Traveling Lincoln to valentine. Any interesting free stops? (Grand Island, Ainsworth: camping, price)

[Huskrmags]

We are traveling from Lincoln to valentine in April and would like to make a couple of stops. Would like to see a few historic landmarks near i80 that are free or very low priced. Any recommendations or must sees? Not the archway; it's not in the budget.

[Aredhel]

Sandhills crane season is over, but Rowe Sanctuary may still be worth a stop if you enjoy viewing wildlife (especially birds). And there's Fort Kearny, which is worth a look, too. The Pioneer Park in Mindon is a good stop, too, although it charges admission fees.

But in the past when I've driven to Valentine, I've skipped I80 in favor of a more northwesterly route via Norfork. If you go that way, you can see two very worthwhile and inexpensive attractions: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, and Neligh Mill.

[itsMeFred]

I would second that!

Also I80 is going to be out of your way for the most part...

[Old Gringo]

Long Pine west of Basset/east of Ainsworth off Hwy 20 is definitely worth taking some time to see. It's a small valley in the dry prairie with a coldwater stream flowing through. Lots of pine trees and some decent trout fishing.

[SandHillBilly]

Leave the Interstate at Grand Island and take Highway 2 diagonally northwest across Nebraska to Valentine. There are a few state wayside areas worth the time, and a number of the small communities along the way have small museums or parks to visit. The person who mentioned Long Pine is right. Its a beautiful little area worth a stop for a picnic, or camping. Once in Valentine, make sure you visit the Wildlife area northeast of town that has bison, elk, deer and pretty scenery. It also has access to the Niobrara River to wade in.