Overview
Bayard is a small city in the Nebraska Panhandle with a population of 1,100. It is the closet town to the Chimney Rock National Historic Site.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 3 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bayard
Chimney Rock Museum
The landmark stone spire that has served as a guide for travelers on the Oregon Trail. This geologic formation seems to stand alone in the prairie, visible for hundreds of miles. The visitors center tells of the great mi…
Bayard Depot Museum
A small community museum run by volunteers. Housed in an old railway depot, this museum showcases the history of the area and the influence of the railway on life in western Nebraska.
Chimney Rock Golf Course
A public 9-hole course and host to the Bayard Men's Gold Association.
The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm
A local gourd farm providing activities for the Halloween season. Corn maze, pumpkin bowling, and slingshots. You can purchase pumpkins by the pound or by the cartload.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Jun, Sep. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 12°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Chimney Rock National Historic Site)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BFF Western Neb. Rgnl/William B. Heilig Airport, Scottsbluff — 16 mi away. Directions
- AIA Alliance Municipal Airport, Alliance — 34 mi away. Directions
- DEN Denver International Airport, Denver — 149 mi away (major hub). Directions
Bayard is 23 miles (37 km) from the city of Scottsbluff and sits along US-26 between NE-92 and NE-62A. Just follow the highway.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $10–$30 a night (typical $30), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$50, mid-range ~$100, comfortable ~$200.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Chimney Rock Museum, Bayard Depot Museum
- Lunch Bobbi Jo's Branding Iron
- Afternoon Chimney Rock Golf Course, The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm
- Dinner Corner Cafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Bayard is 23 miles (37 km) from the city of Scottsbluff and sits along US-26 between NE-92 and NE-62A. Just follow the highway.
Get around
The city covers approximately 1 km² of land. Navigating the town will be simple thanks to the grid pattern. Numbered streets go east-west, increasing the further north they are. North-south streets are labeled as avenues.
See
See Chimney Rock Museum
The landmark stone spire that has served as a guide for travelers on the Oregon Trail. This geologic formation seems to stand alone in the prairie, visible for hundreds of miles. The visitors center tells of the great migration west and the settlement of the area. The visitor center is about half a mile (1 km) from the rock. Do not stray from marked trails when hiking due to the increased presence of rattlesnakes.
See Bayard Depot Museum
A small community museum run by volunteers. Housed in an old railway depot, this museum showcases the history of the area and the influence of the railway on life in western Nebraska.
Do
Do Chimney Rock Golf Course
A public 9-hole course and host to the Bayard Men's Gold Association.
Buy
Eat
Eat Corner Cafe
A different menu for each day of the week. This small American diner is a great place for a burger and fries.
Eat Bobbi Jo's Branding Iron
A small town steakhouse. Fully stocked bar and hosts live music on Friday nights.
Eat The Rock Brew & Bakery
Coffee shop and bakery, offering breakfast items and occasional lunch items
Sleep
There are no motel or hotels in the city. A few campgrounds are scattered around the area.
Stay Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing
Owner says not to enter physical address into GPS. Instead, enter address for Chimney Rock Museum and stop before Co Rd 100. Full RV hookups available during the summer season. Offers tent grounds as well. Campground is less than a mile from Chimney Rock. Souvenir and Ice Cream shop present on site. Rattlesnakes in area.
Stay Bayard RV Camp Ground
An RV park run by the city. Permits required if staying longer than 2 nights, can be purchased at the city office. Has trash and water hookups. Church bells ring at 9AM and 9PM daily.
Go next
- Head west to Scottsbluff and Gering to see the Scottsbluff National Monument.
- Continue further on into Wyoming and visit the capital, Cheyenne.
- Head east to Ogallala and swim in Lake McConaughy.
Nearby
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Park · 1 listings · 4 mi away
Bridgeport
City / town · 2 listings · 12 mi away
Scottsbluff
City / town · 12 listings · 19 mi away
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Park · 6 listings · 20 mi away
Alliance
City / town · 18 listings · 33 mi away
Kimball
City / town · 16 listings · 40 mi away
Sidney
City / town · 6 listings · 46 mi away
Torrington
City / town · 9 listings · 49 mi away
My experience
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