Nebraska is a state full of small towns punctuated by a handful of cities, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a little town that’s not charming. But Reader’s Digest chose one town to name the most charming in the state – you may be surprised to learn where it is.
In its list of the most charming small town in every state, Reader’s Digest chose Scottsbluff as Nebraska’s sweetest small town.
Chris Light [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
With a population of 15,000 - which makes it the 13th largest city in the state - Scottsbluff isn’t considered small by Nebraska standards. But we definitely don’t disagree with the determination that this town is endlessly charming.
Jared Winkler [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
This is the kind of town where the past is honored even as the community looks toward the future. There are plenty of historic buildings to enjoy, such as the majestic Midwest Theater which was built in 1946.
Ammodramus [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
History and culture abound in this panhandle town, with places like the West Nebraska Arts Center and Legacy of the Plains Museum providing some of the area’s greatest educational and historical attractions. The nearby Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Fort Mitchell, and tons of other destinations keep residents and visitors busy and entertained.
Nebraska Tourism
The Riverside Discovery Center is the only zoo in western Nebraska, and it’s the perfect place for the whole family to spend a day.
Nebraska Tourism
Five Rocks Amphitheater is located close by and provides the ideal venue for concerts, festivals, and plenty of special events.
Google Local/Wendi Nichols
If you’re into outdoor activities, you’ll never be disappointed in Scottsbluff. It’s right at the gateway of Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, which is one of the state’s favorite outdoor recreation spots. If golf is your game, stop by Monument Shadows Golf Course for a uniquely beautiful course.
Nebraska Tourism
And of course, the national monument for which the town is named is one of the major reasons folks visit. This beautiful natural rock formation was one of the most often mentioned landmarks in the logs of Oregon Trail pioneers and other westward travelers.
Roman Eugeniusz [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]
The people of Scottsbluff and its sister city Gering are friendly, welcoming, and always willing to show off their favorite parts of this utterly charming place.
Nebraska Tourism
Have you ever visited “Nebraska’s most charming small town”? What was your favorite part? Tell us all about it in the comments! If you’d like to learn more about the national monument that shares the town’s name, read all about it here.
Chris Light [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Jared Winkler [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Ammodramus [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
Nebraska Tourism
Google Local/Wendi Nichols
Roman Eugeniusz [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]
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Address: Scottsbluff, NE 69361, USA
