At its peak in the 1870s, more than $200,000 worth of gold (more than $7 million 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.
From Chadron: 40 miles south on US-385, west on NE-L7E to Hemingford
20 miles south on NE-2, south on US-385 to Alliance
37 miles south on US-385 to Bridgeport • 42 miles south on US-385 to Sidney
Explore the Heritage Gardens, which surround the center, to see the area’s botanical history.
Its variable terrain offers hikers and bikers of all levels a spot to get outside and enjoy Nebraska’s wildlands.
As part of the inaugural Carhenge Arts Festival in 2025, the Alliance Creative District invited internationally known muralists to paint some of the cars.
This turn-of-the-century Western town includes homesteader and bootlegger cabins, a mercantile, post office and more.
Exhibits delve into the area’s pioneer past, Native American life, railroad heritage and the larger-than-life personalities who settled the area.
Where the rocks rise more than 240 feet above Pumpkin Creek in Bridgeport, take advantage of epic views and photo ops.
Discover the oldest building in town when you visit Camp Lookout, an 1867 outpost that once housed soldiers tasked with protecting Union Pacific Railroad workers.
Discover Sidney’s wild Old West past by visiting the Sidney Boot Hill Cemetery.
Browse 85,000 square feet of taxidermy, boats, an extensive gun library and all sorts of outdoor supplies at the original Cabela’s.
Stroll downtown Sidney, a Main Street community on the National Historic Register.
Chadron Area Aquatic and Wellness Center offers splash park fun year-round. This indoor facility features water slides, dump buckets, a splash pad and a zero-entry pool.
Plan an outdoor weekend full of fishing, boating and birding at Walgren Lake State Recreation Area. While here, keep those eyes peeled for the mythic Walgren Lake Monster.
How about a hunting trip? Rocking Heart Elk Ranch offers elk, deer and turkey hunting packages in the Pine Ridge of Northwest Nebraska.
Discover the source of residents’ early livelihood at the Museum of the Fur Trade.
Cozy up with espresso drinks, cocktails and delicious food at Bean Broker Coffee House & Pub.
Overnight at the Old Main Street Inn, a bed & breakfast and saloon listed on the National Register of Historic Places that some believe to be haunted.
