The Nebraska Cabin Where You Can Practically Hear Rushing Falls From Your Front Door

Few things in this world bring me as much peace as listening to the whoosh of a waterfall. The rippling of the water going every which way makes life seem a little kinder. From the La Paz Waterfall cascade in Costa Rica to the trickle of a petite waterfall by a Midwestern stream, every one is like a melody of its own song. The same is true for Smith Falls, the highest waterfall in Nebraska and the namesake of Smith Falls State Park, with its tendrils rushing off of the many rocks below.

What Makes This Nebraska Vacation Rental Special

While this charming cabin, known as Sandhills Retreat, is not directly next to the falls or the state park entrance, being smack dab in nature will make you feel as though you can hear the waterfall in the distance. As far as I can tell, this vacation rental is the closest you can get to the park without camping within the park limits. When it comes to rentals near waterfall trails, they don't come much cozier than this.

Set among the wide-open plains outside the town of Valentine, Nebraska, Sandhills Retreat is a cozy cabin that sleeps up to eight guests. Despite being a little out of town, you can get downtown in a matter of minutes if you want or need to leave the quiet serenity of your wood cabin. With slat walls and ceilings throughout, you're surrounded by the rich warmth of the wood with the myriad colors of nature that await you the moment you step outside.

The open-concept kitchen and living room make for the perfect central location for guests to come together. Whether following a long day of adventuring outside or a relaxing day at the cabin, share stories as you cook up dinner or head outside to the fire pit for a crackling end to your day. If the weather is less than cooperative (it is the Midwest after all), gather round the fireplace for a night in. The soaring A-frame ceiling in the living room can catch every wayfinding tale.

What guests may find the most surprising about this cabin is that it houses a custom-built sauna. This special addition brings a relaxing atmosphere to this cabin, which is already removed from the bustle of city life. Imagine sprawling out in this sauna, exhausted from a long day's journey, just letting the stress of life melt away—nothing sounds better.

Epic Waterfall Trails in Nebraska

For the less hiking-inclined adventurers, the best way to see Smith Falls is by way of the easy Smith Falls Trail. At just under a mile out and back, this trail will take you through Smith Falls State Park to the falls themselves. Some of the trails include bridges and boardwalks, though some areas feature natural trails. Sandhills Retreat is about 30 minutes from the Smith Falls Trailhead.

If you still want to hit a trail afterwards, you can head over to the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail, which is also easy and located in the park. Or, if you need a more strenuous journey, be sure to check out the best hikes in Nebraska.

Are you ready to visit Smith Falls State Park and make this cozy cabin your basecamp? Be sure to use the Only In Your State Travel Planner to get started.