Nebraska Scotts Bluff National Monument map and highlights

Scotts  Bluff National Monument. Basic information for visitors to the Scotts  Bluff National Monument In western Nebraska, near Gering.     

Scotts Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska, near Gering.     

A prominent natural landmark for emigrants on the Oregon Trail,  the 800-foot-high Scotts Bluff, along with Mitchell Pass and the  adjacent prairie lands, are set aside in a 3,000-acre national monument.  This site preserves the memory of the historic Oregon, California, and  Mormon trails, remnants of which still can be seen. The monument museum  contains exhibits about the area s natural and cultural history, as well  as houses a unique collection of watercolor paintings by the frontier  photographer and artist William Henry Jackson. The site was proclaimed  on December 12, 1919.

      

WHAT TO SEE & DO     

Driving or hiking to bluff summit, hiking to remnants of  Oregon-California Trail, touring museum. Facilities: Visitor center,  outdoor interpretive signs, museum, guided tours, hiking trails.  Book-and-gift shop. Programs & Events: Local art show, Spring Up the  Bluff relay race (mid-Apr.); summit shuttle, living-history programs,  interpretive walks and talks (Memorial Day-Labor Day); amphitheater  program (mid-June-mid Aug., Tues.). Christmas on the Prairie (1st Sat.,  Dec). Tips & Hints: Carry plenty of water when hiking in summer.  Watch for rattlesnakes. Go in spring for prairie flowers, fall for  cooler temperatures and fewer people. Busiest July and Aug., least  crowded Dec. and Jan.

      

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES     

Camping: None at site. In Scottsbluff:     

KOA Campground (180037 KOA Dr., tel. 308/635-3760; 45 sites, 1  cabin; $19-$35; flush toilets, showers, hook-ups). EI Hotels: None in  park. In Gerig: Microtel Inn & Suites (1130 M St., tel.  308/436-1950; 61 rooms; $60). In Scottsbluff: Holiday Inn Express (1821  Frontage Rd., tel. 308/632-1000 or 800/465-4329; 70 rooms, 15 suites;  $69-$89). X Restaurant: None in park. In Scottsbluff: El Charrito  Restaurant & Lounge (802 21st Ave., tel. 308/632-3534; $4-$7; closed  Mon.). 6 Groceries: None at site. In Gerig: Sun Mart (1270 10th St.,  tel. 308/ 436-3158).

      

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Entrance fee: $5 per car. Stay on trails. Leashed pets only. No  hunting. No rock, plant, or animal gathering. No off-road usage. No  vehicles longer than 25 feet or taller than 11 feet 7 inches on summit  road. Monument open daily dawn-dusk. Visitor center open Memorial  Day-Labor Day, daily 8-7; Labor Day-Memorial Day, daily 8-5.

      

HOW TO GET THERE     

3 mi west of Gering on Rte. 92. Closest airport: Scottsbluff (10 mi).

      

CONTACTS     

Scotts Bluff National Monument (Box 27, Gering, NE 69341, tel.  308/ 436-4340, fax 308/436-7611,). Scottsbluff-Gering United Chamber of  Commerce (1517 Broadway, Suite 104, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, tel.  308/632-2133 or 800/788-9475, fax 308/632-7128,).   

Scotts Bluff National Monument. Basic information for visitors to  the Scotts Bluff National Monument In western Nebraska, near Gering