Scottsbluff Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Visit Scottsbluff to walk along historic pioneer trails and experience the spectacular natural scenery of western Nebraska.

Outdoor adventures, remarkable scenery and pioneer history await in Scottsbluff. The city sits on the north banks of the North Platte River in the Nebraska panhandle. It takes its name from Scotts Bluff National Monument, a striking set of rocks looming over the south side of the river. During the mid-1800s, the monument was used as a landmark on three famous pioneer trails: the Oregon Trail, the California Trail and the Pony Express Trail.

Many of Scottsbluff’s attractions are outside the city center. The city has limited public transportation so getting around is easiest via car.

Explore the trails and marvel at the rock formations of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Check out the prairie wagons and then walk along the Oregon Trail Pathway, which follows part of the original Oregon Trail. Hike along the Saddle Rock Trail to lookouts that offer sweeping views of the city and river. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the 4,659-foot-tall (1,420-meter) rocks from the Prairie View Trail.

Visit the monument’s Oregon Trail Museum to learn about the region’s pioneer, geological and paleontological history. Browse the museum’s gallery dedicated to the paintings of William Henry Jackson. At the nearby Legacy of the Plains Museum you can see a working farmstead and hear stories of the Nebraska prairie.

Go to Riverside Discovery Center for family fun. Spot over 175 native and exotic animals, including big cats, monkeys and snakes. Let your kids enjoy playing in the water jets and fountains of the center’s Splash Pad area.

Discover outdoor recreation opportunities within a 30-minute drive from Scottsbluff. Go swimming, fishing, sailing and Jet-Skiing at Lake Minature State Recreation Area and see the state’s only lighthouse. Spot migrating water birds, coyotes and raccoons in North Platte National Wildlife Reserve. The scenic trails in Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area are great for hiking and biking. Visit in the winter when snow-covered peaks present a calm and picturesque wonderland.

Scottsbluff is about a 3-hour drive north of Denver, Colorado. A convenient way to get here is by car, which allows the chance to enjoy scenic drives through Nebraska’s rugged landscapes.

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center
Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center
2.5 out of 5
301 W Highway 26, Scottsbluff, NE
The price is NZ$180 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
NZ$180
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scottsbluff. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (621 reviews)
Very impressed.
"Nice clean rooms. The breakfast was one of the best hot continental I ever had. Fresh fruit, great hot coffee (3 cups), hot waffles, eggs, potatoes, kielbasa, bagels, lots of cereals to choose from and much more! Great staff. A very attentive and friendly breakfast server (definitely deserved a tip). ..."

Reviewed on 22 Oct. 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff
2.5 out of 5
902 Winter Creek Drive, Scottsbluff, NE
The price is NZ$251 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
NZ$251
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scottsbluff. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (598 reviews)
"Excellent hotel. Very friendly and helpful staff. Incredible breakfast. I highly recommend if you’re traveling to scottsbluff!"

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2024

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff
Econo Lodge
Econo Lodge
2 out of 5
2202 Delta Dr, Scottsbluff, NE
The price is NZ$150 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
NZ$150
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this hotel in Scottsbluff. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (967 reviews)
Good service friendly staff
"We enjoyed the stay, the staff were friendly, courteous and helpful. The only thing really if there was to be any kind of or type of complaint was that the towels appeared staind but were clean. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024

Econo Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tasteful four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Scottsbluff is ready for you!
Tasteful four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Scottsbluff is ready for you!
Scottsbluff
Stay at this vacation home in Scottsbluff. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Central Park and West Nebraska Arts Center are located nearby.
So clean!
"This was such a great option for my family and our dog. It was so clean and comfortable!"

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2024

Tasteful four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Scottsbluff is ready for you!
Stunning view of Chimney Rock
Stunning view of Chimney Rock
Bayard
Stay at this cottage in Bayard. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Chimney Rock National Historic Site is located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
Excellent!
"We were here for one night, on our way to Colorado, and really enjoyed our stay. The view of Chimney Rock at night was incredible, and as we are from EST, we were up early to see the sunrise, which was absolutely beautiful! Scott's Bluff is an easy drive from this place, and is well worth seeing. ..."

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

Stunning view of Chimney Rock
cozy Home away from home
cozy Home away from home
Bridgeport
Stay at this vacation home in Bridgeport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Prairie Winds Community Center and ...
Great alternative to a hotel
"Nice option for hunting hotel away for my husband and son."

Reviewed on 11 Oct. 2024

cozy Home away from home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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