Relax on the Loup Rivers Scenic Byway

Route Directions

Wood River to St. Paul: 36 miles

St. Paul to Scotia: 27 miles

Scotia to Ord: 17 miles

Ord to Elyria: 7 miles

Elyria to Burwell: 10 miles

Burwell to Taylor: 15 miles

Taylor to Dunning: 46 miles

Day 1

Wood River

Start your central Nebraska scenic byway adventures south of the Platte River at Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center where you come face-to-face with some of Nebraska’s wildlife, including the annual sandhill crane migration each spring, the second largest animal migration in the world.

St. Paul

In nearby St. Paul, you’ll find Tubby’s Firehouse Museum, which includes vintage fire trucks, memorabilia and steel from the World Trade Center, while the Museum of Nebraska Major League Baseball includes displays of many Nebraska baseball hall of famers. Before leaving town, enjoy some good grub at The County Cage Bar & Grill.

Scotia

Next up is Scotia for a cool trip underground at Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine the only publicly accessible chalk room and pillar mine in North America.

Ord

Next, it’s on to Ord for some amazing craft beers at Scratchtown Brewing Company, the first brewery in the Nebraska Sandhills. Afterward, venture to the Lower Loup NRD Arboretum to discover the many native and non-native species of trees and shrubs species found throughout the area.

Elyria & Burwell

Continue your trek along the banks of the North Loup River to Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, a former infantry outpost from 1874 to 1881 which today is one of the most complete examples of small prairie forts. Make your way to downtown Burwell to Pizza Palace for some of the best pizza in the area.

Day 2

Burwell

Get you fill for breakfast at Verda’s Café before venturing deep into the beautiful Nebraska Sandhills to Calamus Outfitters LLC on the Switzer Ranch. While at this outdoor haven, spend a relaxing time floating down the Calamus River before going on your own guided Sandhills Ranch Habitat Ecotour.

Taylor

Head west to Taylor for lunch at Lazy D Restaurant and Lounge and some of the best food in the Sandhills. While there check out the quirky Taylor Villagers stationed around town.

Dunning

Finish your Loup Rivers Scenic Byway excursion at the Sandhills Heritage Museum, which focuses on the historic preservation of the legends and pioneers of the Nebraska Sandhills. If you want to keep your travels going, head southeast to Grand Island on the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway from here to complete a byway circle tour!