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.
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
- Learn about local history at Knight Museum and Sandhills Center
- Shop for Nebraska souvenir apparel at Shelmadine Print Shop
- Taste local craft beer at Brewery 719
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
- Shop for vintage treasure at A Pocketful of Rye
- 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
Crawford
- Get a treat at Q’s Dairy Sweet
- 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
- Try the broasted chicken at Staab’s Drive Inn
- Temporarily closed, but keep on your radar: 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”
Hay Springs
- Shop the full-service grocery store with locally-sourced items, Farm To Family
Harrisburg
- Eat a scrumptious farm-to-table meal at Laura Lee’s Double L Country Store and Café
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)
- If you’re visiting in the summer, get a filling meal at Windbreak Bar & Grill
Lewellen
- Hike a trail and look for wagon ruts at Ash Hollow State Historical Park
- It’s a cafe with servers on rollerskaes, 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
- Enjoy the scratch-made treats and coffee at Cappuccino & Company
- Attend one of the live events outdoors or pop-up dinners at Papa Moon Vineyards, Winery & Cider House
- Partake in all the awesome amenities when you camp overnight at Scottsbluff YMCA Trails West
- Try several plates at the tapas-style restaurant, The Tangled Tumbleweed
Map of the Panhandle region
Use this Nebraska map to help you explore this region!
[display-map id=’26343′]
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: