Wyoming Field Trip Destinations
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Wyoming Field Trip Destinations
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Pony Express National Historic Trail
Most of the original trail has been obliterated either by time or human activities. Along many segments, the trail's actual route and exact length are matters of conjecture. In the western states, the majority of the trail has been converted, over the years, to double track dirt roads. Short pristine segments, believed to be traces of the original trail, can be seen only in Utah and California. However, approximately 120 historic sites may eventually be available to the public, including 50 existing Pony Express stations or station ruins.
California National Historic Trail
The road to California carried over 250,000 gold-seekers & farmers to the gold fields & rich farmlands of California during the 1840's and 1850's – the greatest mass migration in American history. More than 1,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen in the vast undeveloped west – reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American travelers and settlers.
Oregon National Historic Trail
As the harbinger of America's westward expansion, the Oregon Trail was the pathway to the Pacific for fur traders, gold seekers, missionaries and others. Today, more than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen in the vast undeveloped western lands – reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American travelers and settlers.
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site - Banner
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site is located just 20 miles south of Sheridan on Interstate 90, Exit 44. At the Fort location the visitor will find an interpretive center with exhibits, videos, bookstore, and self-guided tours of the fort and outlying sites. The fort tour leads the visitor through the site to building locations, archaeological remains, and interpretive signs pinpointing the surrounding historic landmarks. A Civilian Conservation Corp Cabin has been refurbished to depict the quarters of an Officer’s wife and a Non-Commissioned Officer’s Quarters. In addition to the historic interpretation, this site provides three picnic areas and a restroom for visitor use.
The two satellite sites of Fort Phil Kearny are the Fetterman Fight and the Wagon Box Fight battlefields. These two sites are located within a five-mile radius of the Fort Phil Kearny Visitor Center. Maps to the sites and interpretation are available at the Visitor Center. At both battlefields, the visitor will find an interpretive trail which leads through the battle providing both Indian and White perspectives of the conflict. The visitor can go to the actual locations of the skirmish lines and Indian charges and see the weapons and personnel involved. The Wagon Box Fight site provides the visitor with restroom facilities; also a picnic area where they may relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. All interpretive trails and facilities are either partially or fully accessible for the ADA. Guided tours of these three sites for social groups, schools, or special events may be scheduled through advance reservation.
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Wagon Box Fight - Banner
In the midst of the Indian Wars on the western frontier, the Wagon Box Fight stands out for its unlikely outcome. On August 2, 1867 Chief Red Cloud and an estimated force of 1,000 Sioux Indians attacked a group of woodcutters and soldiers camped outside of Fort Phil Kearny. Severely outnumbered, twenty-six soldiers and six civilians took refuge behind the cover of wagon boxes and managed to hold off the initial attack until relief forces from the fort arrived. While the Sioux forces lost between five to sixty warriors with another estimated five to 120 injured, the soldiers and civilians sustained only three deaths and two injuries. Historians attribute much of the success of the men fighting behind the wagon box corral to their weaponry—new, rapid-fire breech loading rifles. Following the crushing defeat of Captain Fetterman’s forces just months earlier, the Wagon Box Fight proved a significant victory for the military in the battles along the Bozeman Trail. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of history and see the exact locations where battle maneuvers took place. Interpretive signs tell the story of the battle from the perspectives of both the military and Indian groups. Take an afternoon to explore the Wagon Box Fight and the nearby Fetterman Battlefield and Fort Phil Kearny where trails, tours, and museum exhibits transport visitors back to a time when cultures clashed in The Wagon Box Fight battlefield is a satellite site of Fort Phil Kearny and is located within a five-mile radius of the Fort Phil Kearny visitor center. conflict on the western frontier.
Fort Caspar - Casper
Tour a reconstructed 1865 military post located at a major river crossing on the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, Pony Express, and transcontinental telegraph trail corridor. Explore central Wyoming’s regional history museum, featuring exhibits on prehistoric peoples, Plains Indians, ranching, the energy industry, and the City of Casper as well as the western emigrant trails and frontier army.
Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center - Casper
A regional, contemporary art museum and cultural center committed to bringing the visual arts to children and adults of all ages. The facility consists of eight galleries with exhibitions changing approximately every 90 days, and a Children's Discovery Center where children of all ages are welcome to explore their expressive and creative abilities.
Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site - Cheyenne
The Mansion is open Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm (September 1 – May 31) and Closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays. Summer hours are Monday through Saturday 9 am – 5 pm and Sundays 1-5 pm (June 1 – August 31). There is no admission fee (donations are accepted).
This Colonial Revival Executive Mansion served as home to Wyoming’s Governors and their families for 71 years, (1905 to 1976). The history embodied in this mansion brings to life the people who served the State of Wyoming and the Nation from this location. Perhaps the greatest distinction of the home is that in 1925 it was the first in the United States to be occupied by a woman governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross.
The stately Mansion, designed by Charles Murdock, was modern in 1905 because of its’ central plumbing, hot water heat, and combination gas and electrical fixtures. This 2 ½ story structure’s portico features solid sandstone columns that were quarried locally in four sections and then place one on top of the other. The top half of the columns are fluted and the Corinthian style capitals were carved on site. Construction of the Mansion began in the spring of 1904 and was completed that fall.
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Curt Gowdy State Park - Cheyenne West
Curt Gowdy State Park has seven sections of richly varied landscape, flora and fauna decorate the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. There are three reservoirs, Granite, Crystal and North Crow. Granite offers excellent rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing as well as space for water sports. Crystal, the smallest of the reservoirs, has shoreline fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Also, enjoy boating while at Crystal. North Crow Reservoir is located 3 miles west of the Headquarter's Building. This is an unimproved fishing area. There are no picnic tables, water supply, comfort stations, and is day-use only—very natural. There are a limited number of reservable campsites at the Tumbleweed and Camp Russell campgrounds. Tumbleweed campground is next to a free public horse corral for those visitors who would like to camp with horses. Within the park is Hynds Lodge, which is listed on the National Register, and an amphitheater available for concerts, theater productions and many other cultural activities. The area is one of low-lying meadows, gently rolling hills and massive steep granite formations. Wildlife abounds and bird watchers will be treated to variety of non-native birds.
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Buffalo Bill State Park - Cody
The majestic peaks of the Absaroka Mountains dominate the scenery at Buffalo Bill State Park. Two campsites, North Fork and North Shore, have a limited number of reservable sites. Learn more about the park at the Visitor Center with the interpretive exhibits, touch-screen computers, audio/visual presentation and a staff to help visitors.
Devils Tower National Monument - Devils Tower
America's First National Monument - Devils Tower rises 1267 feet above the Belle Fourche River. Once hidden, erosion has revealed Devils Tower. This 1347 acre park is covered with pine forests, woodlands, and grasslands. Deer, prairie dogs, and other wildlife are seen.
Fort Fetterman Historic Site - Douglas
Fort Fetterman is administered by the Wyoming Division of State Parks and Historic Sites. It is preserved as a reminder of that colorful era known as the "winning of the west."
A restored officer's quarters and an ordnance warehouse are original buildings. They stand among the many visible foundations of the Fort and Fetterman City. These two buildings house interpretive exhibits and artifacts of the Fort's history, Fetterman City, and its Indian predecessors.
The visitor is encouraged to walk the grounds where interpretive signs describe the Fort's buildings and activities. These two buildings house maps, drawings, photographs, artifacts, and dioramas which interpret the history of the Indians, Military, and Civilians of Fort Fetterman and Fetterman City. The visitor is encouraged to walk the interpretive trail where signs describe the historic site and lead to a gazebo overlooking Crook’s Camp and the Indian Country to the north. The site provides several picnic areas and a shelter for group or individual use. Historic guided tours are available upon request and by appointment by calling Wyoming Pioneer Museum (307) 358-9288.
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Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum - Douglas
Open year'round, the Pioneer Memorial Museum is located on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas, Wyoming. The museum collects, preserves, interprets and displays historical and cultural materials related to the westward expansion, to Wyoming pioneers in particular and the west in general.
The first pioneer meetings began in 1884. Members had to be 21 years of age and either a resident of or doing business in Wyoming Territory prior to July 1, 1884. They began to meet annually in Douglas during the first Wyoming State Fair in 1905. The roster included cowboys, stockmen, freighters and soldiers. There were men and women who played an important role in achieving statehood for Wyoming. The Wyoming Pioneer Association was incorporated on January 8, 1926. Today the Wyoming Pioneer Association acts as an advisory board to the museum and has statewide and national membership. The State of Wyoming is responsible for the museum's operation and maintenance.
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National Bighorn Sheep Center - Dubois
Dedicated to educating the public about the biology and habitat needs of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and to encouraging the active stewardship of wildlife and wildlands.
Bear River State Park - Evanston
Bear River State Park and Visitor Center are located just outside Evanston, Wyoming. Bear River is a year-round park that offers nearly 300 acres that are ideal for picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, group activities, bicycling, skiing, rollerblading, remote control cars and many other activities. The park is home to a small head of captive bison and elk kept for public viewing. Three miles of foot trails are within park limits. They include 1.2 miles of paved trail and an arched footbridge that crosses the Bear River. Another 1.7 miles of packed gravel trails are on the of the west side of the river. The foot trails in the park also double as cross-country ski trails in the winter. Numerous other trails are maintained for those who ski and snowshoe. This park is for day-use only: no overnight camping is allowed.
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Edness K. Wilkins State Park - Evansville
Edness K. Wilkins is a serene day-use park for families, nature lovers and those looking for solitude can enjoy. The huge old cottonwoods as they cast reflections on the historic North Platte River and lend shade to visitors. The North Platte River provides a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife, and for fishing, canoeing and rafting. Today, a visitor can utilize picnic tables, grills, group shelters, playgrounds and a launching ramp for canoes or rafts. A universally accessible fishing pier, the only one like it in the state, has become one of the finest amenities provided to visitors. An additional 2.8 miles of accessible hard-surfaced paths provide visitors with an opportunity view some of the finest wildlife in the area. Anglers can try their fishing luck in the North Platte River. Swimmers can take a refreshing dip at the park swimming area. Bird watching enthusiasts can wile away the hours searching for yellow warblers, cedar waxwings, downy woodpeckers, and dozens of others. One birder counted 40 different species of birds on a summer outing.
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Independence Rock State Historic Site - Evansville
Independence Rock stands 6,028 feet (1,808.3m) above sea level. The tallest point of the rock is 136 feet (40.8m) above the surrounding terrain. If one were to walk around the base of this rock, the distance covered would be more than a mile, or 5,900 feet (1.8km). The mass of Independence Rock is equal to an area of 24.81 acres (9.924 ha). Windblown sand and silt have grooved the rock and polished it to a high gloss in a process called "windfaceting." It is because of this smoother surface that the pioneers were able to easily carve their names into the rock. It was the names carved in stone here that caused Father Peter J. DeSmet to appropriately name this place "The Register of the Desert" in 1840. Register Cliff and Names Hill also contain names left by the pioneers. There is no camping at this site.
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Fort Bridger State Historic Site - Fort Bridger
Established by Jim Bridger and Louis Vasquez in 1843 as an emigrant supply stop along the Oregon Trail. It was obtained by the Mormons in the early 1850s, and then became a military outpost in 1858. In 1933, the property was dedicated as a Wyoming Historical Landmark and Museum.
There are several restored historical buildings from the military time period, a reconstructed of the trading post operated by Jim Bridger, and an interpretive archaeological site containing the base of the cobble rock wall built by the Mormons during their occupation of the fort. All of these locations are signed in Braille. In addition, a museum containing artifacts from the various different historical time periods is housed in the 1888 stone barracks building. There are gift shops in both museums and the reconstructed trading post. There is no camping available at Fort Bridger.
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Fort Laramie National Historic Site - Fort Laramie
Crossroads of a Nation Moving West - This “grand old post,” established as a private fur trading fort in 1834, witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion and Indian resistance to encroachment on their territories. Indians, trappers, traders, missionaries, emigrants, gold seekers, soldiers, cowboys and homesteaders would leave their mark on a place that would become famous in the American West.
Granger Stage Station - Ft. Bridger
This adobe-covered stone structure was one of dozens of Overland Trail stage stations built in the 1850s. The original station, Ham's Fork, was a dugout affair built around 1850. It was replaced by the stone structure in 1856 and renamed South Bend Station. Horace Greeley and Mark Twain were just two of the thousands of passengers who passed through. Later, the Pony Express used the station as a stopover in 1861-1862. When Union Pacific Railroad construction arrived in 1868, the old stage station was overrun with workers who renamed the site Granger.
Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site - Ft. Bridger
Built by Moses Byrne in 1869 to supply charcoal for the iron smelting industry in Utah, these conical limestone kilns measure 30 feet across and 30 feet high. Only three of the original 40 kilns remain. It was estimated that during 1873, the kilns could produce 100,000 bushels of charcoal. Most of the charcoal was sent to Utah on the UP railroad. Wood burned in the kilns came from the nearby Uinta Mountains. The ghost of Piedmont is nearby, as is the Byrne family cemetery.
Rockpile Museum - Gillette
The Campbell County Rockpile Museum focuses on general, regional, and local history with an emphasis on the culture and people of Campbell County, Wyoming. Our mission is to serve the residents of Campbell County as a center for local history, while collecting, preserving, and interpreting this history through exhibits which are both accessible and understandable to visitors.
Glendo State Park - Glendo
Glendo State Park is one of southern Wyoming’s most popular boating parks. It offers visitors water-skiing, fishing and other water- based activities. Fishing is so good that Glendo has several fish records. Day-use and overnight facilities feature improved campsites, comfort stations, tables and grills. A commercial concession at the reservoir provides visitors with complete marina services, motel units and fishing equipment.
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Guernsey State Park - Guernsey
Guhttp://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.asp?siteID=7ernsey State Park provides seven campgrounds. Five are around the lake. All campgrounds include comfort stations, picnic tables, fire grills and drinking water. The Guernsey Museum, the Castle and Brimmer Point are available to explore. The museum is perched on a high cliff, overlooking the water. The building itself is made of hand hewn timbers and hand forged iron. The roof is framed with the timbers and covered with split cedar shakes, and the floors were formed by pieces of smooth flagstone. The Castle, with its giant fireplace and winding steps, leads to an observation area for a spectacular view of the park. The Oregon Trail was one of the primary routes used by the immigrants' westward migration across the plains from 1841 to 1869. Today, in many parts of Wyoming, remnants of The Oregon Trail can still be seen. Register Cliff located two miles southeast of Guernsey provided travelers with a "chalkboard" where they placed their names for those who followed. The landmark still remains much the way it looked to pioneers on wagon trains journeying West.
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Hawk Springs State Park - Guernsey
Hawk Springs reservoir boasts a blue heron rookery, including birds such as the blue-winged and green-winged teal, gadwall, pintail, wood duck, and great horned owl. Fishermen have long known that fishing is good at Hawk Springs. Game fish include walleye, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Winter ice fishing is also good at the park. There are 24 camping units, comfort stations, and accommodations for trailers. A boat ramp and parking area are available.
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Oregon Trail Ruts - Guernsey
The Oregon Trail was one of the primary routes used by emigrants heading westward across the American continent in the 1840s. Although many remnants of the trail can be seen in Wyoming, the Oregon Trail tracks here are notable because they were cut into solid rock. A short trail leads uphill to four-foot deep gouges cut by the wheels of thousands of wagons. This site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975.
Register Cliff - Guernsey
The sandstone rocks near Guernsey tell the story of the wagon trains of emigrants headed west in the mid-1800s. While trail ruts carved by thousands of wagons dot the western landscape, most pale in comparison to those found at the Oregon Trail Ruts site in Wyoming. Here, the trail ruts are not to be missed since they are carved into the stone. Some gouges are more than four feet deep! These deep ruts result from years of wagon wear and from intentional cutting by emigrants attempting to ease the steep passage up from the level river bottom to the High Plains. Be sure to take the short walk up to the trail ruts where interpretive signs help tell the saga of western frontier. A short drive from the trail ruts back through Guernsey takes visitors to Register Cliff, which rises one hundred feet above the North Platte River valley. Following a day’s journey from Fort Laramie, emigrants spent the night at Register Cliff and inscribed their names into the rock face. The earliest signatures date to the late 1820s when trappers and fur traders passed through the area, but most of the names visible today were carved during the 1840s and 1850s when the Oregon Trail was at its height. Today, visitors can walk along the cliff base to view the signatures up close.
Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site - Hyattville
The Medicine Lodge site has long been known for its Indian petroglyphs and pictographs. They are directly associated with important human habitation sites for thousands of years. Within a 12-mile radius of Medicine Lodge, five distinct vegetation zones can be found. These range from the desert basin to the big mountain meadows. A variety of Wyoming's animals are here at the site. In addition to porcupines, prairie dogs, bobcats and mountain lions, there are many others to see. There is excellent fishing for brook and brown trout. Don't forget to bring your binoculars, as there are over 100 species of birds that call Medicine Lodge home.
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National Museum of Wildlife Art - Jackson Hole
A museum dedicated to presenting art about wildlife. Located on a bluff called East Gros Ventre Butte and amid real wildlife habitat, the 51,000 square foot sandstone structure overlooks the National Elk Refuge. Permanent exhibits include the Bison, John Clymer, and Carl Rungius galleries.
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Fossil Butte National Monument - Kemmerer
Some of the world's best preserved fossils are found in the flat-topped ridges of southwestern Wyoming's cold sagebrush desert. Fossilized fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals are exceptional for their abundance, variety, and detail of preservation. Most remarkable is the story they tell of ancient life in a sub-tropical landscape.
Names Hill State Historic Site - LaBarge
This site, on the cliffs rising above the Green River, is one of three locations along the Oregon Trail where emigrants registered their presence. Here they camped and carved their names into the soft limestone. The earlist dates back to 1822 (making it the oldest pioneer inscription in Wyoming), but the most famous is that of mountain man Jim Bridger, who despite reportedly being unable to read or write, left his mark here in 1844. The Indians using pictographs, as well as the white man left his mark on the rock.
Sinks Canyon State Park - Lander
Sinks Canyon State Park features a geologic phenomenon in which the Popo Agie River vanishes into a large cavern (the Sinks) but reappears in a trout- filled pool, the Rise, about half a mile down the canyon. These trout live a leisurely life, with no fishing allowed. A visitor center features wildlife and recreation exhibits, viewing sites and interpretive signs about wildlife and habitat requirements. The park contains hiking trails and offers camping, picnicking, rock climbing and fishing. Sinks Canyon is home to a wide variety of wildlife, birds and plants. Visitors might see porcupines, black bears, red squirrels, bighorn sheep, mule deer, moose or golden eagles.
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Wyoming Territorial Prison - Laramie
Listed on the National Register, visitors can spend the day touring the beautifully restored Wyoming Territorial Prison. Built in 1872, the prison held some of the most notorious outlaws in the region, including Butch Cassidy. Visitors to the 190- acre facility can also enjoy the newly restored Warden's House and Horse Barn Exhibit Hall featuring rotating displays and a family friendly scavenger hunt. New for 2008:“Community Art, Western Art” featuring original pieces by the local Laramie Art Guilds. In the prison, learn more about Butch Cassidy in “The Reel, Not Real, Butch Cassidy” exhibit. Those wishing to take a little piece of the prison and Wyoming home with them can stop by the Visitor’s Center and gift shop for a splendid array of memorabilia. Large groups and RVs are welcome! Plenty of parking. Bring your lunch and have a picnic on the grounds and let the kids stretch their legs. Lots to see and do.
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Ames Monument - Laramie
Monument Plaque reads: "The Ames Monument. Left picture reads 1868 Work Train; right side picture is Town of Sherman. Completed in 1882 at a cost of $65,000, this monolithic, 60- foot high granite pyramid was built by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. It stands on the highest elevation (8,247 feet) of the original transcontinental route. Until 1901-- when the railroad was relocated several miles to the south, it passed close by the north side of the monument where once stood the rail-town of Sherman.
The monument serves as a memorial to the Ames brothers of Massachusetts. Oakes (1804 - 1873) and Oliver (1807-1877), whose wealth, influence, talent, and work were key factors in the construction of the first coast to coast railroad in North America. The contribution made by Oakes was especially significant even though in 1873 he was implicated in a scandal relative to financing the construction of the railroad.
Keyhole State Park - Moorcroft
Keyhole is a mecca for both resident and migrating birds of all species. Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of other wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope and wild turkeys. There is a marina and motel located on the headquarters side of the lake and operated by a concessionaire. The concessionaire has pop, alcohol, groceries, bait, tackle, fishing licenses and 10 electric campsites that he reserves. There is a public boat ramp at the marina.
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Grand Teton National Park - Moose
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range contrasts with the horizontal sage-covered valley and glacial lakes at their base, creating world-renowned scenery that attracts nearly four million visitors per year.
John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway - Moose
Located at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Rockefeller Parkway connects Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The late conservationist and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. made significant contributions to several national parks including Grand Teton, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, and Virgin Islands.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum - Multiple Locations
Offers museums and attractions in multiple countries focusing on odd and amazing things. Provides videos, details about exhibits, and their history.
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail - Nauvoo, IL to Salt Lake City, UT
Led by Brigham Young, roughly 70,000 Mormons traveled along the Mormon Trail from 1846 to 1869 in order to escape religious persecution. The Pioneer Company of 1846-1847 established a route from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah, covering about 1,300 miles that would include construction of new ferries and bridges, and the placement of markers for others to follow.
Connor Battlefield Historic Site - Ranchester
The site consists of 20 camping and picnic sites nestled in an oxbow of the Tongue River in the shade of large cottonwoods. There are two restrooms, a playground, and horseshoe pits. Each camping and picnic site has a grill and table and two sites are ADA accessible. Connor offers a quiet, relaxing campsite, away from the hustle of the road in the peaceful shade of a river bottom. Community facilities are within a few blocks, and yet a visitor would never know it. Camping sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, without reservations. Camping is seasonal. The park closes to camping and vehicles on October 31.
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Point of Rocks Stage Station - Rock Springs
In 1862, the Overland Stage line built Point of Rocks Stage Station (also known as “Rock Point” or the “Almond Stage Station”). Today, this structure built from native sandstone is one of the only stage stations remaining intact on the Overland Trail. While the stables are now in ruins, the station building has been restored and stands as a testament to the enduring nature of Point of Rocks. Over the years, the station has withstood at least one attack and attempted burning by Plains Indian groups and the reported robbery and murder of stagecoach passengers by Jack Slade, the notorious outlaw and once stage line superintendent. With the coming of the transcontinental railroad in 1868, Point of Rocks remained an important station for a stage line running between the railroad and the Sweetwater gold mines to the north. Stop by this once lively station on your way through southwest Wyoming and imagine life on the Overland Stage line during the 1860s.
Trails End State Historic Site - Sheridan
Finished in 1913, Trail End was the home of the John B. Kendrick family. He was a cowboy who came up the Texas Trail in 1879, made his money in ranching and real estate, and later served as Wyoming's Governor and U.S. Senator. Trail End's Flemish Revival design and technologically-advanced interior are unique to the Rocky Mountain west. Today's visitors can enjoy 3.8 acres of groomed grounds (containing hundreds of indigenous and exotic trees), a fully-restored history house museum (mostly original furniture), plus regular productions at the Carriage House Theater. Trail End is open daily from March 1 through December 14. Please consult the following schedule for seasonal hours:
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Boysen State Park - Shoshoni
Boysen State Park is one of the larger parks in the State Park System. It is a lake-orientated park at the south end of the Owl Creek Mountains at the mouth of Wind River Canyon now part of the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway. It offers a variety of water type recreation. Day and camping facilities are available. It features interesting geological formations. Several state record fish have been caught out of the reservoir. Winter Services... We are open year-round with limited services in the winter season. All of our water systems, except for Brannon are closed from the middle of September to the middle of April.
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Seminoe State Park - Sinclair
Seminoe State Park is nestled up against the base of the Seminoe Mountains. One of Wyoming’s treasures is located 35 miles north of Sinclair, Wyoming. Seminoe Reservoir offers the full range of water-based activities and is known for both trout and walleye fishing. Day-use and overnight facilities feature improved sites, comfort stations, tables and grills. Seminoe has four campgrounds available:
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Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site - Sinclair
Fort Fred Steele was established on June 20, 1868 and occupied until August 7, 1886 by soldiers who were sent by the U.S. Government to guard against attack from indians. The construction of the Trans Continental Union Pacific Railroad across southern Wyoming 1867-1869, in turn, brought the cattlement, sheepherders, loggers, tie hacks, miners and merchants who changed the wasteland into Wyoming Territory.
Colonel Richard I. Dodge, who selected this site on the west bank of the North Platte River, named the fort for Major General Frederick Steele, 20th U.S. Infantry, a Civil War hero.
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South Pass City State Historic Site - South Pass
South Pass City has a variety of interesting and educational activities for visitors throughout the summer. When the presence of volunteer staff permits, not only can you walk through each of the 17 restored and exhibited original structures, you can enjoy an ice cold sarsaparilla and a game of billiards on a restored 1860s period table, as well as hear the ring of a hammer on steel when the blacksmith shapes hot iron. Each day, one can shop in the historic Smith-Sherlock General Store or pan for gold in the clear waters of Willow Creek. In the Interpretive Center, you can also learn about other gold producing methods that have been used around South Pass City throughout its history.
For folks with as much interest in nature as history, South Pass City is home to a three-mile Volksmarch Trail where you can enjoy viewing some of the area's wide array of wildlife. mule deer, antelope, moose and beaver are just a few of the animals that can be seen. For birders, many species call this area home at different times of the year, including mountain blue birds, finches, hawks and eagles. Anglers will enjoy blue ribbon fishing for brook, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout in many of the area's streams and lakes.
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail also passes through town. Popular among serious hikers and mountain bikers, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs the length of the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. Each year, numerous bikers and hikers utilizing this trail visit the site. Many use the general delivery at the General Store's post office for re-supply, and enjoy a tour through town before continuing on their journey.
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Wyomin State Parks & Historic Sites: Great Places for Kids - Statewide
Current programs include: Great Places for KIDS teachers guide (PDF Document) and Download a Nature Clubs for Families Do it Yourself Kit!
Hot Springs State Park - Thermopolis
Over colorful terraces along the Big Horn River at Thermopolis flows water from mineral hot springs. More than 8,000 gallons flow over the terrace every 24 hours at a constant temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The park has a free bath house where the water is maintained at 104 degrees for theraputic bathing. Hot Springs has 6.2 miles of universally accessible trails and hiking trails. It is a full-service park with comfort stations, a Volksmarch trail, fishing, and a couple of boat docks. One of the reservable group picnic shelters is located here. Hot Springs is a day-use park. The Hot Springs State Park bison herd is the central herd for the Wyoming State Parks. During the late fall and winter months, the park bison are fed a daily supplement to insure good health. This feeding usually occurs at 8:30 a.m., giving the off-season visitor the unique opportunity to view the "Monarch of the Plains," up close. Please remember that bison should be viewed ONLY while you remain in your vehicle. The suspension foot bridge across the Bighorn River is commonly called "The Swinging Bridge." The bridge offers a unique vantage point from which to view the Bighorn River and mineral terrace. Hot Springs State Park has long been known for its beautiful summer flower gardens. Make a point of bringing your camera with you, and capture the exciting splash of color all summer long.
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Legend Rock Petroglyph Site - Thermopolis
See ancient carvings and images, still on the same sheltered cliff face where a succession of rock artists created them over a period of at least two thousand years. The site is administered out of Hot Springs State Park where visitors are recommended to stop before visiting the site. A key and permit is required to attend the site. Keys and permits are available at the State Bath House, located at Hot Springs State Park, the Hot Springs County/ Thermopolis Chamber of Commerce and the Meeteetse Museum. There is no charge for the permit but a photo ID is required. The Bath House is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday and 12 PM to 5:30 PM Sunday.
Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center - Thermopolis
The mission of the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center is to serve as an educational resource for teaching and researching the history of Hot Springs County; to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts that tell and interpret the stories of the region's people; and to provide cultural activities that enrich the experiences of community and visitors.
Yellowstone National Park - Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.






