Exploring Nebraska’s Wild West: Top Things To Do In The Panhandle

The Panhandle of Nebraska is really just a fun way of describing the northwestern portion of Nebraska. In this region, you’ll find a bit more rugged terrain that you wouldn’t typically associate with the state. Vast stretches of land seemingly haven’t been touched for eons, and there’s a good chance you’ll find ruts from wagon trains of the past. It looks nothing like the rest of the state!

The state’s most significant landmarks, Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock National Historic Site are in this region. Additionally there are some fantastic state parks to explore as well, including the oldest state park, Chadron State Park, and one of my favorite state parks, Fort Robinson State Park.

You’ll want to visit some of the other towns in region because it’s not all just pretty vistas (though they’re nice, aren’t they?). Towns have unique draws from breweries and roasteries, to boutiques, museums, and quirky photo opps.

Alliance

• Take a selfie at Carhenge. It’s free to visit!
• Learn about local history at Knight Museum and Sandhills Center.
• Taste local craft beer at Brewery 719.
• Hop the trend and try a dirty soda. A good place for one with a HUGE menu that was clearly written by a fun Millennial is Dirty Pop.

Bayard

• Admire the view of one of the American West’s most famous landmarks at Chimney Rock National Historic Site, and don’t skip Chimney Rock Museum while there.
• Check out the Bayard Depot Museum inside the old Burlington Railroad Depot.

Chadron

• Fuel up and hang out at Bean Broker Coffee House & Pub.
• Hike a trail at Chadron State Park.
• Get a history lesson at Museum of the Fur Trade and Dawes County Historical Museum.
• Learn about Mari Sandoz, one of the state’s most beloved authors, at Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center.
• Find a cute outfit at Apricot Lane.

Crawford

• Try the broasted chicken and follow it up with a sweet treat at C’s Drive-In. (The business formally known as Staab’s Drive Inn has new owners.)
• Glamp or RV overnight somewhere pretty memorable at High Plains Homestead.
• Ride a stagecoach or horse or off-road jeep at Fort Robinson State Park. There are a variety of overnight accommodations in former officers and soldiers’ homes.
• Check out the seasonal spot with super-limited hours, Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center.

Gering

• See pioneer artifacts at Legacy of the Plains Museum.
• Hike a rocky trail for a canyon view at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area & Nature Center.
• Hike a scenic trail or drive the Summit Road at Scotts Bluff National Monument.
• Enjoy a meal at The Mixing Bowl Café, where they serve up “home cooked, elevated food.”

Gordon

• Get your lunch to-go at the uniquely-designed Covered Wagon Drive-In.

Harrisburg

• Eat a scrumptious farm-to-table meal at Laura Lee’s Double L Country Store and Café.

Harrison

• Take a deep dive into the history of the region at the Sioux County Historical Society. There are seven buildings to explore!
• Have a cold one at Longhorn Saloon. If you’re lucky, you might meet the resident corgi.
• Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located outside of Harrison. It’s the home to a major full-skeleton discovery, and the site also explains the unique relationship between Chief Red Cloud and James Cook.

Hay Springs

• Shop the full-service grocery store with locally-sourced items, Farm To Family.

Kimball

• Have a cup of java at the hidden gem, Nebraska Coffee.
• Eat all the sweets at Kimball Bakery (which is also home to Merrycakes).

Lewellen

• Hike a trail and look for wagon ruts at Ash Hollow State Historical Park.
• It’s a cafe with servers on rollerskates, it’s an art gallery, it’s The Most Unlikely Place.

Mitchell

• Savor small-batch coffee at its best at I&L Coffee Roasters.

Oshgosh

• Get caffeinated with freshly roasted coffee at Mark Ferrari Specialty Coffees.

Scottsbluff

• Go to a zoo, park and splash pad all at one place, Riverside Discovery Center.
• Shop at Tossed & Found Antiques.
• Taste what all the fuss is about at the Tex-Mex favorite, Rosita’s Restaurant. You can also try several plates at the tapas-style restaurant, The Tangled Tumbleweed.
• Attend one of the live events outdoors or pop-up dinners at Papa Moon Vineyards, Winery & Cider House.
• If beer is more of your speed, check out Flyover Brewery Co.
• Partake in all the awesome amenities when you camp overnight at Scottsbluff YMCA Trails West.

Exploring beyond the Nebraska Panhandle

If you want to extend your trip to Nebraska beyond the Panhandle region, here are some ideas for more places to visit:

Where to stay in the Panhandle

Use this Nebraska map to help you find overnight accommodations in this region!