This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Nebraska Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? If so, you’re in the right place! We’ve mapped out a trip that will take you on a circular route through some of the best natural wonders in Nebraska. We’ve even worked in some scenic byways between the stops. And though our map begins and ends at Smith Falls, you can hop onto (or off of) the route at any point. So, read on and prepare for one of the best outdoor adventures in Nebraska!
This trip is a long one. The drive itself is 14 hours, and obviously stopping to experience the sights will take even longer. And remember, you’ll need a parks pass to access most of the sites. We recommend going on a long weekend, so you have time to enjoy all of these incredible natural wonders in Nebraska. Pack a weekend bag, grab a cooler full of snacks, and jump in the car – you’re about to experience some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Nebraska.
You can find the map, along with step-by-step directions, here.
Our first stop is at one of the most eye-catching natural wonders in Nebraska, Smith Falls, which is the state's tallest waterfall. The falls are only accessible after a short hike, so wear sturdy shoes - your flip-flops won't cut it here.
You may not get lucky enough to see a herd of bison on your stop at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, but you won't need any luck to see the splendid Fort Falls - it'll be right there waiting for you.
You'll need $1 per adult to see these falls, but it's well worth the admission price, as it's definitely one of the best things to do outside in Nebraska.
After a long but lovely drive along scenic Highway 20 (also known as the Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway), you'll reach Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. The drive from Smith Falls to Pine Ridge is around four-and-a-half hours; this serene, largely wild setting would be the perfect place to camp after your first day on the road. Try to fit in a bit of hiking before you bed down for the night.
You'll want to allow plenty of time to wander through the lunar-like landscape of Toadstool Park. Sometimes called the Badlands of Nebraska, this place is seriously enchanting, making it the perfect place for an outdoor adventure in Nebraska.
You can't visit western Nebraska without a trip to Scotts Bluff. The view from the top is impressive, and walking around the area will make you fall in love with Nebraska nature all over again. The monument is on the historic Oregon Trail, so as you explore the site you'll be walking in the footsteps of American pioneers.
Another standard stop on any western Nebraska trip, Chimney Rock is about 30 minutes from Scotts Bluff on the Oregon Trail. Check out the visitors' center for some fascinating information on the site's history and the surrounding area.
Another 30 minutes or so down the road, these large rock formations would have been the first major geologic landmarks seen by settlers headed west on the Oregon Trail. The remnants of the Courthouse Pony Express station are at the southwest corner of the formation.
Stop off in Bridgeport or Alliance for the night before beginning the last leg of your journey.
After the rock formations, it may look like a long stretch of empty road in front of you. This couldn't be further from the truth. Highway 2 is known as the Sandhills Scenic Byway, and it's a part of Nebraska that many tourists never see since it is a fair distance from the interstate. Not just one of the best Nebraska road trips, this route was rated as one of the top 10 scenic routes in the United States. Besides the gorgeous scenery, there are plenty of sweet little towns along the way - make time to stop off in one or two of them on your way.
Finally, you'll find yourself at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. In the same complex as the Fort Niobrara Refuge, Valentine NWR is a breathtaking Sandhills destination. There is abundant wildlife here, along with plenty of places to picnic while you watch the native animals play.
A short trip from Valentine NWR to Smith Falls brings you right back to where you started. This road trip was all about natural wonders in Nebraska, but if you have extra time, we would definitely suggest taking side trips as you see interesting places pop up along the way. Every small town has a story to tell, and every park and recreation area has its own special characteristics. We couldn’t fit every possible stop into one map, so be spontaneous if you can, and let the road take you where it will. If you decide to do our Nebraska road trip, be sure to leave a comment telling us all about it!
Address: Smith Falls, Valentine, NE 69221, USA
Address: Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, 39983 Refuge Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
Address: Snake River Falls, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
Address: Whiteclay, NE 69360, USA
Address: Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
Address: 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341, USA
Address: Chimney Rock, West Bayard, NE 69334, USA
Address: Bridgeport, NE 69336, USA
Address: Broken Bow, NE 68822, USA
Address: 39679 Pony Lake Road, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Wonders In Nebraska
March 04, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the best things to do outside in Nebraska?
Here in Nebraska, there’s an outdoor adventure for every season. In the winter, head to Schramm Park State Recreation Area for some skiing along the frozen Platte River. When spring rolls around, grab your binoculars and indulge in some of the best bird-watching in the nation at Harlan County Reservoir near Alma. It’s the perfect place to take in the annual sandhill crane migration. The warm weather of summer proposes the perfect opportunity for some water-related fun. Head to Johnson Lake State Recreation Area in Elwood for some of the state’s best fishing. If kayaking and swimming are more your speed, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Two Rivers State Recreation Area in Waterloo. Fall is the most colorful season in Nebraska, and the Fontenelle Forest is a prime spot for some leaf-peeping.
What’s one of the most unique outdoor adventures in Nebraska?
There are rails-to-trails conversions all across the nation, but only one takes the title of the longest – and it’s Cowboy Trail. Offering 192 miles of fun and great views, the trail runs from Norfolk to Valentine, stretching over the American outback. Tracing the abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway corridor, the trek is perfect for bikers, hikers, and other adventurers. And regardless of your mode of transportation, you’ll want to slow down long enough to take in the stunning views of rivers, valleys, prairies and woods, which you’ll find along the trail’s 221 bridges.
What are the best hiking trails in Nebraska?
When it comes to great hiking trails, Nebraska is definitely not lacking. One trek that shouldn’t be missed is the Scott Tower National Recreation Trail. The 3-mile trek winds through the Bessey Ranger District in Halsey, which is home to the largest hand-planted forest in the world! The views along the way are stunning; however, the real treat comes at the end of the trail, which is where you’ll find Scott Lookout Tower. From atop the tower, you’ll be afforded the best views of the forest. The Cedar Point Biological Station is also a must-visit when craving a unique hike. All in all, the site contains 13 miles of trails. Even more impressive are the surroundings, which include rocky terrain, deep canyons, numerous geological finds, and exposed fossil and clay formations.
Address: Smith Falls, Valentine, NE 69221, USA
Address: Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, 39983 Refuge Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
Address: Snake River Falls, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
Address: Whiteclay, NE 69360, USA
Address: Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
Address: 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341, USA
Address: Chimney Rock, West Bayard, NE 69334, USA
Address: Bridgeport, NE 69336, USA
Address: Broken Bow, NE 68822, USA
Address: 39679 Pony Lake Road, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
