Sandhills[ Tanking ] There’s no experience quite so uniquely nebraskan as floating down the Calamus River

. . . in a stock tank. Though it may seem like an odd way to spend your day, you’ll soon be hooked by this leisurely

pursuit. it’s relaxing. it’s fun. and it’s a fabulous way to take in the gorgeous scenery of the nebraska Sandhills.

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All duded upDust off your boots, break out your hat and gear up for a true Western experience. The cowboy culture in towns such as Brewster, Valentine and Burwell is accessible at guest ranches offering a firsthand look at life on the range. Not quite ready to earn your spurs? You can spend your time fishing, canoeing, hunting, horseback riding or simply relaxing.

Rowse’s 1+1 Ranch, Burwell

E x p A N D your horizons

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The Sandhills’ lush, rolling dunes serve as a magnificent anchor for one of Nebraska’s most abundant treasures—an expansive and ever-changing skyline. Whether crystal clear and cheerful or dark and foreboding, it’s always breathtaking to behold. But its beauty isn’t just reserved for daylight hours. After sundown, prepare to be awed by the sheer abundance of stars. Each year, serious scholars and amateur astronomers alike come together near Valentine to celebrate the night sky at the Nebraska Star party at Merritt Reservoir.

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Sandhills strongholdThis isn’t your typical fort. Constructed from lime concrete due to the lack of trees, Burwell’s Fort Hartsuff is one of the few remaining forts of its era. The fort, which was built to protect settlers during the Plains Indian Wars, was considered a station of choice assignment because of its relatively quiet way of life. Although the fort’s soldiers saw little battle, three were awarded Congressional Medals of Honor for gal-lantry during the Battle of the Blowout in 1876. And they commonly helped local law enforcement capture train robbers, murderers and horse thieves, includ-ing notorious outlaw Doc Middleton. Plan your visit around one of the fort’s living history demonstrations, and you can imagine yourself living among the troops.

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Whatever floats your boat

Don’t let the name fool you . . . there’s plenty of water to be found in the Sandhills. In fact, one of the nation’s most highly touted recreational rivers—the Niobrara National Scenic River—winds its way across the region’s northern border. If the calmer water of a lake is more to your liking, you can take your pick from three sizable reservoirs. Calamus Reservoir near Burwell, Sherman Reservoir by Loup City and Merritt Reservoir near Valentine all offer miles of fun in and out of the water.