Scotts Bluff National Monument

A prominent natural landmark for emigrants on the Oregon Trail, Scotts Bluff, 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. The monument museum contains exhibits about the human and natural history of the area and also holds a unique collection of watercolor paintings by the frontier photographer and artist William Henry Jackson.

Facilities and Opportunities

Visitor Center/Exhibits
Oregon Trail Museum contains three rooms of historic, geological and art exhibits.

Trails, Roads
Summit Road allows visitors to drive to the top of Scotts Bluff for a spectacular view of the valley. The 1.6 mile Saddle Rock Trail leads hikers from the visitor center to the summit, and the .5 mile Oregon Trail Pathway leads from the visitor center to the remnants of the Oregon Trail.

Programs/Activities
A 12 minute slide program on the Oregon Trail and a bookstore are located in the visitor center. Living history is conducted on summer weekends.

Lodging and Camping Facilities
None in monument. A number of motels and RV camping facilities are available in the area.

Food/Supplies
There are numerous restaurants and grocery stores in adjacent communities.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities
The bookstore in the visitor center is operated by the Oregon Trail Museum Association (Booklist available - phone 308-436-2975).

Accessibility
Many of the facilities at Scotts Bluff are wheelchair accessible.

Special Needs
Bus and RV parking are available.

Basic Visit Recommendations

Allow one to two hours for your visit. Visit the Oregon Trail Museum and see the slide show to get an overview of the history of the Oregon Trail. Drive to the summit to get a view of the North Platte River Valley. Follow in the footsteps of the pioneers by walking on the old Oregon Trail through Mitchell Pass and see the still-visible traces of that historic route.

Recommended Activities/Park Use

Visiting the Oregon Trail Museum, seeing the remnants of the Oregon Trail, hiking the trails, observing prairie flowers and wildlife, and driving to the summit.

Climate, Recommended Clothing

Generally sunny and dry in the summer. Windy and cold in winter. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate to season. Hats are useful against exposure to sun. Good walking shoes are recommended for use on hiking trails.

Location, Directions, and Transportation

Location
Gering, Nebraska

Directions
Visitors traveling east-west on Interstate 80: exit at Kimball, Nebraska, and drive 45 miles north on Highway 71. Follow National Park Service signs 2 miles west of Nebraska, on State Highway 92.

Visitors following the old Oregon Trail along the North Platte River using State Highways 26 or 92, should follow National Park Service signs.

Transportation
To Monument: Access by automobile by Interstate 80, and various State highways. Area is also served by Scotts Bluff County airport.

In Monument: Personal vehicles, free shuttle service to summit during the summer.

Post Office Box 27
Gering, Nebraska 69341-0027
308-436-4340