The Big Bend Scenic Byway is a 220-mile scenic drive that spans across southern and central Nebraska, United States, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the region's rich natural heritage. Located within the states' mixed-grass prairies and surrounded by the rolling Sandhills, this byway cuts across the South Platte and North Platte rivers, providing breathtaking views of vast sand dunes, limestone formations, and ancient badlands.

The journey begins near the confluence of the North and South Platte rivers, near the small town of North Platte, where travelers can visit the iconic Union Pacific Railroad's Bailey Yard, one of the world's largest rail yards. As the scenic byway winds its way westward, it traverses the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and the mixed-grass prairies of the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, home to endangered bison, white-tailed deer, and sandhill cranes. Further west, travelers can visit the breathtaking Lake McConaughy, a 35,000-acre lake that supports a diverse array of migratory waterfowl and aquatic life.

A significant highlight of the Big Bend Scenic Byway is the Platte River's unique sandbar ecosystems, which support thousands of species of migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl during the spring and fall migrations. The byway passes through the DeSoto Lakes State Recreation Area, where visitors can witness the majestic sunrises over the Platte River's tranquil waters. Additionally, the byway passes through the small town of Paxton, Nebraska, which is famous for its elaborate Nebraska's Lake Ogallala, also known as Lake McConaughy's own "Little Lake".

Further east, the scenic byway intersects the South Platte River and traverses the rolling hills and picturesque valleys near the Ash Hollow State Historical Park. The park's fossil-laden limestone formations, wetlands, and riverfronts offer ample opportunities for fishing, bird-watching, and fossil hunting. Travelers can also explore the fossil-rich Oglala National Grassland near Ainsworth, where they can find numerous evidence of ancient volcanoes, teeming fossil beds, and ancient megafauna that once roamed the region.

In summary, the Big Bend Scenic Byway offers an outstanding blend of natural wonders, unique geological formations, and exciting cultural experiences, making it a premier destination for travelers interested in nature, wildlife, and scenic drives. Its traverse through Nebraska's mixed-prairies and Sandhills areas sets it apart as one of the best examples of scenic America.

Travelers visiting the Big Bend Scenic Byway can find convenient access to local trailheads, forest service roads, and roadside picnic areas that serve as great starting points for more extensive explorations of the region's majestic prairies and badlands. Recreational activities abound in the area, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, bird-watching, and cross-country skiing.

A lesser-known gem along the Big Bend Scenic Byway is the picturesque Rock Creek State Hatchery near Fairbury, where visitors can see resident eagles, hawks, and songbirds while exploring the vibrant creek's rock outcroppings and bottom lands. By offering close access to open fields, backcountry routes, and shaded woodlands, the Big Bend Scenic Byway is a wonderful starting point for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon of the American West, or equally fascinating expanses of native grasslands north of the byway.

While on the Big Bend Scenic Byway, it would be unwise to miss out on the annual Platte River Crane Migration that starts in February where you can catch a glimpse of thousands of endangered sandhill cranes gathering near North Platte and its tributaries.