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The Oregon Trail Museum is open year round generally 8:00am – 5:00pm. It is located in the Visitor Center. There are permanent exhibits on the Westward movement, periodic temporary displays, traveling exhibits, and a 12 minute slide program. The Visitor Center is open daily through Memorial Day 8 am – 5 pm; daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed December 25 and January 1. Many of the facilities at Scotts Bluff are wheelchair accessible. Bus and RV parking is available.

Scotts Bluff National Monument was established in 1919 by Presidential Proclamation primarily for its historical significance and unique geological features. While human history is the dominant theme today at Scotts Bluff, the area’s natural history provides the setting in which a multitude of significant human events has transpired. Its principal natural value is the topographically diverse landscape in which the main features of the historic landscape are still preserved. The Monument lies within the western Great Plains in an area that was once almost continuous mixed and short grass prairie and that is now largely utilized for farming and ranching. The Monument lands encompass two large, cliff-rimmed, bluffs: Scotts Bluff and South Bluff. Most of the land within the boundary is in native mixed-grass prairie with some previously disturbed areas harboring a variety of non-native vegetation. There is also an area of mostly barren badlands between the north base of Scotts Bluff and the North Platte River.

Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of the few places in the Panhandle of Nebraska where wildlife is protected in a natural environment. There are resident populations of various species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals and invertebrates, although an inventory of invertebrates has not been done. Migrating bird species also utilize the Monument for rest and feeding. One unique bird species of the Monument is the burrowing owl. This is the only species of owl which does not nest in trees, but nests under the mixed-grass prairie in a prairie dog burrow. The Monument’s prairie dog town usually supports six or more burrowing owls during the summer. The Monument is surrounded by private land, approximately half of which is used for agriculture. This somewhat restricts the movement of animal populations in and out of the Monument. The larger prairie animals encountered by the pioneers, such as grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, bison, and elk are gone from the Monument, and will probably never return. Currently 21 fish, 6 amphibian, 9 reptile, 101 bird, and 28 mammal species have been identified within the Monument.

There are only four known federally-listed endangered or threatened species of concern that have, or could have, any association with Scotts Bluff National Monument. The threatened northern bald eagle can be found in and around the Monument during the winter months. Loafing habitat exists for this raptor along the adjacent North Platte River and several eagles may be observed during the winter months. The whooping crane, an endangered species, has been seen migrating through the Monument area. Some potential habitat exists for this species among the shallow braided channels of the adjacent North Platte River and associated with borrow pit lakes within the area. The endangered peregrine falcon migrates through the area; habitat is potentially available for this species among the steep eroded slopes of Scotts Bluff itself as well as other nearby bluffs. Since the Monument has a resident population of black-tailed prairie dogs, it is theoretically possible that the endangered black-footed ferret could be found on Monument lands, as prairie dogs and their burrows constitute its preferred prey and habitat. However, the prairie dog town is thought to be too small to support even one black-footed ferret.

The largest mammals include mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyote, red fox, badger, striped skunk, common porcupine, and black-tailed prairie dog. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reintroduced bighorn sheep into the state owned Carter Canyon Wildlife Management Area located approximately 8 miles from the Monument. It is hoped that bighorn sheep will migrate to the Monument and establish a resident herd. Small mammals commonly observed by visitors include eastern cottontail, desert cottontail, and evidence of the eastern pocket gopher. These animals excavated dirt from their burrows and push the soil to the surface where it lays on mounds on top of the ground. By far the most numerous mammal species are the mice and voles which are seldom seen by visitors, but these small mammals provide a food source for larger mammal carnivores and predatory birds.

Four hundred fifty-two species, subspecies, and varieties of vascular plants have been identified at Scotts Bluff National Monument. The vegetation is divided into three major plant associations: 1) the moderately dense mixed-grass prairie, 2) the ponderosa pine/Rocky Mountain juniper/eastern red cedar forests, and 3) the hardwood association along the floodplain of the North Platte River. Within these plant associations can be further found seven major habitat types: riverine woodland, coniferous woodland, mixed-grass prairie, riparian habitat associated with irrigation canals, pine-studded bluffs, shrub-dominated slopes, and badlands. The mixed-grass prairie is the predominant vegetative cover of the Monument. The most common grasses of the Monument include sideoats grama, needle and thread, prairie sandreed, and western wheatgrass. These are all native grasses, but there are also two very common non-native grasses – smooth brome and downy brome.

Scotts Bluff, like the adjoining Wildcat Hills and nearby Chimney Rock, Courthouse and Jail Rock, has been and continues to be weathered out of geologic deposits of alluvial origin that made up the ancient high plains of the region prior to regional uplifting. Approximately 5 million years ago the rate of erosion increased in this region as the Rocky Mountains to the west were uplifted. Wind and stream deposits of sand and mud, wind deposits of volcanic ash, and supersaturated groundwater rich in lime formed the layers of sandstone, siltstone, volcanic ash and limestone that now comprise Scotts Bluff’s steep elevation, ridges, and the broad alluvial fans at its base. The high plains that were formed at that time were gradually eroded away, except at certain locations that were protected by a caprock of hard limestone that was more resistant to erosion. This caprock covers the tops of the bluffs in the area, slowing their rate of erosion relative to the unprotected surrounding (and eroded) countryside. This process resulted in the area’s unique geologic features, such as Scotts Bluff. Erosion is usually unseen by humans, as wind, rain, and snow slowly wash away grains and particles of sand, silt and ash. A badlands formation is located between the north base Scotts Bluff and the North Platte River, where deeply incised arroyos support little or no vegetation.

Scotts Bluff National Monument continues to change ever so slightly on a daily basis. The siltstone and sandstone layers of the bluffs are relatively soft compared to the upper layers of limestone and volcanic ash. A little of the bluffs erode away each day. Extremes in temperature, wind, rain, and expanding ice in the bluffs’ cracks loosen the rocks. Most rockslides are small and not even noticed unless they occur along the Summit Road or Saddle Rock Trail. Occasionally rockslides will be large. In October 2000, a rockslide estimated to be 3,000 tons closed the Saddle Rock Trail for several months.

The geology of Scotts Bluff is also significant for historical reasons. Emigrants typically traveled within the Platte River Valley on both sides of the river; however, at Scotts Bluff the geology of the badlands forced the emigrants out of the valley. The badlands presented a barrier to travel because they stretched from the base of the bluff to the river itself. Once the emigrants moved out of the valley, the bluff formations forced the travelers to look for a pass to allow them to move through the bluffs and continue on their westward journey. The two closest passages were at Robidoux Pass and Mitchell Pass. Those traveling by wagon used Robidoux Pass in the early years because the pass at Scotts Bluff was not fit for wagons. It was described by travelers on horseback in 1834 as “a large and deep ravine . . . very uneven and difficult, winding from amongst innumerable mounds six to eight feet in height, the space between them frequently so narrow as scarcely to admit our horses.” Unknown persons made improvements to the pass in the middle nineteenth century, which allowed for safe passage by wagon. When all is considered, the geology of the Scotts Bluff region is historically significant for at least five reasons: 1) the bluff was a landmark to travelers, 2) the North Platte River created a broad valley that facilitated westward migration, 3) the badlands formation forced the immigrants out of the river valley, 4) the bluff formation presented another barrier to travel, and 5) Mitchell Pass and Robidoux Pass allowed passage through the bluff formations.

The majority of fossils found at Scotts Bluff National Monument are located in the Monument’s badlands. Here the Orella Member of the Brule Formation is exposed. It consists of interbedded sandstone and siltstone layers that represent floodplain and channel deposits of ancient streams that flowed eastward from the uplifting Rocky Mountains. This is the oldest rock outcrop at the Monument. Fossils of horses, oreodonts (extinct, sheep-sized, four-toed mammals), prairie dogs, foxes, turtles, rodents, beavers, and cats have been found in the badlands. Some of the richest fossil-bearing strata in Nebraska are found here. The Monument’s fossils have become type, or indicator, fossils for the Oligocene Epoch (40-25 million years before present) of the Cenozoic Era (65 million years to present). Most of these fossils were collected prior to the establishment of the Monument in 1919. Many other fossils could still exist within the Monument, so further paleontological research could be productive. Fossil hunting in the badlands remains a real threat to the publicly owned paleontological resources of the Monument. Visitors must remember that the collection of natural features, including fossils, is strictly prohibited, and can result in a fine and/or imprisonment.

William Henry Jackson was an early photographer of the American West, as well as an accomplished artist. He traveled the Oregon-California Trail in 1866 and 1867, and later in life painted a series of watercolors based on his experiences. Scotts Bluff National Monument houses 63 of Jackson’s historic paintings and many are on display in the monument’s museum.

It is generally sunny, hot and dry in the summer. In late summer the weather is extremely variable with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It is generally windy and cold in winter. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the season. Hats are useful against exposure to sun. Good walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for use on hiking trails.

Current Weather

Like all the reptiles of the Monument the western prairie rattlesnake is considered common, but not abundant. Visitors should stay on the Monument’s asphalt trails to protect themselves from accidentally stepping on any snake, which may be hidden in the prairie grasses. Be observant of your surroundings. If you encounter a rattlesnake on a trail, wait for the timid rattlesnake to crawl away, or simply walk off the trail and around the snake. Most people, who are bitten by rattlesnakes in the United States, either never see the snake or actually try to pick it up. Remember all natural features at the Monument are protected. Killing of any animal is strictly prohibited.

Vehicles are charged $5.00-7 days. Motorcycles are $3.00-7 days. There is a local Annual Park Pass of $15.00 valid at Ft. Laramie, Agate Fossil Beds and Scotts Bluff National Monument.

There are commercial flights in and out of Western Nebraska Regional Airport at Scottsbluff.
There are currently no visitor services authorized by the National Park Service at Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. The park is still in the developmental stage. Until there is a visitor contact station at Salt River Bay, information may be obtained at the National Park Service visitor contact station at Fort Christiansvaern, Christiansted National Historic Site. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

By car, visitors traveling east-west on Interstate 80 can exit at Kimball, Nebraska, and drive 45 miles north on Highway 71. Follow National Park Service signs 2 miles west of Gering, 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.

In the Monument, personal vehicles can be driven to the summit; or, a free shuttle service to the summit is offered during the summer.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Scott’s Bluff National Monument:

By Car:

Cheyenne, WY – 108.30 miles

Fort collin, CO – 152.18 miles

Denver, CO – 206.70 miles

Bridgeport, NE – 34.95 miles

Rushville, NE – 117.04 miles

Kearny, NE – 298.73 miles

By Plane:

Western Nebraska Regional Airport – 9.59 miles

Scotts Bluff National Monument, PO Box 27, Gering, NE 69341-0027
- or – Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Highway 92 West, Gering, NE 69341-0027

Headquarters (308) 436-4340

Fax (308) 436-7611

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