Roam the Lincoln Highway National Scenic & Historic Byway

Route Directions

Kimball to Potter: 18 miles; Potter to Sidney: 19 miles; Sidney to Ogallala: 67 miles; Ogallala to North Platte: 53 miles; North Platte to Cozad: 46 miles; Cozad to Lexington: 14 miles; Lexington to Kearney: 36 miles; Kearney to Alda: 35 miles; Alda to Grand Island: 8 miles; Grand Island to Genoa: 55 miles; Genoa to Monroe: 8 miles; Monroe to Columbus: 14 miles; Columbus to Fremont: 49 miles; Fremont to Blair: 24 miles.

Day 1

Kimball

Begin your Lincoln Highway journey in the morning with a sweet treat from Kimball Bakery/Merrycakes before you head to Nebraska’s High Point, Panorama Point near the Nebraska/Wyoming/Colorado state lines, 5,429 feet above sea level.

Potter

Located in a historic 1916 building, A Collective Gathering has antiques, home décor and other knickknacks from more than 30 vendors. Enjoy a relaxing coffee at Chuckaboo Station or try the local sweet favorite tin roof sundae at the Potter Sundry.

Sidney

Continue eastward to Sidney and the start of the Sidney-Deadwood Trail to wander through Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home which added protection to military and civilian traffic along the 267-mile Sidney-Black Hills Trail in the 1870s. For the avid (or not) outdoorsman, spend some time getting to know Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitters.

Ogallala

Explore the town once known to be “too tough for Texans,” but now known as the Cowboy Capital of Nebraska. Lunch today is at Front Street and Cowboy Museum, a recreation of an 1880s Old West Main Street. If you arrive in the summer, stay around for the Crystal Palace Revue. Across the street the Petrified Wood and Art Gallery features an impressive collection of works of art. Mansion on the Hill is an authentic 1887 Victorian mansion giving a glimpse into how Ogallala’s upper class lived while nearby Boot Hill showed what happened to unlucky cowboys who died and were buried with their boots on. A short drive north of town is Nebraska’s largest reservoir and a popular recreation spot, Lake McConaughy. The visitor center boasts impressive water interpretive exhibits highlighting the importance of maintaining water conservation efforts. Return to Ogallala for an amazing steak dinner at Driftwood, a 99-year-old building that was a hardware store since 1920.

Day 2

North Platte

After filling up on tasty breakfast pastries at Bittersweet Bakery, head east to the Home of Buffalo Bill, the west’s most colorful showman, army scout and buffalo hunter, by visiting his home, Scout's Rest Ranch at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park. Take a trip into the past at the Lincoln County Historical Museum to see the North Platte Canteen exhibit which retells one of the most inspiring stories from WWII. Enjoy lunch at Pals Brewing Company before heading to Cody Park Railroad Museum, which has the only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on public display in the world. Next, head to Dusty Trails to spend a relaxing afternoon floating down the North Platte River in a horse watering tank. Afterward, sit down to a mouthwatering meal at The Cedar Room.

Day 3

Cozad

Before heading out from North Platte, stop by Espresso Shop by Caravan for a specialty coffee and delicious breakfast burrito or wrap. Afterward make your way to Cozad, Robert Henri’s boyhood home to explore his life and art at the Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery.

Lexington

The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles is a must-see for any military enthusiast featuring restored Jeeps, trucks, ambulances, tanks and helicopters. A short drive north of town is Mac’s Creek Winery & Brewery which has been creating sustainably produced wines and beers for more than 20 years.

Kearney

Kearney marks the halfway point of your Lincoln Highway excursion, and this city has so much to offer. Start off your visit at the American Automobile Experience and its impressive collection of more than 125 vehicles highlighting the evolution and art of the automobile. For lunch, Alley Rose offers excellent freshly prepared dishes to satisfy any appetite. Next head to the Museum of Nebraska Art and wander through its more than 6,000 works of art by regional, national, and international artists. Afterward explore The Archway, a three-story museum spanning Interstate 80 that guides you on a 180-year journey from the Oregon Trail to modern times. Enjoy an early dinner (think beer and pizza) at Thunderhead Brewing before heading to Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center to witness up-close one of the greatest animal migrations in the world with a sunset sandhill crane viewing.

Day 4

Alda

Start your day with eggs, bacon, waffles and more at The Breakfast Cart. Then head east to Alda and the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, another excellent place to witness the crane migration and learn more about other migratory wildlife.

Grand Island

Brush 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 and Fonner Park horse racing. 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 5

Genoa & Monroe

After a hearty breakfast in Grand Island at The Farmer’s Daughter Café, the next two destinations are a short drive off the byway, but well worth it. First is Genoa for an informative visit to the Genoa Indian School Interpretive Center, which was in operation from 1884 to 1934. Then visit the Horn T Zoo, a family-run small town zoo that has been connecting visitors to wildlife from around the world since 2010.

Columbus

Return to the byway to discover the efforts that went into winning WWII at the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial, honoring the Nebraska native whose Higgins Boat helped to turn the tide of the conflict. Then grab lunch at Glur’s Tavern, the oldest continuously operated tavern west of the Missouri River.

Fremont

River Life Airboat Tours gives you the experience the wind blowing through your hair while speeding down the Platte River at 50 mph.

Blair

Your last stop along the byway is DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge to view more than 200,000 artifacts on display from the 1865-era steamboat Bertrand which sunk in the Missouri River.