Overview
The Nebraska Panhandle is an expanse upon the central plains of Nebraska. It features what some would call a never ending sky amid deep canyons and pine forests. It is often considered the most scenic area of Nebraska.
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 9°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Alliance)
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.
- AIA Alliance Municipal Airport, Alliance — 11 mi away. Directions
- BFF Western Neb. Rgnl/William B. Heilig Airport, Scottsbluff — 32 mi away. Directions
- DEN Denver International Airport, Denver — 172 mi away (major hub). Directions
For the most part people traveling along I-80 will see the southern part of the Panhandle. The major airport is Nebraska Western Regional Airport (BFF).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Sample 3-day trip
- Day 1: Gering — Scottsbluff County Courthouse, Scottsbluff National Monument, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center.
- Day 2: Alliance — Carhenge, Spade Ranch, Knight Museum and Sandhills Center.
- Day 3: Crawford — Co-operative Block Building, Fort Robinson Museum, Trailside Museum of Natural History.
Built from the best-covered destinations in this region; open each for its own day plan.
Food for you
Nebraska is known for its beef. While most of it is processed in Omaha, a lot of it is raised on ranches in the panhandle. This area is known for its authentic cowboy-style meals. Portions tend to be large and the food is heavy. Also Rocky Mountain Oysters are a popular and sometime humorous dish to consume in the Panhandle. They are fried bull testicles. Eating them is generally a sign of fertility and courage. Runzas, a German bread pocket full of beef and vegetables, are also popular throughout this region.
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
Places in Nebraska Panhandle
Gering
Place · 20 listings
Alliance
City / town · 18 listings
Crawford
City / town · 17 listings
Kimball
City / town · 16 listings
Chadron
City / town · 13 listings
Scottsbluff
City / town · 12 listings
Bayard
City / town · 10 listings
Deuel County
Rural area · 6 listings
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Park · 6 listings
Sidney
City / town · 6 listings
Bridgeport
City / town · 2 listings
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Park · 1 listings
Wildcat Hills
Place
Understand
This region of Nebraska is sparsely populated. Therefore, many places you go have a down home, small town feel. Though the small town feel will be appealing to most, it also means there is a lack of diversity.
Unlike the rest of Nebraska, the Panhandle mostly falls under the Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7), meaning this area is 1 hour "behind" the rest of the state.
Regions
Niobrara River Valley
World-renowned hunting and fishing, a must for any outdoorsman
Wildcat Hills
Known for its scenic rock formations
Interstate 80 Corridor
Cities
- Alliance - home of the infamous Carhenge
- Bayard - near Chimney Rock National Historic Site
- Chadron - a mid-sized town known for Chadron State College
- Crawford - Village near the historic Fort Robinson
- Gering - The smaller, older twin of Scottsbluff, good history
- Kimball - The tiny county seat of Kimball County with modern golf course and welcome center
- Scottsbluff - a decent sized town located near Scotts Bluff National Monument
- Sidney - home of Cabela's, Nebraska's largest flagpole, and Historic Fort Sidney
Other destinations
- Deuel County – rural county
- Chimney Rock National Historic Site – 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.
- Scotts Bluff National Monument –
Get in
For the most part people traveling along I-80 will see the southern part of the Panhandle. The major airport is Nebraska Western Regional Airport (BFF).
Get around
The recommended mode of transport through this area is by car. However, keep in mind that there areas of interest that can only be observed either by hiking or horseback riding. There are still some railroads that stop in this area.
See
- Carhenge, in Alliance, is a really great monument and satirical version of England's Stonehenge. It is completely made of real cars.
- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, near Harrison, has fossils of ancient mammals, Native American history, hiking.
- No trip to this region would be complete without stopping at the Toadstool Geologic Park in the Oglala National Grasslands northwest of Chadron.
- Spade Ranch near Ellsworth at one time encompassed almost 500,000 acres (2,000 km2) and 60,000 head of cattle. The Spade is one of Nebraska's oldest and most expansive ranches. The ranch continues to operate as a traditional open grazing ranch.
Do
- Stop in at any of the numerous Dude Ranches in this region and have a home cooked meal on the plains.
- The adventurous may want to try Kayaking on the Niobrara River.
- Hop over to Sidney and catch a show at the Cabaret Theatre.
Eat
Nebraska is known for its beef. While most of it is processed in Omaha, a lot of it is raised on ranches in the panhandle. This area is known for its authentic cowboy-style meals. Portions tend to be large and the food is heavy. Also Rocky Mountain Oysters are a popular and sometime humorous dish to consume in the Panhandle. They are fried bull testicles. Eating them is generally a sign of fertility and courage. Runzas, a German bread pocket full of beef and vegetables, are also popular throughout this region.
Drink
One thing to observe while ordering a beer in Nebraska is that beer poured into a glass is usually referred to as a draw.
Stay safe
This area is known for hazardous winter conditions and hot summers although seasonable weather is far from rare. Weather conditions can change quite quickly so keep informed. Various poisonous snakes including Rattlesnakes and dangerous animals such as mountain lion and big horn sheep are found in this region especially in the hills. Caution is advised during outdoor excursions. Crime in this area is considerably lower than other areas of the nation. Locals are often willing to aid those in need however the low population density means fewer amenities including hospitals.
Go next
The Panhandle region of Nebraska is usually passed through on the way to Mount Rushmore National Memorial if you're coming from Texas or on the way to Yellowstone if you are coming from the Eastern Seaboard.
To the north lie the Black Hills, Rapid City and the South Dakota Badlands. The panhandle lies on the far western edge of the Nebraska's Sand Hills.
Nearby
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