Nebraska’s Lincoln Highway Scenic and Historic Byway

Lincoln Highway, the first improved transcontinental route across the nation

Nebraska’s Lincoln Highway Scenic and Historic Byway is the only byway that traverses the entire state. It was also the first improved transcontinental route across the nation. When traveling the Lincoln Highway you have the opportunity to visit the communities of Omaha, Fremont, Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, Lexington, Gothenburg, North Platte, Ogallala, Sidney, and Kimball.

Stop at the half-way point across America!

Kearney, Nebraska wears the crown of being the half-way point across America. The Lincoln Highway begins in New York at Times Square (42^nd and Broadway) and continues across the nation and through 13 states to Lincoln Park, near the Golden Gate Bridge, in San Francisco, California. The 3,380-mile route was originally designated in 1913 using paved roads, graveled roads, and Native American and wagon train trails. In much of the mid-west, the route parallels the Union Pacific Railroad and in Nebraska it runs beside the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails and the Pony Express Route. The Lincoln Highway route was marked in the dust, sand, and pastures across the state with posts, poles, and hand-written signs using the “L” logo and the red, white, and blue colors. Today it is named Highway 30 in Nebraska.

“Improvements” to the Route

Originally the route crossed the Missouri River from Council Bluffs, Iowa west to Omaha, Nebraska. Later, “improvements” to the route were made and a new bridge was constructed to the north. The Lincoln Highway and Highway 30 designations were moved to that bridge. The original route in Iowa continues as a byway to Council Bluffs and crosses the Missouri River into Omaha. The new bridge area in Iowa is marked as a loop. Nebraska did the opposite and named the Omaha route as a byway loop running northwest to catch the main trunk of the byway and the new bridge is the main byway route. The section from Omaha to Elkhorn contains a 3-mile stretch of original brick street at N 17^th and N 192^nd and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The public can view the brick street in the summer months, but it is closed in the winter months.

Platte River Connection

The Nebraska Lincoln Highway Scenic and Historic Byway also follows the Platte River across the state. This was a pathway for early settlers and travelers and as an irrigation source for crops. The Platte River is shallow and is often described as “a mile wide and an inch deep.” The average depth is really 2-3 feet.

The Sandhill Crane Migration and Other Wildlife

The area along the Platte River is on the Central Flyway for migratory birds. The sandhill cranes love the Platte River and thousands come in the spring migration from mid-February to April, with the peak views being in March. Sunrise and sunset are the best times of day for viewing. The Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center offers guided experiences, river front blinds to peer through slats to see the birds without disturbing them and also offers daytime driving tours. So, bring your binoculars or borrow a pair!

Of course, birds aren’t the only wildlife you will see along the way. You may see jackrabbits, foxes, wolves or other native wildlife. Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, common carp, small mouth bass, channel catfish, and many other species can be fished in the Platte River or in nearby rivers.

Let’s go “Tanking”!

Humans can also become one with the Platte River in a newer craze called “tanking”. Because the Platte and other nearby rivers are so shallow, residents found you could put a large metal cattle watering tank in the river, and it would float. It can hold several people, coolers, snacks, and anything else you need for a day floating the river. One area to float is from the Platte River Picnic Area Water Access on a 1-hour loop to just above Loon Lake and back again. Then it’s just a 10-minute hike back to your vehicle. Other river areas you can float for 2-3 hours.

Go West, Young Man!

Omaha once was given the title of “Where the West Begins” and in the 1920’s Lincoln Highway Tourist Guide it suggested you leave Omaha with a full tank of gas and stocked with a whole list of auto and tire supplies, food and water, and other equipment. Today there are gas stations (new and restored), cafes, motel/hotels and other things to enjoy along the route. There are many historical sites and museums such as the Mansion on the Hill and Front Street Cowboy Museum in Ogallala.

Learn More About the West

One of the places to stop is the Archway in Kearney, Nebraska which spans over Interstate 80 at exit 272 and tells the story of travel and expansion westward, the challenges of the Oregon Trail pioneers and covered wagon trains. It also includes the rise of diners over time and the drive-ins made popular in the 1950’s. Plus the expansive view is great!

Nebraska and the Lincoln Highway Scenic and Historic Byway invite you to slow down and enjoy the drive and learn about the area and the westward movement that made this country great.

More info

https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/lincoln-highway-scenic-and-historic-byway-ne/

https://visitnebraska.com/

https://visitkearney.org/

https://visitcolumbusne.com/

Events

July 19-20 Kearney Raceway. Gates open at 1:00PM Sat

July 19-20 Nebraska Walleye Trail Tournament

July 20 7:00 Concerts in the Park. Harmon Park, Kearney, Sundays through June, July August

July 23-28 Buffalo County Fair, Fairgrounds, Kearney

July 26-27 Ogallala Round-up Rodeo

July 30- Aug 2 Keith County Fair, Ogallala