Riverside Discovery Center
A charming and affordable zoo featuring big cats, primates, and a petting zoo, with a popular splash pad in summer.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, weather is pleasant
Riverside Discovery Center
Best Time
Animals are active, weather is pleasant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming and affordable zoo featuring big cats, primates, and a petting zoo, with a popular splash pad in summer.
"This is the most adorable little zoo and if you are anywhere within a 2-hour driving radius, you need to visit!!!"
🎯 Watch for Staff Interactions
Animals often follow or come out when staff approach enclosures. Keep an eye out for these moments!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Concessions may be limited, especially on hot days. Staying hydrated is key!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Big Cat Encounters
See tigers and other big cats up close in well-maintained habitats. Their personalities shine through!
Playful Hyenas
These charismatic creatures are a visitor favorite, known for their engaging personalities and photogenic antics.
Splash-Pad Playground
A summer must-do! Cool off and let the kids burn energy at this fun, interactive water play area.
Friendly Fish Feeding
A highlight for many, purchase fish food at the gate to feed the geese, swans, and fish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Affordable Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Watch for Staff Interactions
Animals often follow or come out when staff approach enclosures. Keep an eye out for these moments!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Concessions may be limited, especially on hot days. Staying hydrated is key!
🐟 Buy Fish Food
Feeding the fish, geese, and swans is a highlight for many visitors.
📅 Check Facebook for Events
Discover special events, especially around holidays, for added fun.
What to do in Scott's Bluff?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Watch for Staff Interactions
Animals often follow or come out when staff approach enclosures. Keep an eye out for these moments!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Concessions may be limited, especially on hot days. Staying hydrated is key!
🐟 Buy Fish Food
Feeding the fish, geese, and swans is a highlight for many visitors.
📅 Check Facebook for Events
Discover special events, especially around holidays, for added fun.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is very walkable, making it easy to see all the exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors adore the Riverside Discovery Center for its affordability, friendly atmosphere, and engaging animal encounters, especially the hyenas and big cats. While some note its age, the value and charm make it a highly recommended stop for families and animal lovers, with many praising the interactive elements like fish feeding and the summer splash pad.
"This is the most adorable little zoo and if you are anywhere within a 2-hour driving radius, you need to visit!!! We drive over from Cheyenne which is about an hour and a half and it is so worth it. Pack a lunch, bring water, and enjoy this nostalgic little zoo with a great play area for kids, a shaded Dino dig, and an amazing splash pad in the summer. There is also an indoor activity room in the barn with a draw alive program that is so cool! They have a great variety of animals for a small Zoo (with nice habitats) and it is very walkable in an hour. Don't forget to buy fish food at the gate, feeding the fish, geese, and swans is always a highlight. Very affordable and low-key, low stress outing with minimal to no crowds! Check out their Facebook page for fun special events, especially around the holidays!"
Erika Cole
"Riverside Discovery Center – Scottsbluff, NE
We visited on an incredibly hot day, so some animals were less active at first, but we were lucky enough to see the tiger and the grizzly bear come out! The crowds were small (almost non-existent while we were there), which made it easy to take our time and enjoy the exhibits.
One tip we learned: the animals definitely notice when staff walk toward their enclosures — they often follow them or come out — so we kept an eye out for staff nearby and got to see more activity that way.
I do wish the concessions had been open on such a hot day, but overall, we still enjoyed our visit. If you go, bring water, take your time, and watch for those moments when the staff interact with the animals — it really brings the experience to life!"
Jacci Jo Gilbert
"I absolutely love this zoo. I used to visit it frequently when we lived close, but since moving out of state, I make an extra effort to visit the zoo when we are close.
It does need some love, as it's showing its age. Hope the city/county are willing and able to help get back into better condition."
Anne Turney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Riverside Discovery Center is located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. If you're driving from Denver, it's about a 3-hour trip north on Highway 71, which also passes Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Riverside Discovery Center, making it easy to access for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! It's a perfect day trip destination, especially if you're in the Scottsbluff area or driving through Nebraska. Many visitors make it a stop on longer road trips.
If coming from the south, Highway 71 is a scenic route that takes you past Scotts Bluff National Monument before reaching the Riverside Discovery Center.
Public transportation options directly to the zoo are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, making it a great value for families. Specific pricing can be found on their official website or by calling ahead.
Hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Generally, advance booking isn't required for regular visits, as crowds are often minimal. However, for special events, it's wise to check their policies.
While not always advertised, inquire about potential discounts for groups, seniors, or military personnel when purchasing tickets.
Refund policies are typically determined by the zoo's management. It's advisable to review their terms and conditions or contact them directly for specific information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including big cats like tigers, primates, hyenas, and more. There's also a petting zoo area for interactive fun.
Yes, there's a dedicated petting zoo and a splash-pad playground that's a huge hit during the summer months.
Animals are often most active in the cooler parts of the day, like mornings and late afternoons. Watching for staff interactions can also reveal more activity.
You can purchase special fish food at the gate to feed the fish, geese, and swans, which is a popular activity. Feeding other animals is generally not permitted.
The zoo is described as very walkable and manageable, suggesting it's generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Concessions may be limited, especially during off-peak seasons or very hot days. It's recommended to pack your own food and drinks.
Yes, bringing your own lunch and water is highly recommended to save money and ensure you have refreshments, especially on hot days.
While not explicitly mentioned, the zoo's layout and family-friendly nature suggest there are likely areas suitable for picnicking.
Scottsbluff, NE, offers various dining options if you prefer to eat outside the zoo. Check local listings for restaurants in the area.
Typically, alcohol is not permitted in zoo facilities. It's best to confirm with the zoo's specific policies.
📸 📸 Photography
The animal enclosures, especially for the hyenas and big cats, offer great opportunities. The natural landscapes and play areas also make for good shots.
Drones are generally not permitted in national parks or zoo facilities due to wildlife disturbance and safety regulations. Check specific park rules.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities.
The habitats are designed for viewing, and while you can get good shots, safety barriers are in place. Observing animal behavior can lead to great candid photos.
General photography for personal use is usually allowed. Commercial photography might require special permits, so check with the zoo administration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for special events advertised on their Facebook page, which can add extra fun to your visit. The zoo's manageable size makes it easy for little legs to navigate, and the friendly atmosphere ensures a low-stress outing for parents. Feeding the fish is also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the younger ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive park food, bring a picnic to enjoy. The focus on interactive elements like the petting zoo and fish feeding provides great value for the entry fee. It's an outing that offers a lot of enjoyment without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visit during early mornings or late afternoons for the best lighting and to catch animals when they are most active. Observing staff interactions can also lead to unique photo opportunities. The zoo's compact nature means you can easily move between exhibits to capture different shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Gem for Families
Beyond the play areas, the zoo offers a surprisingly diverse range of animals for its size. The habitats are noted as being well-maintained, and the animals themselves are described as having distinct personalities, making for engaging viewing. The opportunity to feed the fish, geese, and swans adds an interactive element that children particularly enjoy.
For those visiting during warmer months, the splash pad is a major draw. It provides a fantastic way for children to cool off and burn energy. The indoor activity room in the barn also offers engaging programs, like the 'Draw Alive' program, adding another layer of fun, especially if the weather isn't cooperating.
Animal Encounters & Viewing Tips
A key tip shared by visitors is to pay attention to the zoo staff. Animals often become more active or come out when staff members are near their enclosures, following them or engaging with them. This insight can significantly enhance your chances of seeing more animal activity and capturing great photos.
While the zoo is compact and very walkable, allowing for a visit in about an hour, taking your time is recommended. This allows for better observation of animal behaviors and ensures you don't miss any of the charismatic residents. The photogenic nature of the animals is frequently commented on, making it a great spot for amateur photographers.
Value and Atmosphere
The zoo's charm lies in its nostalgic feel and manageable size. Unlike larger, more overwhelming zoos, Riverside Discovery Center offers a relaxed experience. This is particularly appealing for families seeking a stress-free outing. The minimal crowds, especially outside of peak summer days, contribute to this tranquil environment.
While some reviews mention the facility showing its age and hoping for future improvements, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The dedication to providing a good experience with a variety of animals and engaging activities shines through, making it a beloved local attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit