Customer Service

SCOTTSBLUFF

After passing Court House and Jail House Rocks near Bridgeport, and then Chimney Rock, a National Historic Site (most mentioned landmark in the travelers' journals and diaries) near Bayard, the emigrants reached the area of Scottsbluff, NE. Traveling west on the south side of the Platte River, they were faced with impassable formations of eroded ground next to the river and had to swing south through what was called Robidoux Pass. Later, some engineering types figured out a way to make a route through what they called Mitchell Pass at Scott's Bluff (named for a trapper who died (or was killed) here in 1828). This shaved precious time off the route, but did mean the wagon trains might have to wait their turn to go through the narrow pass during the peak travel periods.

The Scottsbluff National Monument Visitor Center has many interesting exhibits and one can actually walk along the wagon path and ruts of the route cut through the rough terrain. Hwy 92 south of town goes through the modern Mitchell Pass and next to the old ruts and visitor center. If traveling in July, you may want to stop for the Oregon Trail Days celebration.