Overview
Scottsbluff is a town in the Panhandle region of Nebraska, USA. The geological structure that gives the town its name was an important waypoint on the Oregon Trail and is preserved today as a national monument. The town of Gering is 1½ miles (2 km) south.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Scottsbluff
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Located to the southwest of Scottsbluff over the North Platte River, this historical founding site offers breathtaking views. Opportunity to drive up the bluffs for scenic outlook over Scottsbluff-Gering, road could be c…
Riverside Discovery Center
Lions to reptiles, and everything in between! The riverside zoo also has a splash pool in summer. The only zoo within a 150 mi radius.
Midwest Theater
The downtown legend with stylish shows all year 'round. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Westmoor Pool
Close to the Riverside Zoo.
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 — 3 mi away. Directions
- AIA Alliance Municipal Airport, Alliance — 46 mi away. Directions
- DEN Denver International Airport, Denver — 148 mi away (major hub). Directions
The town is located along US 26, one of the major routes across the Nebraska Panhandle.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Scotts Bluff National Monument, Riverside Discovery Center
- Lunch Scotty's Drive-In
- Afternoon Westmoor Pool, Midwest Theater
- Dinner Rosita's Spanish Restaurant
- Evening Flyover Brewing Company
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
By plane
By car
The town is located along US 26, one of the major routes across the Nebraska Panhandle.
You may also get in by traveling I-80 to exit 22, and then follow Highway 71 up to the area
Get around
By car
Scottsbluff is a small city that has very easy roads to work with. Avoid Avenue I during the 5PM rush hour.
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Eat Rosita's Spanish Restaurant
"Tex-Mex" restaurant with quesadillas, chips, salsa, and American drinks.
Eat Scotty's Drive-In
Scottsbluff burger institution since 1963, with variety of other sandwiches, shakes, malts, etc.
Drink
Drink Flyover Brewing Company
Brewery with scratch kitchen, prides itself on locally sourced ingredients
Sleep
Go next
- Chimney Rock National Historic Site - about 25 mi southeast of Scottsbluff off SR 92.
Nearby
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Park · 6 listings · 3 mi away
Bayard
City / town · 10 listings · 19 mi away
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Park · 1 listings · 20 mi away
Torrington
City / town · 9 listings · 30 mi away
Bridgeport
City / town · 2 listings · 31 mi away
Alliance
City / town · 18 listings · 44 mi away
Kimball
City / town · 16 listings · 44 mi away
Fort Laramie
City / town · 1 listings · 50 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.