Mitchell NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mitchell, Nebraska.
1. Brown Sheep Company
LOCAL WOOL PRODUCTION
Brown Sheep Company is a renowned wool mill in Mitchell that produces high-quality yarn and wool products. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the wool production process from shearing to spinning and dyeing. The company has been a staple of the local economy since its founding and offers a retail store where guests can purchase their unique, locally-made products.
2. Scenic Knolls Golf Course
GREENS WITH VIEWS
Scenic Knolls Golf Course offers golfers a picturesque setting with rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. The course features well-maintained greens and challenging holes suitable for various skill levels. In addition to golfing, Scenic Knolls also provides camping facilities for visitors who wish to extend their stay.
3. Nile Theatre
HISTORIC MOVIE HOUSE
The Nile Theatre is a charming historic movie venue that has been entertaining Mitchell residents for generations. This classic theater offers current films in a nostalgic setting with affordable ticket prices. The theater maintains its vintage appeal while providing modern sound and projection technology.
4. High Plains Hot Air Balloon Company
SOARING ABOVE NEBRASKA
High Plains Hot Air Balloon Company provides breathtaking aerial adventures over the western Nebraska landscape. Guests can experience the thrill of floating above the rolling plains and witness stunning panoramic views of the region. Each flight offers a unique perspective of Mitchell and the surrounding natural beauty of the area.
5. Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds
COMMUNITY EVENTS HUB
The Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the popular county fair. Visitors can enjoy agricultural exhibitions, rodeos, carnival rides, and live entertainment depending on the season. The fairgrounds serve as a central gathering place for community celebrations and regional competitions.
6. Zeigler Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Zeigler Park offers families a pleasant outdoor space for recreation and relaxation in Mitchell. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open green spaces for various activities. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and peaceful atmosphere for gatherings and outdoor enjoyment.
7. Mitchell Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Mitchell Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the village through its collection of artifacts and exhibits. Established in 1978, the museum features pioneer-era artifacts, farm tools, household items, and displays on local history including the Scotts Bluff County Jail. Visitors can also participate in historic home tours that explore several of the village's oldest residences.
8. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
PREHISTORIC MAMMAL FOSSILS
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is a world-renowned paleontological site located near Mitchell that preserves Miocene epoch mammal fossils. The monument features an impressive visitor center with fossil displays and educational exhibits about the ancient animals that once roamed the region. Visitors can hike interpretive trails that lead to fossil excavation sites and enjoy the unique badlands landscape.
9. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC LANDMARK FORMATION
Scotts Bluff National Monument is an impressive natural formation that rises over 800 feet above the North Platte River valley. This historic landmark served as an important navigational point on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails during the westward migration of the 19th century. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit for spectacular views of the surrounding plains and learn about the area's significance at the visitor center.
10. Legacy of the Plains Museum
PIONEER HERITAGE CENTER
Legacy of the Plains Museum documents the rich history of settlement and agriculture in the North Platte Valley. The museum features extensive exhibits on pioneer life, Native American history, and the development of farming in the region. Visitors can explore historic buildings, antique farm equipment, and interactive displays that bring the area's past to life.
11. Chimney Rock National Historic Site
ICONIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Chimney Rock National Historic Site preserves the distinctive natural spire that served as the most recognized landmark on the Oregon Trail. Rising approximately 325 feet from its base, this geological formation was mentioned in more pioneer diaries than any other landmark on the westward journey. The visitor center offers exhibits on the monument's significance to Native Americans, pioneers, and the development of the American West.
12. Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
RUGGED OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts a diverse landscape of pine-covered buttes, canyons, and grasslands to explore. The area features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that showcase spectacular views of the North Platte Valley and Scotts Bluff. Visitors can also enjoy the modern nature center with educational exhibits, a shooting complex, and opportunities for wildlife viewing including bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, and various bird species.
13. Lake Minatare State Recreation Area
WATER RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Minatare State Recreation Area encompasses a 2,158-acre reservoir that provides abundant opportunities for water recreation near Mitchell. The lake is popular for fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing during the summer months. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing at this scenic oasis on the plains.
14. Riverside Discovery Center
ZOO AND EDUCATION CENTER
Riverside Discovery Center is a zoo and educational facility featuring a diverse collection of animals from around the world. The center focuses on conservation education and provides interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. In addition to animal exhibits, the facility offers a splash pad, playground, and special events throughout the year.
15. West Nebraska Arts Center
CREATIVE CULTURAL HUB
West Nebraska Arts Center showcases the creativity and artistic talent of the region through rotating exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. The center is housed in a historic building that provides an inspiring backdrop for the display of various art forms including paintings, sculptures, and photography. Visitors can explore the galleries, participate in art classes, and attend special performances throughout the year.