This Nebraska Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime
Nebraska may be known for its sweeping plains and quiet towns, but one stretch of road transforms the state into a traveler’s paradise: The Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway. Stretching 272 miles along Highway 2, this scenic route carves through the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, the largest area of stabilized dunes in the western hemisphere. With nearly 20,000 square miles of rolling dunes, native grasses, shimmering lakes, and abundant wildlife, the Sandhills allows visitors to disconnect, explore, and breathe deeply in a landscape where nature is still very much in charge. Here’s a suggested three-day itinerary highlighting the best of this unique Nebraska byway.
Day 1: Grand Island To Alda
Begin in Grand Island, a welcoming city that serves as the eastern gateway to the Sandhills. Stop at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer to step back into the 19th century and experience life as early Nebraskans knew it with interactive exhibits and historic farm machinery on display. It's open daily year-round, except on certain holidays, and charges an admission fee. For lunch, take a short drive from there to Coney Island Lunch Room, a Grand Island favorite, and enjoy a classic, authentic Coney Island hot dog.
Next, head to Alda to visit the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, a favorite for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Each year, thousands of sandhill cranes stop to rest and feed during migration, with dawn and dusk offering the best opportunities to see them in flight. The center features outdoor attractions such as a garden, scenic trails, and a 35-foot observation tower, along with indoor exhibits, an art gallery, and a gift shop. Admission is free; the center is closed on Sundays and Christmas through New Year’s Day.
From there, return to Grand Island for the night. For dinner, try Wave Pizza Co., a lively spot known for its creative specialty pizzas made with fresh ingredients. If the weather’s nice, relax in their outdoor beer garden. Just minutes away, the Grand Island Casino Resort offers comfortable accommodations, making it the perfect place to recharge overnight.
Day 2: Broken Bow To Victoria Springs
Leaving Grand Island, Highway 2 winds through the Sandhills. A highlight along the route is the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Visitor Center, just outside Broken Bow. Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s barn, the center offers maps, information on the byway’s natural features, and indoor exhibits including artwork, murals, and photography by local artists. Outside, walking trails lead to a southwest-facing observation deck, a windmill-fed pond, educational panels, and thoughtfully landscaped grounds featuring labeled native plants.
The center is open daily from late May through September, making summer and early fall the ideal time to stop. Before leaving town, grab a bite at Bonfire Grill & Pub, which serves hearty American fare, or Kinkaider Brewing Co., a local craft brewery offering house-made beers and creative pub food.
From there, continue west as Highway 2 briefly merges with Highway 92. Just before reaching Merna, turn north onto Victoria Springs Road to arrive at Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, one of Nebraska’s oldest parks. The 60-acre park has a spring-fed pond, shaded picnic areas, and hiking trails. For overnight stays, choose from two fully equipped cabins or camp at one of the electric or basic sites. Reservations fill quickly, sometimes up to a year in advance, and a park entry permit is required.
Day 3: Halsey To Alliance
After a restful night at Victoria Springs, drive to Halsey, where the Nebraska National Forest, a vast expanse of hand-planted trees, provides a striking green contrast to the surrounding Sandhills. With over 90,000 acres of hand-planted trees, the forest offers endless ways to reconnect with nature, from hiking and biking to horseback riding and off-highway vehicle trails. For a midday meal, stop at the Double T Bar on Halsey’s Main Street, a cozy local hangout serving hearty burgers, steaks, and other American classics, before heading back on the road.
Next, travel to Alliance. Just north of town on Highway 87 is Carhenge, Nebraska’s playful homage to England’s Stonehenge, constructed entirely from vintage automobiles. It’s open year-round, free to visit, and has a seasonal gift shop. Visit the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center in town, where exhibits showcase Native American heritage, farming, small-town life, and the region’s railroad history.
Retreat to Sam & Louie’s Italian Restaurant & New York Pizzeria for dinner. This laid-back eatery features New York-style pizzas, pasta dishes, and sandwiches in a friendly, welcoming setting. Afterward, settle into one of Alliance’s hotels or lodges for a well-earned night’s rest.
Driving the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway isn’t just about covering miles; it’s about slowing down to enjoy the quiet, serene beauty of Nebraska’s wide-open spaces. Along the way, rolling dunes, swaying prairie grasses, and abundant wildlife set the scene, creating a timeless and untouched landscape. Memorable stops include watching thousands of cranes take flight and discovering quirky roadside attractions like Carhenge, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s character. This Nebraska byway blends nature, history, and whimsy into a road trip that’s both grounding and unforgettable.
