Scenic Drives in Nebraska
Routes
47
Avg Distance
234 mi
Avg Drive
4h 22m
Destinations
42
Nebraska's scenic drives offer a unique perspective on the Great Plains, with routes averaging 234 miles and around 4 hours of driving time. You'll find drives with scores as high as 8, reaching elevations up to 4,270 feet. The state boasts excellent EV coverage on many routes, with some offering over 30 DC fast chargers for convenient travel.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.22/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$3–$83
One-way, ~234 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~82 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
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 lengthy route scores a solid 7, traversing gently rolling terrain and reaching a maximum elevation of 3,888 feet. With excellent EV coverage and 32 DC fast chargers, it's a well-supported option for exploring the state.
Editor's pick
Mitchell, NE → La Vista, NE
Standing out with a drive score of 8, this trip covers 453 miles with gently rolling terrain and a high point of 3,950 feet. Its predominantly highway profile makes for efficient travel across the state.
Editor's pick
South Sioux City, NE → Gering, NE
This drive earns a top score of 8, featuring hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes up to 4,270 feet. It's a substantial 448-mile journey that offers a more varied landscape.
Terrytown, NE → Fremont, NE
Through: Wahoo
Scottsbluff, NE → Macy, NE
Gering, NE → Chalco, NE
Omaha, NE → Kimball, NE
Through: Cheyanne
Bellevue, NE → Alliance, NE
Through: Hastings
Alliance, NE → Nebraska City, NE
Through: To Ne 2: Beatrice
Scottsbluff, NE → Stromsburg, NE
Through: Bradshaw
South Sioux City, NE → Ogallala, NE
North Platte, NE → Tekamah, NE
Through: Blair
Bellevue, NE → Valentine, NE
Through: Pacific Street West
Lincoln, NE → Valentine, NE
Through: Hastings
Scottsbluff, NE → Gibbon, NE
Bellevue, NE → McCook, NE
Through: Archway Monument
North Platte, NE → Tecumseh, NE
Through: To Ne 2: Beatrice → Nebraska City
North Platte, NE → Wakefield, NE
North Platte, NE → Springfield, NE
North Platte, NE → Louisville, NE
Bellevue, NE → Gothenburg, NE
Blair, NE → Lexington, NE
Scottsbluff, NE → Lexington, NE
Bellevue, NE → Alma, NE
Through: Archway Monument
Bellevue, NE → Cozad, NE
North Platte, NE → Plainview, NE
North Platte, NE → Battle Creek, NE
Kearney, NE → Tekamah, NE
Through: Blair
North Platte, NE → Milford, NE
South Sioux City, NE → Fairbury, NE
Kearney, NE → West Point, NE
Through: Grand Island
La Vista, NE → Superior, NE
Through: Geneva
Kearney, NE → Pierce, NE
Through: Grand Island
Kearney, NE → Yutan, NE
Through: Wahoo
Kearney, NE → Springfield, NE
Kearney, NE → Ashland, NE
Bellevue, NE → Hebron, NE
Through: Geneva
Kearney, NE → Columbus, NE
Through: Grand Island
Sparta, NE → Crofton, NE
Gresham, NE → McCool Junction, NE
Through: Geneva
Cozad, NE → Eddyville, NE
Republican City, NE → Stamford, NE
Orleans, NE → Ragan, NE
Monterey, NE → Wisner, NE
Cairo, NE → Parkview, NE
Bloomington, NE → Riverton, NE
Wood River, NE → Parkview, NE