Scenic Drives in Nebraska
Routes
60
Avg Distance
413 mi
Avg Drive
7h 38m
Destinations
32
Nebraska's scenic drives offer a landscape of gently rolling and hilly terrain, with max elevations reaching over 4,000 feet. Across 60 routes averaging 417 miles and nearly 8 hours, you'll find drives with scores up to 8. While Nebraska might not be known for dramatic mountain vistas, its open skies and varied topography provide a unique driving experience. This collection highlights some of the most engaging routes across the state.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.24/gal
Diesel: $6.18/gal
Typical trip cost
$50–$72
One-way, ~413 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~145 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-10-12
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.
| 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 | 79 | 56 | 3 | — |
| Oct | 66 | 43 | 2.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 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
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Scenic Routes
Editor's pick
Scottsbluff, NE → Blair, NE
This route scores a 7 and traverses gently rolling terrain, topping out at 3,888 feet. It's a good option for experiencing the state's varied topography over 466.9 miles, with access to parks along the way.
Editor's pick
Mitchell, NE → La Vista, NE
Boasting a drive score of 8, this trip covers 453.8 miles through gently rolling terrain with a maximum elevation of 3,950 feet, making it one of the higher-scoring options.
Editor's pick
Lincoln, NE → Chadron, NE
Through: Grant
With a drive score of 7, this 451.9-mile drive features hilly terrain and notable elevation changes, reaching up to 4,142 feet. It's a strong contender for those seeking varied landscapes and park access.
Tecumseh, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Scottsbluff, NE → Bellevue, NE
South Sioux City, NE → Gering, NE
Bellevue, NE → Gering, NE
Through: Grant
South Sioux City, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Fremont, NE → Terrytown, NE
Through: Grant
La Vista, NE → Terrytown, NE
Through: Grant
Papillion, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Gering, NE → La Vista, NE
Ralston, NE → Gering, NE
Through: Grant
Scottsbluff, NE → Wymore, NE
Papillion, 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
Omaha, NE → Bayard, NE
Through: Grant
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
Alliance, NE → Plattsmouth, NE
Through: Ashland → Bend
Bridgeport, NE → Omaha, NE
Scottsbluff, NE → Pender, NE
Scottsbluff, NE → Hickman, NE
La Vista, NE → Bridgeport, NE
Through: Grant
Waverly, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Papillion, NE → Bridgeport, NE
Through: Grant
Gering, NE → Wayne, NE
Scottsbluff, NE → Wilber, NE
Fremont, NE → Chadron, NE
Sidney, NE → Omaha, NE
Lincoln, NE → Terrytown, NE
Through: Grant
Lincoln, NE → Gering, NE
Through: Grant
Crete, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Sidney, NE → Fremont, NE
Through: Wahoo
Lincoln, NE → Gordon, NE
Through: Hastings
Gering, NE → Crete, NE
La Vista, NE → Sidney, NE
Through: Cheyanne
Ralston, NE → Alliance, NE
Papillion, NE → Sidney, NE
Through: Cheyanne
Omaha, NE → Gordon, NE
Kimball, NE → Lincoln, NE
Scottsbluff, NE → Milford, NE
Gering, NE → Seward, NE
Norfolk, NE → Gering, NE
Norfolk, NE → Terrytown, NE
Scottsbluff, NE → Plainview, NE
Lincoln, NE → Alliance, NE
Through: Hastings
Alliance, NE → Fremont, NE
Scottsbluff, NE → Stromsburg, NE
Through: Bradshaw
Lincoln, NE → Bridgeport, NE
Through: Grant
Crete, NE → Alliance, NE
Through: Hastings
South Sioux City, NE → Ogallala, NE