Visitor Information
"Highway 2 is not just another highway that goes somewhere. Highway 2 is somewhere."
-Charles Kuralt of CBS television program “On the Road”
Take The Sandhills Journey
Nebraska Highway 2 is not only a major artery of commerce, but provides scenic views of one of America’s most unusual land formations. Here you will find tips and advice for your Sandhills Journey.
First, let's acquaint you with the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway.
Visitor Resources
Attractions
The Sandhills Journey has something for everyone! Discover some of the byway's leading attractions:
Self-Guided Tours
Take the journey at your own pace with these curated routes and activities. We recommend preparing these guides prior to your road trip.
Events
What's happening on the byway? Stay current and plan your excursion around these events.
Additional Information/FAQs
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 not available in Sweetwater, Hazard, Halsey, Seneca, Whitman, Ashby, Bingham, Ellsworth, Lakeside and Antioch.
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
Google Maps will be a great resource to find additional attractions, and many great visitor services, including restaurants, gas stations and specialty shops. You may want to note some of these services in advance due to weak cell service along certain portions of the byway.
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
- Nebraska 511 Road Information
- Nebraska Tourism Information
- Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition
- Nebraska Forest Service
- Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
Other Resources/Partners
Information Centers
For information about everything there is to see and do along the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway, feel free to stop by one of these great information locations.
Grand Island
- Caboose near I-80 exit 312 (adjacent to Bosselman’s Truck Stop)
- Grand Island Tourism, 201 W 3rd Street
- Stuhr Museum, Jct Hwy 281 & NE Hwy 2 & 34.
Ravenna
- Co-op Station on south side of the Byway (NE Hwy 2) at Jct Hwy 68 (flashing yellow light)
Broken Bow
- Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitors Center, east side of Broken Bow in Big Red Barn, south side of byway
- Chamber of Commerce, northeast corner of Jct NE Hwy 2 and NE Hwy 21.
- Custer County Historical Museum
Dunning
- Norm’s Sinclair Station, just west of Dunning on north side of NE Hwy 2 near Jct of NE Hwy 91.
Halsey
- Halsey Frontier Inn, on south side of Hwy in Halsey
Thedford
- Roadside Inn, just east of Thedford on north side of highway
- Thedford Art Gallery in Thedford, on north side of highway
Mullen
- Sandhills Motel & Campground, on western edge of Mullen on south side of highway
Alliance
- Chamber of Commerce, 305 Box Butte Ave
- Knight Museum & Sandhills Center, 908 Yellowstone Ave.