Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Texas. It was formed because the sand acts like a sieve, allowing surface water to seep
in with very little runoff. The water saturates the sand and gravel below, while an even
lower impermeable layer of rock holds the liquid in place. Many thousands of years old,
the aquifer is an extremely valuable resource.
7.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Continue north on Rte. 83 to Valentine, a quiet town set amid some of our country's most
productivegrazinggrounds,thendrivefourmileseastonRte.12toFortNiobraraNational
Wildlife Refuge. Prairie dogs have built a town near the visitor center; in addition to the
antics of the little rodents themselves, be on the lookout for burrowing owls and various
snakes that have moved into their abandoned burrows. Herds of bison, elk, and deer roam
across the sanctuary's grasslands and among the patches of pines that grow there. You can
also see wildlife from the comfort of your car. The refuge features several unpaved roads,
usually negotiable except in times of rain and snow. An even more appealing alternative
might be to head for the Niobrara River, where you can put in a raft or a canoe (outfitters
have set up shop in the area) and drift downstream with the lazy currents.
The visitor center gives a good introduction to the refuge's wildlife. To increase your
chances of observing the animals in their natural settings, it's best to search for them in the
early morning hours or just before sunset. Walk with a light step, making as few noises as
possible, and take along a pair of binoculars—an essential tool for the nature watcher.
8.
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Backtrack to Valentine, then follow Rte. 20 west and Rte. 16F south into the Samuel
R. McKelvie National Forest. (It's time to turn your watches back an hour, for you've
now crossed into the Mountain Time zone.) Really more prairie than woodland, the
“forest”—bordered by the Snake and Niobrara rivers—is blanketed with an assortment of
native grasses.
Toward the eastern boundary of this peaceful preserve lies Merritt Reservoir State
Recreation Area, where the damming of the Snake River has created a large lake. You can
camp along its shores, put in a boat, or drop a line to sample some of the state's best fish-
ing.
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