National Scenic Byway SANDHILLS JOURNEY 272 MILES | 4 HOURS, 30 MIN. The Route: State 2 from Grand Island to Alliance World-class natural wonders await along this rural route. Sand dunes and the Nebraska National Forest rise from the plains. In spring, migrating sandhill cranes fill the sky. By night, the stars put on an incredible show. SANDHILLS JOURNEy NATIONAL SCENIC ByWAy VISITOR CENTER 54 VisitNebraska.com/scenic-byways