dunes were the end result of the last ice age known as the Pinedale glaciation. During the Holocene glacial retreat the sand dunes that been deposited in their current location by the vast continental glaciers, were exposed and grasses eventually took over. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and along with Fort Niobrara and John and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuges, they form the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Numerous lakes and ponds are located on the refuge, fed by underground seeps and springs. 260 species of birds have been identified over the years on the refuge, and during migratory periods in the spring and fall, 150,000 birds pass through the protected area. Coyote, blanding's turtle, prairie grouse, white-tailed and Mule deer are commonly found by visitors in this refuge. Muskrat and beaver inhabit the wetlands and streams. Use our Valentine tour itinerary site to add Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and other attractions to your Valentine vacation plans.
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Valentine National Wildlife Refuge reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
11 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • This is a great place to see some of Nebraska's nature. There's a nice gravel path for walking on the east side of US-83. On the west side, there's a driving tour of the refuge. If you want to see... 
    This is a great place to see some of Nebraska's nature. There's a nice gravel path for walking on the east side of US-83. On the west side, there's a driving tour of the refuge. If you want to see...  more »
  • Very natural settings. Plenty of flora and fauna to see. Not much in the way of amenities, but a good place to explore and photograph. 
    Very natural settings. Plenty of flora and fauna to see. Not much in the way of amenities, but a good place to explore and photograph.  more »
Google
  • Killed a nice whitetail buck, but will say you have to do some hiking or find where nobody is going. Tons of hunters during the rifle season.
  • I drove through the refuge recently for my second time and I really enjoyed the seclusion and silence (man-made noise anyway). The roads that I drove on were rough and four wheel drive is recommended. Bugs will be an issue so come prepared.

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