Towering above the prairie, Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of western Nebraska’s most striking landmarks. It also makes a terrific centerpiece for a quick road trip.
The neighboring cities of Gering and Scottsbluff sit only a few miles apart. Both have deep connections to Indigenous, pioneer, ranching and railroad history.
My friend Adeina was with me. Here’s how we spent one night exploring the area before speaking at the Nebraska Tourism Conference.
Start at Scotts Bluff National Monument
After driving about three hours from Denver, we made Scotts Bluff National Monument our first stop.
This was my second visit, but Adeina had never been. If you have limited time, check out how to spend an hour at Scotts Bluff National Monument from my first time there. It’s worth stopping inside the visitor center before driving Summit Road to the top of the bluff.
The narrow road travels through three tunnels as it climbs approximately 800 feet. The drive takes only a few minutes, but the sweeping views feel far removed from the prairie below.
We had about 30 minutes before Summit Road closed for the day, so we walked the South Overlook Trail. It is the shorter of two trails beginning near the summit parking area.
Wind is common on top of the bluff, and it was certainly howling during our visit. We still lingered at the overlooks to admire the North Platte River Valley.
Millions of years ago, the surrounding plains stood as high as the bluff. Erosion slowly carved away the softer material. Scotts Bluff and other resistant formations now rise above the landscape as remnants of those ancient plains.
The monument’s grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor center and Summit Road hours change seasonally, so check the current schedule before arriving. There is no entrance fee.
Stay at Monument Inn & Suites
We spent the night at Monument Inn & Suites in Gering. The clean and affordable hotel is about five minutes from Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Rooms range from traditional hotel accommodations to suites with kitchenettes. Complimentary amenities include breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Its location also makes it easy to walk into downtown Gering or drive a few minutes to restaurants in Scottsbluff.
Dinner at Flyover Brewing Company
We met a couple of conference friends for dinner at Flyover Brewing Company in downtown Scottsbluff. Flyover has a relaxed atmosphere that feels equally suited for a casual dinner or drinks with friends.
Opening in 2018, it was the first craft brewery in the Nebraska Panhandle. Its beers use Nebraska malt and locally grown ingredients when possible.
The scratch kitchen specializes in wood-fired pizzas, wings and appetizers. My margherita pizza drizzled with balsamic vinegar was delicious. A local cider pairs nicely with it.
Take an Early Walk Through Gering
The next morning, Adeina and I set out early to explore downtown Gering on foot.
We grabbed lattes at Emporium Express Bean & Bottle. The space combines a coffeehouse with a wine-bar vibe and serves coffee, tea, pastries and smoothies.
On our walk back to the hotel, we noticed a steady stream of customers entering Gering Bakery. That is usually a good sign, so we followed them inside.
The bakery is known for scratch-made breads and pastries. I tried two doughnut holes, in the name of research, of course.
Our final downtown stop was a colorful mural painted on the side of an old tavern. It celebrates Nebraska’s statewide love for the Cornhuskers.
Hike at Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock State Historic Site is about 20 miles southeast of Gering. The sandstone spire rises roughly 350 feet above the North Platte River Valley and is visible for miles.
Chimney Rock guided hundreds of thousands of emigrants traveling the Oregon, California and Mormon trails. It became one of the most frequently mentioned landmarks in pioneer journals.
Adeina and I hiked several trails of the Walk to the Rock trail system. From the visitor center, we followed the Community Trail before connecting with other paths near the formation.
It was windy and chilly, but the sunshine made it a beautiful morning. I also appreciated the cooler temperature after seeing the rattlesnake warning signs. Snakes and I share a mutual preference for keeping our distance.
We completed a loop of about 1.75 miles. Along the way, we crossed Dillon Bridge and climbed a short hill for expansive views of farmland and the surrounding prairie.
As we walked, I kept thinking about what Chimney Rock must have meant to those traveling west. After weeks on the open plains, its distinctive shape served as both a landmark and a measure of progress.
Explore the Chimney Rock Museum
Back at the Abbott Visitor Center, we explored exhibits about the area’s Indigenous history and westward migration.
The museum is managed by the Nebraska State Historical Society. Current admission is $5 plus tax for adults and $3 plus tax for children ages 5–18. Younger children enter free.
The visitor center is open daily from May through September. During the off-season, it is generally open Tuesday through Saturday. Confirm current hours before making the drive.
Interactive displays let visitors decide what to pack in a covered wagon and spin a Wheel of Fate. Adeina’s first result was an overloaded wagon. Mine included having a baby, breaking a leg and later busting a wagon.
Clearly, neither of us was thriving on the Oregon Trail.
Brunch at The Mixing Bowl
Back in Gering, we stopped for brunch at The Mixing Bowl. Several locals had recommended it, and it lived up to the hype.
I ordered a burrito filled with hash browns, egg, avocado and cheddar cheese. The house-made salsa added the perfect amount of flavor.
After brunch and the tourism conference, we continued east toward Valentine for our next Nebraska adventure along the Niobrara River.
Is One Night Enough?
One night gives you enough time to visit Scotts Bluff National Monument, explore downtown Gering, and hike at Chimney Rock.
If you have another day, spend more time hiking at Scotts Bluff or visit the Legacy of the Plains Museum. You can also use it as base to visit Carhenge and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.
Gering and Scottsbluff are easy to overlook while crossing Nebraska. Spend a night to experience the area’s dramatic scenery, pioneer history and locally owned places well worth a stop.
Check out my first one-hour visit to Scotts Bluff National Monument. If you’re interested in other cool adventures in Nebraska, read World’s Largest Sandhill Crane Migration, and Visiting Homestead National Historical Park.
For road trips in Nebraska and beyond in the Heartland, check out post Places You Need to Visit on The Plains for Outdoor Adventure.
