Valentine is located in Cherry County (of which it is the county seat), positioned 10 miles south of the South Dakota state line in north central Nebraska along Hwy 20 near Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and Samuel McKelvie National Forest.

Beginning as an "end of track" town on the Sioux City and Pacific railroad line in 1883, it was incorporated as a village in 1884. The town is named for E. K. Valentine, who as a Congressman from Nebraska.

Valentine offers many types of lodging facilities from camp sites and cabins along the Niobrara River, cozy Bed & Breakfasts in the vast Sandhills to traditional hotel accommodations in the city.

Valentine's business district is one attraction you won't want to miss, offering arts and craft shops, bookstores and a cyber cafe to one of the areas largest western wear stores.