RV Traveler's

Roadmap to Heartland

Nebraska's Highway 2 has been deemed one of the 10 most scenic roads in the country. This byway will take you through some of the most remote and beautiful countryside you'll ever come across from the largely metropolitan area of Grand Island to Alliance at the byway's western edge. 1

Highlights & Facts For The Ideal Experience Toadstool Geological Park

Trip Length: Roughly 470 miles, plus side trips

Best Time To Go: Year round

What to Watch Out For: Roads can be hazardous in bad weather. Many state parks require a Nebraska State Park entry permit.

Must See Nearby Attractions:

Smith Falls State Park (site of Nebraska's tallest waterfall, located south of Sparks)

Sowbelly Canyon (located north of Harrison, its considered to be one of the state's prettiest natural areas)

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Traveler's Notes

Viewing easterly from scenic overlook, in the Fort Niobrara .

Traverse into one of the most unspoiled and beautiful landscapes found anywhere in America—where cattle, fence posts and windmills are the skyline. Cattle and buffalo outnumber people here and hunters, fishermen, and wildlife enthusiasts are drawn to this pristine area where water sports and outdoor recreation abound.

On the eastern end of the byway, the city of Grand Island wasdubbed by Forbes FYI magazine, "the Number ONE place in the worldfor bird- watchers." Each year, Nebraska's central Platte RiverValley comes alive with the spectacular sights and sounds ofmigrating sandhill

cranes. The largest such gathering of cranes inthe world—some half million—it is a phenomenalexperience to see each spring.

In Grand Island you can experience pioneer heritage, cool off in the Island Oasis, enjoy an ethnic festival, take a prairie wildflower hike, cheer on your favorite horse or rider, visit wonderful art galleries, or shop for antiques.

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What To See Along the Way

Grand Island Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Broken Bow Samuel R. McKelvie NF Victoria Springs State Rec Area Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park Sand Hills Nebraska NF and Grasslands Toadstool Geological Park Valentine National Wildlife Refuge State Park

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Facts & More Information To Plan Your Trip! Scott Lookout Tower is located in Halsey. It was built in 1944.

Grand Island: Plenty of museums and notable historical sites.

Victoria Springs State Rec Area: Established in 1925, it is the third oldest area in Nebraska's state park system.

Sand Hills: A region of mixed-grass prairie on grass-stabilized sand dunes.

Nebraska NF and Grasslands: Located in the most northwestern corner of Nebraska.

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge: The Refuge is home to 270 species of birds, 59 species of mammals, and 22 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge: Six different plant communities converge along the on Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, thereby providing habitat for a rich and unusual diversity of wildlife.

Samuel R. McKelvie NF: Located in the north-central Sandhills region.

Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch State Historical Park: Interprets the ranching heritage of the Sand Hills region and the lives of former owners Arthur and Eva Bowring.

Chadron State Park: Nebraska's oldest state park, established in 1921.

Toadstool Geological Park: A gem in the Oglala National Grasslands, well worth a 16-mile drive over dirt roads.

Fort Robinson State Park: More than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery, compelling old west history, exceptional lodging, loads of fun-time activities, scenic camping and the park's own buffalo and longhorn herds.

Ready, set, go!

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