Traveling Through Nebraska's Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway
The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is a 272-mile route that spans the north-central and central regions of Nebraska, showcasing the vast and unique landscape of the Sandhills. This historic byway traverses 11 counties, stretching from the rural town of Ainsworth in Brown County to the north, to the city of Grand Island in Hall County to the south. Established in 1990, the byway was designated as one of Nebraska's first scenic byways, bringing tourists to experience the picturesque rolling hills, vast prairies, and endless skies.
One of the distinctive features of the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is the sheer diversity of its landscape. At its northernmost point near Ainsworth, the byway passes through the Niobrara National Scenic River valley, a rugged and rocky region dominated by cedar-covered hills and tree-lined riverbanks. In contrast, the southern sections of the byway near Grand Island traverse through the largely treeless Sandhills prairies, where hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the rare wildflowers and wildlife that call this remote region home.
Throughout its route, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway passes through numerous rural towns and villages, many of which date back to the early 20th century. One notable example is the town of Burwell, located in Garfield County, which offers tourists a glimpse into the region's ranching heritage with its local museum and working cattle ranches. The town of Broken Bow, situated along the byway's midpoint, features charming brick buildings from the 1910s, quaint antique shops, and historic architecture that blend harmoniously with the Sandhills' rugged landscape.
Wildlife enthusiasts are also in for a treat when driving the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, as the region abounds with unique and fascinating species. The Sandhills area is particularly famous for its reintroduced population of bison, an endangered species that roams freely across large sections of the byway. Another unusual attraction can be found south of the town of Mullen, in Hooker County, where the rolling hills are home to one of the largest migratory grouse populations in North America.
Among the various attractions along the byway, the Smith Falls State Park stands out as a natural gem. Located near the town of Valentine in Cherry County, this park protects the largest waterfall in the state of Nebraska, dropping approximately 63 feet into the Niobrara River. Visitors to the park can explore numerous hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and lakeside beaches that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Tourists traveling the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway have numerous accommodation options ranging from rural B&Bs, full-service hotels, and rustic camping sites, catering to various budgets and preferences. Nature enthusiasts and curious travelers are highly recommended to take drives during sunrise and sunset to capture the profound essence of Nebraska's iconic landscape bathed in gentle golden light.
In addition to its scenic landscapes and quaint historic towns, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is also notable for its distinct geological history. The byway traverses vast sections of exposed glacial deposits that give visitors a glimpse into the region's unique origins. Developed during the last ice age, the deposits feature curious geological formations such as sinkholes, box canyons, and 'bee hive' hills.
Travelers who start from a northern location are recommended to drive south to allow better opportunities to take photos of the sunrises and sunsets, and stop in towns and parks on a regular basis to absorb the local charm and see the variety of animals roaming about.
One of the distinctive features of the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is the sheer diversity of its landscape. At its northernmost point near Ainsworth, the byway passes through the Niobrara National Scenic River valley, a rugged and rocky region dominated by cedar-covered hills and tree-lined riverbanks. In contrast, the southern sections of the byway near Grand Island traverse through the largely treeless Sandhills prairies, where hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the rare wildflowers and wildlife that call this remote region home.
Throughout its route, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway passes through numerous rural towns and villages, many of which date back to the early 20th century. One notable example is the town of Burwell, located in Garfield County, which offers tourists a glimpse into the region's ranching heritage with its local museum and working cattle ranches. The town of Broken Bow, situated along the byway's midpoint, features charming brick buildings from the 1910s, quaint antique shops, and historic architecture that blend harmoniously with the Sandhills' rugged landscape.
Wildlife enthusiasts are also in for a treat when driving the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, as the region abounds with unique and fascinating species. The Sandhills area is particularly famous for its reintroduced population of bison, an endangered species that roams freely across large sections of the byway. Another unusual attraction can be found south of the town of Mullen, in Hooker County, where the rolling hills are home to one of the largest migratory grouse populations in North America.
Among the various attractions along the byway, the Smith Falls State Park stands out as a natural gem. Located near the town of Valentine in Cherry County, this park protects the largest waterfall in the state of Nebraska, dropping approximately 63 feet into the Niobrara River. Visitors to the park can explore numerous hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and lakeside beaches that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Tourists traveling the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway have numerous accommodation options ranging from rural B&Bs, full-service hotels, and rustic camping sites, catering to various budgets and preferences. Nature enthusiasts and curious travelers are highly recommended to take drives during sunrise and sunset to capture the profound essence of Nebraska's iconic landscape bathed in gentle golden light.
In addition to its scenic landscapes and quaint historic towns, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is also notable for its distinct geological history. The byway traverses vast sections of exposed glacial deposits that give visitors a glimpse into the region's unique origins. Developed during the last ice age, the deposits feature curious geological formations such as sinkholes, box canyons, and 'bee hive' hills.
Travelers who start from a northern location are recommended to drive south to allow better opportunities to take photos of the sunrises and sunsets, and stop in towns and parks on a regular basis to absorb the local charm and see the variety of animals roaming about.
