ENCHANTING PUBLIC LANDS FLAMING GORGE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Tucked in the Salt to Stone region in the state’s southwest corner, Flaming Gorge’s towering red-rock formations and lush greenery are a mesmerizing sight. Fed by the waters of the Green River, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is the area’s biggest attraction and has 375 miles of shoreline, ranging from low flats to cliffs over 1,500 feet high. Things to See & Do: Rent a boat and cruise around the 91-mile-long reservoir; local marinas offer everything from houseboats to fishing boats. Low light pollution makes Flaming Gorge an ideal spot for stargazing — constellations and planets are lovely viewed from the water. Fishing is also a popular year-round activity, and rainbow and brown trout are found throughout the reservoir, particularly in the spring and fall. FORT LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE & OREGON TRAIL RUTS NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK Originally established as a private fur-trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie was once a haven for gold seekers and weary westward-bound emigrants and eventually became one of the largest military posts on the Northern Plains. While the “grand old post” closed in 1890, the historic site in the Park to Park region continues to attract history buffs and visitors of all ages year-round. Nearby, the Oregon Trail Ruts outside of Guernsey immortalizes emigrants’ journeys. At the site, you can see some of the best-preserved wagon tracks remaining along the entire length of the Oregon–California Trail. WY NOW? Daily during the summer months, Fort Laramie National Historic Site comes to life as the park staff — dressed in period clothing — share fascinating stories and facts about the fort. Stop at the visitor center for details. For more, visit TravelWyoming.com/ national-parks . Things to See & Do: Fort Laramie’s riverside setting looks much like it did when the post was active from 1834 to 1890. Thanks to conservation efforts, some buildings dating as far back as 1849 are still very much intact. Other structures have been restored and refurbished to their historic appearances, including the Commissary Storehouse and Calvary Barracks, and offer visitors a look into the past. After learning about the fort’s role as a crossroad to America’s westward expansion, make your way to the Oregon Trail Ruts — just 15 miles away. 72 Wyoming Official Travelers Journal FROM TOP: FLAMING GORGE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, JAMIE STORROW; FORT LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, ERIC LINDBERG.
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2018 Wyoming OTJ: Page 72
