When people think of Nebraska, they often picture endless cornfields—but the Scenic Byway Nebraska proves them completely wrong. Known officially as the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway, this 231-mile stretch of Highway 12 follows the Missouri River and winds through some of the state’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, charming towns, and secret getaways.
If you’re ready for the ultimate road trip, here are 6 must-see stops on the Scenic Byway Nebraska that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Smith Falls State Park – Nebraska’s Tallest Waterfall
📍 Near Valentine, NE
This stunning park is home to Smith Falls, the highest waterfall in the state at 70 feet. A short walk across a scenic footbridge leads you to cool mist, vibrant greenery, and a magical photo op that feels more Pacific Northwest than prairie.
Local Tip: Visit in early morning to catch the sun hitting the falls through the trees. Pure magic.
Niobrara State Park
📍 Niobrara, NE
Perched at the confluence of the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers, this park is a local favorite for camping, hiking, and spotting bald eagles. The bluff-top cabins offer panoramic views you wouldn’t expect in Nebraska—and sunsets that silence even the chattiest travelers.
Want to stay the night? Cabins book quickly in the summer—locals know to reserve months in advance.
Ashfall Fossil Beds
📍 Royal, NE
Step into a prehistoric world preserved in volcanic ash. This site offers a window into life 12 million years ago, with entire skeletons of ancient rhinos, camels, and horses still in their original resting place. It’s like a museum and a dig site rolled into one.
A must for families, science lovers, and aspiring Indiana Joneses.
Verdigre – Home of Kolaches and Czech Culture
📍 Verdigre, NE
This small town packs a big cultural punch. Known as the Kolach Capital of the World, Verdigre hosts Czech festivals, parades, and serves up sweet, fruit-filled pastries that you’ll crave for the rest of your life.
Trust us: You haven’t lived until you’ve had a fresh apricot kolach from a roadside bake stand.
Ponca State Park
📍 Ponca, NE
Start (or end) your Scenic Byway Nebraska journey at this stunning state park. Nestled along the Missouri River, Ponca features lush forests, dramatic overlooks, and miles of hiking trails. Plus, its nature center gives a great intro to the region’s unique wildlife and geography.
Feeling brave? Try horseback riding through the forested hills—it’s unforgettable.
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge – Where the Sky Feels Endless
📍 South of Valentine, NE (Just a short detour)
Okay, it’s slightly off Highway 12—but it’s worth every mile. This protected area offers wide-open views of Nebraska’s famed Sandhills, dotted with quiet lakes and teeming with birds. It’s peaceful, remote, and strangely spiritual.
Bring your camera. The reflection of clouds on the lakes looks like something out of a dream.
Final Thoughts
The Scenic Byway Nebraska is more than just a road—it’s a soul-stirring journey through history, nature, and small-town wonder. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, ancient fossils, or flaky kolaches, each stop brings a story that’ll stay with you long after the road ends.
Don’t just drive it—experience it. These 6 spots are proof that Nebraska has surprises worth seeing before you die.
