Tourism and Points of Interest

Scenic Attractions

Several Tourism Sites To Visit

Located In or Near Gering

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Scotts Bluff National Monument

Pass and Trading Post
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This landmark and museum tells the story of pioneer life on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails as well as the Pony Express and freight wagon routes. Paintings from the William Henry Jackson's collection are housed in the Visitor's Center. Visitors can either hike the 1.6 mile trail or drive through the tunnels to the 800 foot high bluff. The Visitor's Center displays the entire history of the Monument. During the summer months, a program is presented to the public on Thursday evenings. Living history is conducted at various times throughout the week. The Monument is located just 3 miles west of Gering on Old Oregon Trail.

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The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail was the major route for immigrants traveling from the settlements on the edge of the eastern United States to the promised land of Oregon. It extended 2170 miles from its eastern departure points of St. Joseph, Westport, and Independence, Missouri, to its final destination in the Willamette Valley of present day Oregon. Much of its eastern segment followed the valleys of the Platte and North Platte Rivers.

Agate Fossil Beds

This portion of the Scotts Bluff National Monument tells the story of pre-historic animal life. An outstanding and unique collection of Chief Red Cloud are on display.

Riverside Zoo

Enjoy viewing over 60 species of animals in natural habitats as one wanders through the park setting. A gift shop and lunch counter are available.

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock has become one of the most famous landmarks in the American West. This unique formation--the most noted on the Oregon Trail--has come to symbolize the greatest voluntary migration in the history of mankind. The Nebraska State Historical Society operates the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbot Visitor Center at the Chimney Rock National Historic Site. The Visitor Center features museum exhibits explaining the westward migration of the nineteenth century and the significant role Chimney Rock had in the memories of those who traveled the trails west. For more information on tours call 1-800-586-1850.

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Robidoux Pass and Trading Post

A scenic drive along the Wildcat Hills range follows the Oregon-California Trail.

Banner County Museum

Exhibits depict the life of the settlers as it was known on the plains. A pioneer school, bank, drugstore, and gas station are complete with all the furnishings.

Farm and Ranch Museum

One mile West on Old Oregon Trail, from the intersections of Old Oregon Trail and Five Rocks Road, Gering, Nebraska. Preserving the Farm and Ranch Heritage in honor of our ancestors.

North Platte Valley Museum

The history of the North Platte Valley is told through the interpretative exhibits of the Native Americans, the fur trade, the Oregon Trail, the cattlemen, and the homesteaders. A furnished sod house and a log house depict the lifestyle of the era.

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Wildlife World

Collections of animals from six continents are displayed in exhibits depicting their natural habitats. Several of the exhibits are quite unique and rare. In addition, a wing of this museum exhibits only the animals found along the Oregon Trail. Located at 10th Street and "U" Street in Gering. The building once was Gering's Railroad station.

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Wildlife Nature Center

Located in the scenic Wildcat Hills, one can observe and study plants and animals in their natural settings. The Center contains exhibits that interpret and teach about nature's interaction in this biome.

Wildcat Hills

Enjoy nature by hiking or driving through the Wildcat Hills. Shelters are available for cookouts.

Fort Laramie

Fort Laramie in 1876

Fort Laramie, the military post, was founded in 1849 when the army purchased the old Fort John for $4000, and began to build a military outpost along the Oregon Trail.

Fort Robinson

Nebraska's largest and most historic state park, Fort Robinson was an active military post from 1874 to 1948. Crazy Horse, Walter Reed, Red Cloud, Arthur MacArthur, Dull Knife, General Crook and Doc Middleton are but a few of the colorful characters who played significant parts in carving Fort Robinson's place in western lore.