The Small Town in Nebraska With the Only Official Dark Sky Park

Valentine is easily one of the best small towns in Nebraska for stargazing. There are plenty of remote corners of the state where there's minimal light pollution, but few can compare to Valentine. As the home of the only official International Dark Sky Park, the night sky here is something you need to see for yourself to believe. If you've never experienced a true dark sky, prepare to have your flabbers gasted. What Makes Valentine the Only Dark Sky Park in Nebraska There are countless small towns across the country with big claims to fame, and Valentine is no exception. Known as the 'Heart City' of the Nebraska Sandhills, Valentine is a quirky town famous for outdoor adventures. Whether you're interested in camping, kayaking, bird watching, or horseback riding, you'll find it in this small town in Nebraska. Naturally, those outdoor adventures carry into the night, and Cherry County offers some of the best stargazing in Nebraska. DarkSky International works with communities across the world, helping them make changes to protect the night sky and become official International Dark Sky Places. It's not as simple as turning the lights off at night; it's a complete shift in the community's mindset, including switching to special lights, prioritizing light pollution reduction, and constantly educating others. In 2022, the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area became an official International Dark Sky Park, the only official Dark Sky Park in Nebraska! What To See and Do at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area Photo by milosz_g - stock.adobe.com Located about 30 minutes southwest of Valentine, the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area offers some of the best dark skies in the state. Of course, there are plenty of things to do during the day, too. The 3,000-acre reservoir is an excellent fishing spot, with five public boat ramps for a day of fun on the water. This small town in Nebraska really embraces its dark skies and hosts the annual Nebraska Sky Party every July/August. Even if you didn't attend this year, you'll still be able to enjoy those magical dark sky views year-round. There are also several campsites peppered around the reservoir, offering idyllic spots to sleep under the stars. There are 161 campsites spread across eight sites, with many offering electric hookups and primitive sites. If camping isn't your style, this cabin in Valentine might be just what you're looking for. What To Know Before You Go Photo by Alexxandarx - stock.adobe.com Stargazing is one of those activities that everyone can do, even if you don't know anything about what you're looking at. There are several free stargazing apps you can download to help you see the different constellations and planets; I really like SkyView Lite. New Moons are the best time to go stargazing, but your biggest enemy will be the clouds on any given night. Before any outdoor activity, it's always a good idea to check the weather so you don't end up in a rainstorm. To make your night more comfortable, bring a chair and some blankets to lie down on. The most important thing is to let your eyes adjust to the darkness, which means no screens! Every time you look at your phone or a screen, your night vision resets. Ditch the flashlights for a red light; that's the industry standard. If you want to take any photos of the night sky, a tripod is key. Low-light photography requires a longer shutter speed, and a tripod will help you achieve a crisp shot. I've used rocks, trees, even my shoe as a tripod in a pinch. Get creative! The Visit Valentine official tourism website is a great resource for planning your trip. Send this article to your stargazing bestie and make plans to visit this small town in Nebraska today!