9 Great Road Trips to Take in Nebraska
Nebraska is a painted canvas of majestic landscapes. In the Central Lowlands are the till plains. The Great Plains are located in the center of the state. In north-central and northwestern Nebraska, the beautiful sand hills feature sloping hills and valleys that reach up to 400 feet in height. The state also has several small lakes and gorgeous grasslands. With a diverse landscape, Nebraska is an ideal location for a scenic drive.
Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway
Located between South Sioux City and Valentine, this scenic byway spans 231 miles. The journey begins in South Sioux City, heading west on US-20 and north on State Highway 12 toward Ponca. Don’t forget to fill up your gas tank before starting your journey in South Sioux City, as there are few gas stations on the route. Continue your adventure along Highway 12 heading westward to Crofton. This byway is a delight to the eyes, featuring forested bluffs, winding rivers, waterfalls, and grasslands. Along the way, visits to the Ponca State Park, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, and Jeanne’s Antiques are a must.
Ponca State Park, located in Ponca, is a nature lover's paradise. The park is home to forested hills and abundant wildlife, and it provides stunning views of the Missouri River. Patrons will also enjoy access to wetlands, bird watching, hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. The Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, situated in Crofton, is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The recreation area hosts modern cabins, boating, fishing, hunting, disc golf, and swimming. While taking in the majestic scenery on this stretch of land, Jeanne’s Antiques in Crofton is a great place to enjoy a little shopping. This brick-and-mortar store offers free coffee, cookies, and candy. Enjoy the 7,200 square feet of space this shop provides for antiquing. So, buckle up and get ready to ride.
Gold Rush Scenic Byway
Known as a major route for gold transportation, this scenic byway was once a major transportation route where over $200,000 worth of gold moved across daily. Totaling 131 miles and located between Chadron and Sydney, the 385 Gold Rush Scenic Byway provides a little something for everyone. Start in the city of North Platte and head west on I-80 to Sydney before traveling north on Highway 385 to Chadron. Travelers will enjoy the rolling hills, river valleys, and pine-covered buttes along the way. Attractions include the Courthouse and Jail rocks, Dobby's Frontier Town, and Carhenge.
The Courthouse and Jail rock formations are an excellent photo opportunity. These two rock formations once acted as a landmark for pioneers to know they were heading in the right direction on their transcontinental journey West. The rocks rise 240 feet above Pumpkin Creek. A trip to Dobby's Frontier Town in Alliance provides a glimpse into the past and includes homesteader and bootlegger cabins. There is also a post office and a mercantile. If you're looking for something a little different, a trip to Carhenge is sure to delight. This free attraction, built by Jim Reinder, features 39 vintage cars forming a replica of Stonehenge.
Heritage Highway Scenic Byway
Located between Edison and Brownville, this scenic byway totals 238 miles. Along the way, road warriors can see the banks of the mighty Missouri River, majestic, vast open fields, and the tranquil plains of South Central Nebraska. Begin in Lincoln and head south on US 77, then turn west onto US 136. Several attractions are along the byway, including the Homestead National Monument of America, Rock Creek Station State Historical Park, and Superior Estates Winery.
The Homestead National Monument of America, located in Beatrice, teaches visitors about the significance of homesteading and the Homestead Act of 1862 in the context of US expansion. A stop in Fairbury at the Rock Creek Station State Historical Park delights visitors with 350 acres of land, including hilltops, creeks, and rugged ravines. History explorers will delight in the carvings in the ground made by wagons traveling west to Oregon and California. Wine connoisseurs will relish a stop at Superior Estates Winery in Superior, which has wine tasting and fresh-baked pizza. So saddle up and prepare for a wild ride.
Loup Rivers Scenic Byway
With numerous photo opportunities, this scenic byway stretches 150 miles between Dunning and Wood River. With a landscape dotted by farm lands, red barns, silos, Sandhills, and the Calamus River, there is plenty to do along the route. A stop at Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine, the Valley County Museum, or Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park is well worth it. The adventure starts in Kearney. Head north on State Highway 10 to State Highway 22 and then westward on State Highway 11.
In Scotia, head to Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine. As the only publicly accessible chalk room and pillar mine in North America, the mine offers 6,000 square feet of caves to explore. Continuing on the byway to Ord, a visit to the Valley County Museum to learn about Evelyn Sharp will satisfy anyone's historical curiosity. Sharp was the youngest female commercial pilot in the US in the 1930s. A trip to Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park in Elyria will provide visitors with information on how the Fort was built to protect pioneers, and later became a fortress for the friendly Pawnee tribe and pioneers. If you're interested in history, this is the byway for you.
Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway
Gas up before you go! This 197-mile scenic byway will take you across high bridges, high plains, rolling Sandhills in the east, and wild prairies in the north. Start the journey in Scottsbluff and continue north, ending in Valentine. There are several stops along the way, but don't miss the Toadstool Geological Park, Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, and the Merit Reservoir State Recreation Area.
Toadstool Geological Park near Crawford is an excellent opportunity to explore the geology of the region. A self-guided trail is available and open year-round. A small fee per car is required, and camping options are available. A stop in Merriman at the Bowring Ranch State Historical Park is a history buff's delight, with information on homesteading, geology, and the local wildlife. Other topics include information on the Sandhills and the Bowring family. Last but not least, end your journey in Valentine at the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area. With 3,000 acres of crisp sparkling water in the Sandhills. This recreation area is open year-round and is ideal for boating, fishing, and water sports. Wherever the road may lead, may it take you to the Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway.
Lincoln Highway National Scenic and Historic Byway
Known as US 30, this byway traverses the state of Nebraska and spans approximately 400 miles. Famously known for running along the Oregon and California trails, the Pony Express route also passed along this byway. Road warriors can explore a portion of the byway starting in Fremont and ending their journey in Kearney. Begins on US 30 heading west toward Kearney. Along the route, enjoy the beautiful Nebraska landscape and wildlife, including the Platte River Valley and the sight of several migratory birds. Visitors will also enjoy the rich history of the area, which includes visits to the Stuhr Museum, Tornado Hill Memorial Park, and Fort Kearney Museum.
The Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, founded by Leo Stuhr, is a humanities organization that shares the human experience of building along the Platte River Valley. The museum offers visitors a range of historical, educational, and cultural experiences. A stop at the Tornado Hill Memorial Park is an opportunity to stretch your legs and recall the terrifying events of June 3rd, 1980. On that night, over a three-hour period, seven tornadoes struck the city of Grand Island, causing over $2,000,000 in damage. History buffs will also enjoy a trip to the Fort Kearney museum in Kearney. The museum has over seven decades of preserved history, including Egyptian mummies and a Samurai suit of armor. Luckily, along this route, there are plenty of gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. So, don’t hesitate. Hop in your car and get ready for the ride.
Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway
This byway is a delight to the eyes. Along the route, there are bountiful crop lands, wooded bluffs, and a glimpse of the Missouri River. The adventure begins in South Sioux City and continues north along US 75 for 131 miles to Fort Calhoun. There are several places to stop and explore, including the Durham Museum, Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge, and Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.
The Durham Museum, located in Omaha, presents regional displays and traveling exhibits. Here, patrons will gain a deeper understanding of Nebraska's history. The Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Fort Calhoun is in the vast floodplains of the Missouri River. With over 4,000 acres, migratory birds can be spotted in the spring and fall. The refuge is ideal for hiking and has more than 6 miles of open trails. Visiting the Fort Atkinson State Historical Park will delight any history enthusiast. Located in Fort Calhoun, the fort once stationed a quarter of the US Army. It depicts life in the 1820s at a military Fort and offers periodic living history demonstrations in the summer.
Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway
Journey along State Highway 2 and experience the natural wonders on this scenic byway. Adventurers will be greeted with rural landscapes, sand dunes, and an abundance of stars in the night sky. The total length of the byway is 272 miles. For a shorter and memorable experience, start in Grand Island and end in Broken Bow.
Stargazers can stop anywhere along the route to experience the magic of the night sky. During a new moon, the vast open road provides some of the best views for stargazing in the world. Begin your journey in Grand Island with a visit to the Andrew M. Hargis House. Built in 1898, the house was designed in the Queen Anne architectural style for businessman Andrew M. Hargis. By 1953, the house was the location of the Grand Island Women’s Club. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Sand Hills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center in Broken Bow is another great stopping point. Inside the center, learn about the exhibits or chat with one of the friendly staff members. You cannot miss the center, located in a beautiful red barn. While in Broken Bow, stretch your legs and enjoy outdoor activities at the Melham Park and Sports Complex. Here, enjoy an Olympic-size heated swimming pool, picnic areas, a biking path, and walking trails. This byway is well worth the journey.
Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway
Experience the beauty of the great outdoors on this scenic route. From towering formations and pine-shaped bluffs, this route gives drivers a view of the past and the land that pioneers once traversed. There are many opportunities to explore, study, and take in the picturesque views. The byway begins in Gering and continues 144 miles to Ogallala. Worthwhile places to explore are the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, Chimney Rock National Historic Site, and Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
In Gering, take the opportunity to stretch your legs at the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. Here you will see the spectacular North Platte River Valley, rocky bluffs, and tree-lined canyons. Another place you don't want to miss is Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard. This pointy rock formation reaches up to the heavens, making it an ideal photo opportunity. If you have a pair of comfortable shoes, consider taking a hike for more majestic views. Just north of Oshkosh, head to the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge proudly has the third-largest number of documented bird species in the US.
Finding the right location for a road trip can be challenging. However, if you're interested in history, outdoor recreation, and stargazing, then Nebraska is the right place for you. Not only will you find plenty of opportunities to explore, but you will also enjoy the peaceful solitude of these nine byways. Each route leads to a new place to explore. So, let your journey begin and make it in Nebraska.
