Panhandle Nebraska
Nebraska's Panhandle stretches across the far west — a landscape of dramatic buttes, ponderosa pine ridges, wide-open ranching country, and the winding North Platte River. Scotts Bluff National Monument, Fort Robinson, and the Oglala National Grassland mark a region unlike anywhere else in the state. This is pioneer and emigrant trail country, shaped by the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails and anchored by communities that have served ranchers and travelers for generations.
Counties in the Panhandle
Scotts Bluff County
County seat: Gering · Scotts Bluff NM, North Platte River valley
Dawes County
County seat: Chadron · Pine Ridge, Fort Robinson SP, Chadron SP
Box Butte County
County seat: Alliance · Alliance, Nebraska, agricultural hub
Cheyenne County
County seat: Sidney · I-80 corridor, Cabela's original location
Sheridan County
County seat: Rushville · Sandhills transition, ranching country
Sioux County
County seat: Harrison · Oglala National Grassland, Hudson-Meng site
Morrill County
County seat: Bridgeport · North Platte River, Chimney Rock views
Garden County
County seat: Oshkosh · Crescent Lake NWR, Sandhills edge
Kimball County
County seat: Kimball · Southwest corner, I-80 western gateway
Banner County
County seat: Harrisburg · Rural ranching, Wildcat Hills
Deuel County
County seat: Chappell · I-80 corridor, Lake McConaughy drainage
Key Towns
Travel Corridors
Explore the Panhandle
Landmarks & Attractions
Scotts Bluff National Monument (Gering) — The landmark bluff that guided emigrants on the Oregon Trail. Museum, summit trail, and panoramic views across the North Platte valley.
Fort Robinson State Park (Crawford) — Historic army post, site of Crazy Horse's death. Trail rides, lodging, museum, and miles of backcountry.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site (Morrill County) — The most-recognized landmark on the Oregon Trail.
Chadron State Park — Nebraska's oldest state park. Pine-covered ridges, camping, and access to the Pine Ridge Trail.
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area (Scotts Bluff County) — Wildlife viewing, hiking, and overlooks of the North Platte valley.
Oglala National Grassland (Sioux County) — 95,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie and badlands terrain.
Cameras in the Panhandle
Live traffic and road condition cameras for Panhandle counties — opens the county toggle on the Nebraska Cameras page.
Directory Listings
Find restaurants, lodging, services, and businesses across the Panhandle. All listings are free for Nebraska businesses.
