Fall Road Trips in Nebraska
Routes
30
Avg Distance
429 mi
Avg Drive
7h 52m
Destinations
17
Nebraska in the fall offers a unique driving experience characterized by gently rolling terrain and expansive skies. With 30 routes averaging 429 miles and close to 8 hours, you can explore a state where the average max elevation reaches 3,888 feet. This season provides comfortable driving conditions for appreciating the subtle beauty of the plains transitioning to autumn hues.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.75/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$58–$69
One-way, ~429 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~150 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
Climate through the year: Nebraska
Nebraska peaks at around 88°F in Jul and cools to 34°F / 15°F in Jan. Wettest month is May at ~4.7 in of rain. Table highlights Fall months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34 | 15 | 0.8 | 7.2 |
| Feb | 39 | 19 | 1 | 7.8 |
| Mar | 52 | 30 | 1.8 | 3 |
| Apr | 64 | 41 | 3.2 | 1 |
| May | 75 | 53 | 4.7 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 84 | 63 | 4.4 | — |
| Jul | 88 | 68 | 3.6 | — |
| Aug | 86 | 66 | 4.6 | — |
| Sep peak | 79 | 56 | 3 | — |
| Oct peak | 66 | 43 | 2.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov peak | 50 | 30 | 1.5 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 38 | 20 | 1.2 | 5.8 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for NE — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Check the weather forecast for your route, not just your origin and destination.
- Bring layers for shoulder-season travel — mornings and evenings can be much cooler than midday.
- Nebraska routes can vary in condition depending on the time of year. Check for construction zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall Routes
Editor's pick
Scottsbluff, NE → Blair, NE
This drive scores a 7 out of 10, reaching a maximum elevation of 3,888 feet across its 466.9 miles. It's a solid choice for experiencing Nebraska's rolling landscape with park access along the way.
Editor's pick
Mitchell, NE → La Vista, NE
Boasting a drive score of 8, this 453.8-mile route ascends to 3,950 feet. Its 'Mostly highway' profile and inclusion of park access make it a compelling option for fall exploration.
Editor's pick
Tecumseh, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
This trip earns a drive score of 7 and covers 451.5 miles with a maximum elevation of 3,888 feet. It offers ample park access through gently rolling terrain, ideal for a relaxed autumn journey.
South Sioux City, NE → Gering, NE
Bellevue, NE → Gering, NE
Through: Grant
South Sioux City, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Terrytown, NE → Fremont, NE
Through: Wahoo
Papillion, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Gering, NE → La Vista, NE
Ralston, NE → Gering, NE
Through: Grant
Scottsbluff, NE → Macy, NE
Weeping Water, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Chadron, NE → La Vista, NE
Gering, NE → Chalco, NE
Omaha, NE → Chadron, NE
Omaha, NE → Kimball, NE
Through: Cheyanne
Kimball, NE → Bellevue, NE
La Vista, NE → Kimball, NE
Through: Cheyanne
Bayard, NE → Papillion, NE
Bellevue, NE → Alliance, NE
Through: Hastings
Alliance, NE → Nebraska City, NE
Through: To Ne 2: Beatrice
Bridgeport, NE → Omaha, NE
Bridgeport, NE → La Vista, NE
Waverly, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Papillion, NE → Bridgeport, NE
Through: Grant
Scottsbluff, NE → Wilber, NE
Sidney, NE → Omaha, NE
Terrytown, NE → Lincoln, NE
Lincoln, NE → Gering, NE
Through: Grant
Crete, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant