6 Most Scenic Drives in Nebraska
While many may picture a drive through Nebraska as a country ride through its fields and farmlands, you would be missing much of what its interstates and scenic byways have to offer. With its impressive history of bird migration to the Sandhills and the infamous Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska offers plenty for avid motorists and cultural enthusiasts alike. Folks in search of breathtaking scenery will find no shortage on these joy rides. Start your engine and roll down the windows on these six most scenic drives through Nebraska.
Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway
In the early 1800s, during their years-long journey to discover the vast, unknown North American continent, the expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through what is currently Nebraska. Nowadays, 98 miles of Highway 75 from Omaha to South Sioux City serves as a modern-day trail for history buffs to follow that very journey. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the most stunning landscapes and unique spots the state has to offer.
Begin in Omaha and check out the Lithuanian Bakery, where baked goods and Eastern European breakfasts are in ample supply. Next up is Fort Calhoun, 17 miles east, which contains Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, featuring a historically accurate fort established in 1820 based on Lewis and Clark’s observations. From there, travel only 9 miles to the town of Blair, which provides access to the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, an especially outstanding spot to catch glimpses of migratory birds that fly through the area, not to mention fishing, boating, and hiking. Another 37 miles down the road is Winnebago, home of the Angel De Cora Museum and Research Center, which holds numerous artifacts from the local Native American tribe, and the Honoring-the-Clans Sculpture Garden and Cultural Plaza where sculptures honoring the Winnebago Nation can be viewed. The final leg of the byway is 17 miles toward South Sioux City. Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful view of Nebraska’s countryside at the Blackbird Scenic Overlook.
Lincoln Highway Scenic and Historic Byway
A transcontinental highway stretching from New York City to San Francisco, the Lincoln Highway fully lives up to its title as “The Main Street Across America.” Luckily, 400 miles of this historic roadway run through Nebraska on US 30, bringing with them the sights, sounds, and narrative of the United States. While driving, the Platte River valley will continually provide handsome views.
The odyssey opens in the community of Kimball, where Panorama Point, the highest location in the state, is waiting for your viewing pleasure on I-80 off Exit 20. On clear days at this stop, the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains can be appreciated. Driving 18 miles down the Highway will lead to Potter, where you can indulge in a sundae at Potter Sundry, birthplace of the Tin Roof Sundae. Next up is Sidney, 19 miles east, with its Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home, perfect for learning about the country’s westward expansion. Moreover, make sure to take a rest after driving 67 miles to Ogallala, the “Cowboy Capital of Nebraska,” featuring the Cowboy Museum and Front Street, a recreation of a 1880s Main Street from the Wild West. The voyage through yesteryear continues in North Platte, the hometown of gunslinger Buffalo Bill, which also maintains his original house at the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park right beside Scout Creek.
Gold Rush Byway
Nebraska is a land rich with stories from the Old West, and no better place keeps that tradition alive than the Gold Rush Byway, 131 miles of road on US 385 between the towns of Chadron and Sidney. This route is notable for its splendid natural scenery, with sumptuous hills to drive over, buttes with impressive greenery, and river valleys straight out of a painting.
Along the way you will come across the small town of Chadron. To really learn about the area, pay a visit to the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center. Nearby is Chadron State Park, an ideal spot for hikers and bikers alike. Think Stonehenge is too overrated? A visit 56 miles south to Carhenge, an art installation of 39 painted cars resembling the English megalithic structures, in the town of Alliance, might do the trick. Driving into Dobby’s Frontier Town (also in Alliance), fully recreated in the style of the Old West, will make you wish you were riding a horse. Here, one can enjoy the experience of a Western town without all the actual dangers. Additionally, next door on Yellowstone Avenue is the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, rife with history about the frontier life from that era. Hit the pavement once again to see the splendour of the Courthouse and Jail Rocks, two enormous rock formations adjacent to the Byway 2 miles south of Bridgport that offer awe-inspiring photos to snap.
Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway
Tying the cities of Alliance and Grand Island together, drivers can appreciate 272 miles of beautiful country all from the seat of their car. Located on Nebraska Highway 2, grass-covered sand dunes known as the Sandhills provide the setting for meandering rivers, expansive prairies and spectacular viewing pleasure.
But that doesn’t mean the isolated drive is attraction-free. Multiple sites along the byway make for great stops to take in the healing properties of Mother Nature, which include Ansley Lake on the western edge of the small town of Ansley, Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, nearly 4 hours west and Nebraska National Forest, 1 mile west of Halsey.
The Studio K and Thedford Art Gallery are both in Grand Isle and Thedford, respectively, approximately 150 miles apart. Dying for a new flower pot? Step into CaLinda’s Pot Shop and Art Gallery in Ashby and prepare to be awed by the owner’s prowess in pottery. Once you’ve gotten to Alliance after driving 50 miles, pay a visit to the Carnegie Art Center, an organization exhibiting the work of local artists in the visual, performing and literary arts.
Heritage Highway
Nebraska began on the banks of the Missouri River, and so does Highway 136, best known as Heritage Highway, a 226-mile thoroughfare which cuts straight across the flatlands of south-central Nebraska and its unspoiled wetlands.
Begin your drive in the tiny town of Brownville, where you’ll be able to tour the Flatwater Folk Art Museum and, only a minute away by car, Environs Art of the Midwest Gallery, a unique exhibition center displaying art made out of natural materials. Then finish your day at the Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard and Winery on Main Street to imbibe some of the best local wine the region has in its collection. Next is Beatrice, 62 miles up the Highway where you can buy a ticket to the Homestead National Historic Park to learn how westward American expansion forever altered the land. Similarly, ride up and turn left on 573rd Avenue to Fairbury to see the Rock Creek Station State Historical Park to stand on the same land as the settlers who rode the Oregon Trail and where Wild Bill Hickok dueled his way to fame. Ultimately, happy trails must come to a close. End it at the Harlan County Reservoir, almost 2 hours away, and bring your binoculars, too. A bird lover's paradise can be found here, as millions of migrating birds pass overhead.
Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway
Running parallel to the Platte River on US Highway 26 and Nebraska Highway 92, the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway starts in Ogallala before riding off into the sunset at the eastern border town of Morrill. Living up to its name, the California, Oregon and Mormon Trail, as well as the Pony Express, all saw themselves sharing the same path of the future byway, leading it to become “The Main Street of America” during the mid-nineteenth century.
For museum-goers, there is the Legacy of the Plains in Gering, followed by driving around 37 minutes to the Pioneer Trails Museum in Bridgeport. After the museums, marvel at the breathtaking environment in areas like Robidoux Pass and Scotts Bluff National Monument, where you’ll witness the very same sights western settlers also saw. Chimney Rock is one such sight, a majestic pillar “towering to the heavens” according to bygone pioneers. Getting sore from sitting in the driver’s seat all day? Truly enjoy the outdoors by hiking, biking, and golfing by navigating south on Highway 71 to the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area Trails, then heading west on I-80 to Crandall Creek Golf Club. If mariner fun is more your style, just stay in Ogallala altogether. The Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area provides fishing, boating, and swimming to your heart's content.
With her Old West history and charm, prairielands of beauty and recreational opportunities, these scenic drives in Nebraska will easily suit any road-trip seeker. From the historic Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway to the Heritage Highway, you are sure to find a soft spot for any of these unassuming Midwestern roads.
