We don’t know about you, but if there’s one thing we never grow tired of, it’s finding new inspiration for future road trips in the Cornhusker State. In the past, we’ve featured plenty of terrifying trips in Nebraska through ghost towns and haunted places that will take you to unforgettable places that might make your skin crawl a little. But what about when you want to experience something a little more beautiful and less scary? We’ve got just the thing. There are so many scenic drives in Nebraska, and we think Highway 2 is among the prettiest. Get ready to explore this gorgeous highway, and be prepared for some sensational windshield views.

We've got it all for you on this Nebraska scenic drive map: there's so much to see along Nebraska's Highway 2.
Google Maps
If you find yourself searching for "best scenic drives near me," this path has undoubtedly ended up on your results page. It's been nationally recognized as one of the prettiest roads in America, which is saying something when you consider how underappreciated the Cornhusker State usually is! Check out the full Nebraska scenic byway map on Google Maps.
Unlike some other road trips that we've featured in the past, you won't find a ton of wild curves in the road here.
SewardLawyer/TripAdvisor
Some of us may enjoy taking trips that bring us to constantly winding roads, but others like to keep things simple. There's nothing like experiencing a straight shot through the state, and that's where Highway 2 comes in.
Bob Wilcox/Flickr

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Along the way, you'll pass some great destinations. One of our favorites is the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center, located just outside of Grand Island.
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center/Yelp
The center has roughly 10 miles of trails if you'd like to get out and explore. Just passing by will make your scenic drive even more beautiful, though.
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, 9325 Alda Rd S, Wood River, NE 68883, USA
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center/Yelp
Besides, how can anyone resist a butterfly garden? This is such a purely blissful spot, and you'll absolutely love the peace and quiet here. During the spring and fall migrations, this is one of the best places to see sandhill cranes in Nebraska.
From the South Dakota state line all the way to the Iowa state line, there's so much to see on this path!
Carhenge, 2151 Co Rd 59, Alliance, NE 69301, USA
Dick Clark/Flickr
This drive may certainly be scenic, but one of the biggest reasons why it is so wonderful to drive along is because of all of the breathtaking and unique places you can visit right along the way. One of the most unique places to visit while traveling along Highway 2 is Carhenge, which is exactly what it sounds like... a Stonehenge-like structure made of cars. Yes, really.

To enjoy what it's like to see Carhenge from the road, check out this wonderful video brought to you by YouTube user Psyclefreak below:

So, how about it? Have you ever traveled down Highway 2 in Nebraska? What are your votes for the best scenic drives in Nebraska? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Of course, before you hit the road for any sort of travel, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List to make sure you have everything you need for a great journey.

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Best Scenic Drives in Nebraska

Tori Jane | July 27, 2021

How long is Nebraska's Highway 2?  

You know, people seem to give Nebraska a lot of flak that it doesn’t deserve. It turns out that once you know where to look to find all the epic gems and things Nebraska has to offer, it suddenly takes on a magic you didn’t know it had. Highway 2 is one of those things. Also known as the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, it’s actually in two separate parts. The western segment starts at the state border with South Dakota and ends at I-90. The eastern segment starts in Lincoln and goes all the way to the Iowa border. In total, it stretches 51.8 miles, making it a fairly easy drive to do in a day.  

What are some scenic places in Nebraska?  

Nebraska is a beautiful state known for its gorgeous prairies, endless plains, and rolling hills. Those who are fans of geology will love some of Nebraska’s wonders:

  • Courthouse and Jail Rocks along the old Oregon Trail
  • Chimney Rock is world-famous for its unusual appearance and fascinating natural history.
  • The Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area is breathtaking.
  • We also really love the Oglala National Grasslands, which showcase the beauty of the great plains.

 

Check out more of our favorite scenic places in Nebraska.  

What are the most beautiful drives in Nebraska? 

Well, other than Highway 2, of course – there are lots! People don’t give this state enough credit for its beauty, and that includes scenic drives all over the state:

  • 385 Gold Rush Scenic Byway runs from the Colorado state line to the South Dakota State Line, and the colors there during fall are to die for.
  • The Bridges to Buttes Byway is incredible in spring and summer, especially when the wildflowers are at their prime.
  • The Loup Rivers Scenic Byway often gets compared to something out of The Hobbit; it’s remarkably picturesque.  

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