A look inside the large chambers at Happy Jack Chalk Mine.

Scenic Byways

Loup Rivers

150 Miles | 2 Hours 30 Min | State 11 and State 91 between Dunning and Wood River

From far-stretching farmlands, red barns and silos to the naturescapes of the Sandhills and Calamus River, this byway is a treat for photographers and those willing to just sit back, relax and take it all in.

Route Directions

From Wood River:
24 miles north on NE-11 to Dannebrog • 28 miles north on NE-11 to Scotia
17 miles north on NE-11 to Ord • 7 miles north on NE-11 to Elyria
10 miles north on NE-11 to Burwell • 46 miles north on NE-11 to Brewster
16 miles west on NE-91 to Dunning

Stop 1

Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area

The Calamus River flows gently to Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area near Burwell.

Travel Tips

Stop into nearby Calamus Outfitters for a Sandhills adventure. Float down the Calamus River Nebraska-style, take a Jeep tour to explore the habitats of these grass-stabilized sand dunes and enjoy the dark-sky views overhead before retiring to your cabin or lodge for the night.

Tubers floating with Calamus Outfitters on Calamus Reservoir.

Stop 2

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park

See the most complete historical fort in Nebraska: Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park near Elyria.

Travel Tips

Hartsuff became a fortress for the friendly Pawnee tribe and pioneers.

Flowers in front of a building at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park.

Stop 3

Scratchtown Brewing Company

Enjoy a pint of craft beer at Ord’s award-winning Scratchtown Brewing Company, the Sandhills’ first brewery.

Travel Tips

Choose from varieties such as the Wonder Twins double IPA and Sideburns’ milk stout.

Someone holding a beer at Scratchtown Brewing Company.

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Stop 4

Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine

The Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine in Scotia is the only publicly accessible chalk room and pillar mine in North America.

Travel Tips

Explore more than 6,000 square feet of honeycombed caves inside.

Inside the chambers and passageways of Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine

Stop 5

The Danish Bakery

Stop in Dannebrog for a treat at The Danish Bakery.

Travel Tips

Sample everything from freshly baked loaves of bread to cookies, kolaches, cinnamon rolls and scotcheroos to pizza

Various loaves of bread from The Danish Baker.

Small-Town Stops

Cairo

This small South Central village (and many of its streets) derive their names from Egypt — they’re just pronounced a little differently (CARE-row). Pit-stop here for golf, wine and custom tours.

Travel Tips

Customize your Nebraska experience with Horizons Without Bounds. Join Horizons for the ultimate Nebraska adventure exploring historic sites, natural attractions and more.

Play a round of 18 at Centura Hills Golf Club. Forget your clubs? No problem! The golf club offers clubs for rent. Plus, there’s a driving range and putting green too.

Snap a photo with artist Karen Neppl’s #WingsAcrossTheHeartland. These colorful wing murals can be found across multiple cities in central Nebraska.

For a night of burgers and bowling, stop by Cairo Bowl & The Watering Hole. Be sure to ask about the weekly specials for discounted rates.

Welcome to Cairo sign with a metal camel statue next to it.

Dannebrog

Experience Nebraska’s Danish capital, Dannebrog, complete with an authentic bakery.

Travel Tips

The first weekend in June, honor Danish heritage at the Grundlovsfest festival.

Save the date for an old-fashioned Christmas festival on the first weekend of every December,

A book riding a tiny tracker with a caged chicken behind him on a wagon in front of a crowd at Grundlovsfest.

Rowe Sanctuary with the sun setting over the Platte River.

Relax on the Loup Rivers Scenic Byway

Travel Highway 11 along the banks of the North Loup River for the ultimate escape. From viewing the awe-striking sandhill crane migration to lazily floating down the Calamus River, this byway is packed with outdoor fun, culture and Sandhills heritage.

View the Loup Rivers Itinerary