The Nebraska sandhills
sandhills Adventures Near ReWild Ranch
Stargazing in Nebraska’s Sandhills
Experience one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring outdoor activities in Nebraska: stargazing under the wide-open skies of the Sandhills. At ReWild Ranch, our remote location means no light pollution—just crystal-clear views of the Milky Way, constellations, and shooting stars.After dinner, guests can settle in by the fire pit or venture to a quiet hilltop for an unforgettable stargazing experience on the prairie. Whether you bring a telescope or just your curiosity, this is the kind of night that rekindles wonder.Optional guided evenings include constellation storytelling, basic astronomy, and warm beverages by the fire. It’s the perfect way to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.
Bird Watching in the Sandhills
ReWild Ranch offers some of the best bird watching and wildlife viewing in Nebraska, right from the comfort of our property—or just a short drive away. Nestled in the heart of the Sandhills, our wide-open prairie attracts a rich array of birds and wildlife year-round.Guests can enjoy quiet mornings watching meadowlarks and turkeys from the lodge porch, or venture out on guided nature walks and slow-paced UTV tours to see hawks, white-tailed deer, elk, and our iconic free-roaming bison herd. During migration season, Sandhill cranes and pelicans pass overhead, making spring and fall especially magical for birders.For those seeking even more, several renowned wildlife areas are nearby:
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area (30 min): Ideal for spotting eagles, waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds. Great for a half-day picnic and scenic photography.
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge (90 min): A top-tier destination for dedicated birders, with over 260 recorded species in a pristine Sandhills wetland setting.
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park (60 min): Combine prairie wildlife spotting with a walk through a restored 1800s frontier fort—perfect for guests who enjoy both nature and history.
River Floating in Nebraska
One of the most relaxing and memorable outdoor activities near ReWild Ranch is a lazy river float down the Middle Loup or Calamus River. These gentle, winding rivers offer the perfect pace for Baby Boomers, families, and anyone seeking quiet adventure in the Nebraska Sandhills.Guests can enjoy a scenic tubing or tanking experience—a beloved local tradition—drifting through wild grasses, under cottonwoods, and past curious wildlife. The waters are shallow, calm, and perfect for beginners. It’s not about adrenaline—it’s about slowing down, soaking up the sun, and making memories.Our team can coordinate half-day or full-day floats with trusted local outfitters, complete with shuttle service and cooler-friendly inner tubes or stock tanks. Whether you want to go solo with a fishing rod or bring the whole family for laughs and leisure, it’s a laid-back way to reconnect with nature.
Fishing The Calamus Reservoir
Just 30 minutes from ReWild Ranch, Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area offers one of Nebraska’s best-kept secrets for boating, fishing, and lakeside leisure. Spanning over 5,000 acres of open water and surrounded by rolling Sandhills, it’s a peaceful yet vibrant destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.Guests can spend the day boating Calamus Reservoir by pontoon, fishing boat, or kayak—whether you’re casting for the day’s catch or simply drifting along the shoreline with a cold drink in hand. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, especially for walleye, white bass, catfish, and northern pike, with several rocky points and coves perfect for productive casts.Boat rentals and marina services are available nearby, and our team at ReWild Ranch is happy to help coordinate your outing, including lunch packs, tackle suggestions, and seasonal fishing updates. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just out for a relaxing float, Calamus offers something timeless and deeply rewarding.
Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway
For guests who enjoy open roads, quiet beauty, and a glimpse into old America, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway (Nebraska Highway 2) is a must-see. Just a short drive from ReWild Ranch, this nationally recognized route stretches from Grand Island to Alliance, winding through more than 270 miles of Nebraska’s Sandhills region—one of the last intact prairie ecosystems in North America.
Known for its wide skies, rolling grass-covered dunes, and scattered ranch towns, this drive is perfect for an easygoing day trip. Along the way, guests can stop for birdwatching, small-town cafés, old railroad depots, local museums, and roadside photo ops that feel frozen in time.
Whether you go for a few hours or make a full day of it, the byway is an unforgettable way to experience the soul of Nebraska—without ever leaving the comfort of your vehicle.
Recommended Stops Near ReWild Ranch:
Taylor, NE: Visit the “Life in the Past Lane” cutout sculptures and tiny historic square
Ord or Broken Bow: Stop for lunch, explore galleries and antique shops
Sandhills Prairie Overlooks: Great for photography and wildflower viewing (especially in spring and early fall)
Bessey Ranger District (near Halsey): Home to the largest hand-planted forest in the U.S.
Merritt Reservoir & Snake River Falls
For those seeking a scenic and rewarding day trip from ReWild Ranch, Merritt Reservoir and Snake River Falls offer a perfect blend of natural wonder, peaceful waters, and unforgettable photo opportunities—all tucked into the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills.
Located about 2 to 2.5 hours northwest of the ranch, Merritt Reservoir is a tranquil, uncrowded lake known for its excellent fishing, stargazing, and quiet boating. Anglers come for walleye, largemouth bass, and northern pike, while others simply enjoy a shoreline picnic, birdwatching, or a float on the glassy water. It’s a classic Nebraska gem—still wild, still quiet, and still personal.
Just a short drive from the reservoir is Snake River Falls, the largest waterfall (by volume) in Nebraska. This hidden treasure is nestled on private land but viewable from a public overlook. The thunderous falls and surrounding canyon make for a stunning mid-day stop, especially in spring or early summer when the water is at its peak.
Lakota Lands & Legacy Tour
For guests seeking deeper connection, history, and meaning during their stay, a day trip to the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the living heritage of the Sicangu and Oglala Lakota Nations. Located just 2 to 4 hours north of ReWild Ranch, these vast prairie homelands hold centuries of resilience, beauty, and cultural richness.
Begin your journey in Mission, South Dakota, home of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Visit the Sinte Gleska University Tribal Museum, where exhibits of traditional regalia, language preservation, and Lakota storytelling invite quiet reflection. If timed right, guests may experience artisan markets or seasonal powwows—joyful public gatherings filled with drumming, dancing, and celebration.
From there, continue west toward the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, site of both profound loss and ongoing cultural renewal. Stop at the Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School, one of the nation’s finest collections of Indigenous art, where beadwork, quillwork, and sculpture tell stories that still breathe. A short drive away lies Wounded Knee, a solemn historic site and memorial to the 1890 massacre—an essential stop for those wanting to understand the enduring strength of the Lakota people.
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Nebraska Wine Country Day Trip
For guests looking to slow down and savor the finer things, a day exploring local Nebraska wineries offers a refreshing change of pace. Just 60 to 90 minutes from ReWild Ranch, you’ll find family-owned vineyards producing small-batch wines that reflect the quiet beauty and rugged character of the Great Plains.
Nebraska’s wine scene may be lesser-known, but it’s full of charm, passion, and surprising depth. Rolling vineyards, sunset views, and friendly tasting rooms make it easy to spend an afternoon enjoying good conversation and great pours. Most wineries offer casual tastings of locally grown varietals like Frontenac, Edelweiss, LaCrosse, and Marquette—grapes that thrive in this unique prairie climate.
Many guests choose to pair a visit with a picnic, photography outing, or post-hunt celebration. Some vineyards also host seasonal events, live music, or small markets—ideal for couples or multigenerational groups looking for a low-key outing.
Recommended Wineries Near ReWild Ranch:
Niobrara Valley Vineyards (near Nenzel, NE – ~90 min)
Prairie-grown grapes, warm hospitality, and a rustic tasting room overlooking Sandhills hillsides. Great spot for red blends and local bison sausage plates.
Cedar Hills Vineyard & Gardens (Ravenna, NE – ~1.5 hrs SE)
Beautiful rural setting with floral gardens, orchard wines, and frequent live music nights. They also offer Nebraska cheese and cracker pairings.
Mac’s Creek Winery & Brewery (Lexington, NE – ~2 hrs SW)
Eco-friendly and family-run, Mac’s Creek produces both wine and beer. Their shaded deck overlooking the creek is a guest favorite for summer afternoons.
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
If you’re seeking a true immersion in nature, a visit to Valentine National Wildlife Refuge offers one of the most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes in the Midwest. Located about 90 minutes north of ReWild Ranch, this 71,000-acre expanse of protected Sandhills prairie is a haven for wildlife watchers, birders, and anyone craving solitude beneath big skies.
Designated a National Natural Landmark, the refuge is home to over 260 species of birds, including sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, sharp-tailed grouse, hawks, meadowlarks, and countless migratory waterfowl. The grass-stabilized sand dunes, interspersed with natural lakes and marshes, also support white-tailed deer, coyotes, and native plant species found nowhere else.
Guests can explore by car along the scenic Refuge Auto Tour Route, or step out for a gentle walk on the Hackberry Flat Trail or one of several photography pullouts. It’s an easy and rewarding half- or full-day trip for those who appreciate quiet beauty, unspoiled prairie, and rare bird sightings.
Experience a Stay at rewild ranch
