Loup Rivers Scenic Byway Runs Through Central Nebraska And It's A Beautiful Drive
By Delana Lefevers|Published September 21, 2022
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
There’s no wrong way to drive through Nebraska, of course, but if you’re looking for a scenic road trip, you’ve definitely got to get off of I-80 and travel some of our smaller, more tucked-away routes. Loup Rivers Scenic Byway is a short but incredibly beautiful drive through central Nebraska, roaming through farmlands and into the Sandhills.
The Loup Rivers Scenic Byway is named for the North, Middle, and South Loupe Rivers. The road runs through the spectacular area of Nebraska known as the Loup Basin, following Hwy 11 and Hwy 91 before taking you to the edge of the Nebraska National Forest.
The route runs between Wood River and Dunning. In the southeast around Wood River, the lush farmlands will enchant you with their bountiful beauty. Following the route northwest, you'll venture into the Sandhills, one of America's most remarkable ecological regions.
No matter where you start your journey, you'll want to make a stop along the way in Burwell to visit the Loup Rivers Scenic Byway Interpretive Center. It's located in a restored schoolhouse and full of information about the byway, the surrounding area, and all of the little towns that make the drive so special.
The small towns along the way are a large part of what makes this drive so special. Tiny places like Dannebrog, Scotia, Ord, and Taylor all boast fascinating histories, and they all welcome visitors to enjoy their hometowns.
As you travel northwest along the route, the towns will become fewer and further between, and you'll find yourself in the midst of Nebraska's incredible Sandhills region. If you've never taken a drive through the Sandhills, you'll be mesmerized by the landscape that you wouldn't expect to find in Nebraska.
If you drive straight through, the 141-mile journey will take you around 3.5-4 hours before it joins up with the Sandhills Scenic Byway, which is another truly remarkable journey.
Rather than rushing straight through, we recommend dedicating an entire weekend to meandering along the scenic byway. Stop and visit some of the wonderful little towns along the way, getting to know Nebraska in a way that a straight shot on I-80 just can't match. Find out more about this beautiful journey from America's Scenic Byways.
Starting in Wood River, simply follow Hwy 11 northwest until it intersects with Hwy 91 near Burwell. From there, take Hwy 91 west and marvel at the Sandhills as they gently surround you. If you wish, you can link up with the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway at Dunning to see more of this impressive area.
One of your stops along this scenic drive should definitely be Happy Jack Chalk Mine near Scotia. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination that you’ve got to visit at least once!
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