The Robidoux Trading Post has been on a journey; beginning in April of 2021 with the Post’s move from the original reconstruction site in Carter Canyon to the new permanent home amidst the backdrop of Scotts Bluff National Monument and the five recognized formations of Dome, Sentinel, Crown, Eagle and Saddle rocks. The Post site remained temporarily closed to visitors after the move; allowing time for the Post to settle on its foundation, structural repairs and external ADA improvements were completed.
On Monday, May 2, 2022, the Robidoux Trading Post will host the official Proclamation Ceremony of National Tourism Week 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with the Mayors of Gering, Scottsbluff, Terrytown and Scotts Bluff County Commissioners proclaiming National Travel and Tourism Week. The Proclamation Ceremony and National Tourism Week will mark the official “soft re-opening” of the Robidoux Trading Post at 2200 D Street in Gering (just off Five Rocks Road across from Five Rocks Amphitheater). The Robidoux Trading Post will welcome visitors to the structure that is a
representation of Robidoux’s second Trading Post based on the 1851 Mollhausen sketch (attached); offering an experience for residents and visitors that is continuing to develop; that is engaging and memorable.
The Friends of Robidoux Trading Post, the City of Gering, Gering Visitors Bureau and Scotts Buff Area Visitors Bureau along with citizens and many volunteers have collaborated on moving the Post, stabilizing the building at the new site and renovations to the grounds. This week’s soft re-opening of the Post begins the new future of the Robidoux Trading Post.
Long term plans include additional landscaping, signage, external interpretation and internal displays. The Robidoux Trading Post will provide experiences for visitors to learn about the history and significance of this area; focusing on the Post’s part in the Indian and Fur Trade, Life at a Trading Post, Westward Migration and much more.
Residents, visitors, families and area history enthusiasts are cordially invited to visit the Robidoux Trading Post, a selfguided attraction, during National Tourism Week (May 2-7, 2022); and continue to visit the Post from this point on as the attraction and site develop into the future. “We are just beginning our journey of improvements at Post”, stated Barb Netherland, Chairman of the Friends of Robidoux Trading Post. “An amazing group of partners are strategically planning and working together to keep the Post as historically accurate as possible while expanding the story of trading posts and their role in history”, stated Netherland.
Friends of Robidoux Trading Post members committed to the future of the Post are Barb Netherland, Dan Morford, Karla Niedan-Streeks, Brenda Leisy, Mike Minzey, Kathy Welfl and Bill & Jan Hill.
