The Nebraska Panhandle covers the far western portion of the state and is known for its wide-open landscapes, rugged hills, and distinctive High Plains scenery. This region includes communities such as Scottsbluff, Gering, Chadron, and Sidney, along with several small towns that reflect the state’s rural heritage. The Panhandle has a lower population density compared with eastern Nebraska, but its communities are closely connected and supported by agriculture, ranching, transportation, and outdoor tourism. Visitors are drawn to landmarks like Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock, and Fort Robinson State Park, along with scenic drives, hiking areas, and historic sites. The region’s lifestyle centers around natural surroundings, local events, and a steady pace of small-town living.
| City | Population | County | Highlight / Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance | 8,151 (2020) | Box Butte County | Carhenge replica of Stonehenge made with cars |
| Bayard | 1,140 (2020) | Morrill County | Near Chimney Rock landmark |
| Bridgeport | 1,454 (2020) | Morrill County | County seat, railroad town on U.S. Route 26 |
| Chadron | 5,206 (2020) | Dawes County | Gateway to Pine Ridge & home to Chadron State College |
| Chappell | 843 (2020) | Deuel County | Small town on I-80 corridor |
| Gering | 8,564 (2020) | Scotts Bluff County | Located below Scotts Bluff National Monument |
| Gordon | 1,612 (2010) | Sheridan County | Historic trading post area in Panhandle |
| Hay Springs | 601 (2020) | Sheridan County | Small ranching community in northwest Nebraska |
| Kimball | 2,290 (2020) | Kimball County | Historic rail hub ‘Golden Spike’ area |
| Minatare | 715 (2020) | Scotts Bluff County | Close to Lake Minatare & bird-watching trails |
| Mitchell | 1,548 (2020) | Scotts Bluff County | Small sugar-refinery town in western Nebraska |
| Oshkosh | 809 (2020) | Garden County | County seat in Sandhills/Platte region |
| Rushville | 816 (2020) | Sheridan County | County seat in Sandhills near Pine Ridge |
| Scottsbluff | 14,295 (2025 estimate) | Scotts Bluff County | Largest city in the Panhandle region near national monument |
| Sidney | 6,410 (2020) | Cheyenne County | Historic Fort Sidney and major I-80 junction |