Location: Western Nebraska beginning in the panhandle heading southeast to Grand Island in the central part of the state Length: 272 miles (437.7 km) Time To Allow: 5 hours Description/Highlights/Points of Interest Deemed one of the ten most scenic roads in the country, Sandhills Journey will take you through some of the most remote and beautiful countryside you'll ever come across from the largely metropolitan area of Grand Island to Alliance at the byway's western edge. On the eastern end of the byway, the city of Grand Island was dubbed by Forbes FYI magazine, "the Number ONE place in the world for bird-watchers." Each year, Nebraska's central Platte River Valley comes alive with the spectacular sights and sounds of migrating sandhill cranes. The largest such gathering of cranes in the world — some half million — it is a phenomenal experience to see each spring. In the west, the Nebraska Sandhills, 19,000 square miles of sand dunes tentatively covered with grass, are the largest sand dune formations in the Western Hemisphere. The Ogallala Aquifer, the world's largest underground water supply, underlies much of the state. In the midst of this "desert" is the largest hand-planted forest in the country, the Nebraska National Forest, which sits above the dunes and Dismal River. Traverse into one of the most unspoiled and beautiful landscapes found anywhere in America — where cattle, fence posts and windmills are the skyline. Cattle and buffalo outnumber people here and hunters, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts are drawn to this pristine area where water sports and outdoor recreation abound. Suggested Itinerary Traveling east to west along the Sandhills Byway, consider stopping by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce to pick up a self-guided audiotape tour, read by Roger Welsh. This audiotape will guide you along scenic Highway 2, pointing out interesting tidbits, scenic landscapes, little known facts, community histories and native wildlife throughout your journey down one of Nebraska's most beautiful highways. Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Grand Island offers outstanding camping, swimming and fishing on picturesque lake. A park entry permit is required. Also in Grand Island is Fonner Park, Central Nebraska's entertainment destination. A year-around facility, the park is host to a number of events, shows and much more. The heart of Fonner Park is the live thoroughbred race meet, which runs from mid-February through mid-May. During the live meet, many events such as craft shows family activities, recreational shows, and giveaways along with special races highlight the season. Simulcast horse racing and other events take place at Fonner Park throughout the year. Heralded as the best water park between Denver and Des Moines, Island Oasis has four massive slides, two open slides, one translucent tube slide and one solid tube slide. Other features include a wave pool, lazy river, sand volleyball, full concessions, children's play area and more! The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island provides ever-changing exhibits and collections that tell the story of Native Americans, Old West and pioneer life. From May through October, you can also experience living history in Stuhr's 1890s Railroad Town and pioneer cabins. This museum has been named one of the top ten living history museums in the United States. Six miles (10 km) west of Grand Island on I-80 is Crane Meadows Nature Center, a state-of-the-art interpretive center 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. Seven miles (11 km) east of Anselmo is the Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, which recalls the days when spas and mineral springs were in vogue. Visitors will find a soothing atmosphere amid a peaceful setting. Rustic cabins, fishing, paddle boats, camping and hiking. A park entry permit is required. 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 Unites States and is a favorite for camping, hiking and picnicking. Visit the rangers' lookout tower for a panoramic view. Located in southern Sheridan County along Highway 2 you can find what remains of the 'Wartime Boom Child' of World War I, the Potash Ghost Towns. These remains consisting of concrete, brick and steel structures are all that is left of an industry that grew out of the need for fertilizer when cheap German potash was cut off during World War I. These ghost structures can be found at Lakeside, Antioch and a railroad siding named Hoffland. Carnegie Arts Center-Alliance In historic downtown Alliance, Nebraska, the Carnegie Arts Center offers exceptional interpretations of the heritage and ethnic cultures of Western Nebraska. Exhibits focus on visual arts and literary contributions from Nebraska artists. Exhibits change monthly. For more information about this byway, contact: Crane Meadows Nature Center Fonner Park-Grand Island Grand Island/Hall County Convention & Visitors Bureau Potash Ghost Towns and www.ci.gordon.ne.us Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer