Gering Attractions - Oregon Trail Days Hotels

Gering Attractions:

Scotts Bluff National Monument

As a landmark for people making their way across the Great Plains for hundreds of years, Scotts Bluff National Monument today consists of 3,000 acres of prairie land and scenic sandstone bluffs and is dedicated to preserving the historic legacy of America's westward movement.

Vestiges of the old trail can still be seen, and the Oregon Trail Museum offers a wide variety of exhibits that tell stories of early pioneers. A paved road and hiking trail allow visitors to either drive or walk to the summit of the bluff for a spectacular view of the North Platte Valley.

How to Get There:
Scotts Bluff National Monument is located 3 miles west of Gering, Nebraska on State Highway 92. The Monument can also be reached via Interstate 80 by exiting at Kimball, Nebraska and driving 40 miles north to Gering.

Hours:
Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitors Center/Museum is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Extended hours during the summer months.
For more information, call (308) 436-4350.

North Platte Valley Museum

Extensive exhibits depicting the settlement of the North Platte Valley from the early nomadic hunters of 10,000 year ago, through the fur trade, the Oregon Trail and the era of the cattlemen and homesteads. Authentic sod house, log house, military exhibits and the Henderson Collection and Archive are onsite.

How to Get There:
The Museum is located at 11th & J Streets in Gering, just off Business Highway 71.

Hours:
Open daily in the summer 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and in the winter by appointment. For more information, call (308) 436-5411

Farm and Ranch Museum

Devoted to the preservation and interpretation of early methods of agriculture in the North Platte Valley. Displays of antique farm equipment from horse-drawn--to steam engines--to early tractors are on display. Annual Harvest Festival Celebration is the third weekend in September and features demonstrations, children's activities and craft fair. How to Get

There:
Located west of Gering on Highway 92, right before Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Hours:
Open May through September 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call (308) 436-1989

Wildlife World at the Wyo-Braska Natural History Museum

You can't help but utter an unexpected "wow" as you enter the Museum and begin viewing over 250 animals from all seven continents of the world that are brilliantly displayed throughout the 13,000 square foot gallery where each resides in a setting of its natural habitat. Many of the animals in the museum are so rare and priceless; such prominent institutions covet them as the Smithsonian.

The unique Wyo-Braska Natural History Museum, known as Wildlife World, offers an experience no zoo could match giving visitors the opportunity to stand literally nose to nose with a curious zebra or take your picture riding a proud lion or next to powerful jungle cats.

How to Get There:
Located in downtown Gering at the corner of 10th and U Streets.

Hours:
Open daily in the Summer, and closed Sunday and Monday in the winter. For more information, call (308) 436-7104.

Robidoux Trading Post

In the early days of 1851, Plains Indians brought their furs to a secluded cedar lined canyon just one mile south of the historic Oregon Trail. Antoine Robidoux built the original trading post and blacksmith shop. The post has been reconstructed, using historical information, out of 100-year-old hand-hewn logs.

How to Get There:
Two miles south of Gering on Highway 71, then 8 miles west on Cedar Canyon Road.

Hours:
Open daily for self-guided tours of the grounds. For more information or guided tours, call the Gering CVB at 800-245-0717

Monument Shadows Golf Shadows

The City of Gering boasts a challenging and scenic 18-hole golf course enhanced by outstanding views in it's setting at the base of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Course features include a driving range, clubhouse and cart storage. Monument Shadows welcomes visitors with a staff who strives to provide all who play with friendly service, a quality golf operation and an outstanding course and practice areas to further enhance your enjoyment and Gering Great Golf Escape!

How to Get There:
Monument Shadows is located 1.5 miles north of the intersection of Hwys. 71 & 92 in Gering, then turn west on Country Club Road and south on Clubhouse Drive.

Hours:
Daily t-times may be scheduled by calling the pro-shop at (308) 635-2277.

Five Rocks Amphitheater

A unique Gering attraction, the Amphitheater and Pavilion features bands and other open-air entertainment in the summer months, as well as weekly Thursday night "Movies at the Rocks" showing new releases and classics with a drive-in like atmosphere. Surrounding the facility are fascinating geologic rock formations including Dome Rock, Crown Rock, Sentinel Rock Eagle rock and Saddle Rock!

How to Get There:
Located ½ mile South of the intersection of Highways 71 & 92 in Gering.

Hours:
Concert gates open at 6:00 p.m., with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday night movies begin at 9:00 p.m., MST. For more information, call the Events Hotline at (308) 436-3693

Oregon Trail Park Complex

The swimming pool, complete with a water slide welcomes residents and visitors to cool off during the summer months. In compliment, the Park Complex offers tennis courts, horse shoe pits, and skateboard tracks. Shelters with electricity are offered for picnics and reunions.

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area

Nature lovers should take a hike! A hike, that is, through the trails of the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area (1,000 acres of rugged terrain) south of Gering. The picturesque paths reveal a side of Nebraska that most people don't realize is there. Thousands of trees and scenic vistas provide a perfect backdrop for a peaceful day in nature and the wildlife consisting of numerous bird species and deer add the tranquility of the experience.

Before hitting the 3-miles of trails, visitors to the Wildcat Hills Nature Center will explore the animal exhibits, live beehive and bird observation area. Also, ask why there's a 27-foot Ponderosa pine tree in the building…….and how it got there?

How to Get There:
Located 8 miles south of Gering on Highway 71.

Hours:
Open daily in the Summer, Winter closed on Saturday and Sunday. For information, call (308) 436-3777.