Cherry County Map, Nebraska

Written and Fact-checked by , Reviewed by | Last Updated On: May 10, 2026

Map of Cherry County - Cherry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Nebraska. Cherry County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Cherry County located in the map, major cities in Cherry county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Cherry County, Nebraska

Map of Cherry County, Nebraska

About Cherry County Map, Nebraska: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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Map of Cherry County, Nebraska

Cherry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Nebraska. It's county seat is Valentine. As per 2020 census, the population of Cherry County is 5458 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,961 sq mi (15,439 km2). Cherry County was established on 1883.

Cherry County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNebraska
County SeatValentine
Largest City/TownValentine
Established1883
Total Area5,960 sq mi (15,436 sq km)
Land Area5,933 sq mi (15,367 sq km)
Water Area27 sq mi (70 sq km)
Population5,455 (Census 2020)
Population Density0.9 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CT)
Major HighwaysUS 20, NE 61, NE 97, NE 12
Major RiversNiobrara River, Snake River
Neighboring CountiesKeya Paha County, Brown County, Grant County, Hooker County, Sheridan County, Todd County (SD), Bennett County (SD)
Famous ForNebraska Sandhills, Niobrara River, ranching, outdoor recreation, largest county in Nebraska
Top AttractionsSmith Falls State Park, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Niobrara National Scenic River, Merritt Reservoir
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Cherry County, Nebraska

Cherry County is located in north-central Nebraska in the United States and was established in 1883. The county seat and largest city is Valentine. It is the largest county in Nebraska by area and is famous for Nebraska Sandhills scenery, ranching heritage, and world-class outdoor recreation along the Niobrara River.

Cities and Towns in Cherry County, Nebraska

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Valentine (county seat)2,63342.8728°N, 100.5515°W
Cody15442.7300°N, 101.5163°W
Crookston6942.9269°N, 100.7832°W
Kilgore7742.9381°N, 100.9945°W
Merriman8742.9183°N, 101.7013°W
Wood Lake6342.3922°N, 100.2587°W

Golf Courses in Cherry County, Nebraska

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
The Prairie ClubValentine42.5298°N, 100.6707°W
Frederick Peak Golf ClubValentine42.8789°N, 100.5607°W
Cherry Hills Country ClubValentine42.8748°N, 100.5450°W
Dismal River Club nearbyMullen42.0675°N, 101.0200°W

Roads and Highways in Cherry County, Nebraska

Major highways connect the county to Nebraska Sandhills communities and scenic recreation destinations.

  • US Highway 20 - major east-west highway across northern Nebraska
  • Nebraska Highway 61 - north-south route through the Sandhills region
  • Nebraska Highway 97 - scenic roadway serving ranching communities
  • Nebraska Highway 12 - route near the Niobrara River and northern Nebraska attractions

Neighboring Counties of Cherry County

  • Todd County, South Dakota (north)
  • Bennett County, South Dakota (northwest)
  • Sheridan County (west)
  • Grant County (southwest)
  • Hooker County (south)
  • Brown County (southeast)
  • Keya Paha County (east)

What Are the Top Attractions in Cherry County, Nebraska

The county offers a spectacular mix of Sandhills scenery, river recreation, wildlife habitats, and western ranching heritage.

  • Smith Falls State Park - home to Nebraska's tallest waterfall and scenic hiking trails
  • Valentine National Wildlife Refuge - wildlife viewing, wetlands, and prairie ecosystems
  • Niobrara National Scenic River - canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and scenic river adventures
  • Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area - fishing, boating, camping, and water recreation
  • The Prairie Club - nationally recognized Sandhills golf destination
  • Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge - bison, elk, birdwatching, and scenic prairie landscapes
  • Nebraska Sandhills scenic drives - rolling grass-covered dunes and ranch country vistas
  • Valentine attractions - restaurants, shops, museums, and local festivals
  • Snake River Falls nearby - scenic natural waterfall destination
  • Fishing and hunting opportunities - trout, bass, pheasant, deer, and turkey recreation
  • Camping and RV parks throughout the county - family-friendly outdoor destinations
  • Horseback riding and ranch experiences - authentic western Nebraska adventures
  • Photography and sunset viewing across the Sandhills - world-famous prairie scenery
  • Dark sky stargazing - exceptionally clear night skies in the remote Sandhills region

What Is the Distance from Cherry County to Nearby Cities

The following distances are measured by road (driving).

  • Valentine to Ainsworth (Brown County), Nebraska - 71 mi (114 km)
  • Valentine to North Platte (Lincoln County), Nebraska - 177 mi (285 km)
  • Valentine to Rapid City (Pennington County), South Dakota - 191 mi (307 km)
  • Valentine to Pierre (Hughes County), South Dakota - 219 mi (352 km)
  • Valentine to Sioux Falls (Minnehaha County), South Dakota - 340 mi (547 km)
  • Valentine to Kearney (Buffalo County), Nebraska - 219 mi (352 km)
  • Valentine to Lincoln (Lancaster County), Nebraska - 330 mi (531 km)
  • Valentine to Omaha (Douglas County), Nebraska - 386 mi (621 km)
  • Valentine to Denver (Denver County), Colorado - 394 mi (634 km)
  • Valentine to Casper (Natrona County), Wyoming - 280 mi (451 km)
  • Valentine to Minneapolis (Hennepin County), Minnesota - 563 mi (906 km)
  • Valentine to Fargo (Cass County), North Dakota - 523 mi (842 km)

FAQs about Cherry County

Where is Cherry County located?

Cherry County is located in north-central Nebraska within the Nebraska Sandhills region.

What is the population of Cherry County?

Cherry County had a population of 5,455 according to the 2020 United States Census.

What is Cherry County known for?

Cherry County is known for the Nebraska Sandhills, Niobrara River recreation, ranching heritage, and being the largest county in Nebraska.

What are the major highways in Cherry County?

The major highways include US Highway 20, Nebraska Highway 61, Nebraska Highway 97, and Nebraska Highway 12.

What are popular attractions in Cherry County?

Popular attractions include Smith Falls State Park, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Merritt Reservoir, and the Niobrara National Scenic River.

References

  1. QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau
  2. United States Census Bureau
  3. United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  4. National Geodetic Survey
  5. Official Website