Trails to the American West criss-crossed the Wyoming landscape bringing promise of hope and a new life to those pioneers who followed them. Few places were the site of so many intertwining trails than in Casper, Wyoming. Situated as a hub where modern day trails intersect, Casper is a perfect “base camp” for the 21st century explorer.
Day One
Relive the days of yesteryear when the Oregon, California, Mormon, Bozeman and Pony Express trails passed through Central Wyoming at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper. Visit the Goodstein Visual Arts Gallery at Casper College, and spend time at the Tate Geological Museum on campus. The museum houses an extensive collection of Wyoming jade and features dinosaur excavations from the area. View the work going on in the fossil prep lab and participate in a “scavenger hunt” within the museum.
If you’re more interested in the process of creating art, intimate groups can visit local artists’ private studios. Tonight, the arts are alive and well in Casper and various opportunities can be found for evening entertainment. Depending on the month and day, choices include a performance of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, the Gertrude Krampert Theatre, Casper Chamber Music Society, Casper Children’s Chorale, Casper Civic Chorale or Choral Arts EnsembleBest of Broadway Series, ArtCore and jazz & blues clubs.
Day Two
Located at the base of Casper Mountain, Audubon Center at Garden Creek includes programs on environmental education as well as bird and wildflower identification. See the natural prairie lands and streams of Garden Creek Falls. Bring a step-on guide as you head out of town to visit Fort Caspar (the original spelling), located where the Oregon Trail crossed the massive North Platte River. Then, follow Hwy 220 southwest to Independence Rock Devil’s Gate formations and the Mormon Handcart Visitors Center. Enroute, include the Alcova Reservoir Loop to follow the area’s paleontology trail where dinosaurs roamed. Take time to visit the Pathfinder Bird Refuge before returning to Casper. Tonight, a performance of Stage III Community Theater is a great way to complete the day.
Day Three
A covered wagon ride with Spirit Riders takes you back in time to the early days and out across the wide-open prairie includes a lunch stop. A Historic Trails West covered wagon ride also includes lunch but adds a reenactment of a skirmish similar to those that faced the original settlers of this area which adds an authentic feel. This afternoon, visit the Nicolaysen Art Museum, which features the works of local, regional, national and internationally known artists. Slow your pace to match that of the early settlers and take a stroll along either the Rails to Trails or the Platte River Parkway walking paths. Stop in at the West Wind Gallery and finish with a city tour taking in the abundance of sculptures that grace the city’s public places.
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