April 5th is National Nebraska Day—a day to celebrate the heritage, people, and landscapes of the Cornhusker State. And what better way to experience Nebraska than driving the iconic Route 6, a historic highway that winds through charming small towns, wide open plains, and hidden gems?
Whether you’ve only got a day or you’re up for a weekend getaway, here are two travel itineraries to help you celebrate. Let’s hit the road!
️ One-Day Route 6 Itinerary: “Snapshot Adventure”
Route: Hastings ➜ Minden ➜ Holdrege ➜ Kearney
Morning – Start in Hastings
- ☕ Grab breakfast at Back Alley Bakery
- Visit the Kool-Aid Discover Center in the Hastings Museum
Midday – Explore Minden
- ️ Tour Pioneer Village – over 50,000 Americana items!
- Picnic at Chautauqua Park or grab a bite in town
Afternoon – Route to Kearney
- ️Quick stroll through Holdrege for shopping & photo ops
- In Holdrege, explore the Nebraska Prairie Museum
- Walk the Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney
Evening
- If it’s crane season, head to Rowe Sanctuary in Minden
- ️ Dinner at The Alley Rose or Angus Burgers & Shakes
Weekend Route 6 Itinerary: “Full-Flavor Getaway”
Route: McCook ➜ Cambridge ➜ Holdrege ➜ Minden ➜ Hastings ➜ Lincoln (optional)
Day 1 – Western Wonders
- ️ Start in McCook: visit the Senator Norris House
- ️ Drive scenic Route 6 to Cambridge and Arapahoe
- Stay overnight in Holdrege, explore the Nebraska Prairie Museum
Day 2 – Eastern Stretch
- Head to Minden for Pioneer Village
- Stop in Hastings for the Kool-Aid Museum
- ️ Optional: detour to Lincoln for parks & the State Capitol
Bonus Nebraska Day Activities Along Route 6
- Snap murals and roadside art
- Scatter native wildflower seeds (with permission!)
- Start a travel photo challenge (#Route6Nebraska)
- ️ Support small-town shops and artisans
- ️ Record a mini podcast or vlog from each town
Final Thoughts
Nebraska is more than just cornfields—though let’s be honest, we love those too. Route 6 is a thread through the heart of the state, and National Nebraska Day is the perfect reason to explore it.
Whether you’re a solo road warrior, a family on a mission, or a couple looking for a unique weekend escape, this highway has something for you.