Wacky West Travel Park

The wide Niobrara River is a fab place for watery activities, and you’ll not need to go far to find them: Valentine has several outfitters that can sort days of kayaking, canoeing or tubing (depending on how much effort you want to put in). If you prefer your waterside days to revolve around fishing, make tracks for Merritt Reservoir (half an hour), where there’s a fine trophy fishery along with swimming, boating and beaches for any family members who don’t share your enthusiasm. Sticking to dry land, golfers will surely want to play a round at Frederick Peak Golf Club (five minutes’ drive) – ideally at a leisurely pace to take in some of the scenery as you swing your club. Those who like their outdoor space less groomed should head for the trails of Smith Falls State Park (25 minutes) or Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (10 minutes), home to herds of bison, elk and prairie dogs. Skip the cowboy hat and leather boots if you’re heading out on the Cowboy Trail – the 200-mile trail is actually bike and hike territory, taking you out of town along an abandoned railroad to see some of the area’s finest scenery.