People trekking across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge over the Missouri River from Omaha to Iowa.

Scenic Byways

Lincoln Highway National Scenic & Historic Byway

450 Miles I 6 Hours 30 Min | U.S. 30 across the state

What’s your rush? Get off the interstate and experience the history of pioneers, cowboys and Pony Express riders — plus cultural and natural treasures — as you cross the entire state of Nebraska.

Route Directions

From Blair:
24 miles west on US-30 to Fremont • 49 miles west on US-30 to Columbus
63 miles west on US-30 to Grand Island • 39 miles west on US-30 to Gibbon
13 miles west on US-30 to Kearney • 41 miles west on US-30 to Lexington
19 miles west on US-30 to Cozad • 13 miles west on US-30 to Gothenburg
37 miles west on US-30 to North Platte • 34 miles west on US-30 to Paxton
21 miles west on US-30 to Ogallala • 72 miles west on US-30 to Sidney
21 miles west on US-30 to Potter • 21 miles west on US-30 to Kimball

Stop 1

Fort Sidney Museum

What is now the Fort Sidney Museum ceased operation in 1899, but its post commander’s home, officers’ quarters and powder-magazine building remain.

Travel Tips

Visit to learn the history of Sidney’s days as a railroad town.

The exterior of Fort Sidney Museum with a sign out front reading "Cheyenne Co Museum Fort Sidney Officcers QTRS"

Stop 2

Pony Express Station

Learn about the Pony Express Trail and the brave riders who made deliveries along this route stretching from Missouri to California at the Pony Express Station in Gothenburg.

Travel Tips

Inside this free attraction, you'll find exhibits and artifacts detailing the historic trail.

The exterior of the Pony Express Station in Gothenburg

Stop 3

Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial

Pay homage to native Nebraskan Andrew Jackson Higgins and our nation's veterans at the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial in Columbus.

Travel Tips

See a full-size replica of the Higgins-designed Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP), or "Higgins boat," which helped American and Allied forces take the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in WWII.

Two visitors standing among the soldier statues and Higgins boat at the Andrew Jackson Higgins Monument.

Stop 4

Lake Moloney State Recreation Area

Just south of North Platte, Lake Maloney State Recreation Area is your destination for a weekend lake adventure.

Travel Tips

Boating, fishing, swimming, wakeboarding and more watersports await you at this 1,000-acre lake. Make a splash, then dry off for a picnic or a round of disc golf.

Default DFP Component 1

Stop 5

Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters

Tour the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters in Omaha. This historic site was originally built by Mormon pioneers in 1846 as a temporary settlement on the trail west to Salt Lake Valley.

Travel Tips

Originally built by Mormon pioneers in 1846, the nearby restored Florence Mill in Omaha now houses the Winter-Quarters Mill Museum, Art-Loft gallery with special exhibits and a farmers market on Sundays June through September.

A statue of Mormon pioneers outside the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters

Stop 6

Fort McPherson National Cemetery

Pay respects to the men and women of our nation’s armed forces at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell.

Travel Tips

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 20-acre site was established as a National Cemetery in 1873.

Lines of headstone with buildings in the background at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

Stop 7

Trails & Rails Museum

Take a guided tour at the Trails & Rails Museum in Kearney.

Travel Tips

Explore eight historic buildings, as well as a Union Pacific engine and caboose, as you learn the history of the region’s historic transportation routes.

Fremont

This family friendly community is an ideal launch point for hiking, camping, waterskiing, fishing — even air-boating. And the historic downtown and regional mall offer shopping options from boutiques to brand names.

Travel Tips

Swim, fish or picnic at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, with sandy beaches and 20 bodies of water.

Browse and select artful souvenirs at Gallery 92 West.

Order the tender brisket and potato wedges loaded with beans and coleslaw at Huey’s Smokehouse BBQ.

Take advantage of free WiFi and onsite dining at Baymont by Wyndham.

From burgers and fries to chicken fried steak and meatloaf, Mel’s Diner is a 1950s style diner with excellent atmosphere and even better grub.

Kearney

Come for the great sandhill crane migration; stay for museums, fun centers and outdoor recreation. There’s a ton of family fun in this South Central city.

Travel Tips

Get back to nature without leaving town! The Kearney Water Trail offers over two miles of paddling fun.

Browse a collection of over 6,000 works of Nebraskan art at the recently renovated and expanded Museum of Nebraska Art.

How about a day of pedal boats, disc golf and picnicking at Cottonmill Park & Recreation Area?

Traveling with the kids? Stop by Big Apple Fun Center for bowling, arcade games, laser tag, go karts and more family fun.

Folks gathered in front of a set of artwork at Museum of Nebraska Art.

A pioneer display of a settler pushing a covered wagon at The Archway Museum in Kearney.

Roam the Lincoln Highway National Scenic & Historic Byway

Running across 13 states, the Lincoln Highway National Scenic & Historic Byway spans Nebraska along Highway 30. This stretch is jam-packed with exciting outdoor adventures, small-town charm and rich history, from airboat tours and Native American history to pioneer museums, the Nebraska State Fair and Nebraska-original tin roof sundaes.

View the Lincoln Highway Trip Itinerary