Exploring Nebraska by Road: Stunning Views, Historic Towns, and Delicious Bison Burgers

Until recently, Nebraska's tourism slogan humorously acknowledged its quirks: “Honestly, it’s not for everyone.” This phrase was retired in February by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, which deemed it outdated, noting that traveler interest had surged during its five-year run.

It’s easy to see why. Growing up in the west and eager to share my love for open spaces with my kids, I was excited to discover western Nebraska. We traveled over 700 miles in five days, diving into the rich history of the Oregon Trail and marveling at the scenic buttes, rolling hills, and diverse geological features.

I can confidently say this: If you crave adventure and the thrill of the open road, and if one-room schoolhouses, bison burgers, toadstool-shaped rock formations, and dinosaur bones pique your interest, then fire up your Spotify playlist and hit the road. Our journey kicks off in Denver, easily reachable via its major airport, and moves east into Nebraska, tracing a route filled with beautiful landscapes, unique towns, and delicious food. After your last stop in Scottsbluff, it’s just a quick three-hour drive back to the Colorado city where your adventure began.

Lake McConaughy and Ogallala

• Starting Point: Denver, Colorado
• Destination: Ogallala, Nebraska
• Total Distance: 213 miles
• Suggested Duration: 2 days

Leaving Denver and heading into Nebraska on I-76, you’ll embark on a three-hour, 213-mile journey through quaint towns and grassy fields adorned with cattle ranches until you arrive in Ogallala. This historic town, once a rest stop for Pony Express riders and a cattle drive hub, has about 5,000 residents and a distinct Old West charm. Cattle farming remains a vibrant local industry, and at Open Range Grill, a popular burger spot, you can taste grass-fed beef sourced from nearby ranches. Their creatively topped specialty burgers feature western-themed names like Prairie Fire and High Noon, the latter topped with a fried egg, pico de gallo, and cheese. After dinner, visit the old library turned brewery, Second Chapter Brewing, where you can enjoy book-themed beers like the Overdue Oatmeal Porter. History enthusiasts will appreciate Mansion on the Hill and its preserved one-room schoolhouse, the last of its kind in the state, which closed in 1964. Don’t forget to explore Boot Hill, the area’s original burial site, where notorious figures like “Rattlesnake Ed” rest after being shot in 1884 over a $9 bet on a saloon game of monte.

A quick drive from Ogallala leads you to Lake McConaughy, Nebraska’s largest reservoir, covering 30,000 acres and affectionately known as “Big Mac.” The lake features miles of inviting beaches with soft sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, filled with boaters and swimmers during the summer. Relax by the shore or join in the fun by renting a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or pontoon from one of several local outfitters.

Where to Stay

In this area, the popular option is to rent an RV parked right on the beach, complete with a campfire; check out Lake Mac RV Rentals for a wide selection. If you prefer something cozier, there are a few charming Airbnbs available, including this three-bedroom waterfront home offering breathtaking views and a property called Beach Bum Ranch, which features a deck perfect for watching stunning sunsets.

Chadron and Chadron State Park

• Starting Point: Ogallala
• Destination: Chadron
• Total Distance: 174 miles
• Suggested Duration: 1–2 days

To reach Chadron, take the Gold Rush Scenic Byway, or US-385, which was historically used for ore transport. This route offers expansive views of rolling hills, river valleys, and steep buttes. Make a stop in Alliance to stretch your legs and check out Carhenge—an artistic installation featuring 39 gray-painted cars, including a 1962 Cadillac, arranged by artist Jim Reinders—and Dobby’s Frontier Town, showcasing historic frontier buildings filled with period antiques, creating life-size Wild West dioramas. This unique collection of original Old West structures was saved from demolition and moved to a personal property, serving as a free museum filled with artifacts that reflect their historical uses, from post office to drugstore.

Continuing north on 385, you’ll arrive at serene Chadron State Park, nestled in the Nebraska National Forest, offering activities like horseback riding and hiking before reaching Chadron. Here, you can visit the Bean Broker, a cozy coffeehouse and pub housed in a historic building, complete with a resident tabby cat named Toddy, who even has an Instagram account. The historic downtown is worth exploring to admire early 20th-century architecture and to visit the Mari Sandoz Heritage Center, dedicated to Nebraska’s most renowned writer, who documented pioneer life and Indigenous cultures at a time when many women were illiterate. At the Museum of the Fur Trade, located at the site of the original James Bordeaux Trading Post, you can explore a garden of native plants grown from 125-year-old seeds gathered from Indigenous peoples, along with over 6,000 artifacts from the era of westward expansion.

Where to Stay

Airbnb features options such as this two-bedroom loft in downtown or a charming three-bedroom farmhouse.

Fort Robinson State Park

• Starting Point: Chadron
• Destination: Fort Robinson State Park
• Total Distance: 27.4 miles
• Suggested Duration: 2–3 days

Although it’s just a 20-minute drive to your next stop, we suggest extending your stay to fully enjoy the array of activities available. The expansive 22,000-acre Fort Robinson State Park boasts breathtaking, pine-lined landscapes where bison roam, providing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing. While it’s a beautiful recreational area today, the park has a complex history: land was taken from Native Americans to establish a military fort in 1874, which led to the tragic killing of Chief Crazy Horse during the Sioux Wars, and it served as a training ground for military horses and dogs, as well as a POW camp for German soldiers in World War II. You can explore its multifaceted history at the Fort Robinson History Center (open from May to December).

Families will discover a wealth of activities: crafts, historical tours, trail rides, Jeep excursions, and stagecoach and wagon rides await. (Just be mindful not to get too attached to the charming bison, as they may end up as the specials at the Fort Robinson Cafe.) The Post Playhouse features seasonal performances of popular theater shows, while the Trailside Museum of Natural History showcases the region’s natural history, including a pair of impressive 14-foot-tall mammoth skeletons whose tusks became intertwined during a fierce battle.

Where to Stay

You can book a rustic room in the old officer barracks, which is now available for guests from April to November, or opt for a room in the simple historic lodge. While they may not be luxurious, these accommodations offer a delightful sleepaway camp atmosphere infused with unique history, plus the convenience of being close to all the activities early in the day.

Harrison and Scottsbluff

• Starting Point: Fort Robinson State Park
• Destination: Scottsbluff
• Total Distance: 89 miles
• Suggested Duration: 2 days

The small town of Harrison (population 239) has the charm of a classic western film set. On historic Main Street, you’ll find the Harrison House Hotel, a rumored former brothel featuring nine rooms with rates starting at just $60. The Hoyt Block has been home to the post office and Whiteaker’s Western Store since 1938, making it a great spot to snag a souvenir Stetson. At the Longhorn Saloon, the town's sole bar, grab a bottle or can of Coors, Bud, Keystone, or Miller High Life for about $0—just slide into one of the red vinyl bucket seats at the bar.

The Visitor Center at the nearby Agate Fossil Beds boasts an impressive collection of rare Miocene fossils and Lakota Sioux artifacts gifted by Chief Red Cloud to rancher James Cook, including beautifully beaded clothing and moccasins. Meanwhile, Toadstool Geological Park is filled with stunning rock formations that provide fantastic photo opportunities and lessons in local geology.

Close to the Wyoming border, Scottsbluff was an important stop on the Oregon Trail. Its Scotts Bluff Visitor Center (actually located in neighboring Gering) is the ideal spot to delve into frontier history. From there, you can hike, bike, or drive to the summit of Scotts Bluff National Monument for breathtaking panoramic views. Afterward, return to town for refreshing beers and hot wings at Flyover Brewing Co., where you’ll be ready to defend Nebraska’s worth against its flyover state reputation after a week of exploring.

Where to Stay

Just five minutes from downtown Scottsbluff, Hotel 21 & Co. is a cozy, low-profile motel that exudes a boutique vibe and offers lovely views of the prairie.

This narrative is part of our Meet Me in the Middle series, which highlights the unique towns, cities, and outdoor spaces awaiting discovery between America’s bustling coasts. Explore more stories from North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin, and the Midwest.