Scenic Drives in Nebraska
Routes
60
Avg Distance
407 mi
Avg Drive
7h 32m
Destinations
32
Nebraska's scenic drives offer a unique perspective on the Great Plains, with routes averaging 381 miles and over 7 hours. Drivers can expect gently rolling terrain and maximum elevations around 3,900 feet. The state boasts 60 routes, with drive scores reaching up to 8, providing a solid experience for those seeking open roads.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.94/gal
Diesel: $5.60/gal
Typical trip cost
$51–$72
One-way, ~407 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~142 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31
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 466-mile drive scores a 7, traversing gently rolling terrain with a high point of 3,888 feet. It's a great option for experiencing Nebraska's expansive landscapes with access to parks along the way.
Editor's pick
Mitchell, NE → La Vista, NE
With a drive score of 8 and a maximum elevation of 3,950 feet, this 453-mile route presents a compelling Nebraska landscape. It offers a significant stretch of highway travel, complemented by opportunities for park visits.
Lincoln, NE → Chadron, NE
Through: Grant
Editor's pick
Tecumseh, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
This 451-mile journey features gently rolling terrain and reaches 3,888 feet in elevation, earning a drive score of 7. It connects two distinct points in Nebraska, allowing for exploration of the state's natural areas.
South Sioux City, NE → Gering, NE
Bellevue, NE → Gering, NE
Through: Grant
South Sioux City, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Terrytown, NE → Fremont, NE
Through: Wahoo
La Vista, NE → Terrytown, NE
Through: Grant
Papillion, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Gering, NE → La Vista, NE
Ralston, NE → Gering, NE
Through: Grant
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
La Vista, NE → Bridgeport, NE
Through: Grant
Lincoln, NE → Mitchell, NE
Through: Grant
Waverly, NE → Scottsbluff, NE
Through: Grant
Papillion, NE → Bridgeport, NE
Through: Grant
Gering, NE → Wayne, NE
Scottsbluff, NE → Wilber, 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
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
Crete, NE → Alliance, NE
Through: Hastings
South Sioux City, NE → Ogallala, NE
Seward, NE → Alliance, NE
Through: Hastings
Gering, NE → York, NE
Bellevue, NE → Ogallala, NE
Grand Island, NE → Chadron, NE
O'Neill, NE → Scottsbluff, NE