In the north-central part of the Cornhusker State lies one of the most incredible regions in the U.S. The Nebraska Sandhills are grass-stabilized sand dunes that stretch across a large portion of the state. Once thought to be just a worthless desert in Nebraska, the Sandhills are now an important part of our state’s economy. This region also happens to be one of the most enchantingly beautiful places in Nebraska you’ll ever visit.

Although different people have different ideas about where the boundaries of the Nebraska Sandhills lie, this map is a good representation of the general area.
Swid [Public domain]
This unique region covers more than one-quarter of the state, but it's the most sparsely populated area in Nebraska.
flickr/Doc Searls
You can travel through the hills for miles and miles without seeing another soul.
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The sandy ground makes it very difficult to grow anything out here, which is why you'll see more ranches than farms in the region.
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As you drive through this quiet slice of Nebraska desert, you can't help but feel a sense of peace and relaxation. There are no schedules out here, no pressing appointments - just one of the most remarkable areas in the country.
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Several rivers snake their way through the Sandhills landscape, and the views from the river valleys are astounding. The thousands of lakes and ponds here support a vast array of fish and aquatic invertebrates.
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Most people who aren't from Nebraska - and even some who are - are astonished by the rolling hills which can reach up to 330 feet in places.
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The region features smaller hills in the east which gradually increase in height the further west you travel. The hills gently segue into the rising bluffs in western Nebraska.
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This area was called a desert wasteland in the early days of European exploration. But in the 1870s, cattlemen began to raise their herds here.
flickr/Hilton Lieberum
They found it to be an ideal place to operate their ranches, and generations of Nebraskans have lived and worked out here. Current estimates say that more than 500,000 head of beef cattle are being raised in the Sandhills.
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But the beautiful region isn't only important for the cattle industry. It's also the largest wetland ecosystem in the country.
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Most of the land has never been plowed or otherwise disturbed by human hands. Up to 85% of the Sandhills land is untouched natural habitat.
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The biodiversity of the Sandhills makes it a very special area. It's unlike any other place in the Great Plains.
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While photos can show you the striking visual appeal of the Sandhills in Nebraska, nothing could ever compare to visiting the area yourself. The air is crisper and cleaner out here, and the feeling of solitude is profound. The hills are unlike any other place, and you’re sure to fall in love when you visit!

One of the biggest surprises in the Nebraska Sandhills is the western hemisphere’s largest hand-planted forest.

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Nebraska Sandhills & Related Info

Jennifer | March 02, 2023

What are the best places to see in the Nebraska Sandhills?

There are countless ways to explore the Sandhills in Nebraska. Many of the best views can be found simply by taking a quiet drive through the rolling hills. There are no bad angles here! To take your adventure up a few notches, start with a visit to Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and even camping before a leisurely float down the Calamus River.

In the Upper Sandhills, rent a cabin on the Niobrara River, then explore the water up close with a guided kayak tour. Enjoy the sights of the Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, and drink in the unique beauty of the many waterfalls you'll find in the area. But of course, no trip to the Sandhills region is complete without a visit to Smith Falls State Park!

What are the best places to visit in Nebraska?

Unbeknownst to much of the country, Nebraska is full of unique and exciting things to do! Whether you're craving an adventure in the great outdoors or looking to peruse some of Nebraska's unique historical and cultural sites, here are just a few of the best places to visit in Nebraska:

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Featured Addresses
Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, 44106 NE-2, Broken Bow, NE 68822, USA