Gering, Nebraska: 10 Scenic Short Road Trips Near Scotts Bluff

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10 Easy Road Trips from Gering, Nebraska: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Scotts Bluff County

If you’re based in or visiting Gering, Nebraska and you’ve already hit the local favorites, you might be wondering, “Okay, what’s next?” Good news: within about an hour or two, you’ve got wide-open landscapes, small-town cafes, historic sites, and quiet state parks waiting for you—just across the line in nearby counties like Banner, Box Butte, Morrill, Sioux (all Nebraska), and Goshen County, Wyoming. Below are 10 simple, out-of-county road trips you can enjoy from Gering. These make great weekend adventures, day trips, and even spur-of-the-moment drives when you just need to get out of town.

1. Explore the Vast Quiet of Jim Hammonds Ranch WMA (Banner County, NE)

If you love feeling like you’ve got the countryside all to yourself, head south into Banner County and check out Jim Hammonds Wildlife Management Area. This public area is mostly undeveloped prairie and rolling hills. It’s the kind of place where you can hear the wind, the birds, and not much else.
  • What to do: Walk the open grasslands, watch for deer and birds, take photos of the rugged landscape, or just sit in the quiet.
  • Why it’s special: It feels a bit like stepping back in time, before highways and billboards.
  • Tip: Bring sturdy shoes, water, and a paper map or offline directions—cell service can be spotty.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to get away from everything for a few hours,” this is that place.

2. Get Off the Beaten Path at Williams Gap WMA (Banner County, NE)

Another under-the-radar spot in Banner County is Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area, southwest of Gering. Here you’ll find rugged ridges, draws, and grasslands that are perfect for a low-key adventure.
  • What to do: Hike old ranch trails, try some upland bird watching, or explore the hills with your camera.
  • Scenery: Think chalky bluffs, rolling prairie, and big-sky views in every direction.
  • Best for: Folks who like “unmarked trail” exploring and don’t need a visitor center or paved paths.
If you like to wander and see where a dirt road takes you, you’ll feel right at home here.

3. Small-Town Stroll and Local Flavor in Bayard (Morrill County, NE)

Head east into Morrill County and spend a lazy half day in Bayard, Nebraska. It’s a classic High Plains small town, and while it’s quiet, that’s part of the charm.
  • What to do:
    • Walk downtown and check out local businesses.
    • Grab coffee or a burger at a local café.
    • Drive the surrounding country roads for farm and river views.
  • Why it’s fun: It’s an easy, low-stress outing—no big crowds, no long lines, just simple small-town Nebraska.
If you enjoy people-watching, sit at a café table, sip something warm, and watch a slice of everyday life go by.

4. Angler’s Escape at Lake Minatare (Morrill County, NE – North Side)

Most people know Lake Minatare from the Scotts Bluff County side, but the lake also touches Morrill County. For an out-of-county twist, head toward the northern and eastern access points that fall in Morrill.
  • What to do:
    • Fishing for walleye, crappie, and catfish.
    • Picnicking near the shore.
    • Photography—especially at sunrise or sunset.
  • Good to know: Bring your Nebraska fishing permit and check which access roads are open seasonally.
Picture sitting on the bank with a line in the water and the sun dropping behind the plains—that’s this trip.

5. Discover the Pine Ridge Near Agate Fossil Beds (Sioux County, NE)

Drive northwest into Sioux County and you’ll leave the flat fields behind. The landscape starts to fold into buttes, ridges, and the edge of the Pine Ridge region. While the famous Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is the big draw (and a must-see), make time to explore the surrounding county roads too.
  • What to do:
    • Hike monument trails to see fossils and sweeping views.
    • Drive the back roads for classic Nebraska butte country.
    • Watch for pronghorn, hawks, and other wildlife.
  • Why go: It’s one of the best road trips from Gering if you like geology, history, and open landscapes.
Ever wonder what Nebraska looked like millions of years ago? This is a good place to start imagining it.

6. Step Back in Time in Harrison (Sioux County, NE)

Keep going north and you’ll reach Harrison, the county seat of Sioux County and one of the most remote-feeling towns in Nebraska.
  • What to do:
    • Walk around the tiny downtown and historic buildings.
    • Check out local cafés or bars for a meal and conversation.
    • Use Harrison as a base for exploring nearby canyons and ridges.
  • Vibe: Quiet, old-school, and very “out West.”
If you like towns where everyone still waves when you drive by, Harrison is worth the trip.

7. Lake Time & Bird Watching at Box Butte Reservoir (Box Butte County, NE)

Travel northeast into Box Butte County and make your way to Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area. This is a great option if you want a mix of water, camping, and wildlife.
  • What to do:
    • Boating and kayaking (check water levels and ramp conditions).
    • Fishing for walleye, largemouth bass, and other species.
    • Bird watching—especially during spring and fall migration.
    • Camping under wide, starry skies.
  • Why it’s great: It feels remote, but still has basic facilities. Perfect for a weekend from Gering.
If you’re craving a simple camping trip where you can sit by a campfire and actually see the Milky Way, put this on your list.

8. Classic High Plains Town Vibes in Alliance (Box Butte County, NE)

A little farther east in Box Butte County sits Alliance, Nebraska, a regional hub with a bit more going on while still feeling very small-town.
  • What to do:
    • Walk downtown and browse local shops.
    • Try a family restaurant or café for a hearty meal.
    • Check out local parks and murals for photo stops.
  • Road trip bonus: The drive from Gering to Alliance takes you through wide-open farm and ranch country.
This is a good “change of scenery” day trip—easy driving, simple navigation, and a different set of local favorites to try.

9. Farm Country & Small-Town Stops in Goshen County, Wyoming

Head west across the state line into Goshen County, Wyoming. Towns like Torrington, Lingle, and Fort Laramie (town) sit in the heart of irrigated farm country along the North Platte River.
  • What to do:
    • Grab lunch at a Main Street café in Torrington or Lingle.
    • Drive the back roads and watch for irrigation pivots, grain elevators, and old barns.
    • Stop at local farm stands or seasonal markets when available.
  • Why visit: It’s close to Gering but has a slightly different feel—more “Wyoming ranch country” than Nebraska plains.
If you enjoy just driving and seeing how people live and work in rural America, this trip delivers.

10. Walk Through History at Fort Laramie National Historic Site (Goshen County, WY)

For a deeper dive into Western history, finish your out-of-county adventures at Fort Laramie National Historic Site in Goshen County, Wyoming. This once-busy military post and trading hub sat at the crossroads of the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.
  • What to do:
    • Tour restored buildings and ruins of the old fort.
    • Read trail stories and see exhibits in the visitor center.
    • Walk the grounds and imagine wagon trains coming through.
  • Travel tip: Pair this with a meal in Torrington or Lingle for a full day trip from Gering.
If you’ve ever driven across the plains and wondered about the people who crossed in wagons, this site brings those stories to life.

Planning Your Road Trips from Gering

To make the most of these out-of-county adventures from Gering, Nebraska:
  • Check road conditions: Some areas use gravel or dirt roads—rain and snow can make them tricky.
  • Fuel up first: Gas stations can be far apart once you leave town.
  • Pack the basics: Water, snacks, layers, and a paper map or downloaded map.
  • Respect private land: Many scenic areas border ranches. If it’s fenced or posted, stay on public roads and areas.
These trips aren’t about giant attractions or theme parks. They’re about quiet drives, small towns, wide skies, and the kind of places you remember because they felt real and unpolished.

Have You Taken Any of These Trips from Gering?

I’d love to hear from you:
  • Which of these road trips near Gering have you tried?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden spot in Banner, Box Butte, Morrill, Sioux, or Goshen County?
  • What’s your go-to day trip when you need a quick escape from town?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments—your experience can help other travelers plan their own getaways. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who might be planning a trip to western Nebraska or eastern Wyoming. The more we share these lesser-known spots, the more people get to enjoy them—without the crowds.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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