The Heritage Byway provides travelers with history, culture, nature and recreation

By Rosie Stockton

The Heritage Byway is one of nine scenic byways that criss-cross the state of Nebraska. The Heritage Byway was designated as a Scenic Byway by Governor Mike Johanns in 1999. The Scenic Byways Program provides for the designation of roads that have outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and archaeological qualities. Nebraska’s scenic byways pass through some of the most enjoyable and intriguing landscapes in the state. Nebraska has a variety of natural scenery, recreational and archeological areas, historical sites and cultural opportunities. The definition of “scenic” reaches beyond breathtaking vistas. Byways represent the depth and breadth of scenery in Nebraska and across America—natural and man-made panoramas; electrifying neon landscapes; ancient and modern history coming alive; native arts and culture; and scenes of friends, families and strangers sharing their stories. The byways are the gateway to the heart and soul of a state. Slow the pace down as you travel the byway; understand and know that no two experiences along the byway will be the same.

There are so many activities, festivals, shopping areas, restaurants, museums and recreation. There are RV parks that let you stay one night free. There are city parks with walking trails and swimming pools. There are historical sites, pristine prairies and wildlife to watch. All of these things take place along 238 miles of the Heritage Byway, Nebraska State Highway 136 from the Missouri River at Brownville to Edison as it parallels the Nebraska/Kansas border.

Farmers’ markets start in June with produce fresh from the earth. Fourth of July celebrations bring folks from miles around, a time of Americana. County fairs begin in July. According to Webster’s dictionary, “a fair is usually held annually at a set location in a county especially to exhibit local agricultural products and livestock.” It’s also a place where handiwork is proudly displayed and children are encouraged to reach for excellence in the achievement of their goals. However, a fair is much more; it is a social gathering, an exciting exotic event that happens only once a year, where communities pull together to create a successful event reminding them of what Rural America is still all about. But an event that people would love to have you share with them as you travel along our Heritage Byway. For a current list of events along the Heritage Byway, go to http://heritagehighway136.com/events.php.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

Delicious  •   Digg  •   StumbleUpon  •   Facebook  •   Yahoo