Nebraska Scenic Byways

Where the Journey is the Destination

The road less traveled often turns out to be the road more interesting. And you’ll find plenty of must-see roadside attractions and sights along these open roads. From the wild to the unexpected: Watch it all unfold on a Nebraska road trip. 

Nebraska offers nine scenic byways that let you follow the trails of the pioneers, roll down city streets or go gladly off the grid. You’ll even see a scale replica of Stonehenge crafted from spray-painted cars.

Follow your heart. Just make sure to soak in the views — they’re called scenic byways for a reason.

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Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway
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Smith Falls, Nebraska's largest waterfall.
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Top outdoor playgrounds, plus casino gaming and craft shopping
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231 miles | 3 hours & 45 min. | State 12 between South Sioux City and Valentine

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385-Gold Rush Scenic Byway
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A man and son at the Museum of the Fur Trade.
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Natural wonders — and Carhenge — along one of the nation's most scenic and historic routes
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131 Miles | 2 Hours | The Route: U.S. 385 between Chadron and Sidney
 

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Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway
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A view of the badlands landscapes of Toadstool Geologic Park.
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Art, ranching heritage and the singular landscape of Toadstool Geologic Park.
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197 miles | 3 Hours | U.S. 20 between the Wyoming border and Valentine

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Heritage Highway Scenic Byway
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The exterior of the center at Homestead National Historical Park.
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Charming downtowns, the Missouri River and Homestead National Historical Park.
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238 Miles | 4 Hours | U.S. 136 between Edison and Brownville

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Loup Rivers Scenic Byway
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Chambers inside Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine
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Photographers, paddlers and history buffs love this scenic stretch defined by three rivers.
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150 Miles | 2 Hours 30 Min. | State 11 and State 91 between Dunning and Wood River

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Lincoln Highway National Scenic & Historic Byway
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People walking over the Missouri River on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in Omaha.
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This statewide route highlights Buffalo Bill, fine art and the Omaha skyline.
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450 Miles I 6 Hours 30 Min. | U.S. 30 across the state

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Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway
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Exterior view of a trail display and Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center inside a large red barn.
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A natural escape marked by migrating cranes, sand dunes and a national forest.
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272 Miles | 4 Hours 30 Min. | State 2 from Grand Island to Alliance

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Western Trails Scenic Byway
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A covered wagon and barrel with Scotts Bluff National Monument towering behind it at dusk.
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See Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock and natural areas passed by pioneers.
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144 miles | 2 Hours | U.S. 26 and State 92 from the Wyoming border to Ogallala

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Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway
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Statues at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park of Lewis & Clark's "First Council" with the Oto and Missouria Tribes.
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Follow the explorers' footsteps to Omaha, the Missouri River and Native American culture.
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98 Miles | 1 Hour 45 Min. | The Route: U.S. 75 North between South Sioux City and Omaha

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The Ultimate Scenic Byway Road Trip
Can't decide which byway to explore? Follow our Ultimate Scenic Byway Road Trip on a 12-day Nebraska adventure. Along the way, you'll see big-city attractions, like The Joslyn art museum and Old Market entertainment district in Omaha, to must-see small towns, like Monowi — the smallest town in America (Population: 1. Seriously!). This itinerary will guide you to some of the Cornhusker State's most iconic and memorable attractions along seven Nebraska scenic byways.
Kayakers on the Niobrara River surrounded by bluffs and greenery.
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