2016-10-22 05:52:38
WIND RIVER CANYON AND THE BIGHORN RIVER, JEFF VANUGA PARK TO PARK Scenery straight out of an adventure magazine and plenty of welcoming towns make the Park to Park region ideal for a variety of getaways, from rugged backcountry escapes to serene, luxurious retreats. You’ve probably heard about some of the famous sites here — Thermopolis’ soothing hot springs and dinosaur fossils, Casper’s Oregon Trail history and Douglas’ curious natural rock bridge — but they are just a few of the region’s many treasures. YRES NATURAL BRIDGE, ERIC LINDBERG. PARK TO PARK EXPERIENCES 1 NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS INTERPRETIVE CENTER CASPER Step back in time through interactive exhibits to experience the hardships and victories of those who ventured West in the 1800s on the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express trails. Find out what it’s like to forge a river, or test your strength with the wagon-pulling exhibit. 2 AYRES NATURAL BRIDGE DOUGLAS Discover a 100-foot-long natural rock arch spanning La Prele Creek west of Douglas. This oasis has a mini-trail that will lead you to a view of the bridge from above, as well as picnic tables that offer a break from the road. Learn more about Douglas’ history at Fort Fetterman Historic Site, one of the few existing frontier posts with original buildings. 3 FORT LARAMIE HISTORIC SITE & OREGON TRAIL RUTS NEAR GUERNSEY & TORRINGTON See actual tracks left by the countless wagons that passed along the Oregon Trail, and tour restored buildings at the largest military post on the Northern Plains at Fort Laramie National Historic Site, originally established as a private fur-trading post in 1834. 4 STAGECOACH MUSEUM LUSK Lusk was a notorious cow town and busy homesteading area in its early days. Dive into its early beginnings and pioneer history through relics from the 19th and 20th centuries, and view an authentic stagecoach that was frequently used on the Cheyenne to Black Hills Stage and Express Line carrying passengers and gold. 5 THE WYOMING DINOSAUR CENTER & DIG SITES THERMOPOLIS Relax in a naturally heated mineral pool at Hot Springs State Park, then make your way to the Dinosaur Center, where hundreds of displays and more than 30 mounted skeletons illustrate Wyoming’s prehistoric past, including the Archaeopteryx specimen — one of only 10 in the world. WELCOME CENTER Cheyenne VISITOR CENTERS Meeteetse Casper Douglas Pine Bluffs Thermopolis Lusk Wheatland Chugwater STATE PARKS BOYSEN STATE PARK Situated at the opening of the Wind River Canyon, visitors enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in addition to scenically located campsites. HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK Stand-out features include a 104-degree bathhouse for visitors looking for a soak and a suspension bridge overlooking the Bighorn River. EDNESS K. WILKINS Edness is a quiet getaway for nature lovers seeking the relaxing effect of cottonwood-shaded terrain, rewarding bird watching, leisurely strolls, canoeing and fishing. GLENDO STATE PARK Glendo is a top destination for boating, water skiing, camping and fishing due to the large, serene reservoir situated in the middle of the park. Water enthusiasts are also joined by history buffs here — the park has artifacts and teepee remnants from several Native American tribes. GUERNSEY STATE PARK Rocky bluffs create a peaceful haven for swimmers, boaters and water skiers on the Guernsey Reservoir. Visitors can also tour historic buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including the Guernsey Museum, which is located on top of a cliff that gives way to expansive views of the water. WY AM I HERE? MEET HORSE TRAINER AND PRO BARREL RACER ASHLEY SCHAFER AND HER STALLION, CAN MAN, WHO LIVE ON A 120-ACRE RANCH NEAR TORRINGTON.
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