Take some time, get off the beaten path and discover the winter wonderland of Gering. Nature lovers, taste bud specialists and those who just want to relax will love what this charming city in Nebraska has to offer. Go the extra mile and discover meals worth devouring, views worth admiring, history worth learning and people worth meeting.

Cozy up in a renovated 100-year-old barn at the Barn Anew Bed & Breakfast. Located on the historic Oregon Trail, wake up and enjoy a gourmet breakfast while admiring the view of Scotts Bluff National Monument in the background. Rest up in a room that defines comfort and hospitality at the Monument Inn & Suites, located only a few minutes from the Monument. Additional lodging options in Gering include Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, Circle S Lodge and Arcadia Hotel.

Explore Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area & Nature Center while you’re in the area. Enjoy hiking three miles of nature trails through the canyons and bluffs of the area and watch for wildlife. In the nature center, learn from interactive displays and programs or admire the captivating view of the park and valley below. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir from the gift shop on your way out. Spend a little extra time out in the cold at Scotts Bluff National Monument. Drive or hike 1.6 miles up Saddle Rock Trail to reach the top of the bluff that gives way to beautiful views. Too cold outside for a hike? Walk around the visitor’s center to learn from exhibits and an audiovisual program chalked full of information.

Itching to learn more about the pioneers who came before us? Head to the Legacy of the Plains Museum located on the Oregon Trail. Legacy of the Plains features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. Play games and answer questions on flipboards throughout the museum to find out how you would have survived as an emigrant on the trail facing the many hazards pioneers faced. Bring the kids to experience exhibits geared toward them like milking a cow or kiddie-tee pee theaters with interactive video of Oregon Trail experiences.

Start your day off right with an omelet or all-you-can-eat pancakes and French toast at The Mixing Bowl or wait until lunch time and enjoy the pineapple express burger, a house favorite. Warm your insides with a cup of coffee at The Daily Grind Coffeehouse. Or stop by the Gering Bakery and grab a sweet, made from scratch bakery goodie. Gering Bakery has been baking sweet treats using all fresh ingredients since 1950. For dinner, dive in to a home cooked meal at Log Cabin Restaurant & Lounge and finish your night off with a beer at The Union Bar.

From hiking to learning about the Oregon Trail to stuffing your face with delicious bakery treats, you won’t be disappointed that you got off the beaten path and took the time to explore Gering.