Lincoln Highway in Nebraska

Lincoln Highway Monument in Elkhorn
Photo by C.N. Plummer

The Lincoln Highway entered Nebraska from the east on a bridge which stood one block south of the current I-480 bridge. For a detailed description of the route, refer to Gregory Franzwa’s book (see For More Information below).

To follow much of the original route (directions assuming you are traveling westbound):

Exit I-480 at Dodge Street and follow it west. It later becomes Dodge Road.
2.5 miles west of Boy’s Town, turn right at the Lincoln Highway sign and drive on the original bricks laid down in 1920.
At Elkhorn, take NE 64 west to U.S. 275 northwest to Fremont.
From there, take U.S. 30 west through Columbus, Grand Island, and Kearney. Along the way, watch for many Lincoln Highway-era canopy gas stations and other period architecture.
Continuing west, old bridge abutments still stand at Overton, but you will need Franzwa’s instructions to follow the historic Gothenburg Stairsteps south of the Platte River.
Continue west on U.S. 30 to North Platte, Ogallala, and Sidney. The Lincoln Highway continues west, entering Wyoming at Pine Bluffs.