In the popular imagination, road trips represent freedom, but that doesn't mean this laid back form of travel always goes off without a hitch. Even with meticulous packing lists, it's easy to forget planning stops along the way. That's why I think everyone should know about the best rest stop in Nebraska, located between Lincoln and Omaha. This spot gives drivers more than a place to stretch their legs. If anything, it feels more like a public park!
Every year, almost 40 percent of Americans plan a road trip. Some travel out of state, and some explore closer to home. It's easy to see why! Sightseeing by car gives travelers a new perspective on what makes their state unique. Nebraska makes this easy, operating 25 rest areas along I-80 alone. These offer drivers the breaks they need to travel safely and stave off backseat squabbles.
You'll find Platte River Rest Area Eastbound right between Lincoln and Omaha, making it the perfect stopping point between the two cities. If you can, I recommend taking a detour to the Wildlife Safari Park nearby, which offers nature enthusiasts up-close-and-personal encounters with Nebraskan wildlife without having to leave their car!
Rest stops don't necessarily have the best reputations, which is why it's so refreshing to find places like Platte River Rest Area. Far from being a spot you'll want to pull through and leave as soon as possible, this driver's oasis is well-maintained and park-like, inviting travelers to spend some time here.
Platte River Rest Area includes some genuinely artful landscaping, including an impressive piece of modern sculpture. This attention to detail explains the spot's glowing reviews from travelers, who describe it as quiet, peaceful, and the ideal place to recharge.
If you're planning a road trip through the Cornhusker State, don't forget to include some breaks along the way. Not only are these reprieves essential to remain alert on the road, but they're also a great chance to debrief on your adventure. But not all rest areas are created equal. Check out the Platte River Rest Area if you're between Lincoln and Omaha. This park-like oasis may be the best rest stop in Nebraska.
We'll happily go to great lengths to find the perfect dessert in Nebraska, and that includes hopping in a car and driving for several hours to try some of the best bakeries in the state. If you're game, this little road trip to some of the best pie shops in Nebraska will lead you to six restaurants serving unforgettable, mouthwatering sweet treats. If you approach it like a mission to collect pies and get home with these desserts as quickly as possible, it'll take you just over seven hours of drive time. But we recommend taking it a little slower so you can enjoy the lovely Nebraska scenery along the way too.
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Our journey to the best pie shops in Nebraska begins in Newmans Grove and ends in Columbus, making a neat almost-circle. However, you can modify the map to fit your preferred start and end points or visit only one or two shops along the route.
Let's begin our odyssey of pie shops in Nebraska in Newman Grove. City Cafe draws in hungry patrons across Nebraska for its famous pies. You'll want to eat a slice or two there, but trust us - pick up a whole pie or two to take home because you'll be craving it as soon as you've polished off the last bite. City Cafe is the place for the best pies in the state.
Next, we'll head to South Sioux City which is right on the South Dakota border. Here, you'll find the best pies in Nebraska inside a truck stop, but don't let that put you off. This homey diner serves everything you want to find in a small-town eatery: homestyle food, friendly service, and pie with meringue so high it touches the sky. There are plenty of other varieties, of course, but it's SO satisfying to dig into that mound of fluffy meringue! Visit
We're going to deviate just a tiny bit from the definition of "pie" used at the other restaurants on this list. Carter & Rye is a delightful takeout-only pie shop serving hand pies in a huge variety of flavors, both savory and sweet. There's a hand pie here for every occasion and every taste. The bakery's tagline - "You're the hot one" - is reflective of the owners' commitment to empowering and improving their community. Hence, another reason why Carter & Rye is one of the best pie shops in Nebraska.
No list of bakeries in Nebraska would be complete without the classic Lincoln destination, Stauffer's. It's a down-home, casual kind of place that happens to have a plethora of pies in every variety. If you want to impress your family at the next holiday gathering, bring one of these babies and watch everyone fight for the last piece.
This sweet cafe in Grand Island has been a local favorite for years. It's time the secret got out, though: the pies here are beyond mouthwatering and worthy of a visit on their own. This slice of peanut butter chocolate pie looks unbelievable, but resist the urge to lick your screen - it'll only result in disappointment. Don't ask how we know. If you're hungry for more, get the latest details on The Farmer's Daughter Cafe's Facebook page.
For our final stop on this best pies shop in Nebraska road trip, we'll visit the adorable Picket Fence Cafe in Columbus. Come in for a meal and stay for the pie...or just do what we do and come in for a few pies to take home. Fun fact: fruit pies used to be breakfast for hungry ranch hands and farmers - so you don't have to feel bad about eating a few slices of apple pie for breakfast! You're welcome. Take a look at The Picket Fence Cafe's Facebook page for up-to-date info on specials and more.
Will you be embarking on this outrageously tasty pie shops in Nebraska road trip anytime soon? A trip visiting ALL of Nebraska's great pie shops would take forever, so tell us in the comments about your favorite place to get pie in Nebraska.
If you have a hankering for more sweet treats, check out our guide to bakeries and desserts in Nebraska. After getting a sugar rush, how about taking some time to explore Nebraska's stunning landscapes? For ideas of where to go, we suggest referring to AllTrails.
When road-tripping around Nebraska, you'll be amazed by how much natural beauty the state has. From the rolling hills of the Sandhills to the towering bluffs along the Missouri River, the Cornhusker State has something for everyone. There are many different routes to take, but no matter which one you pick, you will always be rewarded with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. I highly recommend exploring this hidden gem of a state and checking out my list of the best road trips in Nebraska. You won't be disappointed!
Route: Kimball > Lodgepole Creek > Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area > Scotts Bluff Monument > Fort Robinson State Park > Oglala National Grassland
Distance: 170 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours driving time
If you're looking for the perfect one-day road trip, a drive along the least traveled road in Nebraska might be the solution. With only 170 miles in total, the scenic Highway 71, stretching from the borders of Colorado and South Dakota, offers a peaceful path with open roads and beautiful sights. So pack a picnic, hit the road, and enjoy stretches of ranch land, grasslands, and sights like Scotts Bluff Monument.
Route: Wood River > Loup Rivers Scenic Byway Interpretive Center > Dannebrog > Scotia > Ord > Taylor > Sandhills
Distance: 141 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
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If you're planning a weekend road trip through Nebraska and looking for a scenic route with points of interest and places to stop with not a long drive time, the four-hour 141-mile Loup Rivers Scenic Byway is worth checking out. The drive takes you through the heart of central Nebraska, passing through beautiful farmlands and into the stunning Sandhills region. The byway gets its name from the North, Middle, and South Loup Rivers, and it follows Highways 11 and 91 before leading you to the Nebraska National Forest. Instead of rushing through the area, take your time and explore some of the charming towns like Dannebrog, Scotia, Ord, and Taylor along the way. It's a great way to experience Nebraska in a way that you just can't on the interstate.
Route: Smith Falls State Park > Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge > Snake River Falls > Pine Ridge > Toadstool Geologic Park > Scotts Bluff National Monument > Chimney Rock > Courthouse & Jail Rocks > The Sandhills Scenic Byway > Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
Distance: 662 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours driving time
Are you excited about an unforgettable adventure through Western Nebraska? We’ve carefully planned a route that loops, taking you through some of the best natural wonders in the western area of Nebraska, like the rock formations of Courthouse and Jail Rocks, complete with scenic byways between stops. Be aware that this road trip is not short, it takes 14 hours, and a parks pass is required to access most of the attractions. It’s best to plan for a long weekend, the journey begins and ends at Smith Falls, but you can join or depart from the route at any point.
Route: Captain Meriwether Lewis Dredge > Bailey House Museum > Peru State College > Seven Sisters Road > Ball Cemetery > Joslyn Castle > Fort Omaha > Hummel Park > Dana College > Barnard Park > Brother Sebastian's Steak House
Distance: 189 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
Love a good ghost story? Then this is the perfect adventure for you. Whether you're looking for a ghostly encounter at the Bailey House Museum or want to experience some of Nebraska's eerie history by taking a trip down Seven Sisters Road, these road trips will definitely satisfy your curiosity. So buckle up and get ready for a spine-tingling four-hour drive through some of Eastern Nebraska's spookiest places.
Route: City Cafe > Crystal Cafe > Carter & Rye > Stauffer's Cafe & Pie Shop > The Farmer's Daughter Cafe > Picket Fence Cafe
Distance: 431 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
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Looking for a great way to kick off the spring weather? Look no further than this charming, sweet adventure taking you on a journey through six of the state's best pie-serving restaurants. Whether you're looking for mouthwatering pies with fruit or decadent cream pies, you'll find something to satisfy your sweet tooth on this springtime road trip. And while you could rush through in just over seven hours, we recommend taking your time to savor the journey and enjoy the beautiful scenery between each stop.
Route: Bailey Yard and Golden Spike Tower > Cody Park Railroad Museum > The Station Restaurant > Trails and Rails Museum > Stuhr Museum Railroad Town > Stolley Park Railroad
Distance: 573 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours driving time
On the search for something to do during the slow summer months? If exploring the captivating relationship between Nebraska and trains interests you, consider taking a 10-hour epic train-themed road trip itinerary. Nebraska's history is closely tied to the role trains have played, many of the state's towns were established near the railroads in their early days, and you'll have the opportunity to visit some. Some notable railroad-themed attractions are the Cody Park Railroad Museum and Stuhr Museum Railroad Town, to name a few.
Route: Edison > Rock Creek Station State Historical Park > Indian Cave State Park > Brownville
Distance: 238 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
Looking for the best fall foliage in Nebraska? Check out the Outlaw Scenic Byway! This four-hour scenic drive runs along the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers and is the perfect way to take in the changing colors of the leaves. Whether you start in South Sioux City or Valentine, you'll be in for a treat. And with an interactive map that lets you customize your trip, it's easier than ever to plan the perfect fall road trip. Mark it on your calendar, grab your camera, and you'll be ready to hit the road come autumn.
Route: Fort Robinson > Hemingford > North Platte > Minden > Chester > Seward > Nebraska City > Omaha > Ponca > Creighton
Distance: 854 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours driving time
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Take a road trip through Nebraska's charming Christmas towns for the ultimate wintertime activity. This Nebraska road trip map will take you through quaint townships like Hemingford and North Platte, each decked out in festive decorations and activities, including a stop at Nebraska's Christmas City in Miden to see the famous courthouse light display. It's sure to be a magical experience, a must-do during the holiday season.
Route: Serendipity Chocolate > Old Market Candy Shop > Chocolat Abeille > Chocolaterie Stam > The Cordial Cherry > Bakers Candies > Sweet Minou Chocolates > A Chocolate Studio
Distance: 129 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours driving time
Who doesn't love the delicious taste of chocolate? If you're a fan of this sweet treat, you'll be pleased to know that some of the best chocolate can be found here in Nebraska. You'll visit some of the tastiest chocolate shops in the eastern part of the midwest state, like Serendipity Chocolate and Old Market Candy Shop, sampling caramels, truffles, and yummy chocolate-covered cherries. So bring your appetite and load up the car for this delightful family-friendly three-hour ride to some of the best chocolate shops in Nebraska.
Route: Crane Trust > Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center > Lincoln Saline Wetland Nature Center > Indian Cave State Park and the Missouri Valley > Wildlife Safari Park/Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park > Fontenelle Forest > Glacier Creek Preserve > Ashfall Fossil Beds > Niobrara Valley Preserve > Nebraska National Forest
Distance: 735 miles
Trip Time: 13.5 hours driving time
With so much to see and do in this state, it's hard to fit everything into just one or two road trips. But we've found some of the most spectacular natural wonders you won't want to miss in eastern and central Nebraska. Start your day at Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center - they offer plenty of walking trails that will take you over the gorgeous Platte River. You'll also stop at Fontenelle Forest and end your day at Nebraska National Forest in the Bessey Ranger District, the nation's largest hand-planted forest.
Route: Ogallala > Lake McConaughy > Ash Hollow State Historical Park > Lewellen > Oshkosh > Courthouse and Jail Rocks > Chimney Rock > Scotts Bluff National Monument > Kiowa State Wildlife Management Area > Morrill > Henry
Distance: 148 miles
Trip Time: 2.5 hours driving time
Nebraska is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Great Plains, making it an excellent destination for scenic drives. One such drive, known as the "road to nowhere," is a great option to take in some of the state's most beautiful sights without getting out of your car. This journey will take around two and a half hours, follows 26, and then switches to Scenic Highway 92. It starts in the small town of Ogallala and ends at the Nebraska/Wyoming border in the tiny village of Henry. This is one of the most picturesque drives in Nebraska, and we think you'll love it as much as we do.
