Explore the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway
Dive deep into Nebraska’s rolling Sandhills on Highway 2, a national scenic byway that highlights many smaller, often overlooked Nebraska towns. As you trek through one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, you’ll uncover scenic beauty and unique historical stops along the way!
Route Directions
Grand Island to Cairo: 16 miles; Cairo to Ravenna: 17 miles; Ravenna to Ashton: 22 miles; Ashton to Broken Bow: 49 miles; Broken Bow to Halsey: 51 miles; Halsey to Thedford: 17 miles; Thedford to Mullen: 25 miles; Mullen to Hyannis: 39 miles; Hyannis to Ashby: 9 miles; Ashby to Ellsworth: 19 miles; Ellsworth to Alliance: 32 miles.
Day 1
Grand Island
Begin your Sandhills journey with a hearty breakfast at the Farmer’s Daughter Café before brushing up on your local history at the Stuhr Museum, which features an 1890s railroad town complete with costumed interpreters during the summer. For lunch, make your way to a Grand Island dining staple Coney Island Lunch Room where you can feast on an authentic Coney Island hot dog. Afterward, head to central Nebraska’s entertainment destination, Fonner Park and Heartland Events Center, home to the Nebraska State Fair, Fonner Park horse racing and the city’s newest destination, the Grand Island Casino Resort to see if Lady Luck is on your side. Also make sure to check out Raising Nebraska, a 25,000-square-foot destination focusing on Nebraska agriculture. Grand Island also offers a host of wineries where you can taste Nebraska wines and art galleries to explore before heading to Wave Pizza Company for a delicious pizza in a unique beach-themed atmosphere.
Day 2
Grand Island & Alda
Start the day with a tasty pastry and coffee at The Chocolate Bar before beginning your journey into the heart of the Sandhills. First is a short drive to Alda for one of the greatest animal migrations in the world, the sandhill crane migration at Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center.
Cairo
Head to Cairo Roots Museum to learn more about the history and settlement of this village and others in Hall County.
Ravenna
Daily lunch specials are on the menu at Farmhouse Grill.
Ashton
A short jaunt north off the byway brings you to the Polish Heritage Center and Museum where you can explore the region’s rich Polish heritage. Today, this area has one of the highest percentages of Polish Americans in the country.
Broken Bow
The next stop is the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center at the edge of town. The facility showcases the beauty and history of the Nebraska Sandhills and is a must-see destination. Wander through the Custer County Museum to learn about life in the area from the 1880s to today, including the Solomon D. Butcher Gallery. He was a famed photographer of the settling pioneers with nearly 4,000 prints and negatives. Also check out the Wild Rose Art Gallery located on the historic downtown square. A short drive out of town into the Sandhills takes you to Kinkaider Brewing Co. featuring hand-crafted beers made using local Sandhills water and ingredients from the farm. Dinner is at the Bonfire Grill located in the Arrow Hotel where you can dine on some of the best steaks you have ever tasted
Day 3
Broken Bow
Continue your journey after a filling breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon at Tumbleweed Café.
Halsey
Covering more than 90,000 acres of public land, North America’s largest man-made forest, Nebraska National Forest, is perfect for various kinds of outdoor recreation. While there check out the Charles E. Bessey Tree Nursery, the oldest seeding nursery in the United States.
Thedford
Admire works of art created by area artists at the Thedford Art Gallery before exploring local history at the Thomas County Historical Museum.
Mullen
The first stop in town is Mullen Arts Center to enjoy works of art by local artists before heading out for your big outdoor adventure. Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the beautiful Sandhills scenery while lazily floating down the Middle Loup River at Glidden Canoe Rental. Before you head out onto the river though, pick up some tasty sandwiches or subs to take along at Macke’s Grocery & Deli.
Day 4
Ashby
Head west to visit CaLinda’s Pot Shop & Art Gallery where, with advance reservations, you can have some fun in the mud by creating your very own piece of pottery. A wide variety of other outstanding works of art also are available for purchase.
Ellsworth & Antioch (ghost town)
Originally the old Spade Ranch Store, today Morgan’s Cowpoke Haven is worth the stop for a host of items, including hunting and fishing supplies, books, tack, saddles and other western and ranching gear. Once a thriving community, Antioch is now known for the Potash Ruins, and the crumbling walls of the former potash production plants and pumping stations serve as silent reminders of the town’s status as a significant potash producer during WWII.
Alliance
Alliance is well known for Carhenge, an exact replica of England’s Stonehenge, but made with cars instead of stones. The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center takes you on a tour of the rich pioneer spirit of western Nebraska, the Sandhills and the Ogallala Aquifer while Carnegie Arts Center highlights local and regional artists in a historic 1911 former Carnegie Library. Before heading out, enjoy a wonderful lunch at Ken & Dale’s Restaurant, an Alliance dining staple for more than 35 years.
