Location: Central Nebraska Length: 141 miles (226.9 km) Time To Allow: 3.5 to 4 hours Description/Highlights/Points of Interest The Loup Rivers Scenic Byway gains its name from the meandering North Loup, Middle Loup and South Loup Rivers through Central Nebraska. From the pristine, rolling farmland, red barns and silos to the silent solitude of the Sandhills, this byway is truly a treat for the eyes, mind and soul. Small towns, scenic beauty, local events and artisans, military history and friendly people provide unexpected treasures in a truly stress-free environment. At the western edge of the Loup Rivers Scenic Byway, the Nebraska National Forest, the largest hand-planted forest in the country, sits quietly in the midst of grass-covered sand dunes. Suggested Itinerary Heading east to west along the Loup Rivers Scenic Byway, you'll pass the Crane Meadows Nature Center, six miles (10 km) west of Grand Island on I-80 (exit 305 to Alda). This state-of-the-art interpretive center is surrounded by nearly 250 acres (100 hectares) of prime river habitat with wetlands, woodlands, prairie land and hiking trails. The seven miles (11 km) of hiking trails provide public access to the center's prairie, forest and wetland habitats. The spacious Interpretive Center houses exhibits on cranes, waterfowl, wetlands and more. Also, don't miss one of the wonders of the natural world as nearly 500,000 sandhill cranes gather each year from late February through early April along the Platte River Valley. The Sandhills is a 19,000 square mile (49,400 sq. km) area of grass-stabilized sand dunes that sit atop the Ogallala Aquifer. This area, which is the largest of its kind in the world, is renowned for its gentle rivers meandering through pine-studded canyons, waterfalls and an endless ocean of prairie grasses alongside America's largest hand-planted forest. The Sandhills are also known for cattle ranches of gigantic proportions that are better comprehended from the air than the ground, wildlife refuges dedicated to protecting and preserving the Sandhills wildlife. Up-close views of ranching, cowboys, Native American history, wildlife viewing opportunities, cowboy poetry, story telling and art await the visitor to this quiet and seemingly undisturbed region. Experience the spectacular beauty of the North Loup River Valley on top of Happy Jack Peak in Scotia. Then go underground to visit the 6,000 feet (1,800 m) of honeycombed caverns at the Happy Jack Chalk Mine. Open since 1877, this is the only publicly accessible room and pillar mine in North America. When you walk through the portal entrance of the mine, you are walking back in time. You'll see the fossilized remains of tiny sea creatures, which make up the cave's sediments and are all that remains of the giant inland sea that once covered this area. Hiking, picnicking, wildlife and plant viewing are some of the outdoor experiences you'll find here. The mine is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Three miles (5 km) northeast of Comstock, in Ord, is the 2nd Wind Ranch. The ranch has a beautiful collection of 36 standing windmills. In the dry sandhills, where water had to be pumped in, the windmill was just as important in settling the West as the gun itself. The Dowse Sod House in Comstock is an original "soddy" and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Furnished with period pieces and even the original plow, which cut the soil. Guided tours available year-round by pre-arrangement. Just outside Burwell is the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area, which offers 5,000 acres for fishing, boating and swimming. Sand beaches, two modern campgrounds, two primitive campgrounds, fish hatchery and visitor center are located here. South of Burwell in Elyria is Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, a restored 1870 plains infantry post where living history and guides in period uniforms on holidays and Sundays. Head two miles (3.2 km) west of Halsey on Highway 2, and turn south on Spur 86-B. The Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest encompasses 90,444 acres (36,178 hectares) of gently rolling sandhills interspersed with 20,000 acres (8,000 hectares) of man-planted tress. This is the largest hand-planted forest in the United States and is a favorite for camping, hiking and picnicking. Visit the rangers' lookout tower for a panoramic view. For additional information about this byway, contact: Crane Meadows Nature Center