06/08/2026
Last weekend, Visit Gering had the pleasure of hosting the Rocky Mountain Thunderbird Club for a multi-day stay and tour of our community and the surrounding area.
This incredible group traveled from across the region to experience the history, landscapes, and hospitality that make Gering such a special place. Their itinerary included visits to Chimney Rock, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Legacy of the Plains, along with locally catered meals from The Mixing Bowl Cafe and the Gering Civic Center and lodging at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Gering/Scottsbluff.
A special thank you to Lisa Betz-Marquez for serving as tour guide and sharing the stories that bring our region to life, and to Mackenzie Westphal for beautifully documenting the journey through her photography.
What makes this story even more meaningful is how it began. I first met the group's coordinator, Laurie, while working the Visit Nebraska booth at the National Western Stock Show in Denver in 2025. One conversation led to a visit, and that visit brought dozens of travelers to Gering.
The group told us this was the best tour experience they have had in their annual travels, and that is a testament to the businesses, attractions, volunteers, and partners who help us showcase our community.
This is exactly why tourism matters. It fills hotel rooms, supports local restaurants and attractions, creates new friendships, and introduces visitors to a place they may never have discovered otherwise.
Thank you to everyone who helped make their visit unforgettable. We can't wait to welcome them back!
