Nebraska Highway 2 is a major artery of commerce and provides scenic views of one of America’s most unusual land formations, The Nebraska Sandhills. Discover attractions, amenities, and a driving tour for your Sandhills road trip on the Sandhills Journey app. Continue reading to find tips and advice for navigating Nebraska's National Scenic Byway.
The Route
Expansive ranchland and abundant croplands, remote landscapes, winding rivers and dramatic Sandhills provide an amazing view along this 272-mile stretch of Nebraska Highway 2, from Grand Island to Alliance. A traveler could easily spend days on the byway and still not experience its many offerings.
The Sandhills
The Sandhills is an iconic American landscape, a land that fundamentally changed the way Americans view the country and themselves. The Sandhills are the largest area of stabilized grass covered sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere encompassing more than 13 million acres (20,312 square miles). The Sandhills equal an area about as large as Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island combined.
The Experience
The Sandhills, the water resources, the birds - both native and migratory, the wildlife, the Nebraska National Forest, and the absence of light pollution make the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway region a truly unique natural wonder, both nationally and internationally.
Helpful Information
Amenities
Keep in mind that the byway is 272 miles long and some stretches are in rural areas. This means there are limited services available in some areas and communities. For example, fuel is unavailable in Sweetwater, Hazard, Halsey, Seneca, Whitman, Ashby, Bingham, Ellsworth, Lakeside and Antioch. Plan ahead by viewing and bookmarking Byway amenities in this app (star in the upper right corner).
Mobile phones
In some rural areas, cell service may be limited, depending on the service provider and type of phone.
Credit and debit cards
While accepted and most locations, they are not accepted in all small businesses.
Medical emergency
Hospitals are located in Grand Island, Broken Bow and Alliance. Ambulance and emergency medical service is available along the entire byway.
Time zone change
Between Grand Island and just east of Seneca you are in the Central Time Zone. From Seneca to Alliance you are in the Mountain Time Zone.
WIFI
Internet service is available at most motels and many restaurants in larger communities. Public libraries also have WIFI.
Visitor services
This app and Google Maps will be great resources for finding attractions, and many great visitor services, including restaurants, gas stations and specialty shops. You may want to bookmark some of these services in advance due to weak cell service along certain portions of the byway. Bookmarking an amenity or attraction in this app will automatically save it to your device, allowing easy offline access.
Local radio stations
Grand Island: KRGI 1430 AM/ 96.5 FM (CF)
Broken Bow: KCNI 1280 AM / KBBN 95.3 FM (CF)
Lexington: KRVN 880 AM / 93.1 FM (CF)
Alliance: KCOW 1400 AM / KPNY 102.1 FM / KAAQ 105.9 FM (CF)
Helpful links
Sandhills Journey Birding Website
Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge