Attractions in Scotts Bluff County

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Chimney Rock was the most noted landmark in all the pioneer’s diaries on the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails. The Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, a hands-on opportunity to “pack your wagon,” and a video presentation that tells the story of the great migration West.

Did you know…

Type: 
National Historic Site
Area: 
Bayard

Farm And Ranch Museum

Devoted to the preservation and interpretation of early methods of agriculture in the North Platte Valley. Antique farm equipment from horse-drawn, to steam engines, to early tractors are on display.

Did you know…

The FARM (Farm And Ranch Museum) has a living history “Harvest Days” in September of every year.

Type: 
Museum
Area: 
Gering

Fort Mitchell and Pony Express Station

A monument on the left to Pony Express riders and a marker on the right identifying Fort Mitchell’s northwest corner sit to the west of the intersection of Highway 92 and Hunt Dairy Road. Mitchell Pass and the City of Mitchell derive their names from the cavalry-era fort, built in 1864. Today, no trace of the fort remains.

Type: 
Attraction
Area: 
Scottsbluff

Fossil Freeway

The Fossil Freeway is a one-of-a-kind highway corridor between Nebraska’s Panhandle and The Black Hills in South Dakota where one will experience the wonders of our rich fossil history. Step back in time as you visit many exceptional sites along this route, which exhibit rare and remarkable treasures from our prehistoric past.

Type: 
Attraction
Area: 
Entire Area

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area

If being indoors during the winter has got you itching for a chance to play in the water, Lake Minatare State Recreation Area won’t let you down.

Type: 
Attraction
RV and Camping
State Recreation Area
Area: 
Minatare

North Platte Valley Museum

North Platte Valley Museum Authentic Sod house; Log house; Period furniture; Indian and fur trade exhibits; Restored 1919 Patriot truck; Bull boat; School room; General store; Cowboy exhibits; Clothing, tools, and furniture used by early settlers; Children’s “Hands-on” corner; And much more!

Type: 
Museum
Area: 
Gering

Rebecca Winters Grave

Just off Highway 26 east of Scottsbluff sits a shaded grave, surrounded by protective green trees. You might wonder the story of that gravesite. Who is in it? Why is it so significant? An educational historical marker will tell you that the grave belongs to Rebecca Winters, one of the few people to be buried in a marked grave along the Mormon Trail.

Type: 
Attraction
Area: 
Scottsbluff

Riverside Discovery Center

Riverside Discovery Center - Riverside’s 22 acre zoo features a diverse collection of both native and exotic wildlife exhibits providing an up close encounter in a lush park setting in Scottsbluff. Includes chimpanzees, monkeys, birds, eagles, zebra, buffalo, lions, tigers, reptiles and much more. See website below.

Type: 
Attraction
Area: 
Scottsbluff

Robidoux Pass National Historic Landmark and Trading Post

Robidoux Pass was a significant landmark on the Oregon Trail. In 1848, an Indian trader named Robidoux established a trading post near this natural landmark on the old Oregon Trail. In 1850, a shorter route was opened through Mitchell Pass, just south of the monument itself and much closer to the Platte River and eliminated the eight-mile swing south.

Type: 
National Historic Site
Area: 
Gering

Scotts Bluff National Monument

In 1828, a fur trapper by the name of Hiram Scott was wounded and deserted by his companions. He gained a certain immortality by making his way to a magnificent formation of bluffs along the North Platte River before succumbing to his wounds. It was for Hiram Scott that Scotts Bluff National Monument, Scotts Bluff County, and the city of Scottsbluff have been named.

Type: 
National Monument
Area: 
Gering

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, Nature Center and wildlife reserve encompass 1,094 acres of rugged rock buttes and pine-clad canyons south of Gering.  Geared primarily for day-use, the recreation area overlooks the North Platte River Valley and historic Scotts Bluff National Monument looms to the northwest.

Type: 
RV and Camping
State Recreation Area
Area: 
Gering