Platte River Scenic Trails

State: Nebraska
Length: 87.0 mi / 140.0 km
Time to Allow: 2 hours

As the old Lincoln Highway, this historic route was the first transcontinental highway and forefather of the modern Interstate system. Over 90 years ago, Highway 30 or the Lincoln Highway was completed, stretching from New York to San Francisco. This engineering feat was named in memory of President Lincoln.

The Platte River Scenic Trails also gains its name from the many east-west trails that crossed, or currently cross through this area. Since the 1800s, the Great Platte River Road, as the valley of the Platte River is affectionately known, has carried millions of people along this important transportation route. The convergence of the Oregon and Mormon Trails, Pony Express routes, Union Pacific railway, and the Lincoln Highway bring import and history to this area.

As you travel down this byway you'll cross over the 100th Meridian, the official line where the hot and humid east cedes to the arid and dry west. In other words, "where the West begins." Communities along the Platte River Scenic Trails proudly display fine arts and crafts; and local, historical museums depict the area's colorful military and Native American history. In The Ladder of Rivers, Western writer, Harry Chrisman, portrays the time the first cattle were introduced to the area in the 1800s. Conflicts over the fencing of prairie land and a lynching followed.

Interesting sites along this byway include the home of Buffalo Bill Cody, the world's largest railroad freight yard-the Union Pacific Bailey Yards, and a restored Pony Express station. The North Platte Canteen served millions of servicemen on the trains that stopped here during World War II, as depicted in a book by Bob Greene.

So, get off the interstate and follow in the footsteps made on this historic trail.