10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips From Alliance, Nebraska
If you’re in
Alliance, Nebraska and itching for a short road trip, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can find rugged badlands, towering bluffs, peaceful lakes, and tiny towns with big stories.
To keep things fun, this guide focuses on
out‑of‑county road trips from Alliance (in Box Butte County). We’ll explore the best things to do in nearby counties like
Dawes,
Morrill,
Scotts Bluff,
Sheridan, and
Sioux.
All of these make for easy day trips or simple overnight getaways from Alliance.
1. Hike the Cliffs at Scotts Bluff National Monument (Scotts Bluff County)
Just about 60 miles southwest of Alliance,
Scotts Bluff National Monument feels like a scene from an old Western movie. Massive rock formations rise up from the prairie, and the views go on for miles.
- Drive the scenic Summit Road with its famous tunnels.
- Walk one of the short trails like the Saddle Rock Trail for big views in a small amount of time.
- Stop in the visitor center to learn about the Oregon Trail and pioneer history.
If you’re looking for a classic
panhandle Nebraska road trip, this is the one almost everyone recommends. Pack water, a hat, and good walking shoes—the sun can be strong, even on cooler days.
2. Step Back in Time at Chimney Rock (Morrill County)
About 80 miles south of Alliance near Bayard, you’ll find one of the most iconic landmarks in the state:
Chimney Rock.
This tall spire of rock was a beacon for pioneers heading west. Today, it’s still a powerful sight rising out of the flat plains.
- Visit the Chimney Rock Museum to see artifacts and hear stories from the Oregon Trail days.
- Walk the short paths near the site to get different photo angles.
- Time your visit for sunrise or sunset for the best colors.
If you’ve ever seen old drawings from wagon trail journals, this is the place they were talking about. It’s an easy add‑on to a day that also includes Scotts Bluff.
3. Enjoy River Views and Local Flavor in Scottsbluff & Gering (Scotts Bluff County)
When you’re ready for a mix of nature and small‑city comforts, head to the twin communities of
Scottsbluff and
Gering, about an hour from Alliance.
Here, you can:
- Walk or bike along paths near the North Platte River.
- Visit local coffee shops and diners for a laid‑back meal.
- Browse small downtown shops for locally made items and souvenirs.
This is a good road trip when you want something a little more “urban” without dealing with big‑city traffic. You can combine this stop with Scotts Bluff National Monument in the same day.
4. Explore the Campus & Culture in Chadron (Dawes County)
Head about 55 miles north of Alliance and you’ll reach
Chadron, a friendly college town anchored by
Chadron State College.
While it’s not a huge city, there’s a lot to do for a relaxed day trip:
- Stroll around the Chadron State College campus and enjoy the open, green spaces.
- Stop by local cafés for coffee and baked goods.
- Drop into small town shops and antique stores downtown.
Because it’s a college town, Chadron often has events, games, and performances, especially during the school year. It’s a fun change of pace from quiet country roads.
5. Hike and Camp at Chadron State Park (Dawes County)
A few miles south of Chadron sits
Chadron State Park, Nebraska’s oldest state park—and one of the most scenic in the region.
If you’re craving fresh air and pine trees:
- Try one of the park’s hiking or biking trails through the forested hills.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy mountain‑style scenery without leaving Nebraska.
- Consider renting a cabin or booking a campsite for a simple overnight escape.
On a clear day, it’s easy to forget you’re in Nebraska at all. The rolling, Ponderosa‑covered hills are a big contrast to the open prairie around Alliance.
6. Lose Yourself in the Badlands at Toadstool Geologic Park (Sioux County)
If you’re in the mood for something truly different, drive about 60–70 miles northwest of Alliance to
Toadstool Geologic Park in Sioux County.
The landscape here looks almost like the moon:
- Strange rock “toadstools” and layered badlands create a surreal scene.
- Short hiking loops lead you through formations and past fossil beds.
- There are primitive campsites if you want to stay and stargaze.
The gravel roads can be rough when wet, so check the weather before you go. But when conditions are good, it’s one of the most unforgettable
day trips from Alliance, NE.
7. Spot Wildlife in the Oglala National Grassland (Sioux & Dawes Counties)
Stretching across parts of Sioux and Dawes Counties, the
Oglala National Grassland offers wide‑open spaces and quiet, empty roads—perfect when you just need to breathe.
On this kind of road trip, the drive is part of the adventure:
- Roll down the windows and enjoy miles of unbroken prairie and big sky.
- Watch for pronghorn, deer, coyotes, and countless birds.
- Stop for photos whenever you see an old windmill or weathered barn.
This is the kind of drive where you might not see another car for a while—and that’s part of the magic.
8. Fish, Boat, or Relax at Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area (Morrill County)
Even though the name says “Box Butte,” the main recreation area is actually in nearby
Morrill County, making it a great out‑of‑county getaway from Alliance.
If you enjoy the water, this is your spot:
- Fish for walleye, bass, and other species.
- Bring a small boat or kayak and explore the shoreline.
- Set up a picnic and let the kids skip rocks along the water.
On a hot summer day, this is an easy, low‑stress road trip where you can be sitting by the water in under an hour.
9. Discover Small‑Town Life in Gordon & Rushville (Sheridan County)
A little over an hour northeast of Alliance, you’ll find the
Sheridan County communities of
Gordon and
Rushville—classic small Nebraska towns.
They’re perfect for a slower‑paced day trip:
- Walk the quiet main streets and admire historic brick buildings.
- Stop for burgers, pie, or a milkshake at a local diner.
- Chat with locals—you’ll often get tips on hidden fishing spots or backroad drives.
If you grew up in a small town, this trip might feel a bit nostalgic. If you didn’t, it’s a gentle peek into rural Great Plains life.
10. Drive the Scenic Backroads Near Harrison (Sioux County)
Near the Wyoming border, about 90 miles northwest of Alliance, you’ll reach
Harrison, one of Nebraska’s smallest and most remote communities.
The town itself is tiny, but the nearby backroads are full of character:
- Take a lazy drive through rolling hills and cattle country.
- Stop at roadside pullouts for photos of the rugged landscape.
- Visit local spots (when open) for a simple meal and a friendly chat.
If you like the feeling of being “away from it all,” this is one of the best
road trips from Alliance, Nebraska you can take.
Tips for Road Tripping From Alliance, NE
To make the most of your day trips from Alliance:
- Fuel up early: Some stretches have long gaps between gas stations.
- Bring snacks and water: Especially if you’re heading to remote areas like Toadstool or the grasslands.
- Check the weather and road conditions: Gravel and dirt roads can get rough after rain.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, wind and sudden cooldowns are common.
A simple cooler, a paper map (just in case cell service drops), and a full tank of gas go a long way out here.
Final Thoughts: Adventure Is Closer Than You Think
You don’t have to leave western Nebraska—or even go very far from Alliance—to find new places to explore. From dramatic rock formations and historic trails to peaceful lakes and small‑town cafés, these
short out‑of‑county road trips open up a whole new side of the region.
If you’re planning a trip to Alliance, or you already live there and want new ideas for weekend drives, these 10 spots are a great place to start.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Alliance
Have you taken any of these road trips from Alliance, Nebraska? Did I miss a hidden gem in Dawes, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, or Sioux County?
- Share your favorite stops and stories in the comments.
- Pass this guide along to friends or family planning a western Nebraska visit.
Your tips can help other travelers discover the best things to do near Alliance—so don’t be shy about sharing!
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