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. Before you hit the road for this drive, make sure to prepare with our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide.

The Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway 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 exploring.
Western Trails Scenic & Historic Nebraska Byway/Facebook
The scenic byway follows the paths of the westward trails that once carried brave pioneers west. If you want to experience living remnants of Nebraska's past, this is the perfect way to do it.
Western Trails Scenic & Historic Nebraska Byway/Facebook
The route begins in Ogallala, just a little south of Lake McConaughy. The lake's surrounding recreation area has plenty of opportunities for camping along with lots of more modern accommodations. This may be the perfect home base for your Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway adventure.
Roman Eugeniusz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
After you head west from Ogallala, you'll soon come upon Ash Hollow State Park. This historic location was a welcome resting place along the Oregon Trail. Today, you can stroll some of the trails or simply admire the canyon scenery.
Chris Diaz/Google Reviews
Keep going and you'll notice several unique historic landmarks along the route, including this one near Oshkosh. It marks the grave of John Hollman, a pioneer who died while traveling the Oregon Trail.
Western Trails Scenic & Historic Nebraska Byway/Facebook
There are several Oregon Trail grave markers on the path of the old trail. While this one only bears one name, it represents all of the westward-bound pioneers who lost their lives on the grueling journey.

Related Stories

Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in western Nebraska. North end of Scotts Bluff National Monument next to the North Platte River.

The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Nebraska

 The Scenic Drive In Nebraska That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Crofton

The Scenic Drive In Nebraska That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Crofton

 Loup Rivers Scenic Byway Runs Through Central Nebraska And It's A Beautiful Drive

Loup Rivers Scenic Byway Runs Through Central Nebraska And It's A Beautiful Drive
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.
Western Trails Scenic & Historic Nebraska Byway/Facebook
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.
Keep going on Hwy 26 and you'll soon come to Chimney Rock, which is undoubtedly the most recognizable natural landmark on the trail.
James St. John/Flickr
Hwy 26 turns northward from there, traveling through the town of Bayard before turning west again. Look around and you'll notice the landscape changing.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
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.
From there, you can continue west to the state's border, 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.
Luke Mahin/Google Reviews
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 byway's website to read more about all of the offerings along the route.
moistock/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

What an incredible journey through time! Have you ever driven the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway? Let us know about your experiences in the comments!

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, which has been called one of the 10 most beautiful scenic drives in the country.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

The Best Attractions In Nebraska

William Suphan | December 05, 2022

What are the most bizarre roadside attractions in Nebraska?

These are the most bizarre roadside attractions in Nebraska:

  • The Nebraska Rest Stop. When driving through Alliance, look for this area that is a pile of hay bales with a toile and recliner chair.
  • World’s Largest Time Capsule. Located in Seward, this time capsule was placed in 1975 and is full of thousands of items from the time.
  • World’s Largest Ball of Stamps. This collection started in 1953 and grew to 600 pounds within two years.
  • Carhenge. A “Stonehenge” made of 39 classic cars that have been painted grey and arranged in the shape of Stonehenge in the UK.

Find out more about these a few more of the most bizarre roadside attractions in Nebraska. 

What are the best road trips in Nebraska?

The best road trips in Nebraska include:

  • Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park. This is a vast archaeological site where visitors can watch bones being unearthed.
  • The Sandhills. This remote area of Nebraska is perhaps the most scenic part of Nebraska and actually covers about a quarter of the state.
  • Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park. This Mennonite settlement is no longer inhabited but the buildings are preserved for historical purposes.
  • Toadstool Geologic Park. Located in the Oglala National Grassland, these mushroom-shaped geologic formations are an incredible sight.

Discover more about these and several more of the best road trips in Nebraska. 

What are the best hidden gem attractions in Nebraska?

The best hidden gem attractions in Nebraska are:

  • Mayhew Cabin. A historic cabin that was a stop along the Underground Railroad where escaped slaves stayed while trying to find freedom.
  • Steamboat Bertrand Museum. This is the remains of a wrecked steamboat from the Missouri River which shows many artifacts from the 19th century.
  • Legacy of the Plains Museum. This museum in Gering shows Nebraska's history including the lives of Native Americans and the westward expansion.
  • Panorama Point. This is the highest elevation point in Nebraska, which looks nearly as flat as the rest of the state.

Learn more about these and more of the best hidden gem attractions in Nebraska. 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
U.S. Highway 26, US-26, Ogallala, NE, USA