Labor Day decisions?!

Imagine the decisions that need to be made this year for Labor Day...It's not like it's going to rain on you - right? The biggest decision might be if it's too hot! But the weather already shows that it will be in the low 90s during the day and mid 60s at night
So get yourself packed up and headed over to Valentine, Nebraska, where the beaches are pristine, white, sugar sand at Merritt Reservoir.

 While the water itself is low, you can still put a boat in at Cedar Bay, which has fabulous campsites nestled among the pines.

 What's missing in this picture? YOU!!!!

There are campsites and restrooms that are handicap accessible as well! Bring the entire family.

And because the water level is lower, there's a lot to love on the pristine, sandy beaches!

 How about that jewel of golden color from the Cottonwoods? Really, with this record breaking heat, it sure is nice to see the hints of color indicating that fall isn't too far away!

 Of course, the fish are biting, which is important.

Make some plans to get to Valentine this Labor Day weekend to enjoy the Sandhills and leave some footprints in the sand!

 

There's so many nooks and crannies that need to be explored! 

 Isn't this absolutely fabulous? Doesn't it make you want to get out and see what else is around Merritt Reservior?

 Here, you see a couple rings in the water...what is that? It's called rain drops. But it was so short lived....and who knows...maybe if Merritt Reservoir was completely packed with campers, boaters and folks fishing, it might help break the dry spell.

There's always something to look forward to out here...and as the summer comes to an unofficial close, don't let the sunset without you. Remember, only you can make memories special...why not make them at Merritt Reservoir with a bunch of sand, sun, and water this Labor Day?

Before summer ends...tube the Niobrara!

The sun is beginning to sink into the western sky a little bit earlier each evening. The crickets are chirping and the nights are beginning to have a bit of a chill to them. BUT the days are certainly warm! And the Niobrara River is waiting for you to soak up the sun beams as you tube lazily down the scenic river.
You can canoe if you want....or kayak.  It won't matter. It's all about family time together...girl time...guy time...or even that one last hurrah before school starts!

You can take a few hours, or a few days and camp along the way. And when you're not on the river, there's so much else you can do, how about some golf?

Maybe some fishing at Merritt Reservoir or at the refuge lakes where there's even a map available to help you find your favorite fishing hole!

 
Fort Falls is a beautiful location at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.

As you take the stairs down to the cool depths of the Niobrara River Valley, follow the trail out to the Niobrara River and splash around a bit.

Smith Falls is equally as beautiful and has a campground for your enjoyment as well.

Summer isn't over. And if you've not had your vacation, you know you're about due...head over to the Sandhills of Nebraska and give yourself, your loved one, or your family a special treat from an area that can't be beat!!!