Scenic Byway

Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway

272 Miles | 4 Hours 30 Min | State 2 from Grand Island to Alliance

World-class natural wonders await along this rural route. Sand dunes and the Nebraska National Forest rise from the plains. In spring, migrating sandhill cranes fill the sky. By night, the stars put on an incredible show.

Route Directions

From Grand Island:
33 miles west on NE-2 to Ravenna • 49 miles west on NE-2 to Broken Bow
41 miles west on NE-2 to Dunning • 11 miles west on NE-2 to Halsey
17 miles west on NE-2 to Thedford • 25 miles west on NE-2 to Mullen
39 miles west on NE-2 to Hyannis • 59 miles west on NE-2 to Alliance

Stop 1

Carnegie Arts Center

Create woodblock decorations, join a painting party or see what artists are exhibiting at the Carnegie Arts Center in Alliance.

Travel Tips

The center repurposes the town's original library, which opened in 1912.

Stop 2

Morgan's Cowpoke Haven

Stop in Ellsworth to visit Morgan’s Cowpoke Haven, also known as the Old Spade Ranch Store.

Travel Tips

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this general store has been serving area ranchers since 1898, specializing in hunting and fishing gear, guns, boots, saddles and more.

Stop 3

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center

Located in a modern farmhouse-style red barn in Broken Bow, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center invites road-trippers.

Travel Tips

Learn from exhibits inside and out, or chat with the friendly staff for area info.

View of Sandhills scenery with a historical display and the red barn that houses the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center in the background.

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Stop 4

Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area

Take a quick detour to Loup City for a day on the water at Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area.

Travel Tips

Boaters, anglers and water-sports enthusiasts alike are drawn to the 2,854-acre lake. With three boat ramps and docks, the lake can accommodate all types of boats and watercraft. Anglers can drop a line for walleye, catfish, white bass, northern pike and crappie.

Stop 5

Victoria Springs State Recreation Area

Victoria Springs State Recreation Area marks the location of mineral springs near the community of Anselmo.

Travel Tips

Fish, paddleboat and picnic, then camp or rent a cabin to extend your exploration.

Stop 6

Glidden Canoe Rental

Go on a river adventure with Glidden Canoe Rental.

Travel Tips

From exhilarating kayaking or canoeing outings down the Dismal River to leisurely floating along the Middle Loup River, Glidden Canoe Rental has everything you need for a Sandhills river trip.

A group tanking on the river with Glidden Canoe Rental.

Small-Town Stops

Broken Bow

A small town with deep roots in agriculture, Broken Bow offers a quiet place to relax and recharge along your Sandhills journey.

Travel Tips

Those curious about the past can dig deep into photos, a homesteader’s index and more at Custer County Historical Museum.

Shop Ortello Dale for home décor and gifts with a rustic-chic vibe.

Pop into Kinkaider Brewing Co. for beer on tap and a crave-able food menu.

Enjoy Western charm with modern conveniences at the historic Arrow Hotel.

Someone holding a beer glass at the bar at Kinkaider Brewing Co.

Cairo

Stop in Cairo for wildlife, museums and a veterans memorial. This South Central Nebraska village plays up its Egyptian name — it's just pronounced a little differently (CARE-row).

Travel Tips

Grab your binoculars and go birding at Cornhusker State Wildlife Management Area. These wildlife management parcels are prime for sparrow, raptor and falcon sightings.

Jumpstart your day with your favorite coffee drink and a tasty breakfast sandwich or pastry at The Medina Street Vault Coffeehouse & Bistro.

Learn about the town, region and its early settlers dating back to the 1870s at the Cairo Roots Museum.

Honor our nation’s armed forces at the recently opened Veterans Memorial Park. The park includes a granite mural and an engraving wall memorializing veterans.

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

Exterior of a large barn, which houses the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center.

Explore the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway

Trek through one of the world's largest areas of grass-stabilized sand dunes on this national scenic byway. Along the way, you'll find can't-miss stops, from museums, like Stuhr Museum and Raising Nebraska, to outdoor fun in Nebraska National Forest and on the Middle Loup River, and roadside attractions like Carhenge.

View the Sandhills Journey Trip Itinerary