Permits & Reservations

Special Use Permits

The beauty of Scotts Bluff is a spectacular backdrop for filming, organized activities, or wedding ceremonies. A special park use is a short-term activity that occurs in a National Park Service area and:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation
• Is neither initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by the National Park Service

What Activities May Need a Permit

The following list includes but is not limited to what activities may need a permit; please contact us to inquire if your requested activity will require a Special Use Permit.

• Filming, Still Photography, or Audio Recording: in certain circumstances.
• Weddings or Other Ceremonies
• First Amendment Activities: Church services or demonstrations (non-fee) available on a first come-first service basis.
• Special Events
• Scattering of Ashes

How to Apply and Fees

A $50 non-refundable application fee is required for your activity to be considered. Applications with payment in the form of cash or check (if applicable) must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of your proposed activity. Checks should be made payable to National Park Service. Applications, with payment, can be mailed to:

Scotts Bluff National Monument
PO Box 27
Gering, NE 69341
Special Use Permit Application

Reservations

All groups, regardless of the purpose of their visit, need to make a reservation so that rangers are aware of any special needs. It also gives us a chance to let groups know if there are any issues that may impact their visit. To make a reservation, please call the monument at (308) 436-9700 or fill out the Education Reservation Request Form.

Instructions for filling out the Education Reservation Request Form

The form has fillable fields and can be filled out on your computer or other device.

1. Fill in Section 1: Contact Information. Please be sure not to leave any of the fields blank. Not a school group? Instead of "school" information, fill in these fields with information about your organization.
2. Fill in Section 2: Group Details- Park Visit/Field Trip. Please do not leave any of the fields blank. For the field labeled "Program or Subject Requested/Self Guided" your options include: Explore Visitor Center (takes about 20 to 30 minutes), Watch Park Film (15 minutes), Drive Summit Road (45 minutes), Ranger Program (20 to 30 minutes covering various topics), Hiking Trails (self-guided), Picnic Area (3 small tables), or Step On Guide (Ranger boards bus to talk on the drive up the Summit Road). Other services may be available, call 308-436-9700 to talk to a park ranger for suggestions.
3. Skip Section 3: Group Details- Ranger In Classroom Program for group visits.
4. Skip Section 4: Group Details - Virtual/Distance Learning Program *Scotts Bluff National Monument does not currently have fast enough internet to provide distance learning programs.
5. Skip Section 5: Academic Fee Waiver *Scotts Bluff National Monument does not charge a fee for entry into the monument.
6. The completed form can be emailed to us at scbl_ranger_activities@nps.gov. You may also mail the form to the monument at:

Scotts Bluff National Monument
Education Reservation Request
P.O. Box 27
Gering, NE 69341

PLEASE NOTE: Your group is not scheduled to visit Scotts Bluff National Monument until you have received either telephone, or email confirmation. Please schedule any visit a minimum of two weeks in advance. We look forward to seeing your group at the monument!