30 2 0 2 1 – 2 0 2 5 S TAT E W I D E C O M P R E H E N S I V E O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N P L A N
Region 6
The West Panhandle Region is home to 4.6% of Nebraskans. Located
on the western edge of the region and state, the county of Scotts Bluff
contains 42% of this region's population. The demographics of the
Panhandle have held steady from the previous two SCORPs. Over half
of the population is under age 45. The racial-ethnic minority is in line
with the state average at 19.2%. Educational attainment beyond high
school is 61.5%, which is a 7% increase since the 2011-2015 SCORP.
Region 6 is home to a diverse array of landscapes that provide
significant nature-based recreation opportunities. To the north is the
Oglala National Grassland. Moving south are the Pine Ridge, Upper
Niobrara River, Toadstool Geologic Park, and the Sandhills alkaline
lakes. The Sandhills alkaline lakes are vital for nesting and migration of
shorebirds and other waterbirds, and are the largest alkaline wetland
system in the state. The southern half of the region contains the North
Platte River, Wildcat Hills, Chimney Rock, and Kimball Grasslands. The
highest point in the state, of 5,424 feet, is located in Kimball. Other
notable areas include Fort Robinson State Park, the Nebraska National
Forest, the western terminus of the Cowboy Trail, and Alliance's
famous Carhenge.
Fishing at Bridgeport State Recreation Area. (Morrill County)
Field trip to Wildcat Hills Nature Center
at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.
(Scotts Bluff County)
