Gering, the seat of Scottsbluff county, is a relatively small city south of Scottsbluff. Gering is the oldest of the Scottsbluff/Gering/Terrytown Triplets.
Understand
Developed in 1887 on the North Platte River with the extension of the Oregon Trail, Gering retains most of it's "old feel" despite much modern building and renovations. As of 2020, Gering was home to about 8500 people.
History
In 1887, Gering was laid out southeast of the Scottsbluff National Monument when the Oregon Trail crossed the North Platte River, and then the Western Pacific Railroad crossed the area, providing really easy access to the area.
In 1922, the Oregon Trail Days began their annual celebration in Gering, a well known West Nebraska tradition.
Get in
By plane
The closest available airport is the | Western Nebraska Regional Airport that provides local access to Cheyenne and Denver, as well as Casper
By car
The Scottsbluff micro-politan area is deemed the 5th largest in the Continental United States not to be served by an interstate, behind Fresno, Bakersfield, Palmdale, and Lancaster.
- From the south, travel north on Highway 71, take the Gering exit, turn right onto M street
- or, from the north-west use US 26 and turn onto Highway 71, take the Old Highway 92 ramp.
By bus
The Denver Shuttle 📍 goes between Scottsbluff, Cheyenne, and Denver daily, the station is more in Gering than Scottsbluff, making it a walk in the park!
Get around
For about 2.5 x 2 miles of space that Gering grew up in, everything can be reached by walking except in winter, when the snow can make the city hard to get around in, and driving is preferred. But other than that, walk!
By car
Remember the Grid!
- Numbered Streets increase from east to west.
- Letters increase from south to north
- Adresses are bigger to the north and west
Take your car for convenience for 1/2 mile drives.
Walk to see Downtown; sidewalks are in fair condition.
By public transportation
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Gering is supported by a local bus system, known as the Tri-city roadrunner, which is headquartered in Scottsbluff, but serves the entire area. Two routes run at an hourly basis, so it is a good idea to pick up a schedule and thoroughly plan your route.
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There are a few handibus systems available, such as the Panhandle Partnership.
By taxi
Taxis have to be called; don't expect to hail them on the street.
By train
The Western Pacific runs through town. You don't want to hit it at the wrong time, as you will have to wait over 15 minutes for a slow train.
See
- Scottsbluff County Courthouse, 1725 10th Street Zip: 69341 (a straight drive up 10th Street, on west side), 41.826333°, -103.660758°, +1 308 436-6648. M-F 7:30AM to 4:30PM. Scottsbluff County's rather breathtaking law building, you should at least drive by, if you can't do a tour! 2017-05-18
- Gering Civic Center, 1050 M street, 41.821563°, -103.661449°, +1 308 436-6888. Depends on show. This is what theatre is! A 300-seat, one-level complex where Gering's most dramatic come to play. $10-100 2017-05-18
- Scottsbluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail Road (take the Old Highway 92 west into the monument), 41.83677°, -103.700246°, +1 308 436-9700. Daily 8AM-5PM. The rock-form that the area was founded nearby offers breathtaking view and curvy roads. Outside of Gering about 2.5 miles. 2017-05-19
- Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center, 210615 Hwy 71, 41.702222°, -103.667222°, +1 308 436-3777, ngpc.wildcat.hills@nebraska.gov. Parking $8/vehicle, Nebraska resident $6/vehicle 2020-06-14
Do
Buy
- Dollar General, 1645 11th Street, 41.825489°, -103.661730°, +1 308 436-1835. Daily 7AM-10PM. Nice small shop, not a Dollar Tree. 50 cents to $50 2017-05-19
- Fresh Foods Grocery, 1270 10th Street (Just south of M street), 41.821106°, -103.659605°, +1 308 633-2901. M-Sa 6AM-10PM, Su 7AM-9PM. A nice modern grocery store, about 2/3 the size of an average Walmart. (Note: There is a walmart in Scottsbluff). 50 cents to $50 2017-05-20
- Family Dollar, 1820 10th Street, 41.827099°, -103.659876°, +1 308 229-4234. Daily 8AM-9PM. Discount chain in Gering, not everything is a dollar. 2017-05-20
Eat
- Gering Bakery, 1446 10th Street, 41.823477°, -103.660138°, +1 308 436-5500. M-F 5:30AM to 5:30PM, Sa 5:30AM to 1PM, closed Su. Small bakery where donuts, burgers, and cakes come to be made and eaten. 2017-05-20
- Runza Gering, 1250 13th Street (on 13th off of M Street), 41.821°, -103.664°, +1 308 436-7869. German/American fast food chain in Nebraska. 2017-05-20
- Log Cabin, 1205 M street, 41.821364°, -103.663297°, +1 308 436-4786. M-Sa 5:30AM-8PM, Su 5:30AM-2PM. A western sanctuary with modern food and classic design. 2017-05-20
- Steel Grill, 2800 10th Street (close to Country Club road (see map)), 41.840445°, -103.660040°, +1 308 633-1020. M-F 3-10PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, closed Su. Mildly energetic tavern between Gering and Terrytown. From $45 2017-05-20
Drink
- Union Bar, 1403 10th Street (street parking on 10th and N), 41.822744°, -103.660484°, +1 308 436-7741. M-F 11AM-12:30AM, Sa 10AM-12:30AM, closed Su. Eat, drink, live music! 2017-05-20
- Little Red Liquor, 500 M street, 41.821760°, -103.652710°, +1 308 436-3181. Daily 8AM-10PM everyday. Little store, big taste. 2017-05-20
Sleep
This guide uses the following prices for one room with two queen beds:
- Budget: Under $71
- Mid-Range: $71-$126
- Splurge: Over $126
Budget: under $120, mid-range: $120-$165, splurge: over $165 (standard double room).
Inside Gering
- Monument Inn and Suites (Microtel), 1130 M street, 41.821°, -103.662°, +1 308 436 1950. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Hotel and suites with modest innovations and design, usually a mid-range price, has free breakfast, free parking, free wifi, and vending machines. Does not have pool. $100 2017-05-20
- Circle S Lodge, 400 M street, 41.821°, -103.651°, +1 308 436 2157. Basic Budget Motel just east of Gering with free wifi, free parking, and the continental breakfast (not free). $51 2017-05-20
Outside Gering in Terrytown
Connect
There are no internet cafes in Gering or Terrytown, however most businesses and all hotels have WiFi to connect. Below is other ways to connect.
By mail
Stay safe
The Gering/Terrytown area is considered safe.
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