SCENIC BYWAYS Scan here for directions 385 GOLD RUSH 158 MILES | 2 HOURS The Route: U.S. 385 between Chadron and Sidney At its peak in the 1870s, more than $200,000 worth of gold (more than $7M today) traveled this historic route daily. Today, U.S. 385 is considered one of the most scenic and historic roads in the nation, with impressive pine-covered buttes, rolling hills and lush river valleys. 4 GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES 1. Stop by the Chadron State College campus and visit Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center to learn about the history of the region, High Plains cattle ranching, Sandoz and her writings. Then, BRANDON DAVENPORT CHADRON ART ALLEY explore the Heritage Gardens, which surround the center, to see the area’s botanical history. 2. On the west side of Chadron’s Main Street, immerse yourself in a walkway of vibrant, colorful murals in the Chadron Art Alley . Discover the creativity of this Northwest Nebraska community as you browse the works of local artists and witness community-wide painting days. Try the Art Alley Scavenger Hunt to see these works and more historical murals around town. 3. Relive the history of the Sandhills region at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center in Alliance, where exhibits delve into the area’s pioneer past, Native American life, railroad heritage and the larger-than-life personalities who settled the area. 4. Two rock formations, Courthouse and Jail Rocks , signaled to pioneers that they were on the right track during a transcontinental journey west. Where the COURTHOUSE AND JAIL ROCKS rocks rise more than 240 feet above Pumpkin Creek in Bridgeport, take advantage of epic views and photo ops. The Official 2025 Nebraska State Travel Guide 45
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2025 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 45
