Sidney

are open to anglers seeking largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch and bluegill. Observation blinds allow for close-ups of greater prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse during their spring mating dances. Snakes and lizards are seen darting across sand roads, while turtles mosey along. The hike to the fire tower near Hackberry Lake takes 30-45 minutes and provides a stunning overlook. The refuge headquarters building is 30 miles south of Valentine on Highway 83. Follow signs east on Pony Lake Road for one mile. (402) 376-3789

Several challenging and stunning golf courses are within a short drive of Valentine. The Prairie Club, a private club, has two 18-hole courses and a 10-hole course. Luxury lodging and gourmet meals soften the sting of errant swings. The club’s Stay & Play packages combine golf rounds with lodging in cabins, the bunkhouse or the main lodge. 88897 NE-97. (888) 402-1101

Ten holes wind through scenic ridges on Valentine’s northeastern edge at Frederick Peak Golf Club, a public course. Small canyons are golf greens in the shadow of the chalky pointed peak the course is named for. 1000 Dowden St. (402) 322-2754

At 56,000 acres, The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve is one of the largest TNC preserves in the U.S. Visitors can enjoy trails through grasslands and pine-clad canyons along 25 miles of the Niobrara River. Managed herds of bison and cattle help preserve the grassland ecosystem that includes 581 plant, 213 bird and 44 mammal species.

Visitors interested in botany can explore the grasses and native plants like prickly poppy, yellow lady slipper and wild begonia. Paper birch and eastern cottonwood grow here.

The preserve is a haven for wildlife like kingfisher and bald eagles. Fishing is allowed with a state permit. 42269 Morel Road, Johnstown. (402) 722-4440

Now ShowiNg

in a Prairie Near You

Did you know many of The Nature

Conservancy Nebraska properties have hiking trails and other recreational opportunities? Visit us out at nature.org/Nebraska!

SIDNEY

Outlaws, gamblers and other riffraff made this railroad town one of the roughest places in all of the American West way back in the 1870s: Stay on the train, lock the doors and you’ll be fine – unless there’s a train robbery. Today, Sidney is a convenient stop on I-80, with restaurants, gas stations and stores along the interstate. A few miles down the hill into the city is a historic downtown district, with more shops, museums and restaurants.

Sidney began in 1867 as an Army fort named Sidney Barracks to guard Union Pacific Railroad workers from hostile Native Americans. In 1870 it was renamed Fort Sidney. The fort had 40 buildings before it closed in 1894.

Three buildings of the fort complex remain today as Fort Sidney Muse-

um and Post Commander’s Home.

The complex consists of the Officer’s Quarters, now a museum, and the Post Commander’s Home, which has been restored with original period furnishings. The third building is an octagonal stone structure once used as the fort’s powder magazine. All three buildings are well preserved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The complex is open the day after Memorial Day through Labor Day. 544 Jackson St. (308) 254-2150

A fourth building, not in the official complex but equally as important, is called Camp Lookout. The stone structure was built in 1867 to house soldiers from Fort Sedgwick, Colo. The building is on the north side of the downtown. It has been meticulously restored and is open for tours by appointment. 940 Elm St. (308) 254-5395

Fort Sidney soldiers who died here were interred at Boot Hill Cemetery. As the town became lawless, victims of unusual circumstances were often buried at night. The remains of soldiers and civilians were later reinterred. Boot Hill Cemetery is now a tourist destination, complete with mock tombstones. Road 113 and Elm Street. (308) 254-5395