Historic Sites
Connor Battlefield State Historic Site
Here you can walk in the footsteps of Arapaho Leader Black Bear, as he viewed his camp on the Tongue River. You can learn about General Patrick Connor's attack on Black Bear's village. This can be done while you picnic, camp in the shade of magnificent Cottonwoods or fish in the trout filled Tongue River. For information call: (307)684-7629
[Return to top]
Fort Fetterman State Historic Site
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. For information call: (307)684-7629
[Return to top]
Historic Governors' Mansion
The Historic Governors' Mansion is located in Cheyenne, WY. This site has many programs available to the visitor. Visitors can take guided tours or if you wish you can explore the facility on your own. A video is shown to all visitors for an overview. Physically challenged people have the option of watching a virtual tour on video. A closed caption video is also available. There are no fees at the Historic Governors' Mansion, however, donations are certainly welcome. Please enjoy your virtual visit to the Historic Governors' Mansion and enjoy wonderful Wyoming as well. For information call: (307)777-7878
[Return to top]
Independence Rock State Historic Site
The initial movement of the Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake occurred in two segments - one in 1846 and one in 1847. The first leg of the journey across Iowa to the Missouri River covered around 265 miles. The second leg, from the Missouri River to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake covered about 1,032 miles. The second leg of the journey began on April 5, 1847 and ended on July 24, 1847. This part of the trip went smoother than the previous year's journey due to better organization, better provisions and beginning when the trail conditions were optimal. The lead pioneer party left with 148 people (143 men, 3 women and 2 young boys), 72 wagons, 93 horses, 66 oxen, 52 mules, 19 cows, 17 dogs, and some chickens. This hand-picked group was organized into two large divisions and further split into companies of 50 and 10. This organizational structure was based on Brigham Young's plan for migrating west and included details on camp behavior and devotional practices to be followed. At Fort Laramie the Mormons crossed to the south side of the river and joined the Oregon Trail. At Fort Bridger State Historic Site, they struck out on their own and followed the faint year-old tracks of the ill-fated Donner-Reed party. The last 116 miles took 14 days to complete and were very demanding due to difficult terrain, weary travelers, worn wagons and weakened livestock. Upon arriving at the Valley, this first party began planting late crops, laying out streets, building shelters and preparing for winter. Mormon emigrants continued to arrive during the remaining weeks of summer and fall. Approximately 1,650 people spent their first winter in the valley. The next 20 years would see about 70,000 Mormons traveling by wagon and handcarts over the Mormon Pioneer Trail. For information call: (307)577-5150
[Return to top]
Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site
Fort Fred Steele was established June 20, 1868 and occupied until August 7, 1886 by soldiers who were sent by the U.S. Government to guard the railroad against attack from Indians. The construction of the transcontinental Union Pacific Railroad across southern Wyoming in 1867-1896, in turn, brought the cattlemen and sheepherders, loggers and tie hacks, miners and merchants who changed a wasteland into the Wyoming Territory. After the fort was abandoned, a sparse population of civilians remained at what would be known only as Fort Steele. Prospering briefly as a logging center, large amounts of logs were floated own the North Platte from the Medicine Bow and Sierra Madre Mountains to this small community where they were turned into railroad ties and fence posts. Later, a major sheep sheering plant was established at the town of Fort Steele to remove the animals' wool made thick and rich by the harsh Wyoming winters. The railway that passed through the community facilitated shipment of those bales to the east where the raw goods were processed and woven into fashionable garments for men and women. For information call: (307)320-3013
[Return to top]
Tourist Attractions
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone's 3,472 square miles contain hundreds of uncommon sights. We encourage you to stop at the visitor and interpretive centers in the park and inquire about the special attractions of each area. The world's most extensive area of geyser activity is located here, harboring more than 10,000 thermal features. This thermal theatre actually came about as the result of an enormous volcanic eruption some 600,000 years ago. Heat from the enormous reservoir of molten rock, which produced the massive eruption still remains relatively close to the surface beneath Yellowstone, sustaining the spectacular hot water and steam phenomena for which the park is so justly famous. Yet, it is probably the favorite park of many Americans, not because of its thermal fireworks, but because of its wildlife. For information call: (307)344-7381
[Return to top]
Grand Teton National Park
Few places on this earth can honestly be described as "awe-inspiring" or "breath-taking." The Teton Range in northwestern Wyoming is worthy of that kind of description. In early morning or late evening, summer, winter or fall, the Tetons and Grand Teton National Park are a photographers' dream. For information call: (307)739-3399 Information package: (307)739-3600
[Return to top]
Fort Caspar Museum and Historical Site
This collection of reconstructed fort buildings is on the original location of Platte Bridge Station and Louis Guinard's Platte Bridge (1859-60 construction). The Museum features cultural and natural history exhibits of Central Wyoming. The Fort Caspar buildings are open May through September and the Museum is open year round. There are living history festivals and lectures during the summer months. For information call: (307)235-8462
[Return to top]
Mormon Pioneer Handcart Visitor Center
In 1996 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased the portion of the famous Sun Ranch with access to Martin's Cove, the site of one of the most tragic miscalculations on the trails. The Visitor Center commemorates the trek across the prairies by the Mormon Pioneers. There is also a room containing exhibits and artifacts collected by the Sun family, from the frontier period immediately succeeding the pioneer migrations. Visitors can walk or pull a handcart to the cove. One and two night camping treks are also available. Reservation are necessary. For information call: (307)324-5218
[Return to top]
Teton Science School
On a beautiful campus, within Grand Teton National Park, the school offers residential and non-residential programs in natural history, and field science for students, teachers, and interested adults. Courses are offered throughout the year and can be custom tailored to meet special needs or interests. The Greater Yellowstone-Teton Ecosystem provides an unparalleled classroom and the faculty are highly qualified field teachers, naturalists, and scientists. Canoeing, hiking, backpacking and skiing are integral parts of the curriculum. For information call: (307)733-4765
[Return to top]
