2021 Map of Sparks

About this map

The Niobrara River carves a deep, forested valley through the Sandhills of northern Cherry County, defining the geography of this modern survey. The river corridor is protected as the Niobrara National Scenic River, where the elevation drops significantly from the surrounding plains to the water's edge, creating landmarks like Smith Falls and Berry Falls. In the uplands to the north, the small settlement of Sparks sits near the intersection of section lines that organize this ranching country. Genealogists and local historians can locate remote burial sites such as Kewanee Cem and Saint Joseph Cem, which remain as markers of the area's rural community. Several river crossings, including Berry Bridge, Allen Bridge, and Brewer Bridge, connect the isolated northern plateaus to the southern reaches across the Niobrara Wild and Scenic River.