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Scotts Bluff County, Scottsbluff, NE

Photo: Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingLocal GemHistory Buff

Scotts Bluff County

· Scottsbluff, NE

Why you should go…

Scotts Bluff County sits in the Nebraska Panhandle around the twin cities of Scottsbluff and Gering. It is home to Scotts Bluff National Monument, an 800-foot bluff that served as a landmark for Oregon, California and Mormon Trail travelers, and to the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area with its nature center and hiking. The county also includes the Riverside Discovery Center zoo and a summertime farmers market and locally owned shops downtown.

  • #history
  • #hiking
  • #trail
  • #monument
  • #scenic drive

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Scotts Bluff County, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Scotts Bluff Area

    Free

    Visitor bureau for the Scottsbluff and Gering area of the Nebraska Panhandle, home to Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock.

    2.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Chimney Rock National Historic Site

    Under $25

    See the rock spire that guided Oregon Trail emigrants and tour the museum about their journey west.

    20 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Fort Laramie National Historic Site

    Free

    Walk the parade ground of a fur trade post turned Army fort and step inside restored buildings like Old Bedlam.

    50 mi awayMore like this