U.S. Route 83
Travel Page
Nebraska
The 222 miles of U.S. Route 83 in Nebraska offers travelers some spectacular river valleys the beautiful and unique Sand Hills, North Platte, Nebraska, which this website declares the “Crossroads of America,” and one of the few homes built by architect Frank Lloyd Wright west of the Mississippi. Route 83 is named the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Highway in Nebraska.
The Niobrara River just south of Valentine has been declared a National Scenic River, and it’s not hard to see why. Canoers, tubers and kayakers love the shallow, meandering path of this spring-fed river that cuts through the Sand Hills. Several outfitters in Valentine can rent or arrange trips. Valentine has a variety of hotels and campsites to accommodate those who want to explore this beautiful river valley.
Travel Tip
An access road on the west
side of the valley along 83 will take motorists and bikers to a campground as
well as a legacy bridge that spans the river. This was the original path of the
highway before the new bridge was built. The arched cantilever truss Bryan
Bridge, which spans the river, was named the “Most Beautiful Steel Bridge of
1932 (Class C)” by the Institute of Steel Construction, for compatibility with
its environment. A State Historical marker gives more details. This is also a
great spot to take pictures of the river since it is much closer to the water
than the new bridge.
The Sand Hills
Another beautiful scenic overview is at the Dismal River, just south of Thedford (right). The spring-fed river cuts through high bluffs dotted with pine trees. The “dismal” moniker has nothing to so with its appearance. It was treacherous to cross in the days before the bridge, hence its name. Good Eats
One of the pleasures of traveling down Highway 83 is the unique small businesses one finds along the way. Heavenly Creations in Stapleton, NE sells jellies and syrups using locally picked wild berries such as chokecherries and wild plum. These native fruits were an integral part of the Native American and early settlers’ diets. There’s nothing better than chokecherry syrup on your pancakes or a wild plum sundae. The store sells other Nebraska products as well and has a tea room.
The store is open Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5, except Thursdays, when it is only open 2 to 5.
If Interstate 80 is the
nation’s main east-to-west freeway, and Route 83 is the longest and most
central north-to-south highway, then it can be argued that North Platte is the
“Crossroads of America.”
The Oregon and Mormon Trail
passed by here as it hugged the south side of the Platte River, and later the
Union Pacific Railroad and the Lincoln Highway, the first coast-to-coast
railroad and highway.
At the new Golden Spike
Tower west of town, observers can peer down on the world’s largest trainyard.
It handles some 10,000 railcars per day.
Summer hours are 10 a.m. to
7 p.m., and 1 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m.
to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Hungry and weary travelers
will find a variety of fastfood restaurants and chain motels near the
intersection. Two Nebraska-based eateries have franchises here: Runza Hut and
Valentino’ pizza. Both are worth trying. (a runza for those who don’t know is
Czech dish of ground beef, cabbage and seasonings baked in a bun).
North Platte was the home of
Buffalo Bill Cody, and visitors can drive west for a few miles on Highway 30,
formerly the Lincoln Highway, and visit the Scout’s Rest Ranch, which was built
in 1886 when the showman was world renowned for his Wild West Show. It is now a
Nebraska State Park, and has numerous mementos from his heyday.
Open 9 to 5 in the summer
and 10 to 4 in the offseason.
McCook is another railroad town, and the Amtrak line still passes by here. Route 83 intersects with Highways 34 and 6, which was once a main federal east-to-west highway.
Fans of architect Frank Lloyd Wright will want to take a turn north up George Norris Ave. to the corner of F Street , where the Sutton House sits (left). This prairie–style home was built early in Wright’s career before he became a household name. It is one of the few homes he designed west of the Mississippi that is still standing. It is a private residence, though, and not open to the public.George Norris Street is named after the Nebraska Senator, one of the most powerful lawmakers of his day. His home is one block north of the Sutton House.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Call ahead to confirm opening times. 308-345-8484
Check out the other U.S. Route 83 Travel Pages!
