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After passing the Chimney Rock formation, the westbound settlers came upon another key part of the journey. Scotts Bluff itself rises over the town carrying its name. The wagons would go through a pass between the bluffs in order to avoid the large obstacle. The name of the bluffs comes from one of the settlers who was left here to die.
This very scenic area has a visitor center full of exhibits as well as an auditorium to watch a film. There is also a trail and a road to the top of the bluffs. In winter, I had to wait for the road to be safely plowed before driving up to the top. At the top is a commanding view of this area. You can even see Chimney Rock in the distance. There is a chance of spotting wildlife in this area. Hiking would probably be nice in better times of the year.
If you are coming out to see this area, I also recommend driving to Fort Laramie in Eastern Wyoming since it is not too far.
Written Jan 7, 2005
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This needlelike rock formation wa a key focal point for travellers going west in the 19th Century. Many journals describe the rock formation and the joy of seeing it, because they knew that they had covered a certain distance. Over the years, the height of the needle has diminished due to erosion. However, it is very impressive and will continue to remain here for a while.
To reach Chimney Rock, you must drive east from Scottsbluff on Highway 92. There is a visitor center here. Inside are exhibits relating to the pioneer days. Kids would enjoy the "pack your own wagon" exhibit which demonstrates how storage space was at a premium inside the wagon.
Written Jan 7, 2005
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You should visit the Oregon Trail sites. Scottsbluff/Gering is a major landmark on the Oregon Trail. There was at one time a Pony Express station near Bayard, which is 10 minutes away. Chimney Rock is also in Bayard. There's a new welcome center there that I have never been there, since it was built after we moved away. I hear it's really good, though.
In the wildcat hills, there is also a new welcome center. There are hiking trails nearby, and that is a beautiful area, especially in the fall. Also, there's the museum at Scotts Bluff National MOnument(the first picture on the page)that explains the fur traders' involvement with the Oregon Trail, and also just the general area's development(It was named after fur trader Hiram Scott, who died there, thus the name Scott's bluff). It's very interesting. And I think you can also get a ride up to the top of the bluff in a ferry. I haven't been there in a while.
Everything's very historic. The whole area. Whether you're interested in the migration in the 1800s(Oregon-California Trail/Mormon Trail), WWII history(there were 2 prison camps nearby-1 by the airport and one at Fort Robinson in Crawford(or is it Chadron?)), fur traders/explorers, etc, there is something there for you.
Written Oct 4, 2002
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There are many restaurants in the area. I'll try to review several later. For starters, a good web link to try is: www.visitscottsbluff.com/ That should let you see what is available in a general sense. They also have links for attractions, lodging, etc. Enjoy!
Written Jul 29, 2006
There are no restaurants directly at Scottsbluff National Monument. Just some vending machines at the visitor center. The closest restaurants are in the city of Scottsbluff about three miles away from the monument.
Written Oct 4, 2002
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Since this is out of the way, the most likely way to get here is by car. I rented a car from Denver and gradually worked my way through there going through Cheyenne, Panorama Point, and then into Scottsbluff. Going back to Denver, I went into Wyoming to see Ft. Laramie before driving back south to Colorado. Scottsbluff is not too far from I-80 if you are making a cross country trip. You would make the turnoff in Kimball, NE and enter some very scenic country on your way here. Watch for the Wildcat Hills on the way.
If Scottsbluff alone is your interest for a trip, there is a small airport here. Flights come and go between Denver, CO. and you can rent a car at the airport.
Written Jan 7, 2005
Western Nebraska is a pretty rural place and as such people here tend to be friendly and informal. Don't be surprised when people give you a little wave when driving past you in the opposite direction. No, they don't necessarilly think they know you, that's just a common courtesy here. Some variations are the "one finger wave" (no, not that one!) and the "head nod". Feel free to wave back.
Written Jul 29, 2006
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This is to the southwest of Scottsbluff and almost to the tristate border with Colorado and Wyoming. If you are travelling in the Interstate 80 region and want to do something a little different, this could be an option. Panorama Point is the highest elevation in the state. It is even higher than the rock formations around Scottsbluff. Most likely, this will appeal to the "highpointers", whose goal is to reach the highest elevation of each state. Panorama Point is simply an area of endless prairie. The tourist info area in Kimball, NE can give very good instructions concerning how to approach this place. The owner of the land requests a small donation in order to drive up the path to the point. There is a "summit" register to sign in and prove you were there. Nearby is a buffalo ranch, so there could be a chance of seeing these animals.
Written Jan 7, 2005
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The Wildcat Hills. These are (I believe) south of Scottsbluff/Gering. They are so beautiful. More information later . . .
Written Oct 4, 2002
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This is not too far away, but if you're into paleontology or just history of any kind, visit Agate Fossil Beds north of Scottsbluff/Gering. It is a National Park, I think. So check out www.nps.gov for more information. This is the Harold Cook Homestead which is located there.
Written Oct 4, 2002
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Western Nebraska tends to be one of America's forgotten corners as many people tend to stick to the interstates and head further west to explore this country. The Scottsbluff area itself is an a...
kim83_50158's Scottsbluff Page
I lived here also! This is one side of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Scottsbluff and Gering are behind it(back to the right). I have so many stories about this place. At first, it seems kinda in the...
Kai's Scottsbluff National Monument Page
Scottsbluff National Monument is located in western Nebraska. About half an hour east of Wyoming. The monument consists of a mountain with a flat top. It´s interesting to hike up to the top. In the......
I moved to Scottsbluff back in 1998 and lived there for about a year before moving back to Georgia. I was the store manager at Papa John's Pizza for my entire time there in Nebraska.
If you want to feel like a pioneer on the Oregon trail, Scottsbluff is the perfect place! You just realize how hard it must have been for early settlers to walk through these huge cliffs.
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