Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff National Monument
Image credit: picture by Ken Lund licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in the western part of Nebraska. It encompasses a prominent bluff that rises over 800 feet above the North Platte River and the surrounding plains. The monument is a natural landmark and holds great historical significance.

The area around Scotts Bluff has been inhabited by various Native American tribes for thousands of years. In the early 19th century, the bluff became a landmark for fur trappers and pioneers traveling along the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Pioneer Trail. It provided a navigational point and a landmark that signaled their progress across the vast plains.

The bluff was named after Hiram Scott, a fur trader who died near the monument in 1828. His death and subsequent burial near the bluff added to its significance and contributed to its name. However, it is important to note that Scott is not actually buried there.

Scotts Bluff National Monument offers several activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. One of the main highlights is the Summit Road, which provides visitors with a breathtaking scenic drive to the top of the bluff. From there, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape can be admired. Hiking trails are also available, allowing visitors to explore the monument's unique natural features up close.

The Visitor Center at Scotts Bluff provides valuable information on the history, geology, and wildlife of the area. Exhibits and films further enhance the visitor's understanding of the monument. Ranger-led programs and guided tours are also offered, providing a deeper insight into the historical significance of the bluff and the trails that passed through the region.

For those interested in exploring the surrounding area, nearby attractions include the Chimney Rock National Historic Site, which was another prominent landmark on the Oregon Trail. Additionally, visitors can explore the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, which offers outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Scotts Bluff National Monument stands as a testament to the significant role it played in America's westward expansion. Its unique geological features, coupled with its historical significance, make it a popular destination for those seeking to explore the rich heritage of the western frontier.

Location

Scotts Bluff National Monument is situated in the western part of Nebraska, providing a captivating landscape that showcases the state's stunning natural beauty. Nestled in the North Platte Valley, the monument stands majestically along the southern edge of the Nebraska panhandle, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding area. Its towering cliffs and distinctive rock formations dominate the skyline, rising dramatically above the prairies and plains that stretch out endlessly. This prominent landmark is just north of the city of Scottsbluff, and its strategic placement near the convergence of several major trails, including the Oregon Trail, made it a significant point in American history.

Address & Contact

190276 Old Oregon Trail
Gering, NE 69341
Driving Directions
Phone: 3084369700
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Scotts Bluff National Monument is during the months of September and October. During this period, the average maximum temperature ranges from 63°F to 79°F, making it pleasant for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperature is between 48°F and 34°F, providing comfortable conditions for exploring the monument. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is around 1.1 inches, reducing the chances of heavy rainfall. These months strike a balance between enjoyable weather and moderate visitor counts, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

Things to do and learn in Scotts Bluff National Monument

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Scotts Bluff National Monument are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Living History Cultural Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Scotts Bluff National Monument: Animals Birds Geology Arts Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Painting Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Grasslands Scenic Views Forts Monuments and Memorials Prairies Great Depression

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center

Located just steps away from the route of the Oregon, California, and Pony Express Trails; the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center features exhibits, a theater, and restroom facilities. The visitor center is located in the Mountain Time Zone.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Scotts Bluff National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Scotts Bluff National Monument

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Quality Inn

A stay at Quality Inn places you in the heart of Scottsbluff, within a 5-minute drive of Central Park and West Nebraska Arts Center. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1902 21st Ave., Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsbluff-Gering, an IHG Ho

Located in Scottsbluff, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsbluff-Gering, an IHG Hotel is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Central Park and West Nebraska Arts Center. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1821 Frontage Rd, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Scottsbluff

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Scottsbluff in Scottsbluff, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Central Park and West Nebraska Arts Center. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 2202 Delta Dr, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Web: Link

Americas Best Value Inn Scottsbluff

With a stay at Americas Best Value Inn Scottsbluff in Scottsbluff, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Central Park and West Nebraska Arts Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1901 21st Avenue, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center

With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center in Scottsbluff, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Regional West Medical Center and Central Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 301 W Highway 26, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Web: Link

Capri Motel

Located in Scottsbluff, Capri Motel is within a 5-minute drive of West Nebraska Arts Center and Central Park. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 2424 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Web: Link

Candlelight Inn Scottsbluff

With a stay at Candlelight Inn Scottsbluff in Scottsbluff, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Central Park and West Nebraska Arts Center. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1822 E 20th Pl, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Web: Link

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff

Located in Scottsbluff, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff is within a 5-minute drive of Central Park and Regional West Medical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Scottsbluff? This hotel has 350 square feet (33 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 902 Winter Creek Drive, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Web: Link

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Gering/Scottsbluff

Located in Gering, Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Gering/Scottsbluff is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Legacy of the Plains Museum and Scotts Bluff National Monument. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 960 M Street, Gering, Nebraska 69341
Web: Link

Hotel 21 & Co.

With a stay at Hotel 21 & Co. in Gering, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of North Platte River and Monument Valley Pathway. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free valet parking is available onsite.
Address: 2605 10th St, Gering, Nebraska 69341
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2024-10-28Scotts Bluff National Monument and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to host Family Nature Club
Come learn about Nebraska owls at Family Nature Club. More
2024-10-28Scotts Bluff National Monument to host open house
Scotts Bluff National Monument will host an open house on Wednesday, November 13th from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. More
2024-10-02Temporary closure of Scotts Bluff Summit Road for biannual safety inspection
The biannual safety inspections of the three tunnels along the Scotts Bluff Summit Road are scheduled to take place on October 8th and October 9th (if necessary) from 08:00AM to 12:00PM.  More
2024-08-26Scotts Bluff National Monument to Transition to Fall/Winter Hours
Starting Monday, September 2, Scotts Bluff National Monument will operate under Fall/Winter/Spring Hours. More
2024-07-22Park Ranger Eric Graves to Present “Wheel, Legs, and Sail” at Scotts Bluff National Monument
One wheel, two legs, and a literal prairie schooner. Emigrants were very creative when it came to their transportation. More
2024-07-19Park Ranger Matt Salomon to Present “Mysteries of the Past” at Scotts Bluff National Monument
Join us for a free program that will have you digging into Scotts Bluff's past! More