Christmas is coming! What better way to start preparations than the way our ancestors did in
the 19th century?
“Christmas on the Prairie” is a FREE holiday event happening in the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Throughout the event, participants will have an opportunity to make a variety of holiday ornaments including popcorn strings, paper lanterns and stars, dough ornaments to paint, as well as covered wagons and bird ornaments. Refreshments will be provided by Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, the official non-profit partner of Scotts Bluff National Monument.
- In addition to the ornament making activities, join Noelle Grunwald, the Nebraska Environmental Educator with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, at 11:00 a.m. for “Birds of the Holidays” to learn more about the role that birds play in our holiday celebrations.
- From 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., acclaimed songwriter and musician Martin Gilmore will be performing live holiday music.
Our partners at Legacy of the Plains Museum and Chimney Rock National Historic Site will also be offering holiday-themed events on the same day. At Legacy of the Plains Museum, “High Plains Christmas” will give participants an opportunity to enjoy some outdoor and indoor fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ride on a hay rack, build a Christmas ornament, write a letter to Santa to send via Pony Express, enjoy live music, and purchase their delicious soups and hot chocolate. High Plains Christmas also kicks off the “Trees Along the Trail Contest”.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site will celebrate “Christmas at the Rock” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to play games and enjoy holiday treats and music.
The Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The summit road is open (weather and conditions permitting) from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. All Monument trails are open from sunrise until sunset. Additional information about Scotts Bluff National Monument programs and schedules can be obtained at the visitor center, by calling 308-436-9700 or by visiting our website at http://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps.