Tigger, Martha, Cyrus, Spike, & the Clucks
Discover the Heart of the Prairie at Peaceful Prairie Campsites
Step onto the serene landscape of Peaceful Prairie Campsites outside Gering, Nebraska, a truly special place nurtured by generations. Your host, Lisa, a proud native of Gering, carries a deep connection to this magnificent land, which has been lovingly stewarded by her family since 1925.
Lisa's journey has taken her from the bright lights of the theatre, earning a master's degree in acting in Detroit, to the vibrant world of local news as the former owner of the Gering Citizen. Now, alongside her husband Frank, she embraces her role as the fourth generation to call Valley View Farm home.
Peaceful Prairie isn't just a campsite; it's a glimpse into original prairie grassland, where the ecosystem thrives with minimal human intervention. The name itself evokes the beauty you'll witness – at dawn and dusk, the rolling hills blush with a captivating rosy hue.
Lisa's roots run deep in this valley. As a member of the namesake founding Gering family, her heritage is intertwined with the town's very foundation. Her ancestor, Martin Gering, arrived in 1887, and his vision and investment significant enough that the city of Gering was named in his honor. Don't hesitate to ask Lisa to share fascinating stories of the area's rich history – she's a wonderful storyteller!
Today, Peaceful Prairie is part of a vibrant working farm with a forward-thinking approach. While recent years saw fields of beans and corn to the south, this season brings a purposeful change. In 2024, campers would have seen millet gracing the fields, acting as a natural "nurse crop" to gently prepare the soil. In spring of 2025, a native grass and pollinator mix will be planted to bring soil with decades of cultivation back into harmony with the native flora. This innovative project is a testament to Lisa's commitment to the land. By reducing nitrogen levels (which the notorious tumbleweed-creating "Kosh" loves!), the millet is paved the way for the planting of native grasses and wildflowers. This beautiful tapestry will then be allowed to flourish for the next fifteen years, a sustainable practice that conserves precious irrigation water and allows the land to rejuvenate. Lisa envisions a future where this restored grassland could welcome grazing cattle or support an organic farming operation.
As you gaze across the vast valley stretching south of the farm, you'll see a picturesque patchwork of active cultivated fields, a reminder of the area's agricultural heart.
Come experience the tranquility and history of Peaceful Prairie Campsites. It's more than just a place to pitch your tent; it's an opportunity to connect with the land, learn its story, and be welcomed by a host with a genuine passion for her heritage and the beauty of the prairie.
Some seasons, Burrowing Owls make part of the prairie their home. They are one of the tiniest of all owls, and are not easily spooked.
A camper visits with 33-year-old Tigger.