Nebraska road trip (Omaha, Grand Island, Hastings: where to stay, motels, camping)

[ShawJ]

I live in Omaha but want to see other parts of the state. My plan is to drive out to the western portion of the state and visit somewhere interesting, and then take about a week or so to drive back to Omaha and visit any interesting place along the way. Any ideas on where I could stop? Thanks!

I plan on doing this during the summer.

[tpabes]

Chimney Rock near Bayard, Scottsbluff National Monument, Carhenge, toadstool park, Golden Spike tower in North Platte, Lake McConaughy, musuems in tri-cities area (Hastings Musuem, Pioneer Village, Stuhr Musuem, Archway), Valentine (tube the Niobrara), and Halsey Forest are some ideas.

Any type of things that you enjoy visiting more than others? (ex. if you like to Golf there are some terrific courses out there)

[Dave1215]

I would recommend:
1) stay OFF the interstate
2) go out one direction (e.g. southern route via Hwy 92, etc)
3) come back another direction (e.g. northern route via Hwy 20)

SO much to see in this state... I did a trip like that with my son two years ago and it was fantastic... have traveled many parts of this state - you will enjoy!

[Flat Water 1867]

I highly recommend driving Highway 2 from Grand Island to Alliance!!

[Sandhills Guru]

I would add Ft. Niobrara to this list.
The Scottsbluff area for sure catching those attractions mentioned above.
Go to the state site: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - Parks Section (http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/parks.asp - broken link)
and take a virtual tour, this will give you some ideas on places that may be of interest to you.
Smith Falls State Park east of Valentine also.
I might also suggest picking up a Nebraska Atlas & Gazetteer from Walmart. This shows a lot of backroads, I would suggest catching a couple of them, very interesting drives. One I love to take is between Johnston & Ainsworth, it goes south through the sandhills and borders some very nice sandhills lakes, some are state rec areas. It only swings you about 40 miles out of your way but more than worth the time. There are many of these roads throughout the state you can travel.

Where you plan on staying at? Camping, motels, or? Stay away from motels, there are many a bed & breakfast throughout our state that offer some great accomadations at very reasonable costs. Plus you meet some fantastic folks, hear some stories, and maybe directed to an area only a few see.

I sure hope you enjoy your travel through this great state of ours. Remember we are going to want to hear about it and pictures!!!

[ShawJ]

tpbabes,

Thanks for all of those suggestions! I'll definitely look into all of them.

Dave,

I will definitely be avoiding the interstate as much as possible! Thanks for the route ideas... really helpful! I'm glad you enjoyed your trip.

Flat Water,

Thanks as well for the route recommendation!

Sandhills,

Great suggestions! As far as where to stay, I'm open for anything. Camping and bed & breakfast areas sound the most appealing, though. I will definitely try to stay away from the motels.

I hope this can become a reality. I plan on photographing every moment, and I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories.

Now... if only this snow would go away!

[Dave1215]

I second that recommendation on Hwy 2....

When camping be sure to do so around (1) Chadron at either the state park of Fort Robinson... and (2) when on Hwy 2 be sure to camp somewhere along the Niobrara... two fantastic views for camping!!!

[ShawJ]

Awesome... thanks so much!

[Chris19]

Most of I-80 is not as scenic as other areas. The part of I-80 I find most interesting is west of the I-80/I-76 split, out by Kimball and Sydney. Nebraska's more scenic areas are off of the interstate and aways from the Platte River Valley. Northeast Nebraska has some scenic areas near the Missouri by Ponca/Newcastle and by Lewis and Clark Lake. Some ares of southeastern Nebraska are neat, especially around September and fall (south of Nebraska City).

[Off Pavement]

Nebraska has some of the best camping anywhere. Just about every town has a city park that allows free, or nearly so camping. State wildlife areas almost always have an area open to free camping. The Nebraska National Forest allows some dispersed camping for free if you are willing to pack your stuff to your campsite.

For a few free camping locations...

Medicine Creek Wildlife Area near Cambridge
Cambridge town park - donation accepted with showers, pool, electric
Holbrook town park - In the trees
Curtus town park
Just outside Chadron State Park on National Forest administered lands

rv-camping.org/Nebraska.html has links to many towns campsites, and all Federal and State administered camping opportunities.