The Stunning Nebraska Drive That Is One of the Best Road Trips You Can Take in America

If you ask us, Nebraska is America's hidden gem. Most people have no idea just how many wonderful treasures are hiding right here, waiting to be discovered on an incredible Nebraska road trip. You can enjoy some of those hidden-in-plain-sight treasures when you take a journey along the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway in Nebraska. Whether you drive the whole way or get out and visit some of the unforgettable sites along the route, this is one of our favorite scenic drives in Nebraska, and you'll want to pencil it into your schedule ASAP.

The Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway is Nebraska's first designated scenic byway, and follows US-Hwy 26 from Ogallala to the Nebraska/Wyoming border. The journey is only 144 miles, but there's so much to see along the way that you could easily spend an entire day (or longer) exploring. The scenic byway follows the paths of the westward trails that once carried brave pioneers west in the 1800s. If you want to experience living remnants of Nebraska's past, traveling the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway is the perfect way to do it.

The route begins in Ogallala, just a little south of Lake McConaughy. The lake's surrounding recreation area has plenty of camping opportunities and modern accommodations, including a vacation rental overlooking the lake in nearby Brule or, if you prefer a hotel, the Hampton Inn Ogallala and Best Western Plus Ogallala Inn are great options. This may be the perfect home base for your Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway adventure.

After you head west from Ogallala, you'll soon come upon Ash Hollow State Historical Park. This historic location was a welcome resting place along the Oregon Trail, and you can still see the pioneers' wagon wheel grooves in the ground. Today, you can stroll some of the trails, take a tour of Ash Hollow Cave, or simply admire the canyon scenery within the 1,000-acre state park in Nebraska.

Keep going and you'll notice several unique historic landmarks along the route, including one near Oshkosh marking the grave of John Hollman, a pioneer who died while traveling the Oregon Trail. There are several Oregon Trail grave markers on the path of the old trail. While this one only bears one name, it represents all the westward-bound pioneers who lost their lives on the grueling journey.

Make a quick stop in Bridgeport to stretch your legs and visit the Pioneer Trails Museum. From photos to actual artifacts, the museum explores the long and fascinating history of this area. If you want to take a short detour, head south on Hwy 88 to see the stunning Courthouse and Jail Rocks, two prominent natural markers along the Oregon Trail. To reach them, you will have to travel along an unpaved road, and at the end, there's a trail to Courthouse Rock. If you don't wish to take a closer look, you will certainly be able to view them from afar. For a longer stop, explore the 326-acre Bridgeport State Recreation Area. Here you can go fishing, swimming, or camping at one of the park's five lakes.

Keep going on Hwy 26, and you'll soon come to Chimney Rock, undoubtedly the most recognizable natural landmark on the trail. To pioneers, it marked the point where the plains ended, and the Rocky Mountains began. From there, Hwy 26 turns northward, traveling through the town of Bayard before turning west again. Look around, and you'll notice the landscape changing.

More craggy buttes and monumental rock formations rise up from the prairie to create some surreal sights that most people don't expect to find in Nebraska. Eventually, you'll come to Scotts Bluff National Monument and the towns of Gering and Scottsbluff. While the towns themselves have plenty to offer visitors, the monument is one experience you definitely don't want to miss. You can walk or take a shuttle up to the top of the rock formation for an indescribable view.

You can continue west to the state's border from there, but we highly recommend taking Hwy 71 south to visit the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. This spectacular natural area is great for recreation, but it's also the perfect spot to simply reflect on the breathtaking beauty of the area.

This drive is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and fans of long, scenic drives. There's a lot to discover along the way, so be sure to check out the official website of Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway to learn more about all of the offerings along the route.

What an incredible journey through time! Have you ever driven the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway? Before you hit the road for this drive, make sure to prepare with our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide for all your road trip essentials.

If you want to enjoy a longer drive through Nebraska's most ecologically diverse and absolutely stunning region, take a trip on the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway. This 272-mile drive has been called one of the 10 most beautiful scenic drives in the country. You can also check out these country roads in Nebraska for more scenic byways.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.