Merritt Reservoir - Certified Dark Sky Place

Merritt Reservoir is in the Sandhills of Cherry County, about 25–26 mi southwest of Valentine, NE. The dam impounds the Snake River and Boardman Creek in a narrow valley next to Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. Covers nearly 3,000 surface acres with ~44 mi of sandy shoreline; max depth ~111 ft (average ~25 ft). Dam built by Bureau of Reclamation in 1964; water and land managed by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Merritt Reservoir has earned the distinction of being the 200th certified International Dark Sky Place under the International Dark-Sky Association’s (IDA) program. Notably, it's the first IDA recognized site in Nebraska .

Merritt Reservoir now joins a global network of Dark Sky Parks, offering both ecological protection and unforgettable stargazing experiences. It’s a leading Nebraska astrotourism site backed by solid conservation and community engagement.

Features

Boating: All motorized and electric boats allowed; 5 ramps (Powder Horn, Main, Cedar Bay, Beed’s Landing, Snake River) and docks. Note: hazards in several arms—speed reduction buoys in place; no water skiing or wake surfing.
Fishing: A top-tier fishery stocked with walleye, crappie, muskellunge (record 41 lb, 8 oz in 1992), white bass, yellow perch, and catfish . Two modern fish cleaning stations available.
Camping
- Multiple campgrounds: Cedar Bay (28 20/30A pads), Beed’s Landing, Boardman Creek, Willow Cove, plus ~190 primitive sites (boat‑in and walk‑in).
- Merritt Trading Post Resort nearby offers cabins, RV hookups, fuel, bait, rentals, and dump station.
Hunting & Wildlife: Seasonal upland game (sharp-tailed grouse, prairie grouse), big game (whitetail, mule deer, turkey), waterfowl, plus birdwatching in the Sandhills region
Certified International Dark Sky Park: First site in Nebraska designated in 2022 by IDA—200th globally. Rural Sandhills location ensures minimal light pollution.
Nebraska Star Party: Hosted each summer for over30 years; attracts amateurs and pros for stargazing, astrophotography, and educational events.