To people traveling cross-country between the east and west, Nebraska seems like a barren wasteland. We forgive them for thinking that way because, in truth, there is almost nothing to see along I-80. But if you’re going all the way north to south (or vice versa), you’ll most likely travel US Highway 83 in Nebraska, one of the most underrated highways in the state. In fact, it might just be one of the most scenic drives in Nebraska.

US Highway 83 has been called "The Road to Nowhere." However, as you can see from this map, it's actually an important route stretching from Canada to Mexico. It's the shortest established route between the two countries.
By Nick Nolte - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=919793
In Nebraska, the highway goes in a nearly straight shot from the South Dakota border down to the Kansas border. It passes through west-central Nebraska, one of the most sparsely populated, yet lovely, parts of the state.
flickr/Randy Watson
There are long expanses of empty road with nothing but cows and fields to keep you company.
flickr/Minda Haas Kuhlmann

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But the highway also passes through several of the interesting and scenic towns out in this part of the state. McCook, North Platte, Thedford, and Valentine are all along the route, along with a few smaller towns.
Diana Robinson/Flickr
If you appreciate small towns, you'll agree that this route is one of the most scenic drives in Nebraska.
For the most part, though, you'll simply enjoy the natural scenery. You'll pass through the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, near the Red Willow Reservoir State Wildlife Management Area, over several scenic rivers, and of course through the gorgeous sandhills.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
To be sure, there are some stretches of road that will have you feeling bored - but they're worth it when you get to this type of scene. The Dismal River running through the Sandhills is an unforgettable sight.
flickr/stpaulgirl
The way is scenic, but sparsely traveled, which perhaps helps to perpetuate its reputation as the "Road to Nowhere."
By Neonstar (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

You won’t run into traffic on Highway 83 in Nebraska  – it’s actually a rather rare occurrence to see another car on the road. This is the perfect opportunity to get away from life for a little while and to experience a part of the Cornhusker State that not many people take the time to really see. You can take the entire 257-mile journey all at once or just travel part of it. Either way, you might just be surprised at how beautiful this often-forgotten part of our state is.

If you’re interested in more of the most scenic drives in Nebraska, take a look at these 9 beautiful byways in Nebraska.

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best scenic drives in Nebraska

Beth C. | August 05, 2021

What are the most scenic drives in Nebraska?

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and charm of Nebraska is by driving through it. Fortunately, the state offers plenty of beautiful drives for you to enjoy. Some of the most scenic drives in Nebraska include Highway 2 in Nebraska, 385 Gold Rush Scenic Byway, Bridges to Buttes Byway, Heritage Highway, Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway, Lincoln Highway Scenic & Historic Byway, Loup Rivers Scenic Byway, Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway, and Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway. How many of these scenic drives in Nebraska have you experienced?

Does Nebraska have any hidden gems?

You bet! The more time you spend in Nebraska, the more hidden gems you'll discover. Fortunately, we've done some of the research for you so you'll know exactly where to go! Some of the best hidden gems in Nebraska include Stromsburg, the Dairy Store, the Garden of Zodiac, Bailey Yard and the Golden Spike Tower, the town of Broken Bow, Prairie Peace Park, the town of Aurora, Kearney, and the R.F. Goeke store. Learn more about these hidden gems in Nebraska.

Where can I go in Nebraksa that only the locals know about?

For those inspired to experience Nebraska as the locals do, there are some destinations that will allow you to do just that. These places, which are a bit off the beaten path, are definitely worth the journey. They include Pine Valley Resort, the town of Whitney, Elmwood Park, the lost Ionia Volcano, the mysterious grotto near Old Market in Omaha, Sage Hill Vineyard & Winery, and Victoria Springs State Recreation Area. For more information on these places, check out our previous article: 12 Hidden Places In Nebraska Only Locals Know About.

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Featured Addresses
U.S. Highway 83, US-83, North Platte, NE, USA