Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway

Taken in early fall west of Thedford, the sky blue Middle Loup River runs bank full year round and is known as the most constant flowing river in the world. Small hardwood tree groves grow throughout the valley and are evidence of the “tree claims” that Sandhills settlers of the past used to claim their homesteads in the area. On the horizon, one catches a glimpse of the vast open spaces that exist today across this 20,000 square mile landscape formed from unique grass-covered sand dunes.

Mellema In the early morning mist along the Platte River, flocks of Sandhill Cranes use the area to rest and build up energy for the remainder of their trek. This ancient species have made the annual migratory flight for nine million years. During this phenomenon, over half a million cranes stop annually each spring, creating one of North America’s greatest wildlife spectacles.

The sun sets on a Platte River sandbar as Sandhill Cranes settle in for the night.

Aerial photo showing Sandhill Cranes on sandbars on
the Platte River in central Nebraska.

A trains winds through the hills and valleys of the Sandhills.

The grasses of the Sandhills change to golds, yellows, and browns, as autumn weather brings cooler temperatures.

Experience a breathtaking view of the Sandhills landscape the morning after a winter snow storm near Seneca, Nebraska. The rolling dune shaped hills are blanketed in white glistening snow while shadows are cast in the early daylight.

One of many windmill towers that dot the landscape throughout the Sandhills. Windmills bring life-sustaining water from the Ogallala Aquifer to livestock, wildlife, and humans.

The Middle Loup River provides year round recreational opportunities. Ninety percent of the stream flow in the Sandhills rivers originates from spring-fed groundwater and the warmer temperatures of the incoming water means the river seldom freezes.

Wetlands dot the landscape throughout the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway. These meadows and wetlands provide important habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife.

Exceptionally dark skies along the western portions of the
Byway provide amazing opportunities for star gazing
enthusiasts.

The northern lights explode in vibrant pink and orange colors in the star-studded night sky. One can see many more stars along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway due to lack of light-pollution.

The Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District, is the largest hand-planted forest in the nation. Within the forest is the Bessey Tree Nursery, the oldest federal tree nursery in the United States.

The Scott Lookout Tower stands amidst the largest hand-planted forest in the United States. Lying in the heart of the unique Nebraska Sandhills grassland, this aerial view shows a portion of the 91,000 acre Nebraska National Forest Bessey Ranger District near Halsey, Nebraska.

Clear blue lakes of the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge reflect the cloud formations of a wide-open sky. These shallow natural lakes are formed when the waters of the aquifer rise above the land surface.

The two wildlife refuges along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway are dedicated to protect and preserve the Sandhills Wildlife. The lakes dotting the landscape provide habitat for nesting water and marsh birds.

Greater prairie chickens is full display during annual courtship ritual.

Native to the Sandhills prairie, a Greater Prairie Chicken male poses in full display. During the annual courtship, males attract hens with resonant booming, intense foot stomping and expose orange neck sacs while performing the ritual of this grassland dance.

Two male prairie chickens face off during annual spring courtship ritual.

This renovated red barn is the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Interpretive Center near Broken Bow, Nebraska. Visitors will experience the stories of the 272 mile stretch of Nebraska Highway #2 between Grand Island and Alliance.

The "Big Red Barn" as it is lovingly referred to, houses the SJSB Visitor Interpretive Center. This venue introduces travelers to the unique one-of-a-kind region. Educational exhibits display geological and geographic properties of the Nebraska Sandhills.

The land area around the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway hosts a variety of native plants, a working windmill and pond, interpretive panels, and hiking trails.