I can't tell you how many times I have been talking to local parents in Scottsbluff or the surrounding areas and they tell me they have no idea what to do with their families in the area. I was in that exact same position until I really looked for events and activities not only in my town, but in the surrounding towns. Here is a list I have complied of my favorite things to do so that you don't have to!
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1. Legacy of the Plains Museum
Contact Information
(308) 436-1989
info@legacyoftheplains.org
Where?
2930 Old Oregon Trail #8500
Gering, NE 69341 United States
Business Hours
Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Admission Prices
Adults (19+): $10
Veterans: $9
College Students with valid ID: $5
Youth (ages 6 – 18): $5
Children Under 5 are Free
Memberships
Level 1
Student: : Free admission for cardholder $25
Individual: Free admission for cardholder $45
Couple: Free admission for cardholder and spouse $60
Family: Free admission for cardholder and spouse as well as children and/or grandchildren (ages 6 – 18) $80
Levels 2 – 6
Friend: Free admission for cardholder and spouse $150
Contributor: Free admission for cardholder and spouse $500
Supporter: Free admission for cardholder and spouse $1000
Advocate: Free admission for cardholder and spouse $2500
Benefactor: Free admission for cardholder and spouse $5000
Link to benefits for Level 1 – 6
Group Rates
We ask that your group please notify the museum at least 24 hrs prior to arrival.
Group of 10+ adults: $8 each (20% Savings!)
School and Educational Groups: Please call the museum and ask for the Executive Director for rates.
What to do
With tons of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, there really isn't anything that your child won't like!
Go to http://www.legacyoftheplains.org/ for more information
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2. Lake Minatare State Recreation Area
Contact Information
(308) 783-2911
ngpc.lake.minatare@nebraska.gov
Where?
Lake Minatare SRA | PO Box 188 | Minatare, NE 69356-0188
Business Hours
The recreation area is closed each year from October 15 – January 15 for all camping and lake use as it is a Wildlife Refuge for migratory birds.
Fees
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online.
-Residents $30 for an annual permit, duplicate annual permits are available for $15 and daily permits for $6.
-For vehicles not registered and licensed in Nebraska $45 for an annual permit, duplicate annuals permits are available for $22.50 and daily permits for $8.
Lake Minatare State Recreation Area is one of the most popular and scenic recreation areas in Western Nebraska. The 2,180-acre lake was built in 1915 for irrigation storage and is home to one of only seven inland lighthouses in the U.S. The 55-foot tall stone structure offers a beautiful view from the top. You can sit back and relax under the trees while camping or picnicking in a modern campground including paved pads with electrical hookups, modern restrooms and showers. You’ll find sandy beaches, four boat ramps, and room for power boating, skiing, or sailing. Anglers have excellent action on walleye, channel catfish, black crappie, yellow perch and white bass. Modern fish-cleaning stations are available.
Go to http://outdoornebraska.gov/lakeminatare/ for more information
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3. The Pumpkin Patch at BEFarm
Contact Information
(308) 641-5336
Where?
11249 RD 73
Bayard, NE 69334 United States
Business Hours
Monday - Friday: by appointment
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm is nestled Northwest of Bayard, NE off of US Highway 26. Looking South, the patch boasts a beautiful view of one of Nebraska’s most iconic landmarks, Chimney Rock. We are located 7 miles off of the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway.
Children can come enjoy our FARM YARD! Activities include; Pumpkin bowling, Hay Bale Pyramid with Culvert Slide, Duck Racing, Pumpkin Slingshots, Ladderball, Corn Maze, Jump Pad, CrossNet, Tic Tac Toe, Checkers, and much more!
Go to https://bepumpkinpatch.com/ for more information
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4. Nile Theater
Contact Information
(308) 623-2727
donaldbosborn@gmail.com
Where?
1433 Center Ave
Mitchell, NE 69357 United States
Showtime
7:30 Nightly
Sunday Matinee - 4:00
Admissions
Adults - $7
Children (11 and under) - $5
All Balcony Seats - $8
Discover the beautiful Nile Theatre. This family owned and operated theatre opened on November 21, 1939. A grand neon marquee decorates the the theatre front and the lobby looks like a luxurious living room complete with a firplace. This theatre still has a waterfall curtain that rises before the movie.
This single screen movie theatre plays first run movies every night of the week. But arrive early as many showing sell out. The Nile Theatre has very affordable tickets and concessions. Call for movie times, in this theatre that has the biggest screen and the best sound in the valley.
Go to https://www.niletheatremitchell.com for more information
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5. Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Visitors Center
Contact Information
(308) 586-2581
Where?
9822 CR 75 and Highway 92
Bayard, NE 69334 United States
Business Hours
Visitor Hours: 9:00-5:00 daily
Open Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day
Closed all state holidays in the off season and Easter
This is the single most noted landmark on the Oregon Trail. The first noted use of the name was found in a journal from 1830, but it is in journals of hundreds of a covered-wagon emigrants. Chimney Rock could be seen from far out on the plains and it signaled that the second phase, the difficult mountain passage, was near. Thousands wrote about carving their names on the tower even though the inscriptions have weathered away.
Go to https://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/rock for more information
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6. Riverside Discovery Center
Contact Information
(308) 630-6236
Where?
1600 S Beltline HWY W
Scottsbluff, NE 69361 United States
Business Hours
Beginning October 4, 2021, we are switching to winter zoo hours. Gates open at 9:30 AM & last admission is 3:30 PM.
Admission Rates
Ages 65+: $6.50
Ages 13-64: $9.50
Ages 5-12: $6.50
Ages 2-4: $3.50
If you are looking for a great family-oriented stop, this is it. The AZA accredited zoo hosts 170 native and exotic animals – from bison and swift fox to lions and tigers. You will find 16 species of rare and endangered animals for up close viewing. There is something to “discover” around every corner! The 22 acre center also features a playground, petting zoo, splash pad, and dino dig for children of all ages to enjoy. Agriculture is the focus of the Heritage Barn, home to the heritage livestock breeds and the Don Steen Heritage Room displays taxidermy mounts of the forbearers of modern domestic livestock. Come spend the day and discover a “wild” time. You won’t want to miss this! Special events occur several times throughout the year.
Go to https://riversidediscoverycenter.org for more information
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7. Parks Galore!
Centennial Park
2000 Broadway
Mitchell, NE 69357 United States
Pioneer Park
E 27th St and 2nd Ave
Scottsbluff, NE 69361 United States
Morrill City Park
W Webster St and Monroe Street
Morrill, NE 69358 United States
Central Park Fountain
1001-1099 Niobara Ave
Alliance, NE 69301 United States
Bayard City Park
1026 1st Ave,
Bayard, NE 69334 United States
Bridgeport East Park
E 11th St
Bridgeport, NE 69336
For more information go to:
https://visitscottsbluff.com/directory/categories/parks/
https://www.cityofalliance.net/facilities/facility/details/Central-Park-3
https://www.cityofbport.com/parks-recreation
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8. Bridgeport State Recreation Area
Contact Information
(308) 436-3777
ngpc.Wildcat.Hills@nebraska.gov
Where?
Bridgeport SRA | PO Box 65 | Gering, NE 69341-0065
West of Bridgeport off Neb. Hwys 26 and 92
Business Hours
The recreation area is closed each year from October 15 – January 15 for all camping and lake use as it is a Wildlife Refuge for migratory birds.
Park Fees
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online.
-Residents $30 for an annual permit, duplicate annual permits are available for $15 and daily permits for $6.
-For vehicles not registered and licensed in Nebraska $45 for an annual permit, duplicate annuals permits are available for $22.50 and daily permits for $8.
Those looking for shady campsites and sandy beaches will enjoy a visit to Bridgeport State Recreation Area, a relatively small but popular spot for power-boating and non-motorized water sports, camping and picnicking on the west side of Bridgeport, Nebraska. It encompasses about 326 acres, including 78 acres of water in five sandpit lakes.
Go to http://outdoornebraska.gov/bridgeport/ for more information
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9. Scenic Knolls Golf Course
Contact Information
(308) 623-2468
scenicknolls@outlook.com
Where?
20548 HWY 29
Mitchell, NE 69357 United States
Business Hours
Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Rates and Fees
Golf Course Rates and Fees
Early Bird Special ends March 31st
| Annual Fees Golf Passes | Daily Fees Green Fees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before April 1st | April 1st | Weekdays | |||
| Family Couple | $ 520.00 $ 460.00 | $ 575.00 $ 510.00 | 9 Holes 18 Holes | $ 14.00 $ 20.00 | |
| Single | $ 305.00 | $ 340.00 | Weekends & Holidays | ||
| Student | $ 90.00 | $ 100.00 | 9 Holes 18 Holes | $ 16.00 $ 22.00 | |
| Before April 1st | April 1st | Cart Rental | |||
| Trail Fee Cart Storage Cart Lease Driving Range | $ 73.00 $ 330.00 $ 400.00 $ 125.00 | $ 380.00 | 9 Holes 18 Holes Trail Fees | $ 7.00 per seat $ 13.00 per seat $ 6.00 | |
Scenic Knolls Golf Course is a 9 hole municipal facility with beautiful views and a great value
Go to https://www.mitchellcity.net/recreation/scenic_knolls_golf_course for more information
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10. Scottsbluff Family YMCA
Contact Information
(308) 635-2318
membership@ymcaofscottsbluff.org
Where?
22 S Beltline HWY E
P.O. Box 2423
Scottsbluff, NE 69363-2423 United States
Business Hours
Monday – Friday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Scottsbluff Family YMCA welcomes everyone and we strive to keep our members safe.
Go to https://ymcaofscottsbluff.org for more information
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Peace, love, and macaroni,
Are you a business owner interested in partnering with Macaroni Kid Scottsbluff? Contact me today at mackidscottsbluff@macaronikid.com.
