Interpretive Programs
Frenchie, an early fur trader NPS Photo From living history on the Oregon Trail to ranger walks and talks, interpretive programs will open your eyes to the rich human and natural history of Scotts Bluff National Monument. The summer months are full of different programs: Daily: Visit with a ranger in clothing from the past. They may be a fur trader, an immigrant from the Oregon Trail or a worker from the Civilian Conservation Corps. If you see a sign designating a date in the past as you approach, it is time to leave modern times behind. The character you meet will believe you and they are from that time period and they will not be able to answer questions about anything later. Fridays: Join a ranger in the amphitheater at 8 pm for an evening of fun and new experiences. Saturdays: A ranger will give a walk or talk at 10:00 am. Be prepared to discover the importance of the geology of the bluffs, the variety of flowers that bloom on the plains or more about the human history of the area. Later in the day, guest speakers take the spotlight at 4:00 pm as they present programs on topics ranging from the Plains Indians to the Orphan Train. Sundays: During June the popular "Music at the Monument" series will set toes tapping at 4:00 pm in the amphitheater as different performers liven the air with their tunes. 
2011 Pony Express Re-rider NPS Photo Annual Special Events February: The Great Backyard Bird Count: join a ranger who will drive you out to an area to identify and count birds as part of this nationwide effort to track where and how many birds are on the continent. April: The last full week of April is National Park Week during which all parks are fee free. Not only is it free to visit, there are several events to participate in including: the Monumental Clean-up; "The Artist's Perception" Art Show; National Jr. Ranger Day and Spring Up the Bluff. June: The Pony Express Re-ride: Witness a rider dash up on their horse, leap off, grab the Mochilla, put in on a fresh horse, mount and ride on just as in 1860. July: On the Fourth of July the park will remain open until 10:30 for visitors to hike to the top of the bluff to watch the Jaycees fireworks. Oregon Trail Days is a community wide celebration and the park participates in the parade and by hosting the Bike Hill Climb on Saturday morning. December: On the first Saturday learn more about Christmas on the Prairie was celebrated in the 19th century as you and your children make old fashioned ornaments while listening to live music of the period. For one weekend the summit road will be open after dark for holiday lights viewing from the top of the bluff.
For more information, check the events calendar on this website, call the visitor center at 308-436-9700, go to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps, or our Twitter site : http://twitter.com/ScottsBluffNPS. |
Did You Know?
The 1.6 mile Saddle Rock Trail leads hikers from the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center to the summit. Though the wagon ruts have eroded away, the 1/2 mile Oregon Trail Pathway runs from the Visitor Center to the remnants and roadbed of the Oregon Trail.