2021-02-23 10:51:10
Get Wet and Run Who needs an amusement park when nature has all the best rides? And in Green River, you don’t have to worry about the lines. From world-class fishing and wildlife watching to river tubing and swimming, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors. And when you’re not on the go, you can settle a rivalry at one of the family sports complexes or relax and take in the scenery. ABOUT GREEN RIVER John Wesley Powell recognized the beauty of Green River in 1869 on his way south to the splendor of the Grand Canyon. But today, Green River is a recreational hot spot offering both indoor and outdoor fun year-round and a chance to see Wyoming’s diverse wildlife. Enjoyed by go-getters and naturalists alike, the area’s natural beauty is carefully preserved in the many trails, parks, sport complexes and rock formations. THINGS TO DO SWEETWATER COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM WALK IN THE SHOES (OR MOCCASINS) OF EARLY SWEETWATER SETTLERS. From the early 1800s through the present day, Sweetwater County has been a bustling area of Southwest Wyoming’s pioneer settlers and Native Americans. During the western expansion, the county saw the likes of fur traders, miners, rail-roaders and more. Take one step in the county, and it’s easy to transport yourself to the pioneer days. A Taste of History: Luckily, Sweetwater County’s history is well preserved through timeless photography, original structures and the people themselves. From Sioux art pieces dating to the turn of the last century, to a Sharps buffalo rifle owned by Sheriff W. A. Johnson, to the coal mining artifacts from the Union Pacific Coal Company, Sweetwater County has a long list of stories to tell. Visit the Museum: Established in 1967, the Sweetwater County Historical Museum is housed in a 1931 post office building in Green River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum offers a variety of both permanent and seasonal exhibits that give visitors a chance to experience what life was like for the area’s early settlers and Native Americans. Peek into the past by viewing the museum’s collection of antique photos and artifacts that highlight the mining towns of Dines, Winton, E-Plane, Gunn and others. The museum also administers the historic Reliance Tipple where visitors can take an interpretive walking tour around the tipple and hear coal mining stories. Sweetwater County Historical Museum 3 East Flaming Gorge Way Green River, WY 82935 (307) 872-6435 http://www.sweetwatermuseum.org EXPEDITION ISLAND ADVENTURE AT EVERY BEND. When it comes to really chilling out in Sweetwater County, the Green River is the best place to go. Winding through the stunning Southwest Wyoming landscape, this mighty river offers something fun at every bend for kayakers, canoeists, rafters, tubers and anyone who just wants to get wet and cool off. In the heart of the city, the Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel offers a little bit of everything. From challenging rapids to gentle wading pools, river-goers can wade, swim, tube or take the plunge on up to four-foot drops. Advanced kayakers are known for taking on the southern channel, where Castle Falls churns, waiting to stir the butterflies in excited stomachs. For longer floats, drop a raft, kayak or canoe in at Jamestown, just upstream from Green River, and meander down to the whitewater park. Expedition Island: If you want to blend a little history with your Green River adventure, Expedition Island in the City of Green River is at the ready. Originally a starting point for Major John Wesley Powell’s expeditions in 1869 and 1871, this island oasis is the perfect spot for family picnics, tubing, kayaking, “blue ribbon” trout fishing and rafting. Or just take a stroll on the island’s path while the kids monkey around on the playground. If you visit at just the right time, you can catch an event like the River Festival, Art On the Green or Flaming Gorge Days. Splash Park: And what would a wet-and-wild Green River adventure be without some time at the Splash Park? Located in Evers Park, adjacent to Expedition Island, this free public park offers six different motion-activated water features, giving you the perfect way to beat the summer heat. ROLLING GREEN COUNTRY CLUB ENJOY A MORE RELAXING KIND OF DRIVE. Nestled along the beautiful Green River, Rolling Green Country Club boasts an extraordinary golf course for players of all levels and any age, and welcomes nonmembers living at least 100 miles away. As you challenge your handicap on the mature and exceptionally groomed fairways and greens, make sure to keep your eye out for moose, deer and waterfowl that are sure to add to the company of your match. And as you head to the clubhouse after hole 18, save your appetite for some fairway fare. Rolling Green Country Club 29 Country Club Road Green River, WY 82935 (307) 875-6200 https://rollinggreencountryclub.info WILKINS PEAK TRAIL SYSTEM + GREEN RIVER BIKE PARK TAKE A TWO-WHEELED JOURNEY. Have a thrilling adventure at the Green River Bike Park testing your skills on the pump track, hip jumps and ladder bridges. Or explore the 30 miles of marked mountain biking trails named #1 in Wyoming at the Wilkins Peak Trail System. *See Pages 30-31 for more mountain biking. GREEN RIVER RAILYARD DISCOVER A RAILROADING PAST. History of the Green River Railyard: Since 1868 when the Union Pacific Railroad reached the City of Green River and established a station there, the Green River Railyard has had a major impact on the area. Up until the 1970s, the railyard continued to expand with roundhouses, car sheds, machine shops, passenger depots and restaurants. At its height during World War II (1941-45), over 100 trains passed through Green River each day. Then, in the 1950s, diesel engines began to replace steam engines, airlines took a share of the passenger market and trucks hauled cargo instead of trains. Even so, the railroad was the primary employer in Green River until the growth of the trona mining industry in the 1970s. In 1983, the last regularly scheduled passenger train passed through Green River. The roundhouse was torn down and the elegant passenger depot was converted into offices. Early hotels that once served travelers and railroad crews were demolished or sat vacant. The Green River Railyard Today: The pedestrian overpass spans the Green River Railyard connecting the two sides of town and reminding visitors of the area’s local history. Pedestrian overpass bridges were built as a safe way to cross the tracks. Although most towns once had an overpass, those in Green River and Laramie are the only remaining ones in Wyoming. The pedestrian overpass offers an expansive view of the depot, railyards and occasional passing trains. The Green River Railyard is still used by the Union Pacific today, although operations have been greatly reduced. Several freight trains still pass through on a daily basis. The historic Green River depot can be viewed from the outside and appears much as it did when in use. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Eat, shop and experience the Spirit of the New West in Green River’s historic downtown. The city’s riverfront location makes it a haven for adventurers while offering plenty of history and culture to uncover. ‘SPIRIT OF THE WILD’ MURAL Inspired by the history of Green River, the ‘Spirit of the Wild’ mural, painted by KEY DETAIL, features wild horses, a railroad and the namesake river. This vibrant mural was completed in 2018 and brings a burst of color to downtown Green River. On the side of the CenturyLink building on Flaming Gorge Way, Green River, WY 82935 GET REAL COFFEE Enjoy a signature latte or Italian soda at Get Real Coffee in Green River. This welcoming coffee shop and bakery serves homemade breakfast burritos, crepes, pastries and more. 50 Monroe Avenue Green River, WY 82935 THE BREWERY The popular restaurant and bar known as The Brewery is located in the same building where Wyoming’s first brewery existed. The original brewery was founded by Adam Braun in 1872 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. 50 West Railroad Street Green River, Wyoming 82935 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES FLAMING GORGE DAYS Kick off summer with “Southwest Wyoming’s Weekend of Fun!” Flaming Gorge Days is a three-day outdoor event featuring a parade, live entertainment, tournaments, activities and more. Entry to this family-friendly event is free. 475 South 2nd East Green River, WY 82935 GREEN RIVER FARMER’S MARKET From July through September, experience the Green River Farmer’s Market. Shop fresh and local produce, baked goods, crafts and more at this bustling event downtown. The market is held every Wednesday from 4PM to 7PM. Free Admission. Corner of Uinta and Roosevelt Drive Green River, WY 82935 STRATTON MYERS PARK Green River offers plenty of space for recreation all year round. Visit Stratton Myers Park for ice skating, fishing, playing baseball and more at this 17-acre community park. 1795 Bridger Drive Green River, WY 82935
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