We went on a tour of the Bishop House Museum on a Tuesday afternoon. It was a nice tour and…read moreinteresting to learn about a family who settled here early. The house is pretty and is decently preserved. If you are looking to learn more about this areas history, this is a nice way to do it as well as support a local museum. I would encourage the tour guides to research their information a bit more - closet tax is a myth (a really far reaching and long lingering one but it's not a thing!).

From the owner: Explore a Historic Pioneer Home The Cadoma Foundation…read morededicates itself to historic preservation of our local landmarks, maintaining our area's history in every way possible. The recently renovated Bishop House museum provides visitors with an opportunity to tour the pioneer home of a family who lived in the region for over 100 years. Learn about local life and how things have changed over the past century throughout our region. Take a look at our upcoming events to see what's happening at the Bishop House.

Independence Rock is definitely a stop worth making if you are doing that long, slog of a drive…read morefrom Casper to Rawlins. Down the road is Martin's Cove which has it's own historical significance , history and stories. Devil's Gate is near here too which is a natural rock formation which is a gorge where the Sweetwater River is. All these things are in close proximity to Independence Rock so you can spend a fair amount of time checking out these sites. But staying on topic to this entry, Independence Rock was a landmark used by many emigrants heading west. Travelers from the Oregon, Mormon and California emigrant trails used the rock as a bulletin board. The earliest name carved in the Rick was by William L. Sublette which dates back to 1830 and Hugh is credited for the oldest inscription which goes back 1824. 5,000 names are carved onto this rock. I have been here twice and have examined some of the carvings. Some you can tell are quite old and some have faded. Some I suspect are much more recent and weren't emigrants at all. Which I am sure is discouraged due to this landmarks historical significance. I like to think people are more respectful of such a historical site but there is always someone that comes along that isn't. Anyway it's worth the stop and an excellent place to recalibrate from the lengthy driving.

At a distance it looks like a huge whale [Alcova WY]…read more Visit: July 4, 2024. Independence Rock in central Wyoming is just a few miles down the road from Martin's Cove. This area is a rest stop but behind it is a natural historic landmark. We stopped here for about 10 minutes, very briefly. I didn't get a chance to get up close to the rock. We stopped here once again (4 days later) before heading back towards home in California. We had more time to spare and we were able to go around the base of the rock. There were interpretive signs along the footpath. Hiking is allowed on the rock but I wasn't adventurous enough to climb on top of it. The rock stands at 130-ft high, 1,900-ft long and 850-ft wide. Historic! Emigrants traveling the Missouri River had to reach this important rock landmark along the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails before July 4th if they were to make it over the Rocky Mountains before winter. They carved their names on the granite rock leaving their marks over the centuries... some of the markings we saw were names, initials, dates. Some were wearing thin. What an incredible time in U.S. History and I'm so glad we returned and had a chance to see. With more than 5,000 names carved, Independence Rock was named "The Register of the Desert" and it's quite a big deal for the Great State of Wyoming. Review #3475

Historic Mormon Trail Site [Alcova WY]…read more While enjoying the beautiful nature driving across Wyoming on State Highway 220 we found this historic site, a Mormon Trail Site located near Devil's Gate. We were approached by a friendly welcoming volunteer... she proceeded to share a little history of this place. In 1856 two emigrant companies (a handcart and a wagon business) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints crossed the plains trying to reach Utah. Weather was harsh and the cold wind and snow made it too dangerous to proceed to their destination in Salt Lake City which was still about 330 miles. The emigrants sheltered here while waiting to be rescued. Exhaustion, exposure and lack of food had weakened the emigrants and many had died before rescue efforts began. The docent was very informative. Throughout this historic site, there were monuments, memorials, and sculptures commemorating the rescue. There were also handcarts visitors can push to experience. There is a trail leading to Devil's Gate that we would've loved to hike but didn't have time. She said people visit the cove as a place of reverence, remembrance, and gratitude and during summer months Latter-day Saints participate in trek reenactments. To request a trek will require reservations. Learned about Mormon pioneers here. Park is free to visit. Review #3474

Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway is a picturesque 32 mile drive along Highway 20 between the cities…read moreof Shoshoni and Thermopolis here in Wyoming. Some people may wonder...so what? What's the big deal about this Wind River Scenic Drive? Well...for a lot of folks (and for me as well) if you're driving towards Yellowstone National Park...this section of road...is worthwhile for appreciating the views and surroundings along the way. Wind River Canyon wasn't my favorite of all drives in the USA...but I'd recommend it within the context of an itinerary for those interested in doing a road trip throughout the country (lol, or at least to Yellowstone NP). In fact...I'd actually like to recommend not only Wind River Byway...but the entire path that I trekked about to make for a fun-filled journey...ultimately ending at Yellowstone and beyond... Here was the bigger picture... I started out in Casper, Wyoming...where I picked up all my supplies, food, gas and necessities for my journey. I then drove 43 miles to a cool roadside attraction called Hell's Half Acre. I spent 1 hour or so at this unique landmark. Next I continued for 55 miles to the small town of Shoshoni, Wyoming. And this is where I picked up Highway 20 to go north and where technically, Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway started. From Shoshoni I then drove 32 photogenic miles north to the quiet town of Thermopolis, Wyoming. And along these 32 miles...was within Wind River Canyon. Before I describe in detail some nice aspects about WRCSB...I'll just finish out my itinerary. From Thermopolis I went 84 miles to the authentic western town of Cody, Wyoming...where I walked the streets and spent the night. The following day I continued 63 miles north towards Red Lodge, Montana where I started another All-American Road called BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY. Beartooth Highway is known as "one of the best drives in the USA" and it's 68 miles in total from Red Lodge to Cooke City - Silver Gate, Montana. Here along Beartooth Highway I afforded myself an entire day for basking among the mountainous landscape and charming alpines lakes. Finally, from Cook City - Silver Gate it was 5 miles to the western entrance station of Yellowstone National Park. I'd recommend to tourists out there interested in seeing the sights while heading northwest through Wyoming to follow this route for a fulfilling way to catch the scenery....rather than trekking specifically towards Yellowstone and missing out on hidden gems along the way. But...back to why I'm writing about Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway. These 32 miles from Shoshoni to Thermopolis had some instances for me to exit my car and gaze out at the scenic settings along Highway 20. - First off you'll pass through a dam area with a reserve and underneath a man-made tunnel. - After going through the tunnel, I pulled off the road onto the shoulder and was afforded cool views of Bighorn River running through the canyon. The entire atmosphere was embedded within the rugged walls of the mountains. Overall it was a good moment for a few pictures. - Eventually, the Bighorn River expanded and the canyon really opened for opportunities to sit down along the banks of the river and soak up the surroundings. Also although you're driving north, make sure to look back towards the south section as the views looking behind me were unique as well. - Finally, the entire road sort of "snake-necked" around curves of the canyon walls. All this takes place while driving parallel to the flowing waters of the Bighorn River. - Even with guard rails along the high walls...I still stopped and hopped over the railings to capture memorable moments immersing myself among the towering jagged walls of the canyon. -Also during the summertime when I visited...the sun was out in full force and really reflected well on the Bighorn River adding some colorful aspects. -One last thing, along the drive...there weren't many cars on the road. It was quiet for this pandemic summer of 2020 when I was here. So I didn't mind taking it slow, looking around and catching the best aspects of the terrain. I took my time driving Wind River Canyon. For 32 miles, I used about 2 - 2.5 hours...and I stopped to get out of my car for photos about 5 or 6 times. Although WRCSB wasn't nearly the most scenic of drives I have witnessed along my travels...I still admired the drive. And coming from Hell's Half Acre, passing through Shoshoni and Thermopolis and ending the day in Cody...it really made for some worthwhile moments to enjoy the outdoors.

A great stop at Casper College, the Tate Geological Museum offers complimentary admission. The…read moremuseum is not large, but has some impressive fossils and crystal displays. On par with well known museums. The local geography offers plenty of fossils for the college team to explore and reclaim. Very educational you can see the space is 30-60 minutes. Check out this hidden gem in Casper!

Geology and dinosaur nerds unite! The Tate Geological Museum is a super neat, small geological…read moremuseum located within Casper College! It is unassuming from the outside but once you step in, it is clear there was a good amount of thought and effort put into the museum. Tate is a great place for people that are newer to geology and all it entails as they put very informative and beginner-friendly information and displays up. There is a good amount of neat things to buy in the gift shop as well. If you're into geology, I would highly recommend visiting here!

The hubs and I stopped in as a bit of a pit stop on our way towards Yellowstone. We love a good…read moremuseum and this did not disappoint. Small enough to wrap your hands around but packed with really good information. There is also an interactive "river crossing" where you are in a wagon and it moves a bit to simulate crossing a river. Really unique and i appreciated the experience. The employees were also exceedingly friendly and went out of their way to engage with us, teach us what they found interesting and gave a nice restaurant recommendation to boot. Definitely add this to a trip to Casper.

If you are passing through Capser, the museum of the trails is a FREE must do stop…read more Firstly, the views from the parking lot and entrance are spectacular of Casper and the Casper MT. Secondly, its free! Clean rest rooms and lots of historic information about Casper and the local areas. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about all the local history. You'll learn about the migrants on the Oregon Trail, (yes the video game is based on a true story) Farmers going to Oregon, Gold miners going to Sacramento and San Fran, (the original 49ers) and the Mormoms going through to SLC. There are interesting exhibits, videos and a large auditorium show of life on the trail, which is really rather informative. The museum covers trails before the migrants, settlers moving across US and the progress of the Pony Express, Telegraph and Railroads. The museum has a few neat simulators for kids such as riding a prairie cart through the river. Sitting in a Wells Fargo stage coach and even experience how it was to pull a 150lb hand cart through the 1000 miles of wilderness. Definitely worth your time, can be done in 1 hour, most likely take 2.

When in Wyoming , you need your come here. The park is beautiful. Theres a huge suspension bridge (…read morecool but scary ) lots of water features, hot springs , and wildlife. There is a bison pasture where you can see bison from your car. Don't get out , they aren't nice. Did I mention this state park is free!!

Despite some of the negativity regarding the next door neighbors, the state park is indeed open…read more I traveled from the Hudson Valley of New York on my way to the Tetons, and Thermopolis was a destination stop. The hot springs are flowing, the kids are still cliff jumping into the river, and the bison are still grazing. The hot springs are open (and free) to all visitors. We put our 20 minutes in, and ur was incredible (even if the temps outside were only a few degrees warmer than the water!) This location is special.

Wonderful space, great exhibition and fun activities throughout! Thank you so much for providing a…read morespace for artists!

I was at an arts conference in Casper and this was the venue. It's a converted fruit warehouse and…read moremuch of the decorum is maintained. The Casper Arts Guild is a strong organization that maintains the place with staff and volunteers.