48549http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Trail-End-State-Historic-Site-Holiday-Open-House/48549TRAIL END STATE HISTORIC SITE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Sheridan's popular historic museum comes alive with the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas all rolled into one three day event. Featuring nine performances by local musicians. 2009-10-21T09:16:41-07:0032331http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Medicine-Wheel-National-Historic-Site/32331<P>It's not really Stonehenge, but Wyoming's Medicine Wheel is surrounded by a fair share of mystery. No one really knows when or why this 74foot diameter stone circle with 28 interior spokes radiating outward was built. There's no question on the where though. On a bluff reached from State Highway 14A, 22 miles west of Burgess Junction, the Medicine Wheel overlooks nearly the entire Big Horn Basin. </P> <P>Current theories have a Native American tribe building the wheel for religious or astrological purposes sometime between 1200 and 1700 A.D. Modern Indians use the Medicine Wheel for religious ceremonies. You'll notice all sorts of religious olio scattered inside and out of the wheel. The Medicine Wheel was designated a National Historic Site in 1970.<BR></P>2009-02-20T11:20:24-08:0031823http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Fort-Bridger-State-Historic-Site/31823<P><B>Site Facilities</B><BR>Fort Bridger State Historic Site can be reached by taking Interstate 80, Exit 34 then going approximately 3 miles south of Evanston,Wyoming.</P> <P>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. </P> <P>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. </P> <P>Ft. Bridger Historical Association<BR>PO Box 112<BR>Fort Bridger, WY 82933<BR>call Tisa at 3077823842 <BR>Site Grounds and Museum Hours: Site Grounds open yearround 8 a.m. to sunset, daily. </P> <P>Bridger/Vasquez Trading Co.<BR>May 1Sept. 30: 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Daily<BR>Oct. 1April 30: Closed</P>2009-07-24T09:07:00-07:0032558http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Fort-Laramie-National-Historic-Site/32558Fort Laramie, the first garrisoned post in Wyoming, is located adjacent to the town of Fort Laramie near the confluence of the North Platte and Laramie rivers. It was the most important outpost on the major emigrant trails the Oregon, Mormon and California. The fort was named in honor of Jacques La Ramie, a French fur trapper who worked in the tributaries of the North Platte in the early 1800s.<BR><BR>Fort Laramie had its beginning in June, 1834, when fourteen Rocky Mountain Fur Company men built a small stockaded post. The post, under different names, served the varied, changing needs of thousands who lived there or passed through the area on the way to greener pastures during its active 56year existence.<BR><BR>Fort Laramie became a haven for gold seekers and weary emigrants, a station for the Pony Express and the Overland Stage, and it served as an important military post during the Plains Indian Wars. It witnessed the growth of the open range cattle industry, the coming of the homesteaders and the final settlement in the 1890s marking the closing of the frontier. The fort was abandoned in 1890, the year that Wyoming gained statehood.<BR><BR>For the next 50 years, Fort Laramie went untended. In 1937, Wyoming appropriated funds for its purchase and donated the fort to the federal government. The 214 acres of former military reservation land was proclaimed a national monument in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.<BR><BR>Today, the site is managed by the National Park Service, which is charged with its protection and restoration. The historic structures reflect the drama of life and actions of the forts people military and civilian, resident and transient alike. There are 22 original structures, many of which have been restored and are available for the enjoyment of visitors.<BR><BR>This national historic site is located three miles southwest of the town of Fort Laramie off U.S. Route 26.<BR>2009-07-24T10:03:26-07:004920http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/State-Parks-and-Historic-Sites-and-Trails/4920<P classMsoNormal style"MARGIN: 0in 0in 7.5pt"><SPAN style"FONTSIZE: 10.5pt; COLOR: black; FONTFAMILY: 'Trebuchet MS'">When <xml:namespace prefix st1 ns "urn:schemasmicrosoftcom:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st"on">Yellowstone</st1:place> was set aside in 1872 as the world's first national park, it marked the start of a new attitude toward the American outdoors. States had begun to set aside land and develop public parks of their own. In <st1:State w:st"on"><st1:place w:st"on">Wyoming</st1:place></st1:State>, the state park system also incorporates historic sites and trails, preserving our culture resources. <SPAN style"msospacerun: yes"> </SPAN><xml:namespace prefix o ns "urn:schemasmicrosoftcom:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P classMsoNormal style"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style"FONTSIZE: 10.5pt; COLOR: black; FONTFAMILY: 'Trebuchet MS'">Visitors can relive the days of pioneers on the <st1:place w:st"on">Oregon Trail</st1:place> or buy goods like early trappers at the Fort Bridger Rendezvous; or simply take advantage of the recreation that comes from the states large lakes and reservoirs. An intricate system of snowmobiling, horseback, ATV, biking and hiking trails is also provided as a means to explore <st1:State w:st"on"><st1:place w:st"on">Wyoming</st1:place></st1:State>s wideopen country. </SPAN></P>2009-03-17T13:29:12-07:004284http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/South-Pass-City-State-Historic-Site/4284<br>Historic gold mining community, with 37 historic structures. Home of Esther Hobart Morris, first woman to hold elected office. All buildings restored to their turnofthecentury appearance.2009-08-07T13:01:29-07:0032516http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Legend-Rock-Petroglyph-Historic-Site/32516Take a step back in time with a visit to Legend Rock.<BR><BR>Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Hot Springs State Park Legend Rock enables visitors to view over 300 petroglyphs spanning a timeperiod of thousands of years. These petroglyphs introduce you to multiple cultures and eras long past. <BR>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. <BR>Family and group tours can also be scheduled through Hot Springs State Park. A minimum oneweek notice is recommended. Tours are free to the public but availability may be limited so be sure to call the state park office ahead of time at (307) 8642176. <BR>While at Legend Rock be sure to stay on the marked trails and observe proper rock art etiquette and respect for the people who hold this site sacred. Defacing any part of rock panels in anyway is prohibited and can be a felony under state and federal laws. Do not touch the rock panels in any way as they are fragile and even oils from your hands can affect future site dating a research. Do not pick up or move any artifacts or rocks as they can contain valuable cultural information and even the location of the rocks is important to that data. Be sure to keep your permit with you for Bureau of Land Management and State Park Rangers to check. The site is also under videosurveillance for security reasons. <BR>Bring your camera and feel free to take pictures. Binoculars area also recommended for viewing some of the details of these exquisite petroglyphs. Children must be under adult supervision at all times. Pets must be on a leash. Please lock the gate behind you and place the key in the key drop location at the gate when you leave. Summers can be hot so bring plenty of water. <BR>Legend Rock is a special place and one of the highlights of the Big Horn Basin and Wyoming. Legend Rock, while not heavily promoted, is already a worldrenowned rock art site. Please enjoy this cultural site and out of respect for the people who tread this sacred ground take only photographs and leave only footprints. <BR><BR>2009-07-24T09:59:47-07:004539http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Trail-End-State-Historic-Site/4539 <br>This elegant Flemish Revival Historic House Museum, built in 1913, was once home to Wyoming Governor and United States Senator John B. Kendrick. While the home features original furnishings and décor, the parklike grounds contain native trees, shrubs and nonnative species. Trail End displays an elegantly different facet of Sheridan rich western heritage.2008-12-02T15:37:46-08:003064http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Fort-Laramie-National-Historic-Site/3064<br>"The Crossroads of a Nation Moving West." This unique historic place preserves and interprets one of America's most important locations in the history of westward expansion and Indian resistance.2009-07-22T14:23:19-07:003066http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Fort-Phil-Kearny-State-Historic-Site/3066<br>Selfguided walking tours on the Fort, Fetterman and Wagon Box Battlefield sites. Provides living history tours by appointment for a minimal fee to support group.2009-07-28T22:14:39-07:0032117http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Butch-Cassidy-and-the-Sundance-Kid--Historic-Sites/32117<P>The HoleintheWall, located about 30 miles west of Kaycee, can be accessed by Willow Creek Ranch. Geographically, this area had all the advantages needed for a gang attempting to evade authorities. It was easily defended and impossible for lawmen to access without detection by the HoleintheWall Gang. The original cabin that housed Butch Cassidy can now be found at the Old Trail Town in Cody, Wyoming.</P> <P>Butch and Sundance also liked to frequent the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, where rooms are named after them today. South of Buffalo and 16 miles west of Kaycee is the Outlaw Cave Recreation Area. It contains a public campground, a Native American rock shelter with pictographs, and the famous "Outlaw Cave." Another popular place for the gang to hide out was in Baggs, Wyoming, bordering Colorado and offering a quick escape.</P> <P>If you trace the history of Robert Leroy Parker (that's "Butch" to you and me), you will learn that he received his nickname in Rock Springs, Wyoming, <BR>where he worked in several butcher shops. Butch also called the Meeteetse area home for several years. He left his mark on an 1886 petition, and a few years later in 1890 was arrested outside the local Cowboy Bar that still holds the original back bar and several bullet holes from times past. Later, Butch spent time at the Territorial Prison for stealing horses, but was released with a promise to never return or operate in Wyoming again. "Sundance" received his name after being thrown in prison in Sundance, Wyoming, for the same offense.</P> <P>Each year in August, a group of enthusiasts gather for an eightday Outlaw Trail Ride beginning in Thermopolis and ending at the HoleintheWall. Guests make the trek across the vast Wyoming countryside on horseback, discovering historical landmarks along the way. The trip also includes a stop at the Hot Springs County Museum which houses the original HoleintheWall Saloon. In addition to this group, Historic Trails West offers horseback trips across various parts of Wyoming, including a sixday Outlaw Trail Ride through HoleintheWall, and Thunder Mountain Tours provides an interpretive tour with access to private land that surrounds the area, including views from the top of the bluff.</P> <P>Although his death is a mystery, some believe that Butch did in fact bury loot near Mary's Lake in the Wind River Mountains. And while some think he later returned (after his alleged death) to dig up his fortune, others believe he never did and that all that loot is still buried up there somewhere today.<BR></P>2009-02-19T16:15:03-08:003337http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Independence-Rock-State-Historic-Site/3337<br>Known as the "Register of the Desert," Independence Rock is located on Hwy. 220, 50 miles southwest of Casper. Visitors can explore the domeshaped rock and mull over the hundreds of names carved by past travelers along the California, Mormon, Oregon and Pony Express Trails.2009-07-28T22:24:40-07:002798http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Connor-Battlefield-State-Historic-Site/2798<br>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 all be done while you picnic.<br>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.2009-07-28T22:00:01-07:003058http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Fort-Bridger-State-Museum-and-Historic-Site/3058History comes alive as visitors enjoy the many restored buildings, interpretive displays in the newly renovated museum, mountain man trading post and the archaeological exhibit adjacent to the museum.2009-05-05T13:00:05-07:003062http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Fort-Fetterman-State-Historic-Site/3062<br>One of few original frontier Posts with existing buildings. Considered a hardship post at the junction of the Bozeman and Oregon/Morman Trails. Open from 1867 to 1882, becoming a very Wild West town until 1887 with shootouts, robbings, and hangings.2009-07-28T22:07:53-07:003063http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Fort-Fred-Steele-State-Historic-Site/3063<br>Established in 1868 to protect the railroad work crews against Indian attacks. Occupied until 1886. Selfguided tours of the ruins are provided by signage.2009-07-28T22:11:08-07:004776http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Wyoming-Territorial-Prison-State-Historic-Site/4776<P><BR>Listed on the National Register, visitors can tour the restored prison, where famous outlawButch Cassidy spent 18 months, the furnished Warden's House, and interactive Broom Factory. </P> <P>An exhibit hall features rotating displays & a family friendly scavenger hunt. </P> <P>Selfguided tours available in English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese. Guided tours for school and educational groups with reservations. Stops along the tour include: the restored Warden's House, prison cells, dining area, guard' s quarters, infirmary, women's quarters, laundry room,  warden' s office & working Broom Factory. </P> <P>Exhibit's include: "Prisoner Made Goods" featuring hand made artifacts made by the imnates, "The Reel, Not Real: Butch Cassidy", a working printing press, & "Innocent or Guilty Women Inmates of the WTP". </P> <P>Special Events: Butch Cassidy Days July 27 29, Ghost Tours, weekends in October (reservations required).  <BR>Summer Hours are 7 days a week, 9 to 6. </P> <P>Dog and Family Friendly!</P> <P>Come and be captivated!</P>2009-08-10T07:30:16-07:003713http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Mormon-Handcart-Historic-Sites-in-Wyoming/3713<br>Free and adjacent to Devils Gate. The visitors center is open year 'round.<br>Open the same hrs as our visitor's center2009-05-12T15:36:48-07:00