The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Nebraska That Runs Along The Platte River
By Will Suphan|Published July 02, 2024
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Will Suphan
Author
Will has been living in Arizona off and on for 30+ years in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. He has traveled all over the state as well as having lived all over the Southwest. He's been writing for OnlyInYourState for one year and has previously written for Digital Journal. Will has a passion for travel and writing and combining the two is what he loves most. He loves solo international travel and has been to Thailand, France, Japan, and Cambodia.
There’s something calming and lovely about the rolling plains of Nebraska, especially along the banks of a beautiful river. We may not have towering mountains or verdant rainforests, but we love taking a drive and seeing the open plains that have remained largely unchanged for millennia and that bear so much history. We have a unique beauty in the Cornhusker State. Let’s take a scenic drive through Nebraska that partially follows the Oregon Trail along the North and South Platte Rivers.
We’ll start our journey on a sandy beach in Nebraska. You heard that right! The Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area is a lovely body of water and much of the shoreline is dotted with sandy beaches where people love to fish, swim, paddle around, and enjoy the sun and the water. Plus, it’s a great place to camp. You may wish to head back here at the end of the road trip and set up a tent.
Next up, we head west along the Southe Platte River, taking in the calming views, and then head up to the North Platte River where we’ll have the Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area on one side, and Lake McConaughy on the other. Locals love to fish for rainbow trout here and it’s a lovely site for birding and paddling while taking in the calming scenery.
Now we visit the beautiful Lake McConaughy. It is a popular camping area and there are several campgrounds along its coast. The best of them is Sandy Beach Campground with a beach as good as any coastal region. It attracts kitesurfers, boaters, fishers, and families who just want a wonderful day at the beach. Setting up a bonfire under the stars here is a fantastic experience and reminds us how great Nebraska really is.
Towards the western end of Lake McConaughy is the beautiful Cedar View Campground. It’s usually less crowded than the place we just left and the views are just as splendid. Seeing the sun sparkling on the water surrounded by trees on the shore and the rolling plains beyond is a real treat.
Are you ready for some history? After our wondrous waterside views, we arrive at one of the most important stops along the Oregon Trail, Ash Hollow State Historical Park. While the water is no longer safe to drink, at the time there was pristine and refreshing spring water that was sorely needed after endless dry days. There’s an old schoolhouse here and travelers took refuge in Ash Hollow Cave. The surrounding countryside views are rather spectacular as well.
While it’s part of the park, Windlass Hill deserves its own specific mention as it was the entryway to this area from the east along the Oregon Trail and the covered wagons had to be lowered down the hill by ropes. You can still see ruts in the ground from the wheels. You’ll find an old homestead here and just look at that scenery! The history and beauty of this area is breathtaking.
After journeying through so much beauty and history, we’ll end up at The Most Unlikely Place. This is a bastion of local music, art, and cuisine where local musicians play, local artists hang their art, and locally sourced food is deliciously cooked and served. This little place contains the best of Nebraska and should not be missed!
Have you ever taken a scenic drive through Nebraska along the Platte River? Have you ever been on a part of the Oregon Trail? Let us know your favorite places in the comments. Speaking of road trips in Nebraska, here are 11 more that you’re sure to love:
