It’s when the weather starts getting cooler and the leaves begin to change colors that natural attractions in Nebraska really shine. The trees and prairies light up in shades of gold, orange, and red, putting on a show in the way that only the natural world of the Cornhusker State can. There are hundreds of scenic drives to take during fall in Nebraska to enjoy the spectacle of autumn, routes in all forms and iterations, but a drive down the Heritage Highway in the heart of our state offers up the best fall colors in Nebraska.

Autumn is for cozying up and enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors with a cup of coffee in hand. Make sure you experience the heart of Nebraska before the cold sets in! Grab some hot cocoa and pack up the car, because the fall colors in Nebraska are truly something to celebrate.

Heritage Highway
Heritage Highway is widely known as Highway 136, and it's one of the most popular scenic routes in Nebraska. It cuts through the south-central part of the state, beginning in Edison and ending in the city of Brownville.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The scenic byway of Heritage Highway takes you through some of Nebraska's richest historical treasures as well as a stretch of pristine landscape. Prairies, rivers, and forests are all found along the route. The Heritage Byway itself runs for 238 miles in total, and has been listed as a main "Sight of America." It's also considered a "Trail of Treasures" in the state of Nebraska.
Facebook/Byway 136 - Heritage Highway
Some of the greatest treasures you'll find are the small towns along the route. Take some extra time, slow down, and maybe explore some of these beautiful places on your journey. There's really no way to go wrong on a trip like this. You can come and stop along the way, maybe pack a lunch and picnic. You can't go wrong indulging in the beauty of an autumnal adventure. Of course, these are only some of the greatest small towns in Nebraska.

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 Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in western Nebraska. North end of Scotts Bluff National Monument next to the North Platte River.

The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Nebraska
Rock Creek Station State Historical Park, 57426 710th Rd, Fairbury, NE 68352, USA
Frank DiBona/Flickr
Heritage Highway offers not only spectacular sights from the car, but plenty of fascinating side trips as well. Take a detour to visit Rock Creek Station along the way and soak up some of the rich cultural heritage of the area. Rock Creek Station once operated as a stagecoach station and Pony Express stop, and now operates as a historic park. It's open from 9am to 5pm every day of the week.

Explore more of Rock Creek Station in this YouTube video from BarnYard Outdoors:

flickr/John Carrel
From start to finish, the trip will take around four hours. That's not counting any stops or side trips you might choose to make. It can be extended or shortened, a day trip or an overnight adventure. There are no boundaries here! Just enjoyment.
flickr/John Carrel
Keep your eyes peeled for areas near rivers and creeks. This is where you'll find the most lush vegetation, and it truly seems as if the leaves of the area just light up. The colors in this picture are what this drive is all about! The beauty of fall colors in Nebraska.
Indian Cave State Park, 720 Road, Shubert, NE, USA
flickr/John Carrel
The terminus of the journey is in Brownville, an adorable little town tucked quietly away in the Missouri River Valley in southeastern Nebraska. There are all sorts of opportunities for coffee or a quick lunch right there in town. Just a short drive south of Brownville is Indian Cave State Park, which offers some of the finest foliage viewing in the state.

The promotional video below provides more information about the attractions and side trips you can visit along the route.

However, it’s completely acceptable to just stay on the road and enjoy the view from your car. We may not be as famous for our fall foliage as, say, certain spots in New England, but we don’t mind. They can keep their “leaf peepers” – we’ll keep all of this natural beauty to ourselves.

Not up to this particular trek but still want to enjoy the beauty of nature in Nebraska in the fall? Here are all nine of Nebraska’s designated scenic byways – take your pick and get out to enjoy the colors this autumn. There’s no better way to fall in love with your state then to spend some time exploring it, and there’s no end to the scenic opportunities of the midwest. Fall in love with our state while viewing the best fall colors in Nebraska.

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More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In Nebraska

Meghan Kraft | August 24, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Nebraska?

Peak fall foliage in Nebraska usually comes around late October, right in time for Halloween. The state does differ depending on location, with the western edges of the state reaching peak foliage later in the season. Look for the most vibrant autumn colors in the last week of October and the first week of November.

Where are the best places in Nebraska to see fall foliage?

There are all sorts of state parks in Nebraska that offer some of the most incredible views of fall foliage in the state. Check out Platte River State Park in Louisville, Mahoney State Park in Ashland or perhaps even Indian Cave State Park in Shubert. Ponca State Park is a favorite as well, and some folks choose to indulge in drives down the Lincoln Highway Scenic and Historic Byway, the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway or the Heritage Highway of Nebraska for great views.

What are the best Nebraska hikes to take in the fall?

We'd highly recommend Cowboy Trail, Chalco Hills Trails in Omaha, experiencing the beauty of the Olson Nature Preserve in Boone County. Hiking through the Platte River State Park in the heart of Louisville is great in the early weeks of the season, and trekking multiple trails throughout Scotts Bluff National Monument is also a fabulous decision come autumn.

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