Scottsbluff, NE

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
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.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff

2.5 out of 5
902 Winter Creek Drive, Scottsbluff, NE
$149 nightly
The price is $173 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$173 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (685 reviews)
"Wish the pool was up and running, but everything else was great!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff
Econo Lodge Scottsbluff

Econo Lodge Scottsbluff

2 out of 5
2202 Delta Dr, Scottsbluff, NE
$77 nightly
The price is $90 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$90 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total includes taxes and fees
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 (1,007 reviews)
"Staff is nice. Room is clean."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Econo Lodge Scottsbluff
Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center

2.5 out of 5
301 W Highway 26, Scottsbluff, NE
$129 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
$150 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (689 reviews)
"Front desk was very professional and nice. Smooth check in. Room was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center
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.
Powerhouse on Broadway

Powerhouse on Broadway

2 out of 5
1721 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE
Stay at this aparthotel in Scottsbluff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and meeting facilities. Popular attractions West Nebraska Arts Center and Central Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
Great hotel in Scottsbluff
"Very nice place to stay. We would definitely stay here again. Very clean! Communication was great and check-in process was easy. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed but we found a great brewery across the street."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Powerhouse on Broadway
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 laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Central Park and West ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Quick trip
"The house was great set up amd location for our family. Stocked with many basic supplies which was great!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Tasteful four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Scottsbluff is ready for you!
Cozy rural cottage less than 10 minutes from Regional West Medical Center

Cozy rural cottage less than 10 minutes from Regional West Medical Center

Scottsbluff
Stay at this vacation home in Scottsbluff. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Riverside Discovery Center and West Nebraska Arts ...
"Listing was accurate. I will add though that if you are coming here bring washcloths for your bath, otherwise everything else was great."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Cozy rural cottage less than 10 minutes from Regional West Medical Center
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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