Location: Scottsbluff
Top Things to do in Scottsbluff
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Top 10 Things to do in Scottsbluff, United States
Scottsbluff is a city in Scotts Bluff County, in the western part of the state of Nebraska, in the Great Plains region of the United States. The population was 15,039 at the 2010 census. Scottsbluff is the largest city in the Nebraska Panhandle, and the 13th largest city in Nebraska.
Restaurants in Scottsbluff
1. Monument Valley Pathway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By pfefmeister - Petaluma, California
This is a scenic and historical attraction on the western border with Wyoming. After miles of plains and rolling hills, the bluffs are a surprising enhancement to the landscape. The quick drive up to the summit provides stunning views to the horizon, and there are quite a few trails you can do. Unfortunately, a thunderstorm was bearing down on us and we had to cut short our visit on the top. This is off the beaten track, and maybe an hour and a half off interstate 80. Highway 26 from 80 to the bluffs is the old Oregon Trail, and is interesting in its own right. Lots of historical markers and history. We loved it.
2. Scotts Bluff National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By ParkDreamer - Russell, Kansas
When we started planning our visit to Scotts Bluff National Monument, I couldn't believe it wasn't on Tripadvisor, so when we got back, I knew I had to start a review of it, especially with some info on the hiking trails. This is a wonderful National Monument! There is a small visitor center here with a few exhibits and a short film to watch that explains the history of the area. Don't skip the film. It is very informative. You can take a 5 min. drive to the top where there is the North Overlook Trail and the South Overlook Trail, both very easy. Each one is approximately a half mile long. We saw 14 deer on the drive up and 3 deer on the south Overlook Trail. There are no restrooms at the top so be sure and use them at the visitor center.The Oregon Trail Pathway leaves from the visitor center and is approx. a half mile long, also very easy. It goes past the 3 covered wagons and through Mitchell Pass. The Saddle Rock Trail goes from the Visitor Center up to the top, 1.6 mile one way. It is rated strenuous, but I would say it is moderate at most, and nothing scary, however, I wouldn't want to do parts of it if it were icy. We are 62 and 61 years old, active but not athletic. We've hiked moderate trails elsewhere that were much harder. Don't miss doing this trail! It is so much fun! You get to walk through a tunnel at one point, do some switchbacks, and see some stunning rock formations! In the summer they have a shuttle if you only want to hike it one way, but we went in Jan. and hiked it up and back down which I'm so glad we did, because it wasn't hard, and it was so much fun! We had some snacks and water and sat down on the side of the trail for a little break just because we didn't want to leave. All the trails are asphalt. The ranger said they have to be, because of the erosion. I believe they have some special events and programs here in the summer. Check out the National Park Service website for more information. The towns of Gering and Scottsbluff connect to each other and are very close and convenient for a place to stay with many hotels and restaurants.
3. Midwest Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Mjsomaha - Omaha
This jewel of a movie theater has been beautifully restored and includes comfortable seating, modern bathrooms and shows first run movies. Located in the heart of downtown Scottsbluff, this venue also hosts A full season of music and other performing arts events.why go to a boring multiplex cinema, when you can have the experience of seeing a movie in a beautiful and comfortable historical Theater such as this?
4. Legacy of the Plains Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Legacy of the Plains Museum is a destination for people interested in stories of human and agricultural history in the North Platte Valley and High Plains. Our new state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits focus on the archeology of Native Americans and Westward Expansion, the lives of pioneering settlers, this establishment of irrigation, the development of rural communities, the diversity of cultures on the High Plains, and the innovative technologies and cultural practices of raising animals and crops in a semi-arid environment.
Reviewed By ChzHeadTX - Texas
Close to Scott's Bluff National Monument. Adult entry is $10 but we got in free with Blue Star status. We sped walked the museum since it was an accidental find and not in our original travel agenda. They do a great job setting up displays of history including....farm machinery, washing machines, iron lung, clothing, Nebraska industry, etc. Terrific to see so many actual items in a well organized way. A very visual museum but if you have time can read and listen at computer stands with each exhibit. We spent an hour there but two hours would be better and longer if you take a deep dive.
5. Riverside Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
We are a small AZA facility whose focus is to inspire a sense of awe and stewardship for the natural world by supporting conservation, education, discovery and recreation.
Reviewed By Colorado_Lillies - Lakewood
This zoo, although small compared to some, has its fair share of animals to see, and interesting things to learn. The animals are fun to watch, they are usually entertaining when they aren't sleeping. We love to bring our jugs to the zoo, so they...MoreThank you for visiting us and helping us maintain a great enrichment program for the animals! We hope to see you again soon! :)
6. South Overlook
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Citallwic - Columbia, South Carolina
The South Overlook, one of two developed overlooks in Scotts Bluff National Monument, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Summit Road, tunnel face, visitor center and adjoining landscapes. It is accessed via the South Overlook Trail, a short, paved scenic trail leading from the Summit Road parking lot at the top of the bluff.
7. Lake Minatare
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By PanoramaPoint - Seattle Washington
After you've seen Scotts Bluff Monument and the North Platte River, be sure to visit Lake Minatare. You will need to buy a park pass. This lovely large lake is about 20 minutes from Scottsbluff. Divided by a peninsula, you can view the entire lake from the top of a mock lighthouse, the only lighthouse in Nebraska. Off-road, you do need four-wheel drive to assure you won't get stuck in the sand or clay-like mud. Camp with tent or RV, bring your boat, jet ski, swim, or fish from the shore.
8. North Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Citallwic - Columbia, South Carolina
The North Overlook, one of two developed overlooks at Scotts Bluff, offers wonderful panoramic views and a particularly dramatic view of Saddle Rock Trail switchbacks. The (Hiram) Scott Memorial is located there too. You’ll want to bring your camera and binoculars.
The North Overlook is accessed via the short, easy North Outlook Trail, which begins at the Summit Road parking lot opposite the South Overlook Trail. The North Overlook Trail links to the Saddle Rock Trail, which extends 1.6 miles between the visitor center and the bluff top. Some hikers elect to be dropped off at the Summit Road parking lot so they can hike back down to the visitor center on the Saddle Rock Trail.
9. Backaracks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Gary C - Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Wonderful bar and restaurant that also offers keno. They have many large screen and projection TV's that you can view a sports event for any seat in the house. They have a good menu including anything from an appetizer to a steak dinner with everything in between. They also offer a daily lunch special. There are 12 to 15 different beers on tap from your domestics to imported. All the employees and friendly and helpful and attentive to your wants and needs.
10. Saddle Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Citallwic - Columbia, South Carolina
There are two ways to get from the Visitor Center to the top of the bluff. You can drive up there on the Summit Road, enjoying the scenery and three tunnels, or you can hike up there on the Saddle Rock Trail. The elevation change is the same, of course, and so is the distance – about 1.6 miles up and 1.6 miles back. Experienced hikers rate the Saddle Rock Trail “easy” because the trail is hard-surfaced, not too steep, and built with switchbacks in the right places.
If you don’t want to (or can’t) do the up-and-back, but still want to experience the trail, just have somebody drop you off at the summit parking lot, take the short hike on the North Outlook Trail to the link with the Saddle Rock Trail (marked with a wayside; see photo), and walk the Saddle Rock down to the Visitor Center. You can do it in less than an hour.
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