7 Most Scenic Drives in Nebraska
Picture rippling grasslands stretching out to the horizon as the sun sets behind the hills. Imagine dusty badlands with deep canyons and gorges carved into the earth like a scar. Think of grazing bison, ambling over the golden grass of the great plains. These are all scenes straight out of the incredible beauty of Nebraska landscapes. Located in the heart of the Midwest, the Cornhusker State is best experienced from the open road. These scenic drives show you the best of Nebraska, winding through quaint hamlets, dazzling vistas, and historic sights. Adventure awaits on these Midwestern byways!
Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway
The 231-mile Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway is one of Nebraska’s longest scenic drives, but well worth the minimum four hours it should take you to complete. The route runs along State Highway 12 from Valentine to Ponca, passing areas of stunning natural beauty along the way.
Start your drive in the small town of Valentine, where you will find Smith Falls, Nebraska’s tallest waterfall. From there, head east through the towns of Springview and Niobrara. Make a stop in the latter to explore Niobara State Park, which boasts gorgeous views from the bluffs over the Missouri River. Next, you will come across the historic towns of Crofton and Wynot and past scenic Lewis and Clark Lake before ending your drive at Ponca. Ponca is the fourth oldest town in Nebraska. Step back into its past before getting back on the road with a trip to the Cook Blacksmith Shop and Adams House Museum, a living history museum that recreates life at the turn of the century.
Gold Rush Scenic Byway
Traveling 131 miles along US 385, the Gold Rush Scenic Byway is one of the most historic routes in the United States. At the height of the gold boom, more than $200,000 of gold flowed along this road every day as prospectors went back and forth with their bounty. You may not strike it lucky in these hills, but you will get priceless views of rolling hills and picturesque river valleys.
The byway begins in Chadron and heads south and west to Sidney. Notable stops along the way include the Box Butte Reservoir Recreation Area outside of Hemingford and the towering natural landmarks of the Courthouse and Jail Rocks, giant pillars that helped the pioneers navigate on their trek west. In nearby Bridgeport, you can visit the Pioneer Trails Museum to find out more about their epic journey.
Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway
The Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway is 197 miles of pristine scenery between the Wyoming border and Valentine that runs past some of Nebraska’s most unique natural attractions. Starting in Harrison, head east on US 20 to Crawford, where you will pass Fort Robinson State Park. Here, you can view a bison herd, take a stagecoach ride, or take a historical tour. Then, veer slightly off-route to visit Toadstool Geologic Park. This one-of-a-kind moonscape in the Nebraska badlands features very unusual geologic formations in the shape of toadstools. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a short walk. Take the mile-long hiking trail to see the most striking rocks and deposits.
From Crawford, keep traveling east through the prairies and sandhills of northwestern Nebraska. Further along the route, you will find the tranquil Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area before you finish your drive to the small town of Valentine.
Western Trails Scenic Byway
Saddle up and hit the Western Trails Scenic Byway to see Nebraska as the pioneers did in the 1800s. This 144-mile byway runs along US 26 and State Highway 92 from Ogallala west to Henry.
At Ash Hollow State Historical Park in Lewellen, you can view a pioneer grave and the ruts carved into the trail from the wagon trains. Next up is the charming town of Oshkosh, which is home to the only water tower in Nebraska on the National Register of Historic Places. Driving to Bayard, you will see the iconic Chimney Rock, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the pioneer trail. Further down the road in Gering, it’s worth a stop at the Scotts Bluff National Monument. Here, towering bluffs overlook 3,000 acres of prairie, badlands, and trail remnants by the North Platte River.
Loup Rivers Scenic Byway
Get to know the picture-perfect farmlands and rustic scenery of central Nebraska along the 150-mile Loup Rivers Scenic Byway, which follows State Roads 11 and 91 between Wood River and Dunning.
Journeying through the Nebraska heartland, this byway takes you through the historic town of Dannebrog, founded in the 1870s by Danish pioneers and known as the Danish capital of Nebraska. Outside Dannebrog, on the banks of the North Loup River, you can visit the Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine, the only publicly accessible pillar mine in the country where you can wander through more than 6,000 ft of underground caverns. Back on the road, you will pass through Ord before turning onto Highway 91 in Burwell, home of Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, which takes place in summer.
Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway
No trip to Nebraska is complete without learning about its most famous visitors and explorers, Lewis and Clark. These early adventurers covered a lot of ground on their quest to find the Pacific Ocean in 1804, and you will cover some of it with them, following the Missouri River along Highway 75 from Omaha to South Sioux City.
Make sure to stop at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park along the way. This was the first US fort on the Missouri River and the site of the council between the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Otoe-Missouri tribe. Living history displays take place during summer, and the Visitor Center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Take another break at the DeSoto Chute National Wildlife Refuge, where you can canoe, kayak, or boat on Lake DeSoto, or simply check out the collection of Civil War-era memorabilia on display year-round at the Visitor Center. Just before the byway ends, you will find the small community of Winnebago, home to the Winnebago Reservation. Visit the Angel De Cora Museum and Research Center to browse Native American dolls, paintings, traditional clothing, photographs, and other items of the Winnebago Tribe.
Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway: from Grand Island to Mullen
The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is an epic road trip of 272 miles north on State Highway 2, but if you are looking for a more time-efficient drive, take the 174-mile stretch from Grand Island to Mullen, which offers plenty of natural and historical attractions.
Pick up a map and more information at the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Center in Broken Bow, which covers the history of the byway and the Sandhills region. Driving on to Halsey, you will enter the Nebraska National Forest, which encompasses over 90,000 acres of recreational land that is perfect for hiking, picnicking, fishing, and camping. At the journey’s end in Mullen, cool off with a paddle down the Middle Loup River or take in some culture at the Mullen Arts Center, which features rotating exhibits showcasing local artists.
Discover the Magic of Nebraska in the State’s Scenic Byways
Follow in the footsteps of gold rush prospectors, discover your inner outlaw, and head west on the old pioneer trails — Nebraska’s scenic byways promise more than just breathtaking landscapes and good photo opportunities. You will find a lot to learn on the road, from the history and heritage of this Midwest state to the unique character and culture of its small towns. Fuel up the car, pack your camera, and get ready for an adventure that truly evokes the American spirit of exploration and discovery.
