Need advice on trip westward (Omaha, Lincoln: how much, hotels, home)

[yman97]

My girlfriend and I are planning on doing a 6-day trip from La Vista to western Nebraska to check out Toadstool and some of the other sights. We're both pretty excited, we've always wanted to do a trip like this. We plan to take the Interstate to Highway 2 and eventually down to Lake McConaughy, where we'll stay the night. From there, we'll spend a couple of days in the Panhandle and checking out Toad Stool. On the way back, we plan to take the highways back in the northern part of the state (highway 20 and 12).

I was hoping you guys could provide some advice on what to see, what not to see. Also, I'm wondering if you know of any good restaraunts/hotels/bed and breakfasts along the way (we're both fairly picky eaters). Thanks for all of your help!

Patrick

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by yman97

We plan to take the Interstate to Highway 2 and eventually down to Lake McConaughy, where we'll stay the night. From there, we'll spend a couple of days in the Panhandle and checking out Toad Stool. On the way back, we plan to take the highways back in the northern part of the state (highway 20 and 12).

I was hoping you guys could provide some advice on what to see, what not to see. Also, I'm wondering if you know of any good restaraunts/hotels/bed and breakfasts along the way (we're both fairly picky eaters). Thanks for all of your help!

Patrick

You picked a good drive by factoring in Highway 2 and a great idea to stay off the Interstate (it just stays in the river valley the entire time so is boring and gives a bad impression of the state).

I don't have the time at this second but will think more about your route and maybe some places to see/stay/eat.

When is the trip?

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by yman97

(highway 20 and 12).

fyi... on the way out to Highway 2, do NOT drive the interstate... take Highway 92...

For Highway 2 check out this site for local events that might be happening and for the communities: Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway

Highway 385 look at: Visit Nebraska - 385 – Gold Rush Byway

Highway 20 - if you have time canoe the Niobrara... there are 1/2 day trips with area outfitters... nothing like it for scenary!
For the Sandhills area around Hgwy 20 look thru: Visit Nebraska - Advanced Search Results

For Highway 12 check out this link: map of Nebraska's Outlaw Trail, scenic byway Hwy 12

Again, South side of the state Hgwy 92 to Hgwy 2 then North on 285 to Toadstool area then back home on 20/12... you couldn't pick a better trip in the state.

How much time are you allowing?

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Dave1215

How much time are you allowing?

OOPS... Sorry, that was a stupid question (since you answered it in your opening question)...

Originally Posted by yman97

My girlfriend and I are planning on doing a 6-day

6 days is a nice time to allow. When is it?

[yman97]

We're leaving on 8/30 and plan to start making our way back on 9/3 or 9/4. Normally, we head to California or Vegas but we wanted to do something a bit different. Plus, it's pretty bad that I've seen most of Iowa and very little of Nebraska other than Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont and some of the surrounding towns.

Thanks for the help!

[Dave1215]

You will not regret it. You will experience a wide variety of geography. A lot of great little towns. Great people. Enjoy.

[Jasper87]

We live out here (by Scottsbluff) and you won't want to miss Cabela's (Sidney), Scotts Bluff National Monument (Scottsbluff), Carhenge (Alliance) and Fort Robinson (Chadron/Crawford). As far as places to stay, the best lodging in Scottsbluff is the Hampton Inn & Suites if you can afford it and can get in. They are extremely busy so I'd check as soon as I could. The others aren't bad, but I'd avoid the Days Inn at all costs. Its cheap - but you get what you pay for.

Check out the visitnebraska.org website if you want a lot more information.

[mattpoulsen]

If you have time you should definitely do Niobrara and the Sandhills in north central Nebraska. As I Dave mentioned, definitely take 92 instead of the interstate on your way to HWY 2...distance is the same and you see much more.

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by Jasper87

We live out here (by Scottsbluff) and you won't want to miss Cabela's (Sidney),

fyi... if you are a huge sportsman/outdoorsman then yes, do Cabela's - the meca of Cabela's is Sidney... but if you are just a casual sportsman (or not at all) then skip Cabela's if it is too far out of the way. With the new Cabela's that you have down the street in LaVista you can get the same general idea (you just miss the experience of bigger and being at the main headquarters)

[kosnebbear]

Why take I-80 when you can take NE Hwy 92 to NE Hwy 2 and see more of Nebraska. You can always travel I-80. So if you want to see Nebraska stay off of I-80. You will like the drive through the nort cental part of Nebraska and then you could come back in the southern part of Nebraska either on US Hwy 6 that goes into Lincoln or take US Hwy 136 that goes to Auburn then go north to Omaha. Either way enjoy your trip and enjoy Nebraska by staying off I-80.