Creative Dimension
Museums
- Legacy of the Plains Museum: Located on the Oregon Trail, the Legacy of the Plains Museum features an impressive collection of pioneer and early community artifacts, antique tractors, and farm implements; an 80-acre working farm; historic farmstead structures; and striking views of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Come live the timeless stories of the Nebraska prairie.
- Museum of the Fur Trade: Located only three miles east of Chadron, Nebraska, the Museum of the Fur Trade stands on the site of James Bordeaux’s trading post, which was established for the American Fur Company in 1837 and is now included in the National Register of Historic Places. All items in our collection are original pieces and include the oldest known point blanket from 1775, firearms that were owned by Kit Carson and Tecumseh, and crop seeds that were obtained directly from American Indians over 125 years ago. With new exhibits being added every season, the Museum of the Fur Trade’s collection continues to grow and allows for a new experience with every visit.
- Trailside Museum of Natural History: Come explore Nebraska’s past and present through a variety of natural history exhibits. We’re also home to Clash of the Mammoths, a fossil display featuring two bull mammoths who died with their tusks locked in combat. This amazing fossil was found less than 15 miles from our location. Our gift shop features a variety of books, toys, apparel, rocks, and natural history themed items.
- Chimney Rock Museum: Feel the awe and curiosity the pioneers experienced when they saw the most famous landmark on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Designated as a National Historic Site on August 9, 1956, Chimney Rock and the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center are maintained and operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society.
- Fort Robinson History Center: Native Americans, Indian agents, African-American Buffalo Soldiers, the K-9 Corps, German Prisoners of War—these are just some of the people whose lives intersected with Fort Robinson. Explore this complex past in exhibits in the 1905 post headquarters building that trace the history from the post’s role guarding the Red Cloud Agency (1874-77) through the housing of World War II German PWs (1943-46).
- Nebraska Prairie Museum: The Phelps County Historical Society was organized in 1966. Our first displays appeared in the halls of the courthouse, then later, in the vacated Salvation Army building located just north of the current Holdrege City Hall. On April 22, 1975, ground was broken a half-mile north of the Country Club on Highway 183 for a 154′ x 120′ steel structure, now known as the Nebraska Prairie Museum (NPM). Several large additions and improvements have been made over the years. As well as sharing geological and historic resources. The mission of the NPM continues to be a historical, interactive, resource for the community, through the collection of artifacts, archival documents and memorabilia that explain the lifestyles of those who preceded us.
West Nebraska Arts Center is your window on the arts. They offer gallery exhibits, art classes/workshops and special events.
Judy Chaloupka Theater offers many events throughout the semester for students to showcase their talents or support other students' creative abilities. Students can check the calendar for new events.
Bands on Broadway Summer Concert Series is a free 10-week concert series that takes place every Thursday of the month in June/July/August from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at the 18th Street Plaza in Downtown Scottsbluff. Local and regional talent, food, and drinks. Bring a blanket, chair, and a smile and support music.
Midwest Theater offers Movies, Live Theater and Performing Arts to the community of Scottsbluff and surrounding areas. All are invited to experience the magical atmosphere Midwest Theater offers. Movies and live theater provide compelling, provocative, and diverse storylines that entertain all ages.
Elodie's Oddities provides unique experiences and unforgettable memories through our store. Walk-ins and reservations are welcome. Discover unique paintable pieces, classes, mosaics, and immersive events. Experience the magic of Elodie's Oddities. Join us today and journey beyond the ordinary.
Cougar Creation Station started as a workspace for NASA Fellowship projects. It is in the center of the B Pod. It is currently used for IT Tutoring, NASA projects, STEM students homework area, Thor, the robotic arm project, Tyr, the Mars Rover. Thor and Tyr are NASA projects anyone can work on. We have a 3D printer, acrylic paint for 3D printed projects, laser engraver, Raspberry Pi’s, Arduino Uno’s, Oculus 2 VR headsets, and many other items. Any WNCC student can use this area for 3D printing, laser engraving, etc. Please contact Bill Loring to go through training before using the equipment.
Recognized Student Organizations encourage students to connect with one another. Organizations exist for many purposes, including creative expression. Students can search for organizations through the WNCC Student Life Get Involved website.
The Creative Beet Art District has a goal to bring together the best artists, performers, & entertainers in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. They are putting the Nebraska Panhandle on map with must see visual, creative, culinary, live music, dance, theater and all other creative arts! Throughout the year, everyone is invited to attend and contribute to the performing arts in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and surrounding communities.
The Collective Creation is a vibrant, ever-evolving community art space open to all. This dynamic wall serves as a canvas for the creative spirit, inviting individuals to contribute their unique artistic vision. To participate, simply submit a free application to inform us of your intended visit (click the link). As a collaborative masterpiece, The Collective Creation reflects the diverse talents and perspectives of our community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared creativity.
MakerHub is a DIY creative center that offers patrons access to machines, technology, and social connections that may not be easily accessible otherwise. The MakerHub promotes learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The MakerHub allows patrons to learn through individual, independent experimentation and through community collaboration with other makers. Each piece of equipment has its own rules, age limits, and training requirements. Please call the library or stop in for more information.