Most of the commercial businesses serve both cities equally. There have been many discussions about joining the two towns into one government and one school system, but for the time being, the atmosphere in the area seems to be to leave the communities as separate units. The twin cities share much more than the North Platte River. The area within a 50 mile radius is also teeming with history. It is rich in prehistoric artifacts as well as in the American tradition of pioneer days and the brief but colorful Pony Express riders.
Ruts left by the wheels of covered wagon are still visible in the passes along the bluffs.
The monument was incorporated into the national park system in 1919, so these landmarks can still be enjoyed by today's travelers. The Oregon Trail Museum, at the base of the monument, tells a vivid story of the building of the West by means of paintings, sketches, and other effective illustrations. Mitchell Pass, on the Oregon and Mormon trails, is one of the most famous of all gateways for human migration, dividing the huge bluffs. Roubidoux Pass lies south of Gering in the beautiful Wildcat Hills. Chimney Rock, the Oregon Trail's most familiar site mentioned in nearly every immigrant diary, is 25 miles to the east.