A shot of the rugged landscape of Toadstool Geologic Park | Clay Cook

Scenic Byway

Bridges to Buttes

197 miles | 3 Hours | U.S. 20 between the Wyoming border and Valentine

From the high bridges of Valentine to the high plains near the Wyoming border, this route takes you through rolling Sandhills in the east, wild prairies in the northern panhandle and two wonders in the west: Toadstool Geologic Park and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

Route Directions

From Harrison:
30 miles east on US-20 to Crawford • 24 miles east on US-20 to Chadron
20 miles east on US-20 to Hay Springs • 12 miles east on US-20 to Rushville
15 miles east on US-20 to Gordon • 30 miles east on US-20 to Merriman
31 miles east on US-20 to Nenzel • 30 miles east on US-20 to Valentine

Stop 1

Harrison House Hotel

Stay overnight in the historic Harrison House Hotel in Harrison, built in 1886 by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad.

Travel Tips

With vintage details and period charm, this independently owned bed-and-breakfast gives guests a cozy yesteryear vibe.

Stop 2

Toadstool Geologic Park

Take in the awe-inspiring vistas at Toadstool Geologic Park north of Crawford, where you can hike along unusual geological structures and fossil deposits.

Travel Tips

The park also features six campsites equipped with picnic tables, grills and fire rings.

A family walking through the otherworldly landscapes of Toadstool Geologic Park.

Stop 3

Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area

At Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area in Merriman, explore 180 acres of Sandhills scenery surrounding a 60-acre lake.

Travel Tips

The park is a perfect place to get away from it all with boating, fishing, bird watching and more.

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Stop 4

Bean Broker Coffee

Cozy up with espresso drinks, cocktails and delicious food at Bean Broker Coffee House & Pub.

Travel Tips

Stop in early for the breakfast burrito or biscuits and gravy. At lunch, go for a BLT or hot ham and cheese. Add your favorite coffee drink or a specialty cocktail.

A sandwich on a plate at Bean Broker Coffee House & Pub.

Stop 5

Chadron State Park

Plan an outdoor outing at Nebraska’s first state park. Connecting with the Nebraska National Forest, Chadron State Park in Chadron offers more than 100 miles of trails to explore.

Travel Tips

The park also features an archery range, disc golf, guided horseback riding, campgrounds and cabins.

A cyclist on a bridge surrounded by greenery at Chadron State Park.

Stop 6

Our Heritage Guest Ranch

Stay in the foothills of the Pine Ridge at Our Heritage Guest Ranch near Crawford.

Travel Tips

This is the perfect base for stargazing, hiking and many more outdoor experiences.

Folks horseback riding along trails at Our Heritage Guest Ranch.

Small-Town Stops

Crawford

Known as the “Big Game Capital of Nebraska,” Crawford sits in the Pine Ridge area, full of trails for hiking and biking, as well as hunting grounds for bighorn sheep and elk.

Travel Tips

Witness a modern archaeology excavation in progress at Hudson-Meng Research and Education Center.

Make Pine Needle Quilts your one-stop shop for fabric and quilting supplies.

In season, hit Staabs Drive Inn, an old-school hamburger stand with thick malts.

Book Down Home Ranch Guest House for a country retreat on a working ranch.

Researchers uncovering fossils at Hudson-Meng Research & Education Center.

Gordon

Known for its rich pioneer history and outdoor recreation, Gordon offers a peek into the past, as well as a look into modern-day small-town living on the plains. You’ll find everything from cowboy culture to excellent hunting, fishing and golfing opportun

Travel Tips

Housed in Gordon’s oldest structure and featuring gems from hand-sewn quilts and clothing to Native American art and artifacts, the Scamahorn Museum offers a glimpse into the life of the area’s early settlers.

Head to the annual Sheridan County Fair and Rodeo for can’t-miss rodeo events, a parade, livestock shows and more.

Visit the Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Memorial Museum to explore old ranching tools, an early chuck wagon and cowboy artifacts dating back to the 1880s.

Pull up to the window at the mainstay Covered Wagon Drive Inn to order burgers, fries and shakes on-the-go.

Chadron

Chadron is the perfect home base to exploring sprawling naturescapes, like Pine Ridge National Recreation Area and Box Butte Reservoir. In town, go bowling, browse fascinating public art and explore local museums.

Travel Tips

Experience the 6,600-acre Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. Explore a nearly 80-mile trail system by foot, bike or on horseback. Campers are also welcome.

Discover the vibrant public art murals of Chadron Art Alley. See the local creativity and collaboration of this “Paint the Town” project on Main Street.

Stop in for some family fun at Hilltop Lanes. This bowling alley offers pool tables, arcade games, pinball and 12 bowling lanes — plus delicious grub onsite.

With over 2,000 acres, including a 1,600-acre lake, Box Butte Reservoir is an outdoor lovers paradise. Plan a visit for fishing, bird watching, boating and camping adventures.

A scenic shot of bluffs and Buttes in Pine Ridge National Recreation Area.

Kayakers with Brewers Canoers and Tubers on the Niobrara National Scenic River.

Adventure on the Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway

Head west, from Valentine to Fort Robinson State Park, on a four-day journey packed with river adventures, Old West history, historical and cultural sites, and jaw-dropping landscapes.

View the Bridges to Buttes Trip Itinerary