Every year on the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in September, thousands of bargain hunters descend on central Nebraska to find the perfect thing they never knew they always needed. The 300-mile journey is called Nebraska's Junk Jaunt, and it combines the best aspects of yard sales, flea markets, and antique shops.
This scenic road trip traverses central Nebraska, taking you through some of the sweetest small towns you'll ever see.
Don't just stay on the highlighted roads, though - take some little detours to visit the vendors outside and inside the big loop. You might be surprised at what you'll find! Get the official map and guides to the communities along the way here.
There are vendors who have been coming to the event since its very first year, and new vendors join every year. And that means you'll find a huge variety of stuff all along the route.
Junk Jaunt shoppers are just as loyal. For many people, this is their annual vacation. They bring trailers or even rent trucks to bring home their hauls. They come from all across the state and even from other states to find treasures that can't be found anywhere else.
What can you expect to find on this epic shopping journey? A little of everything, it seems.
You'll find antiques, collectibles, salvage items, and artisan crafts. You'll find household items, toys, clothing, farm gear, and great food. Businesses in the towns along the route are happy to offer up their services to visiting shoppers
Besides the deals of a lifetime, the Junk Jaunt offers the opportunity to see some of the state's most beautiful scenery.
The route partially follows both the Sandhills Journey Byway and the Loup Rivers Scenic Byway. The lovely setting is one of the benefits for shoppers - especially those coming from out of state. The scenic routes contradict the notion that Nebraska is flat and boring, increasing tourism long after the Jaunt is over.
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Organizers say that shoppers have come from more than half of the states, bringing with them valuable tourism dollars that benefit communities all year long.
The 2018 Junk Jaunt will take place September 28-30. Get details, maps, the official guide, and more at the Junk Jaunt's website.
If you need an antique fix any other time of the year, check out this huge list of 40 antique shops in Nebraska.
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