SCENIC BYWAYS Miles 197 The Route US 20 between the Wyoming border and Valentine Fossils 1 2 Crawford 385 20 3 BRIDGES TO BUTTES SCENIC BYWAY From the high bridges of Valentine to the high plains near the Wyoming border, this route takes you through rolling Sandhills in the east, wild prairies in the northern panhandle and two wonders in the west: Toadstool Geologic Park and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. r Rive brar a Nio 61 4 97 Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center, Crawford 4 GEMS WORTH A STOP 1. Stay overnight in the historic Harrison House Hotel in Harrison, built in 1886 by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. With vintage details and period charm, this independently owned bed-and-breakfast gives guests a cozy yesteryear vibe. 2. Visit a modern archaeological excava-tion site at Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center in Crawford, the site of the largest extinct bison bonebed in the world. 3. Get a glimpse into Nebraska ranch life at Bowring Ranch State Historical Park near Merriman. The site’s Eve Bowring Visitor Center interprets ranching, homesteading, geology, wildlife and other topics related to the Sandhills and the Bowring family. 4. Enjoy 3,000 acres of sparkling water in the midst of the Sandhills at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine. The area is open year-round, though summer is most popular for boating, fi shing and watersports. SMALL STOP TOWN GORDON Known for its rich pioneer history and outdoor recreation, Gordon offers a peek into the past, as well as a look into modern-day small-town living on the plains. You’ll fi nd everything from cowboy culture to excellent hunting, fi sh-ing and golfi ng opportunities. DO – Watch livestock shows, rodeos and live music perfor-mances at the Sheridan County Fair & Rodeo . DO – Catch live music at Benny’s , a family-owned restaurant open daily. DO – Visit the Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Memorial Museum to explore old ranching tools, an early chuck wagon and cowboy artifacts dating back to the 1880s. EAT – Pull up to the window at the mainstay Covered Wagon Drive Inn to order burgers, fries and shakes on-the-go. 40 VisitNebraska.com CREDIT: RICK NEIBEL
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 40
