Statues at Fort Atkinson State Park of Lewis and Clark's "First Council" meeting with leaders of the Missouria-Oto tribes.

Scenic Byway

Lewis & Clark Scenic Byways

98 Miles | 1 Hour 45 Min. | The Route: U.S. 75 North between South Sioux City and Omaha

Follow in the footsteps of the famous explorers. Through bountiful cropland and beautifully wooded bluffs framing the Missouri River, you’ll discover Native American culture and bustling Omaha, home to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

Route Directions

From Omaha: 

17 miles north on U.S. 75 for Fort Calhoun • 9 miles north on U.S. 75 to Blair  • 
18 miles north on U.S. 75 to Tekamah • 37 miles north on U.S. 75 to Winnebago • 
17 miles north on U.S. 75 to South Sioux City

Stop 1

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

The last full weekend in July, visit the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s annual Homecoming Celebration Powwow.

Travel Tips

Year-round, visit the pasture of the tribe's bison herd, also located in Winnebago.

Two bison from the Winnebago Tribe's herd.
Stop 2

Washington County Museum

Visit the Washington County Museum in Fort Calhoun to discover the history of the county and surrounding region.

Travel Tips

As you browse the museum, you'll find prehistoric artifacts and displays on Native American languages and Lewis and Clark.

The exterior of the Washington County Museum.
Stop 3

Fort Atkinson State Historical Park

A quarter of the U.S. Army was once stationed at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in Fort Calhoun.

Travel Tips

Visit to experience life in an 1820s military fort and see periodic living-history demonstrations from May through October.

A living historian demonstrates smithing at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in Fort Calhoun.
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Stop 4

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge

While you're in Fort Calhoun, wander the vast floodplains of the Missouri River at Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge.

Travel Tips

These wetlands shelter migrating birds in spring and fall.

Man fishing from covered board walk gazebo at Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Fort Calhoun.
Stop 5

The Durham Museum

Inside Omaha’s historic Union Station, find The Durham Museum.

Travel Tips

Packed with regional displays and traveling exhibits, the museum gives visitors a deeper understanding of Nebraska history.

Mother and two children look at the model display casing at The Durham Museum in Omaha

Small-Town Stops

Tekamah

Summit Lake State Recreation Area, offering hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and camping, anchors this northeast Nebraska town.

Travel Tips

Sample, then buy, a box of delicious creations at Serendipity Chocolate Factory inside Master’s Hand.

Treasure-hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces at Tekamah MiniMall

Enjoy comfort food and craft beer at community-favorite Chatterbox Brews.

Go wing-shooting, bring your dog for hunt training and retire to the lodge at Pheasant Bonanza.

Truffles and chocolates from Serendipity Chocolate.

Norfolk

With access to the Cowboy Trail and Elkhorn River, Norfolk is the perfect home base for outdoor fun in northeastern Nebraska.

Travel Tips

Head to District Table & Tap for local draft beers, flatbreads, wings and craft cocktails. Plus, there’s live music on Friday nights. 

Play the 18-hole championship course at Eldorado Hills Golf Club. With eight traditional holes and 10 links-style holes, the course is just right for all skill levels. 

Stay at Norfolk Lodge & Suites to enjoy amenities like the indoor pool, driving range, sand volleyball courts and onsite Sandbar & Grill. 

Get out on the water at Skyview Lake or the Elkhorn River. North Fork Outfitting offers kayaks, paddle boats and paddleboard rentals. 

The patio and exterior of District Table & Tap in Norfolk.

South Sioux City

Sidling the borders of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota, South Sioux City offers an array of activities, restaurants and waterfront views.

Travel Tips

Play a round of 18 at Covington Links Golf Course. With towering trees lining its fairways, Covington Links is considered to be one of Nebraska’s most scenic courses. 

Pedal along 20 miles of paved trails from Veterans’ Bridge through Scenic Park, Cardinal Park and Crystal Cove on the Al Bengtson Bike Trail.

Enjoy prime steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list at Kahill’s Chophouse.

Settle into sleek, modern rooms and peaceful river views at South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront.

Guests receiving their drink orders from a waiter at Kahill's Chophouse in South Sioux City.
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A scenic view of the Missouri River from Blackbird Scenic Overlook near Macy.

Explore the Historic Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway

Follow along the Missouri River, from Omaha to South Sioux City, on the trail Lewis & Clark charted on their epic journey. This itinerary is filled with museums, historic forts, wildlife refuges, Native American history and sprawling views of the river.
View the Lewis & Clark Byway Trip Itinerary
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