Scotts Bluff National Monument
Time Needed: 1-2 hours, half-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, museum
Scotts Bluff National Monument rises high above the plains, a defining landmark for early pioneers traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Explore scenic trails, historic ruts, and panoramic overlooks, gaining insight into the journey west and Nebraska’s geological landscape.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Drive the Summit Road – Travel 1.6 miles on Nebraska’s oldest concrete road through three tunnels to the bluff’s summit for sweeping views of the North Platte River Valley.
- Walk the Oregon Trail Pathway – Follow an easy, 0.5-mile route (one-way) beside real wagon ruts left by 19th-century emigrants heading west across the Great Plains.
- Hike the Saddle Rock Trail – Ascend 1.6 miles from the visitor center to the summit of Scotts Bluff, passing striking rock formations and desert plants along the way.
- Visit the Legacy of the Plains Museum – Just a mile away, this museum highlights pioneer life, agriculture, and local history with exhibits and a working 80-acre farm.
- Side Trip to Chimney Rock – Drive 25 minutes to see this iconic spire, the most mentioned landmark in pioneer diaries along the Oregon Trail.
Recommended Reading: Moon Oregon Trail Road Trip is a comprehensive guide for tracing the historic route from Missouri to Oregon, highlighting pioneer sites, Native American history, natural landmarks, and classic Wild West towns.
Photo Credit: Visit Nebraska