Heritage Highway Hero
Background Image
The exterior of Homestead National Monument.
Subhead
Scenic Byways
Display Title
Heritage Highway
Stats
238 Miles | 4 Hours | U.S. 136 between Edison and Brownville

Traversing 10 counties, the Heritage Highway Scenic Byway transports road-trippers to communities where Nebraska history is preserved and worth exploring. Whether you start or end in historic Brownville, take time to explore the Missouri, America’s longest river.

Heritage Highway Route Block
Route Directions

From Edison: 
28 miles east on US-136 to Alma (Harlan County Reservoir)
46 miles east on US-136 to Red Cloud  •   25 miles east on US-136, south on NE-14 to Superior
36 miles north on NE-14, east on US-136 to Hebron  •  24 miles east on US-136 to Fairbury
30 miles east on US-136 to Beatrice   •   52 miles east on US-136 to Auburn
57 miles east on US-136 to Brownville

Info Block
Stop Headline (or other)
Willa Cather Childhood Home
Image
A historical marker in front of the Willa Cather Childhood home.
Body
Take a guided tour of the Willa Cather Childhood Home in Red Cloud.
Tips Callout
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

See photographs, furniture and other family artifacts at this National Historic Landmark where the famed author grew up.

Stop Callout
Stop 1
Info Block
Stop Headline (or other)
Alexandria State Recreation Area
Image
Alexandria
Body
For a tranquil nature escape, try Alexandria State Recreation Area in Fairbury.
Tips Callout
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

With two lakes and 55 acres to explore, this recreation area is perfect for fishing, hiking and picnicking. 

Tip Icon
Lodging (house)
Tip

Campers will find 45 electric hookup sites and eight primitive campsites.

Stop Callout
Stop 2
Info Block
Stop Headline (or other)
Homestead National Historical Park
Image
The historical Palmer-Epard Cabin at Homestead National Monument.
Body
Stop at the Homestead National Historical Park in Beatrice.
Tips Callout
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

Learn about the importance of the Homestead Act of 1862 in the expansion of the U.S.

Stop Callout
Stop 3
Default DFP Component 1
Info Block
Stop Headline (or other)
Superior Estates Winery
Image
A scenic view of the exterior of Superior Estates Winery.
Body
Stretch your lefts with a tranquil view at Superior Estates Winery.
Tips Callout
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

Take an extended break at this Superior winery, where vineyard views pair nicely with Nebraska wine. 

Stop Callout
Stop 4
Info Block
Stop Headline (or other)
Rock Creek Station State Historical Park
Image
A historical building and covered wagons at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park.
Body
In Fairbury, explore the 350-acre Rock Creek Station State Historical Park.
Tips Callout
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

Among prairie hilltops, creek bottoms and rugged ravines, you’ll discover deep ruts carved by wagons that traveled the Oregon and California trails. 

Stop Callout
Stop 5
Info Block
Stop Headline (or other)
Brownville
Image
Exterior of Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery with guests gathered on the patio over a pond.
Body
With a population of about 150, this quaint historic town is filled with landmarks, shops, bookstores and an ice cream parlor.
Tips Callout
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

Visit Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery for delicious wine in a historic location.

Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

Stroll historic downtown Brownville for boutiques, galleries and sweet treats.

Tip Icon
Eat (cupcake)
Tip

Savor the ever-changing menu at Lyceum Restaurant and Bookstore.

Tip Icon
Lodging (house)
Tip

Cruise aboard the Spirit of Brownville and retire to a floating bed-and-breakfast at River Inn Resort.

Stop Headline (or other)
Beatrice
Image
A woman touring the exhibits inside the Homestead National Monument of America.
Body
Along with Homestead National Historical Park, you’ll discover pioneer history and countless outdoor recreation opportunities around this southeastern Nebraska city.
Tips Callout
Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

Rockford Lake State Recreation Area offers 450 acres of outdoor adventure. The area is popular for fishing, boating, swimming and camping. 

Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

Trek the 37-mile Chief Standing Bear Trail, a rails-to-trails development that follows a similar path to the historic trail of Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca Tribe. 

Tip Icon
Discover (magnifying glass)
Tip

Cool off with water slides, diving boards, fountains and a 9,000-square-foot zero-entry pool at Big Blue Water Park

Headline
Small-Town Stops
Journey Along the Historical Heritage Highway
On Highway 136, you'll travel from the banks of the Missouri River to Homestead National Historical Park to the home of Nebraska author Willa Cather. Keep your eyes peeled for roadside attractions, scenic nature spaces and fascinating museums along the way.
Historical displays along a path at Willa Cather Memorial Prairie. Photo by Philip A Daubman Photography