Visitors Guide

#ExploreCarbonCounty
6 >> EXPLORE
Contents
Events
10
Activities
For the bird brains
Camp Carbon County
Rockin’ in the West
Old tractors never die
Cowboy up
Trails less traveled
Party ‘til the cows come home
Take a trip on the trail
Fill your creel; Fishing in Carbon County
Spirit of the high plains Cue the Wyoming Open
Sites
25
28
31
32
33
35
38
39
40
42
44
Engaging history; Museums of Carbon County
Outlaw respite
Fort Steele rises from the past
Rest your weary bones; Saratoga’s mineral springs
Wild Wyoming
44
49
50
53
55
Dining
58
Communities
Rawlins
Saratoga
Hanna
Sinclair
Baggs
Medicine Bow
Encampment/Riverside
Wamsutter
Dixon/Savery
64
66
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
Carbon County Business Directory
Automotive
Kilburn Tire Factory - 56
Tom Neuman Trucking - 52
Wreck-A-Mend - 21
Banking and Insurance
Rawlins National Bank - 28
Bank of Commerce - 39
Rodeway Inn - 59
Saratoga Resort & Spa - 19
Energy & Engineering
Sinclair Wyoming Refinery - 42
Dining and Libations
Anong’s Thai Cuisine - 27
Bella’s Bistro - 14
Denny’s - 1
Lollypops - 26
Wyoming Bar - 61
Entertainment/Recreation
Carbon County Museum - 12
City of Rawlins Recreation
Services - 2
Little Snake River Museum - 16
Medicine Bow Museum - 29
Saratoga Museum -38
Wyoming Frontier Prison - 34
Dining and Lodging
Days Inn/Diamond Lils
Restuarant & Bar - 53
Four Seasons Restaurant - 65
Hotel Wolf - 57
Home & Business Services
71 Construction - 15
Century 21 Cornertstone Realty - 4
Sunrise Sanitation Services - 49
Triangle Heating - 62
Lodging
Best Western CottonTree Inn - 9
CopperLine Lodge - 52
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - 63
KOA Campground - 26
Roan Hill Ranch - 29
Silver Moon Motel - 39
Shively Hardware Co. - 5
Strong Tower Design - 47
The Outhouse Gift Shop - 49
The Red Wagon - 43
True Value - Inside back cover
Valley Foods - 13
Windy Corner - 67
Medical/Dental
Curtis T. Stoddard, D.M.D. - 26
Saratoga Care Center - 3
Visitor Information
Carbon County Higher
Education Center - 7
Carbon County Visitor’s
Council - Inside front cover
City of Rawlins - 54
Platte Valley Community Center - 30
Rawlins Daily Times - 60
Rawlins DDA Main Street - Back page
Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber
of Commerce - 66
Outdoor Sports
Hack’s Tackle & Outfitters - 40
Retail
Hat Creek Saddlery
and Trading Post - 23
Laura M - 24
Rasmusson Furniture - 36
8 >> EXPLORE
Welcome
to Carbon County
W
elcome to Wyoming’s Carbon County.
Come discover the Western frontier
as it was and remains a place that represents
all that Wyoming is—a place where you can
“Get Your West On.” “Your Next Adventure
Starts Here” in Wyoming’s Carbon County.
Whether you are here to explore our rich
history, full of colorful characters and infamous outlaws, crystal clear rivers (and the
healthy trout that swim in them), a natural
hot spring, mountain trails for hiking or
biking, seemingly endless forests teaming
with wildlife, the pristine alpine lakes, small
towns filled with friendly people, concerts,
rodeos, dances, museums, or simply to pursue
your favorite outdoor activities, we’re glad you
decided to come explore Carbon County.
Take up ATVing, cycling, climbing, hiking,
horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or driving and enjoying the scenery.
We are sure you will appreciate the serene
mountains, fertile river valleys, and the exotic
high desert. You’ll completely understand
why everyone who has discovered Carbon
County as their personal get-away agrees that
it is a place to “Get Your West On.”
If hunting is on the agenda, you’ll be glad
to know Carbon County shares her lands with
moose, elk, black bear, mountain lions, pronghorn antelope, big horn sheep, mule deer, blue
grouse, and many more creatures. If fishing
is your forte, fish the world famous Miracle
Mile – the angler’s paradise on a stretch of the
North Platte River.
Recreation in southern Wyoming is endless
and unparalleled. Our wide-open spaces
coupled with the low population yields some
of the best recreational opportunities in the
world. Explore more than 500 miles of snowmobile trails, where the western powder is
measured in feet – not inches. Discover Seminoe Reservoir and Sand Mountain to enjoy
camping, boating, jet-skiing, hiking, fishing,
and some of the best ATVing Wyoming has to
offer. If you love the great outdoors, Carbon
County is the place to be.
We hope you will enjoy exploring Carbon
County. “Your Next Adventure Starts Here”
in Carbon County where your can always “Get
Your West On!”
Best Regards,
Leslie Jefferson, Executive Director
Carbon County Visitors’ Council
www.WyomingCarbonCounty.com
10 >> EVENTS
Calendar of Events
April 1-3
Wyoming Open Pool Tournament
Saratoga, WY
The boys are back in town! Come
watch several of the best players
in the World compete in the Annual Wyoming Open. Past notable
sign ups include Rodney Morris,
Raj Hundal, Charlie Williams, Shane
Van Boening and Stevie Moore. The
three main divisions are Masters,
Classic and Sportsman. Final redraw
on Saturday PM for the finalists with
a Live Calcutta. Main events are at
the Platte Valley Community Center.
The Wyoming Open is sponsored by
Saratoga Lions Club. For more information, please call 307-710-1447 or
email [email protected]
April 15
Rawlins High Invite
Rochelle Ranch Golf Course, Rawlins, WY.
April 29-30
Carbon County Pen & Ink Writer’s
Conference
Rawlins, WY
The first ever Carbon County Pen &
Ink Writer’s Conference. Presenters
are being finalized.
May 1
Carbon County Museum hours
Rawlins WY
Through Sept. 30, hours at Carbon
County Museum, located at 904 W.
Walnut St., Rawlins, are Tues. - Sat.,
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
May 7
Celebration of Wind
Rawlins, WY
Starting at 10 a.m. on Highway 71,
I-80 Frontage Road, come see the
annual Wind Racing Competition
and Community Kite Flying. Schools
from around the state and local residents build wind racers and participate in this fun event. Cash prizes
are awarded – last year those cash
prizes were in gold coins. At 11 a.m.
following the competition, there will
be a BBQ from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at
the C-TEC building at 1650 Harshman Street. During that time there
will be have a photo display and the
winners announced for the “Capture
Wyoming’s Wind” Photo Contest.
This contest is open to all ages and
talent ranges and submissions will
be taken from April 7th through May
4th leading up to the Celebration of
Wind.
11 // EXPLORE
12 >> EVENTS
May 21
Annual Recycling and
Citywide Clean-up Day
Rawlins, WY
Take pride in the community of Rawlins during the
annual recycling and cleanup day. Meet at Depot
Park and Front Street at 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will
be served after clean-up is
complete.
May 27
Grand Encampment Museum
Encampment, WY
Hours at the GEM are
Monday through Saturday,
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
through Oct. 10.
May 30
PrisonFest
Little Snake River Museum
Savery, WY
Hours at the Little Snake
River Museum are 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. every day
through October.
May30
Rawlins, WY
Memorial Day 3 person
shark shootout at Rochelle
Ranch Golf Course, Rawlins.
June 3-4
PrisonFest 2016
Rawlins, WY
Friday Night Prison Tours
followed on Saturday by
the fifth Annual Pen to Pen
Fun Run 5k through Rawlins from near the operating State Prison to the
Wyoming Frontier Prison
grounds. Participants run
or walk the route wearing
authentic inmate-made
striped uniforms. The Run
is followed by a BBQ open
to the public, awards, live
music and games. Call
307-324-4422 or visit www.
wyomingfrontierprison.
org for more information.
June 4
HiWater Hoedown
Saratoga, WY
Hi Water Hoedown featuring Dana
Cooper, Jay Shogren and Shanghai’d, Halden Wofford and the
Hi*Beams at the Yard, 108 SE River
St., Saratoga. Food by Dukes Bar
and Grill at 5 p.m., performance at
6 p.m. Admission is $10. Call 307321-3314 or email shannoncp0@
gmail.com for information
June 10
Rawlins, WY
Carbon County Crisis Center
Scramble at Rochelle Ranch Golf
Course, Rawlins.
June 18
Rawlins, WY
Keg for the Cure at Rochelle Ranch
Golf Course, Rawlins.
June 18-19
Woodchoppers Jamboree
and Rodeo
Encampment, WY
For over 50 years, the chips fly
during Father’s Day weekend in
Encampment as loggers come from
all over the country to compete for
the title of Rocky Mountain Champion Lumberjack. Using power
saws, axes and hand saws, men and
Woodchoppers Jamboree
women competitors cut down “trees,”
chop logs and saw squared wood
blocks in half, racing the clock for the
fastest time. Cowboys ride bulls and
broncs, and the melodrama encourages the audience to get involved. This
unique Wyoming event assures a good
time will be had by all. Sponsored by
Encampment-Riverside Lions Club.
June 23
Music in the Park
Rawlins, WY
Washington Park in Rawlins for din-
14 >> EVENTS
ner at 5:30 p.m. with
the many local vendors. Music begins at 7
p.m. Free concert on a
great night with neighbors and friends.
June 25-26
Rawlins, WY
Shriner’s golf tournament at Rochelle
Ranch Golf Course,
Rawlins,
June 30
Music in the Park
Rawlins, WY
Washington Park in
Rawlins for dinner
at 5:30 p.m. with
the many local vendors. Music begins at 7
p.m. Free concert on a
great night with neighbors and friends.
July 4
Carbon County’s Big
Independence Day
Celebration/Togie
Days
Saratoga, WY
An old-fashioned parade with vintage cars,
silly costumes, fire
trucks, and political
candidates wandering
through downtown
Saratoga begins at 11
a.m. There are lots of
downtown activities
to enjoy such as an art
show, craft show, an
old-fashioned bakesale auction and live
music. Saratoga Museum’s Custom & Culture
rounds out the celebration, but the best
part of the day begins
at dusk with a fantastic
fireworks display - fun
for the entire family!
July 4
Family Fun Day
at the Little Snake
River Museum
Woodchopper’s Jamboree Rodeo
15 // EXPLORE
Carbon County’s Big Independence Day Celebration/Togie Days
Savery, WY
Bring a picnic and join in
old-time games, make ice
cream and eat watermelon. Enjoy the beautiful
grounds and explore this
extensive western history
museum.
July 7
Music in the Park
Rawlins, WY
Washington Park in
Rawlins for dinner at 5:30
p.m. with the many local
vendors. Music begins at
7 p.m. Free concert on a
great night with neighbors
and friends.
July 8
SummerFest Concert
featuring LOCASH
Rawlins, WY
Country music duo LOCASH and Wyoming
native Josh Dorr will rock
Rawlins the night before
SummerFest kicks off in
the inaugural SummerFest
concert at Outlaw Stadium. Maximum seating is
around 5,000 and tickets
are $25. Gates are expected to open around 5:30
p.m.
July 8-9
Platte River Rodeo Association Rodeo
Saratoga, WY
This two-day rodeo features your favorite events:
barrel racing, bronc
riding, team roping, steer
wrestling and bull riding.
Activities for the kids often
include mutton bustin’ and
steer riding. The action begins Friday and Saturday
nights at the Buck Springs
Rodeo Arena. Please call
Terri Hinkle at 307-3298159 for more information.
July 8-9
SummerFest
Weekend
Rawlins, WY
This year’s SummerFest
will be kicked off with a
concert to celebrate the
Rawlins DDA/Main Street’s
25/10-year anniversaries
July 8. Friday night features the inaugural
16 >> EVENTS
SummerFest concert with LOCASH
and Wyoming native Josh Dorr. On
Saturday, come celebrate in downtown Rawlins with this classic Rawlins
event including Outhouse Races, Vendors, Sidewalk Sale, Eating Contests
and more! This is the weekend to
be in Rawlins, and with great events
taking place, there is something for
everyone. SummerFest sponsored by
Rawlins DDA/Main Street. For more
information, call 307-328-2099 or visit
www.rawlinsfest.com
July 14
Music in the Park
Rawlins, WY
Washington Park in Rawlins for
dinner at 5:30 p.m. with the many
local vendors. Music begins at 7
p.m. Free concert on a great night
with neighbors and friends.
July 15-17
Grand Encampment Cowboy
Gathering
Encampment, WY
Families of all ages can come
and enjoy an exciting and action-packed weeken, which includes a Dutch oven cook-off, stick
Rawlins Summerfest
horse rodeo, cowboy
music performances
featuring artists from the
region and a chance for
local talent to participate
in campfire jam sessions.
A pancake breakfast is
served on Sunday morning. See www.grandencampmentgathering.org
for more info.
July 16
Rawlins, WY
Cross Country Scramble
at Rochelle Ranch Golf
Course, Rawlins.
17 // EXPLORE
WHAT Fest
July 16-17
Ride the Divide
Savery, WY
Come at 9 a.m. to see antique tractors leave for Encampment along the
Continental Divide, with great photo
opportunities along the route. Return
to the museum in Savery for lunch on
the 17th and talk to tractor enthusiasts.
July 21
Music in the Park
Rawlins, WY
Washington Park in Rawlins for dinner at 5:30 p.m. with the many local
vendors. Music begins at 7 p.m. Free
concert on a great night with neighbors and friends.
July 22-24
Sierra Madre Muzzleloaders
Mountain Man Rendezvous
and Black Powder Shoot/Living
History Days
Encampment, WY
Located on the Grand Encampment
Museum grounds, local black pow-
der enthusiasts recreate the days
of the Mountain Men with primitive
camping, authentic costuming, traders row, and black powder shoots
and tomahawk throws. Please call
Josh Saier 307-326-5503 or Joe
Morrison 307-329-7944 for more
information. The Grand Encampment
Museum will be presenting Living
History reenactments and demonstrations all day and is a fun way to
learn about our past. www.GEMuseum.com
July 22-23
WHAT Fest
Riverside, WY
Great music at a festival event held
in Riverside. Dozens of regional
bands perform all weekend. For
more information visit www.whatfest.com
July 23
Living History Day at the Grand
Encampment Museum
Encampment, WY
An annual event since the late
1960’s, Living History Day includes a
variety of small events and demonstrations that occur either throughout the day amongst the historic
building that are onsite.
July 28
Music in the Park
Rawlins, WY
Washington Park in Rawlins for dinner at 5:30 p.m. with the many local
vendors. Music begins at 7 p.m. Free
concert on a great night with neighbors and friends.
July 29-31
King Coal Days
Hanna, WY
King Coal Days takes place during
the last weekend of July in the historic Carbon County mining town of
Hanna. For more information, please
contact the Hanna Recreation Center
at 307-325-9402.
July 30
Snowy Range Duathlon
Saratoga, WY
18 >> EVENTS
Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook-off
The Snowy Range Duathlon is a bike (4.3 miles),
hike/run (11 miles) and
bike again (6.83 miles)
race of 22.13 miles that
will test stamina and
steer you through some
of the most beautiful
country the Rocky Mountains has to offer.
Aug. 4
Music in the Park
Rawlins, WY
Washington Park in
Rawlins for dinner at 5:30
p.m. with the many local
vendors. Music begins at
7 p.m. Free concert on a
great night with neighbors and friends.
Aug. 5-13
Cow plop Festi-bull
Carbon County Fair a
nd Rodeo
Rawlins, WY
Head on out to the Carbon County Fairgrounds,
523 W. Rodeo St., in
Rawlins for one of the
most fun weeks of the
year. With rodeos, mutton bustin’, animal shows,
4-H projects and livestock
auctions, there’s something for everyone.
Aug. 5-7
Grand Encampment Museum’s 50th Anniversary
Celebration
Encampment, WY
Activities and events
galore will pack the
fun-filled celebration
weekend. For more information, contact Christy
Smith at 307-327-5308.
Aug. 6
Cow plop Festi-bull
Rawlins, WY
Exactly what it sounds
like, cows and fun go
hand-in-hand at this
annual event in Rawlins.
The evening’s events
kick-off at 5 p.m. in the
Tractor Supply parking
lot. Come purchase
tickets for a chance to
win cash. If a cow plops
19 // EXPLORE
in your square, you
win. In addition to
the main event, the
evening will feature
food, live music, vendors, and games for
children and adults.
For information, call
the Rawlins Carbon
County Chamber of
Commerce at (307)
324-4111.
Aug. 6
Rawlins, WY
Boys and Girls Club
Scramble at Rochelle
Ranch Golf Course,
Rawlins.
Aug. 18
Music in the Park
Rawlins, WY
Washington Park in
Rawlins for dinner at
5:30 p.m. with the
many local vendors. Music begins at
7 p.m. Free concert
on a great night
with neighbors and
friends.
Saratoga Bullfest
Aug. 20
Steinley Cup Microbrew
Festival and Chili Cook-off Saratoga, WY
“Bring the Crew . . .Stay for
the Brew” Since 1995, this
competition brings together the top professional microbreweries in Wyoming
in search of the coveted
Saratoga Steinley Cup and
is Wyoming’s official state
microbrewery competition.
Live music and a chili competition and tasting complete the
event held rain or shine. The
event is conducted at a local
park, so make a weekend of
it and bring the whole family.
Call the Chamber of Com-
20 >> EVENTS
High Plains Powwow
merce for more info at 307-326-8855.
Aug. 20
Saratoga Bullfest
Saratoga, WY
The Bullfest is an exciting bull riders-only event, featureing the region’s
top cowboys. There will be $6,000
added purse! Kids under 12 free. Bullfest begins at 7 p.m. Aug. 20
Rawlins, WY
Club Championship at Rochelle Ranch
Golf Course, Rawlins.
Aug. 20-21
Jim Baker Tribute at the
Little Snake River Museum
Savery, WY
Visit the museum and learn about
Jim Baker, one of the last mountain
men of the era. The event features
lectures, activities, tours and food all
weekend. Call 307-383-7262 for more
details.
Aug. 28
Girls Night Out
Saratoga, WY
An end-of-the-season concert featuring female artists and bands at the
Yard, 108 SE River St., Saratoga. Call
307-321-3314 or email shannoncp0@
gmail.com for information
Sept. 10
A Celebratory Passion & Pride Ball
Rawlins, WY
A night of dancing, auctions, food
and fun, the ball is an annual fundraiser for Rawlins DDA/Main Street. This
formal event is a great community
get-together that celebrates “passion
and pride” for downtown Rawlins in
all volunteers and attendees. Please
call 307-328-2099 for tickets or more
information.
Sept. 10
High Plains Powwow
Rawlins, WY
The High Plains Powwow is a free, all-
day event open to the public. There
will be contest dancing featuring
native dancers in traditional regalia
from surrounding reservations such
as Wind River, Pine Ridge, Crow, and
Uintah. Dancers ranging in ages from
2 to 55 and over compete throughout
the afternoon exhibiting traditional
dances and regalia. Awards will be
given in each dance category. Call the
Carbon County Museum at (307) 3282740 or visit www.carboncountymuseum.org for more information.
Sept. 10
Rawlins, WY
Bunkerz 3 man Scramble at Rochelle
Ranch Golf Course, Rawlins.
Sept. 10-11
Encampment Copper Days Festival
Encampment, WY
Antique tractors on display and
tractor pulls have made this event
in Encampment a family favorite
for more than 30 years. Sponsored
21 // EXPLORE
in part by the Encampment
Chug ‘n Tug tractor club. For
more fun, come enjoy a polka
dance Saturday evening. Call
the Chamber of Commerce for
more info at 307-326-8855.
Sept. 23-25
Andy Cloth High Desert
Shootout
Rawlins, WY
This three-day, double-elimination event takes place annually at the Jeffrey Memorial
Community Center in Rawlins.
There will be a “Hard Luck”
tournament and the Nubbins
Memorial Juniors tournament.
Added features in 2015 included a Trick Shot Exhibition by
multi-time World Trick Champion Mike Massey, a mini concert
by Chad Lore of Casper, Wyo.,
and two night tours of the Wyoming Frontier Prison. Contact
Monte Thayer at 307-710-1447
or [email protected]
Oct. 1
Carbon County
Museum hours
Rawlins, WY
Through end of April, hours at
the Carbon County Museum,
located at 904 W. Walnut St.,
Rawlins, are Tues. - Sat., 1 p.m.
to 5 p.m.
Oct. 22, 23, & 31
Haunted Halloween Tours
Rawlins, WY
On Oct. 22, 23, and 31, the
Wyoming Frontier Prison will
host the 2016 Haunted Halloween Tours. Eleven tours will
be given on each night from 7
p.m. to midnight. Reservations
required. Call 307-324-4422
for more information.
Oct. 31
Halloween Walk
Saratoga, WY
Hosted in downtown Saratoga, kids can trick-or-treat at local businesses. It’s convenient
Carbon County Fair
22 >> EVENTS
Carbon County Fair
and safe for everyone! Call 307-3268855 for more info.
Center with nine automated lanes,
leagues and tournament fun. Archery
on Sunday and Monday. Trick-or-Treat on Downtown Streets
Rawlins, WY
Come to historic downtown Rawlins
and fill those candy bags. This event
is a fun and safe place to have your
little one “load up” and show off
their costumes. The downtown businesses supply the candy and it is free
to all. Trick-or-Treat on Downtown
Streets is held on Halloween day
from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., unless Halloween falls on a weekend.
Nov. 26
Oct. 31
Oct. 31
Safe Trick-or-Treat
Rawlins, WY
The Rawlins Recreation Center is
filled with straw for the candy maze,
and also has a jumping castle, slide
and haunted house. Take off the
coats and put on the princess shoes
for this free event. It is also a nonperishable food drive for St. Vincent
DePaul, so bring something to share.
Nov. 1
Open Indoor Shooting Range
Rawlins, WY
Range located at the Recreation
Small Business Saturday
Rawlins, WY
A day to celebrate and support the
small businesses and all they do for
the community. Support downtown
Rawlins small businesses.
Dec. 2, 9, 16
Festive Fridays: Late Night Holiday
Shopping
Rawlins, WY
On select Friday nights in December,
participating downtown businesses
will stay open late until 8 p.m. for
holiday shopping convenience.
Dec. 3
25th Annual Christmas Out of the
Big House Bazaar
Rawlins, WY
Annual fundraiser for the Friends of
the Old Pen, held at the Jeffrey Center in Rawlins. Pick up holiday gifts
from a variety of local vendors. Call
307-324-4422 for more information.
Dec. 8-9
Festival of Trees and Auction
Saratoga, WY
This special event is a terrific way to
begin the holidays. For more than 10
years, local organizations, businesses
and individuals donate decorated
trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gift
baskets and other holiday items
for you to take home and enjoy the
entire season. Trees are on display
Thursday and Friday, with Gala and
Auction held Friday night. Proceeds
go to local charities and organizations. Sponsored by the Chamber of
Commerce.
Dec. 9-11
Winterfest
Rawlins, WY
Always held on the second Saturday
in December, WinterFest features
activities in local businesses and
around the community. This traditionally includes such activities as
business raffles and open houses,
Breakfast with Santa, free activities at
the library, an Adopt-A-Thon and the
Starlight Christmas Parade. It will also
feature two performances of “The
Nutcracker” and a Holiday Concert.
Dec. 10
Jingle Bell Run
Rawlins, WY
2K-5K at the Rochelle
Ranch Golf Course. Pick
up your bells and join the
fun across the course.
Dec. 10
Christmas Parade
and Winter Wonderland
Saratoga, WY
Enjoy the spirit of the
season with this parade
showcasing floats entered
by area clubs, churches and businesses--all
decorated and lit for the
evening and held in historic downtown Saratoga.
Santa and Mrs. Claus
visit children of all ages at
Platte Valley Community
Center for the Valley Service Organization’s Christmas tradition, Winter
Wonderland, and enjoy a
bowl of homemade chili.
For more info, please call
the Chamber of Commerce 307-326-8855.
Dec. 10
Festival of Lights Parade
in downtown Rawlins.
Carbon County Fair
25 // ACTIVITIES
Bald eagle
For the bird brains
C
arbon County’s variety of
habitats creates excellent
bird-watching opportunities.
Just ask Palma Jack, a volunteer
instructor at the Carbon County
Higher Education Center. Jack, who
teaches introduction to bird watching, is understandably an enthusiast
as well.
“One of my favorite places is
Saratoga Lake, it’s such a great bird
sanctuary,” Jack said.
Saratoga Lake is a hot spot for
bird watchers. You can find shorebirds like avocets, striking black-andwhite stilts with red legs, sandpipers,
plover and long-billed dowitchers
in the marshes. During mid to late
April, pelicans nest at the lake in
huge quantities of 70 birds or more.
“It’s a breeding area and stopover
where you can find almost every type
of bird in our area,” Jack said. “But,
I always look forward to the vultures
coming back to nest, because it’s a
good indication that spring is here.
Other birds come first, but vultures
come back every year.”
All throughout Carbon County,
Canada geese appear on lakes and
ponds in the spring, followed by
migrating terns, then nesting shore
birds. Ducks congregate by the hundreds at tiny Odd Fellows Park in
Saratoga.
About five miles south of the WY130/WY-230 interchange is a prime
location at Cow Creek for seeing
another popular wetland bird — the
blue heron.
“You will come across some trees
on the left and a few on the right. In
the trees on the left, there are about
20 nests,” Jack said. “Last year they
came from late May to early June.”
April through June is peak bird
watching months, with the plumage
of male birds coming into brilliant
Technicolor life in order to attract a
mate.
“Because of all of the snow we
had this winter, there will be more
water especially in Carbon County’s
wetlands, which will be good for bird
watching,” Jack said.
In sagebrush country Jack said an
observer may see sage, vesper and
Brewer’s sparrows; sage thrashers;
More on 26
Great-horned owl
Spotted sandpiper
sage grouse
and greentailed
towhees.
Chukars and
pheasants
sometimes
also show
themselves
in the
farmland
along the
North
Platte
River.
One
magical
place for
bird watching is among the tombstones.
“Go to any cemetery,” Jack
said. “It’s usually a quiet
place with lots of trees, which
makes it an ideal location to
find birds. In fact, in Rawlins Cemetery we have great
horned owls nesting and
last year they were there all
spring and summer.”
Carbon County is home to
several different raptors —
birds of prey, Jack said.
In the morning, between
Saratoga and Encampment,
look along fence posts and on
top of power polls for raptors
from the pretty little kestrels
to the large golden eagles.
Ferruginous, red-tailed and
Swainson’s
hawks are
also common.
Bald eagles and ospreys, or fish
eagles, are
often found
perched in
old cottonwoods along
the county’s
rivers looking for their
next meal.
The best
time to see
bald eagles
is during
winter into late spring.
In the Sierra Madre and
Snowy Range mountains,
Clark’s nutcrackers or “camp
robbers,” frequent campgrounds seeking handouts. Although hard to predict, some
arrive as early as May.
One of the last birds to arrive
is the hummingbird, which
can be seen fluttering around
flowers or feeders throughout
Carbon County as late as July.
Jack said two other areas
where great bird watching is
available are along WYO-789,
between the towns of Baggs
and Meeker, Colo., and along
WY-130, between the towns of
Saratoga and Encampment.
“Because of all of
the snow we had
this winter there
will be more
water especially in
Carbon County’s
wetlands, which
will be good for
bird watching.”
Osprey
Open Monday - Sunday
Lunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Join us for our All You Can Eat Lunch Buffet
Monday - Friday • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Anong’s Thai Cuisine
210 5th Street
Rawlins, Wyoming
307-324-6262
101 Ivinson Street
Laramie, Wyoming
307-745-6262
620 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming
307-638-8597
28 >> ACTIVITIES
Camp Carbon County
L
View from Bennett Peak campsite
ace up your boots and pack
up the tent or trailer. For
those who enjoy the great outdoors
by camping and hiking, there are
many options to explore in Carbon
County.
The Medicine Bow National
Forest, located in the southern part
of the county, is the best place to
begin a camping or hiking adventure. Dozens of trails are located
throughout the National Forest,
and there are 32 developed campgrounds as well.
The Medicine Bow National Forest is located within two mountain
ranges — the Snowy Mountains
and the Sierra Madre, with areas
that vary in elevation from about
6,700 feet to over 10,000 feet. The
region is forested with lodgepole
pine and includes, streams, rivers
and mountain lakes. Wildlife in
the area includes moose, muledeer,
pronghorn antelope and elk, among
others.
Begin planning your camping and hiking trip by visiting
the website for the Brush Creek/
Hayden District of the Medicine
Bow National Forest. When you
arrive in the area, a stop at the
Forest Service District Office is
a must. They are located at 2171
Highway 130, Saratoga, Phone:
(307) 326-5258. Hours: 8 a.m. -12
noon, 1 p.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday Friday. There you can pick up maps
and brochures for area hiking trails
and campgrounds, and get updated
information on trail conditions. You
can also check out their website at
www.fs.usda.gov/mbr.
Trails: There are over 50 hiking
trails in the Snowy Range and
Sierra Madre. Be sure to ask which
trails suit your style of hiking,
whether you are a day-hiker or
backpacker. Find out what the
elevation and grade of the trail is,
and how long it is. Know your own
limits and make sure to always
carry extra food, water, navigational
tools, sunscreen and cold weather
and rain gear. Weather can be fickle
and change very quickly at high
elevations.
Camping: Whether you like to
tent or RV when you camp, there
are facilities to meet your needs in
the Medicine Bow National
Forest. Many campgrounds
also provide access to trails
or fishing. Camping in the
national forest is affordable,
most sites are less than $20,
and some are free. Some
campsites can be reserved
in advance online at www.
recreation.gov, or by calling
1-800-444-6777.
Seminoe State Park:
Camping is also available
at Seminoe State Park. The
park is located 27 miles north
of Sinclair on County Rd. 351.
There are three developed
campgrounds at the park,
which offers boating, fishing
and swimming on a dammed
section of the North Platte
River.
Wilderness Backcountry
Want to leave the trails behind? Plan a trek into a Carbon County wilderness area.
Keep in mind that there are
sometimes no trails or signs
in wilderness areas. No motor
vehicle traffic is allowed, or
bicycles. Wilderness can only
be accessed by hiking in or by
horseback. Careful planning
and preparation can make a
trip into the backcountry the
adventure of a lifetime. To
learn more about wilderness
areas and wilderness trip
planning, visit www.wilderness.net
For those who seek out
backcountry adventure, there
are a wealth of options within
the Medicine Bow National
Forest, and in other areas of
the county. Within the Medicine Bow National Forest, in
the Snowy Range, east of the
Riverside-Encampment area,
there are the Savage Run and
Platte River Wilderness areas.
Southwest of Riverside-Encampment area, is the Encampment River and Huston
Park Wilderness areas, in the
Sierra Madre Mountains. No
special permits are required to
visit the wilderness areas, but
visitors should observe Leave
No Trace backcountry ethics,
plan their trip and route carefully, and notify family members where they are going and
when they plan to return.
In the northwest area of
Carbon County, there is the
Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) administered Bennett Mountain Wilderness
Study Area and the Ferris
Mountain Wilderness Study
Area, about 40 miles north of
Rawlins. These two areas account for nearly 30,000 acres
of roadless solitude, an area
that sees very few visitors.
Plan to visit the BLM office
in Rawlins to gather information before venturing to
these wilderness areas. The
office is located at 1300 N.
Third St., Rawlins, 307-3284200, Office hours: 7:45am
- 4:30pm, M-F. You can also
access information about the
wilderness study areas at
blm.gov.
31 // EXPLORE
Rockin’in the West
W
hile Carbon County
doesn’t get many “big
name” performers passing
through, that doesn’t mean
there’s not a music scene.
From Music in the Park to
Riverside’s WHAT Fest, musical opportunities abound. Call
the venues for updated concert
information
Music in the Park
Rawlins residents live
for Thursday night during
the summer months. As the
workday ends, hundreds
– sometimes thousands – flock
to Washington Park for this
concert series put on by the
city.
The concert takes place
every Thursday at 7 p.m. from
June 23 – Aug. 18, excluding
Aug. 11.
A variety of musical styles
are featured throughout the
summer, everything from
blues to hip-hop. Vendors
line the outskirts of the park
with a selection of food and
beverages, so leave your cooler
at home. Just bring a lawn
chair – and a jacket, since
it’s Rawlins – and enjoy the
music. Each concert is free.
Check the city’s web site www.
Rawlins-wyoming.com, or call
the Recreation Department at
307-324-7529.
Jubilante Ensembles
of Carbon County
This modern ensemble
group puts on events year
round – from outdoor summer
concerts to English handbell
choir showcases. Want to be
part of the fun? The group’s
open mic night takes place
every second Thursday of the
month at 7 p.m. at Rawlins
Music Academy, 214 4th St.
Call 307-324-8924 for more
information.
Lollypops
Saratoga’s monthly open
mic night is hosted at downtown café Lollypops, 107
Bridge St. If you’re lucky, café
owner and county music star
Bobby Chitwood could make a
personal appearance for a few
tunes. Showtime is 6 p.m., every third Friday. Call 307-3265020 for more information.
WHAT Fest
From bluegrass to punk and
everything in between, WHAT
Fest features an eclectic lineup
of mostly home grown bands
from Wyoming and Colorado. This year, WHAT Fest
is scheduled for July 29-30.
More than 30 artists perform
on three stages – two outdoor
and one indoor – at the Bear
Trap Café and Bar in Riverside, population 54. Cabins are
available in town, but most
people camp. See the line-up at
whatfest.com.
The Yard
Every summer, Saratoga
resident Chris Shannon turns
his backyard by the Platte
River into a rockin’ venue.
Shannon has four concerts
planned for 2016, with artists
performing rockabilly, roots
rock, folk, alt-country and
more. Concert dates scheduled
for June 4, June 24, July 2
and Aug. 28. Check out The
Yard’s Facebook page for
more information on the band
line-ups at www.facebook.
com/theyardsaratoga. Tickets
are sold at the gate; food and
beverages available onsite.
Virginian Hotel
You won’t even notice
that you’re in a historic hotel
during the hotel’s Battle of the
Bands event, typically hosted
in August, featuring bands
from Laramie. For 2016 the
event will be held Saturday,
Aug. 6, starting at noon, and
will feature 10-15 bands with
a variety of musical styles.
Check with the hotel at 307379-2377 for more information.
Other venues, such as the
Saratoga Resort and Spa, also
provide live music on regular
basis. Check the Rawlins Daily Times’ community calendar
while you’re in town.
32 >> ACTIVITIES
Old tractors never die
T
his year’s 22nd annual Copper
Days Chug N’ Tug Tractor
and Engine Show kicks off a weekend festival of one-upsmanships, as
antique tractor enthusiasts compete
for the title of having the mightiest
machine.
The two-day tractor event begins
at 11 a.m., Sept. 10-11, at the
Encampment-Riverside Lions Club
Arena. Admission is free.
The weekend will feature an
antique tractor parade through
Encampment at 10 a.m. Sept. 10,
followed by antique tractor show and
tractor pull.
Fred Lorenz, a charter member of
the Chug N’ Tug Old Time Tractor
and Engine Club and spokesperson
for the event, is fielding 4-5 antique
tractors for the pull.
“It’s a hobby type of thing and we
never really know how many people
are going to show up, but we run from
35 to 45 hooks per day,” Lorenz said.
The competition is divided into
weight classes in 500-pound increments pulled by a transfer sled once
called “Ole Betsy.”
As the tractors pull, the weight is
shifted from the back of the sled to
the front making the journey harder
with each passing foot. Tractors are
scored on how far they travel.
Participants pay a $15 fee to enter
and $5 for each time their tractor is
hooked to the transfer sled.
“There’s no money involved. We
usually give caps for first place in
each division and ribbons for second
and third,” Lorenz said.
Copper Days also features a community dance with the band Polka
Nuts performing from 6-10 p.m. Sept.
10, at the Grand Encampment Opera
Hall.
The Polka Nuts, a four-person
family band from Brighton, Colo.,
are known for their Dutch-hop style
of music, but they also play different
types of polka including Slovenian,
Tex Mex and Polish.
Tickets for the dance are $15 per
person and free for children 12 years
and younger. Refreshments will be
served.
Tickets can be purchased at the
door or in advance at the Saratoga/
Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce
or at the Red Wagon in Encampment.
For more information on the Copper Days events, call 307-326-8855.
For information on competing in the
tractor pull, call 307-710-5660.
33 // EXPLORE
Cowboy up
Attending a rodeo
is a great way to
‘Get Your West On’
S
ince the 1880s,Carbon County has
been ranch country.
Cattle and sheep producers operated in
the southern mountain valleys along the
Little Snake and Upper North Platte rivers,
and ranching is still a major part of the
county’s economy. As a result of the area’s
ranching heritage, Carbon County boasts an
active rodeo scene.
Rodeo
Rodeo in Carbon County includes events
sanctioned by the Wyoming Rodeo Association (WRA) as well as cutting horse competitions and ranch rodeos. Nearly a dozen
separate rodeo events populate the summer
months May through August, and some do
not charge admission fees. All of the major
pro-rodeo events, such as roping, barrel
racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding and
and steer wrestling can be enjoyed at one or
more of the events. Several of the events are
sanctioned by the Wyoming Rodeo Association, the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association.
Attending a rodeo, ranch rodeo or cutting
horse event is the best way to get a taste of
the Old West and the local flavor of Carbon
County ranch life today.
Ranch Rodeo
Ranch rodeos are different from WRA
rodeo events. Ranch rodeos harken back to
origins of rodeo. Ranch rodeos focus on activities that simulate the tasks real cowboys
accomplish on ranches every day, like team
penning and calf branding. Ranch rodeos
also feature freewheeling events such as
wild cow milking and the wild horse race.
In ranch rodeo, competitors are formed into
teams from individual ranches and made up
of regular ranch hands. Several of the ranch
rodeo events are sanctioned by Working
Ranch Cowboy Association.
Cutting Horse Competitions
Cutting is an activity where a cowboy
and his horse work to “cut” an individual
cow from a herd of cows — no easy task,
since the herd instinct of the animal makes
any individual very reluctant to part from
the herd. The cowboy relies on athletic abilities of the horse and his “cow sense” to get
the job done.
Cutting Horse Competitions
7-Bar Ranch Cutting
7-Bar Arena, 3052 Unit B Hwy 230 (between Saratoga and Encampment)
May 28-30; and July 11-12 starting at 8 a.m.
Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering
The Cowboy Gathering is not a rodeo
or equestrian event, but a celebration of
cowboy music, culture and poetry. The event
will be held on the grounds of the Grand
Encampment Museum in Encampment.
Events will be held throughout the weekend
of July 15-17. Saturday night headliners
will perform at the school and include the
western band called Cowboy Way, musician
Caitlyn Taussig and cowboy poet Floyd
Baird. For more information, go to www.
grandencampment gathering.org.
Rodeos
Area rodeos feature traditional
pro-rodeo style events with both
local cowboys and pros competing in
roping, steer wresting, bronc and bull
riding events and more.
Woodchoppers Jamboree and Grand
Encampment Rodeo
A lumberjack competition and
rodeo excitement. What more
could you
ask for in Western entertainment?
Lions Club Arena, Encampment
June 18-19 rodeo starting at 1:30 p.m.
Upper North Platte Ranch Rodeo
Encampment Lions Club Arena,
Encampment
July 23; Ranch Horse Show 9 a.m.,
Ranch Rodeo at 3 p.m.
Platte River Rodeo
Buck Spring Rodeo Arena
Pic Pike Road, Saratoga
July 8-9, 7 p.m.
Carbon County Fair Rodeo
Carbon County Fairgrounds,
Rawlins
Aug. 8 Super Horse ranch horse
competition 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 9 Ranch Rodeo 5:30 p.m.
Aug 10-11 Rodeo 7 p.m.
Saratoga Bullfest
Bull Riding Competition
Buck Springs Rodeo Arena
Pic Pike Road, Saratoga
Aug. 20
35 // EXPLORE
Trails less traveled
B
etween 1840 and 1870, approximately 500,000 hearty souls
crossed the Western Plains in search of
land, freedom from religious persecution,
new business opportunities and riches
found in the gold and silver fields.
They traveled to the Oregon Territory, the Great Salt Lake Valley and
California crossing southern Wyoming
along many historic trails including the
Overland, Oregon, California, Mormon
Pioneer and Pony Express routes.
The journey was not easy, with those
hearty souls having to brave Native
American attacks, disease and starvation or the wrath of Mother Nature to
find a better life in the West.
But after more than 150 years, many
of the locations along the beaten trails
quickly became tourist attractions or a
battle for life.
“These are places where people
stopped, did things, had celebrations and
became important way points along their
journey,” said Bureau of Land Management, Rawlins’ Field Office Manager
Dennis Carpenter.
“All of these locations hold a lot of fascinating history for people who want to
take the time to learn. It’s really worth
the stop.”
Independence Rock
This huge rock became the most
famous and anticipated of all trail land-
marks. It was here the trail met the cool,
clean and clear Sweetwater River that
would lead pioneers to South Pass.
Popular legend says that the emigrants needed to reach this point by
July 4, thereby giving it the name. But
emigrants arrived at this site throughout
the traveling season.
The name actually comes from a party
of fur trappers who camped here on July
4, 1824. The large granite outcropping is
1,900 feet long, 700 feet wide and rises
128 feet.
While encamped here, emigrants
inscribed their names on the sturdy
granite. As early as 1842, fur trapper
Rufus B. Sage noted that “the surface is
covered with names of travelers, traders,
trappers, and emigrants, engraved upon
it in almost ever practicable part, for the
distance of many feet above its base.”
The Jesuit missionary, Pierre-Jean
De Smet, is credited with coining it the
“Great Register of the Desert.”
The emigrants paused to inscribe
their names on the “Great Register of
the Desert” while they rested themselves
and their livestock. They observed the
national Independence Day (no matter the actual date) and congratulated
themselves on reaching the perceived
mid-point in their journey.
Names were placed on the rock
through engraving or by painting them
with wagon grease, tar or a combination
Independence Rock
of buffalo grease and glue. Over time,
many of these name have flaked off or
been obscured by lichens. Despite this,
hundreds of names remain and are a
source of delight to those who climb the
rock.
“A lot of the names are eroding, but
still visible,” Carpenter said. “It makes
you think about all of the people who
perished along the trail even in good
weather.”
Described by most as “looking like a
great beached whale,” the Rock is now
the site of a modern Highway Rest Area
and State Interpretative Site located
approximately 64 miles northeast of
Rawlins on WYO-220.
Devil’s Gate
This remarkable cleft in the east end
of the Sweetwater Rocks elicited many
diary comments from pioneers.
“The gap is truly wonderful, being a
space not over 20 yards wide and about
500 feet high, having very much the
appearance of being chiseled out by the
hand of man rather then the work of
nature,” said Osborne Cross in his 1849
diary.
Many walked and waded in the
Sweetwater River through the gorge
while their wagons followed the trail
through the pass to the east, a route now
followed by an access road to the historic
Sun Ranch.
More on 37
37 // EXPLORE
More than 20 graves are thought to
be located in the vicinity, although only
one is marked. Many emigrant inscriptions can also still be found on the
nearby rocks.
While the emigrant trails follow
braided corridors through much of Wyoming, Devil’s Gate offers a single path.
A Bureau of Land Managment interpretive site is located just south of the
Gate giving details of the long and colorful history of the area six miles southwest of Independence Rock on WYO-220.
Rattlesnake Pass
Virtually every emigrant, freighter
and soldier who headed west along the
Devil’s Gate corridor passed through
Rattlesnake Pass. Here, the routes of
the Oregon, California and Mormon
trails, along with the Pony Express, are
layered one on top of each other. Deep
trail ruts are still visible south of the old
highway just west of Devil’s Gate.
From the BLM pullout for Devil’s
Gate, continue west for three quarters of a mile and turn right onto the
entrance road to the Mormon Handcart
Visitor Center. Drive less than a mile
(0.8 miles) to the visitor center/public
parking area.
Drive through the parking area and
past a residence toward the visitor center.
Turn east (right) on the old highway and
go a short ways to Rattlesnake Pass where
the old wagon trails crossed the ridge.
Park at a small pullout on the right,
about 0.6 mile from the visitor center
next to the grave of Frederick Fulkerson
on the right. Walk back a few yards to
the rock formation closest to the road
on the north side to look for emigrant
signatures.
Martin’s Cove
In Aug. 1856, two emigrant companies of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints — nearly 1,100
strong — left the Nebraska Territory
and crossed the Missouri River to start
a late-season crossing of the plains.
The 1856 emigrants were British and
Scandinavian converts en route to the
new Mormon homeland in Utah.
The two groups were led by Capt.
James Willie, who left on Aug. 17, and
Capt. Edward Martin, who left 10 days
later. The delay would cost them dearly.
The expedition forded the North
Platte River near Red Buttes on Oct. 19
and fought off snow storms and sub-zero
temperatures before reaching this small
cove in the flank of the Sweetwater Rocks
about two miles west of Devil’s Gate.
Rescuers sent from Salt Lake City
found the company “in perishing condition.” The campgrounds had become a
graveyard as the Martin Company buried
their dead. As many as 145 of the 576
members of the company froze or starved
to death before rescue.
The Mormon Handcart Visitors Center
at Martin’s Cove is located on WYO 220
near Devil’s Gate, about 55 miles north of
Rawlins. The center is open during May 1
to Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Labor
Day to Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and
Nov. 1 to April 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors can walk trails, tour a small
museum, read interpretive signs and
push handcarts on their own when
weather permits to get a sense of pioneer
experiences.
Access Martin’s Cove from the Sun
Ranch at Devils Gate.
Split Rock
As the dominant landmark of the
Sweetwater Valley, the unmistakable “gun
sight” notch in the Rattlesnake Range was
visible to the emigrants for the better part
of two days.
Rising 1,000 feet above the prairie,
Split Rock aimed the emigrants directly at
South Pass, still more that 75 miles away.
Split Rock Station is located a short
distance west of Split Rock between
Cranner Rock and the south bank of the
Sweetwater River in what is now a hay
meadow. The station served as a Pony
Express, stage and telegraph station in the
early 1860s.
A BLM interpretive site is at this
location. A second highway turn-out a
few miles west offers a better — although
reverse — view of the “split” and also a
look at the Old Castle, a smaller landmark
south of the Trail and highway eight and
11.5 miles west of Muddy Gap Jct. on US287.
Ice Slough
The Ice Slough is considered an
amazing natural wonder. A sort of oasis
for hundreds of years used by the Native
Americans, by the mid-1800s it was a
welcome landmark for emigrants along
the Oregon Trail.
The tundra-like turf covers a marsh
that once provided enough insulation to
preserve frozen sub-surface water well
into the hottest summer months. For the
pioneers, it was a minor miracle.
While resting near this marshy spring,
49’er J. Goldsborough Bruff wrote, “by
digging a couple of feet, ice is obtained. The
surface is dug up all around by travelers - as
much from curiosity as to obtain so desirable a luxury in a march so dry and thirsty.”
Ice Slough is located 9.5 miles west of
Jeffrey City on U.S. 287.
National Historic Trails
Interpretive Center
Learn more about the historic trails of
Wyoming at the National Historic Trails
Interpretive Center — a public-private
partnership between the BLM, the National Historic Trails Center Foundation and
the City of Casper. The center is located at
1501 North Poplar Street in Casper, Interstate 25 at Exit 189.
For more information call 307-2617780.
38 >> ACTIVITIES
Party ‘til the cows come home
Annual Cow Plop
Festi-bull is exactly
what it sounds like
E
xactly.
And while it’s not quite Las Vegas, the odds aren’t too bad for a person
to come away with big money in a unique
version of roulette during the 25th annual
Cow Plop Festi-Bull set for Aug. 6.
Living up to its name, the cows “plop”
on the winning square, with the lucky
square holder winning $500 for the first
plop, $300 for the second plop and $100
for the third plop.
An annual fundraiser for the Rawlins-Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, Cow Plop consists of purchasing a
square on one of three 200 square grids,
each with its own cow that Chamber Director Elizabeth Hunt said will have been
“fed really well that day.”
“We’ll let the cows out and they’ll randomly choose in their own timing which
numbers are the winners,” she said.
The event kicks off at 5 p.m., with
the “plop” set for 6 p.m. in the Tractor
Supply parking lot, 2201 Plaza Street,
Rawlins. Tickets can be pre-purchased at
locations throughout Rawlins and at the
event until start or they are sold out.
Last year, the event brought in
around $5,000 for the Chamber and attracted roughly 800 people, Hunt said.
But there’s more to it than just wait-
ing for a cow to do its business. Hunt
said other activities will be available,
including a dunk tank, face painting, a
mechanical bull and more. There will
also be food and beer vendors.
Hunt said the event was a “fun thing
to do on a Saturday.”
“And for visitors it’s just something
that’s different,” she said. “A lot of people
who come through town say ‘What? What
is this?’”
Take a trip on the Trail
I
f you find
yourself in
Rawlins, why not
take a trip on the
Rawlins Interpretive Trail?
With 30 interpretive signs
placed throughout the community, Carbon
County Museum
Outreach and
Education Coordinator Lauren
Hunley called it
not only a “great
stretch of the
legs,” but also
“speaks to why
Rawlins is here and what we
have to offer, not only our
community, but also how it
fits into national history and
the historic landscape.”
Beginning at Rawlins
Springs Park, located on the
south side of the city, it winds
through various streets, leading to the historic Wyoming
Frontier Prison, through the
Prison’s walking trail, to the
Old Armory and finally to
the uplift that looms over the
area.
The signage ends at the
base of the uplift, so as not to
hinder the breathtaking view
of Rawlins and its surroundings.
The trail includes 30 signs,
including two kiosks, three
2x3 free standing signs and
“smaller ones that speak to
specific buildings throughout
the community,” Hunley said.
“They cover everything
from railroad construction
to ranching to visits from
famous people,” Hunley said,
even Thomas Edison’s visit
to the city in 1878. “It also
covers historic buildings and
why they’re historic, their
value and importance to the
community. It even looks at
the historic components that
are no longer visible.”
She called it a “a really
interesting component” to the
city that “gives a great guided
walk through rawlins on who
we are, where we’ve been and
why we exist.”
“Rawlins is often considered a small community that
people pass by and don’t pay
attention to,” she said.
She said people who give
the trail a go didn’t need to
walk its entirety to learn
about Rawlins, and that a
portion of it could still result
in some “great snippets” of
history.
Fill your creel
Fishing in Carbon County
I
n Carbon County, you're only a stone's throw away from
blue ribbon trout waters in every direction. But don't
throw stones, you'll scare the fish.
41 // ACTIVITIES
DUGWAY CAMPSITE
A short drive east to Sinclair and then north on Seminoe
Road for another 6 miles, you'll find the Dugway campsite
nestled alongside the North Platte River. Here you'll find
mostly brown trout with a few rainbows sprinkled in. Golden
eagles make their nests on the sheer cliff face of the opposite
bank.
Directions: From Rawlins, take Interstate 80 east 5 miles
to the west Sinclair exit, then go north on County Road 351
about 7 miles to the turnoff on the right. Camping is available.
SEMINOE RESERVOIR/MIRACLE MILE
Driving farther north of the Dugway on Seminoe Road will
bring you to Seminoe Reservoir, which can fill your walleye
needs. Beyond the reservoir, across the mountains, is the
world-famous Miracle Mile, a stretch of the North Platte just
below the Seminoe dam known for producing trout the size of
small pigs. Chances are, if you have a fly rod, Miracle Mile is
why you came to Carbon County. You can fish this spot year
round.
To Miracle Mile from Sinclair: Take County Road 351
north for 45 miles (this road may
be closed or require chains during
Can’t-miss spots
winter months). From Hanna:
Take County Road 291 north,
n Miracle Mile
turning west on County Road 351.
n Seminoe Reservoir
Camping is available.
n Dugway
n Sinclair Golf Course
PLATTE RIVER VALLEY
n Rochelle Access
If you head out east from
n Pick Bridge
Rawlins on Interstate 80 and
n Foote Access
then south on WY 130 to Saraton Saratoga Lake
ga, "Where the trout leap on Main
n Veterans Island Park
Street," you'll find yourself in the
n Treasure Island Access
Platte River Valley near several
n Encampment River Access,
top-tier trout spots. North of
Riverside
Saratoga is Pick Bridge. The area
n Encampment River, Odd Fellows
features camping at the Foote
Access
Access area and Saratoga Lake.
n North Fork Encampment River
South of Saratoga you’ll find
Access
Treasure Island access area. This
n Hog Park Reservoir
gem of a spot right off WY 130
n High Savery Reservoir
provides for plenty of wade fishn Bennett Peak Access
ing opportunities with a two-mile
n Sixmile Gap Access
long stretch of water with public
access on both sides. Find some
slab in the flat, deep runs with a
gently-placed dry fly.
Just a short drive (in Wyoming distance) north of Miracle Mile in Natrona
County you’ll find Fremont Canyon,
Alcova Reservoir, Gray’s Reef and Pathfinder Reservoir.
In southern Carbon County — in
Medicine Bow National Forest —
you’ll find numerous creeks and
streams full of brook trout eager to
jump in your net.
ENCAMPMENT RIVER
Push farther south from Saratoga on WY 130 and you'll find
another blue ribbon stretch of
trout water at the Encampment
River. There are two access points
for the Encampment — the Odd
Fellows access and the Riverside
access, with a hiking trail connecting the two.
Directions: From Interstate 80, take WY 130 and WY 230
south approximately 38 miles to Encampment. Follow highway through town to WY 70. County Road 353 is left approximately a 1/4 mile west of town. Follow it 1 mile south to BLM
Road 3407. The campground is about 3/4 mile down the road.
Head north or head south, you can't go wrong. Choosing
between the Miracle Mile and the Encampment River is like
choosing between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini — you should
probably try both.
Fishing at Hog Park Reservoir
42 >> EXPLORE
Spirit
of the
high plains
B
efore the Union Pacific
Railroad cut a horizontal swath across Carbon
County, the people of several
Native American nations
visited the area to hunt, soak
in the hot springs near what
is now the town of Saratoga,
and worship at ancestral sacred sites in the Red Desert
in the late 1860s.
The High Plains Powwow, set for Sept. 10, honors
the connections of Native
American nations to Carbon
County, and seeks to build
connections between these nations
and the community. In 2016,
the Powwow expects to attract
nearly 100 dancers and almost 50
drummers from tribes throughout
the region, for a family-friendly,
festive all-day event that appeals
to people of all ages. Native American food and craft vendors will be
onsite at the free event.
Hosted by the Carbon County
Museum, its Education and Outreach Coordinator Lauren Hunley
previously called it “an all-day immersion into contemporary Native
American culture.”
There will be contest dancing
featuring native dancers in traditional regalia from surrounding
reservations such as Wind River,
Pine Ridge, Crow, and Uintah.
Dancers ranging in ages from 2 to
55 and over compete throughout
the afternoon exhibiting traditional dances and regalia. Awards will
be given in each dance category.
Call the Carbon County Museum
at (307) 328-2740 or visit www.
carboncountymuseum.org for more
information. The event is held at
the Carbon County Fairgrounds
with stadium seating, 523 Rodeo
St., Rawlins, and is ADA accessible. There is no admission fee.
The Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Crow, Cheyenne
and Ute nations all spent time in
Carbon County before European
Americans settled the area.
Later, when federal treaties
forced Native Americans onto
reservations, a federal annuities
warehouse was established in
Rawlins for a number of years
and people from the Wind River
(Northern Arapaho and Eastern
Shoshone tribes) and White River
(Ute) reservations would travel to
Rawlins twice a year to collect the
supplies owed to them by the federal government as a condition of
their treaties. These trips became
social and cultural events for tribal
members, and fostered cross-cultural social and economic relationships between Native Americans
and Carbon County residents.
One of the major goals of the
High Plains Powwow is to educate
Carbon County residents about
the area’s historic ties to regional
Native American Indian cultures,
and to rebuild these relationships
from the past.
44 >> ACTIVITIES
Cue the Wyoming Open
I
t began as a simple spinoff of a fledgling local event.
Today, the Wyoming Open pool tournament in Saratoga has certainly become
one of Carbon County’s biggest tourism
draws — not to mention a stop along the
way for some of the game’s top professional
players.
“Aside from the regional basketball
tournaments we have here, and the Fishing Derby the Wyoming Open is perhaps
the biggest tourism draw,” said tournament director Monte Thayer, vice-president of sales for the Saratoga-based Andy
Billiard Cloth.
The tournament had somewhat innocent beginnings as Rawlins’ Pot O’ Gold
tournament during the 1990s.
“The local tourism committee contacted me about making the tournament a
part of a bigger festival,” Thayer recalled.
“This area is a hotbed for pool players, so I
decided to help out. We were able to secure
a $1,000 added purse.”
While running the Pot O’Gold, Thayer
developed a “blueprint” for structuring
large events. Thayer secured pool tables
inside Rawlins establishments.
A few years down the road, Thayer
was also asked by the Rawlins Recreation
Center to help run a rather large-sized basketball tournament, which fell during the
same weekend as the pool tournament.
“Understandably, I couldn’t commit to
both,” Thayer said.
As it turned out, the Pot O’Gold eventually was suspended, and was not revived.
Enter Thayer’s boss, Andy Cloth
president Ed J. (E.J.) Glode, who carefully
crafted his own April tournament, as a
means to help Saratoga’s economy during
the community’s sluggish tourism season.
Glode approached the Carbon County
Visitors Council for tourism dollars, to begin the Platte Valley Open — which eventually graduated to the Wyoming Open.
“E.J. was able to get donations from
local ranchers to help start that tournament,” Thayer said. “The first year (2008)
he was also able to get $4,000 in added
purse money. E.J.’s goal was $10,000.”
Mission accomplished.
The tournament began attracting some
of the sport’s top cue sticks, namely former
world champions Johnny Archer and
“Rocket” Rodney Morris.
Thayer said the tournament has been
able to cover travel expenses for the pro
players.
As a result, Glode’s cover version of the
Pot O’Gold jetted off.
This year’s ninth event, set for April 1-3
at Platte Valley Community Center, has
a $10,000 added purse, including a $6,000
purse for the Masters Division.
“E.J. basically took the Pot O’Gold 10
ple of hours not knowing
steps further,” Thayer
when they’re ‘next.’
said. “Nine years later,
“Purses are available
“Not here. Players
it’s quite an economic
boost, during a time
can
check and see when
for beginners to
when Saratoga’s tourthey are scheduled to
seasoned
ism business is down.”
play next. That way,
Today, the Wyoming
they can have quality
professionals.
Open is recognized intime away from the
ternationally, attracting
tables.
Pool is quite
hundreds of thousands
All which aids Sarapopular in these
of enthusiasts via an
toga’s economy.
Internet streamed
“Most all of the hotels
parts, so there’s an
broadcast.
are sold out during the
opportunity for
“Also, the presence of
Wyoming Open,” Thayer
guys like Johnny Archer
boasted. “The Wolf Hoplayers
to
come
and Rodney Morris
tel, Saratoga Resort and
attracts players from
Spa, Riviera Lodge and
in and shoot some
throughout Wyoming,
even the smaller hotels
competitive pool,
Colorado and other
are mostly booked. Most
states,” Thayer said.
of the rooms are booked
while possibly
Thayer said the tourfor two nights and three
having a big payday.” days, which satisfies the
nament offers bracketed
competitions for players
Carbon County Visitors
of all ages and skill
Council.”
levels.
In addition, Rawlins
“Purses are available for beginners to
was brought back into the mix with the
seasoned professionals,” Thayer said. “Pool
creation of the High Desert Shootout.
is quite popular in these parts, so there’s
That fifth annual event is set for Sept.
an opportunity for players to come in and
30-Oct. 2 at several locations in Rawlins,
shoot some competitive pool, while possibly including the Jeffrey Center.
having a big payday.”
“The High Desert Shootout is a spinoff
In addition to the Masters Division
of the Wyoming Open,” Thayer explained.
layout, play is conducted in Expert,
Thayer is quick to point out that other
Classic (intermediate) and Sportsman (for
events and attractions are available to
beginners) divisions, along with a Hardplayers.
Luck 9-ball single-elimination event and
“We’ve had players come in on a Thursthe Nubbins Memorial Wyoming State
day and play golf,” Thayer said. “We also
Juniors’ Championship at noon on the final have a musician, Chad Lore, play Friday
day.
night at the Rifleman Club in Rawlins.
Thayer and Glode’s tournament brackSaturday night, some players take in the
eting skills also come into play.
Old Pen night tour in Rawlins.”
“We have it set up to where players
Thayer said the Wyoming Open
know exactly what time they are going to
tournament has attracted in excess of
play,” Thayer said. “During most tourna160 entries. That number is expected to
ments, players have to sit around for a cou- grow, he said.
45 // ACTIVITIES
Little Snake River Museum
Engaging history
H
istory, legend and lore can
be found in every corner
of Carbon County at its delightful
community museums scattered
throughout the northern plains.
Carbon County offers
numerous opportunities
for avid history buffs
Little Snake River Museum
Traditionally the first to open
on Memorial Day weekend is the Little Snake River
Museum in Savery, and the Baggs’ Outlaw Stop. Their
director, Lela Emmons is always excited when opening
day arrives and the chance to show off the exhibits and
host of historical structures.
“We are a local history museum, and everything is
pretty much donated by local residents and their families,” Emmons said. “We are a repository for local history,
heirlooms, photos and buildings and we also function as
a community center.”
The main museum building was originally the Savery
School. The school taught all grades until 1958, when
the high school was closed. Elementary
students attended the school until 1972,
when the Little Snake River Valley
Schools consolidated.
“When people come here, they like
the accessibility and to be able to take
their time in exploring things,” Emmons said. “One thing that makes our
museum special is that it’s not a dusty old place. We
have gardens. We have kids activities. This is a vibrant
place.”
Although each of the historic buildings has their
own stories to tell, the Strobridge 1888 – Groshart 1898
- Hays 1945 house is one of the more unique on the
museum grounds.
“It’s sort of a rare two-story log house,” Emmons said.
“It was quite an elegant house in its day, and it’s kind of
funny that one of the last families to live in it was very
poor, but everyone thought they were very rich because
they lived in that big house. Because they were broke
46 >> EXPLORE
t
d
“
a
S
E
s
P
w
O
T
C
m
G
E
w
i
t
t
t
t
O
S
c
a
E
Black powder shooting at Mountain Man Rendezvous
like so many other people,
they lived in two rooms in the
winter because it cost too much
to heat every room.”
The home was built in 1888
for the wealthy Strobridge
family. It is said that the Iowan
family was the first in the valley to live in a home with lace
curtains and carpeted floors.
After four years, the Strobridges moved back east and sold
the home to Miles and Mary
Groshart.
The Groshart family lived in
the home for the next 50 years
raising five children and two
grandchildren. In 1945, Bill
and Mildred Hays bought the
home that Bill’s father had a
hand in building and sold the
home to Tom and Rusty Cobb
in the late 1960’s. The Cobb
family donated the house to the
museum.
The Outlaw Stop in Baggs
is the second LSR Museum. At
the Outlaw Stop visitors can
see the old Baggs Town Hall
with its two-cell jail, along with
the Mathews/Gaddis home,
a historical stop for outlaws
passing through the area.
Hours of Operation
Memorial Day weekend
through the end of October
— 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
through Sunday. The Outlaw
Stop’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on
Sunday. Address: 13 County
Rd 561 N; one block north of
HWY 70 in Savery, WY 82332.
For more information, call 307383-7262.
Saratoga Museum
The Saratoga Museum is
housed in the town’s original
1915 Union Pacific Railroad
Depot.
The museum opened in
1980 and provides an opportunity to explore the Platte
Valley. It features one of Wyoming’s largest gem and mineral
displays, including its newest
exhibit of Wyoming jade with
hundreds of specimens.
“The museum collection
includes exhibits on the history
of Saratoga, fishing the North
Platte River, tie hacking,
homesteading and ranching.
The museum is housed in
the circa-1915 Union Pacific
Railroad Depot that served the
Saratoga and Encampment
Valley Railroad,” said Saratoga
Museum Director Erik Gantt.
“The geology room contains
one of the best mineral collecMore on 47
Jim Baker Museum
47 // Activities
tions in the West and includes an exceptional
display of Wyoming jade,” he said.
Gantt said unique to the museum was
“an extensive display of actual bones and
artifacts from the 10,000-year old Casper
Site, discovered by Rod Laird, Science Chair
Emeritus of the museum.”
“The museum grounds include a historic
sheep wagon, a blacksmith shop, a Union
Pacific Caboose and our music pavilion where
we host outdoor events,” Gantt said.
Hours of Operation: May 28 through
Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through
Thursday or by appointment. Address: 104
Constitution Ave., Saratoga, WY 82331. For
more information call 307-710-3226.
Grand Encampment Museum
Celebrating its 50th year, the Grand
Encampment Museum preserves history
with its collection of over a dozen historical buildings dating from the late 1800s
to 1920, filled with artifacts representing
the area’s early inhabitants and ranching,
timber, mining and agricultural history of
the Encampment Valley.
Hours of Operation: May 27 through
Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through
Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday,
closed Monday except for all holidays 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: 807 Barnett Ave.,
Encampment, WY 82325. For more infor-
The museum is open year round from 9
a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Address:
315 Lincoln Ave. Sinclair, WY 82334. For
more information call 307-324-3058.
Grand Encampment Museum
mation call 307-327-5308.
Parco/Sinclair Museum
The room in which the Parco/Sinclair
Museum is presently located was originally
the First National Bank of Parco. The bank
was first opened on July 1, 1924 and closed
in 1933. The interior is finished in American
Walnut and looks much the same as it did in
the early 1920s.
Relive the past of Parco/Sinclair through a
host of memorabilia, artifacts and potpourri. Wyoming Frontier Prison
Listed on the national Register of Historic
Places, the Wyoming Frontier Prison —affectionately known as the Old Pen by locals —
had its cornerstone laid in 1888. But, because
of funding problems and Wyoming’s infamous
weather, inmates were not housed at the Old
Pen until Dec. 12, 1901.
By the time it closed in 1981, approximately 13,500 people had been incarcerated,
including 11 women.
The Wyoming Frontier Prison includes
guided tours through the prison, the Wyoming Peace Officers’ Museum — a new exhibit on the current Wyoming State Penitentiary
— and our own prison museum. The Old Pen
Gift Shop is also on site, along with the City
of Rawlins walking path that will take you up
to the old prison cemetery.
Summer hours begin May 28, seven days
a week. Nine tours every hour on the half
hour, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Museum: Monday
through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter
Tour Schedule: Monday through Thursday
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Address: 500 W.
Walnut St., Rawlins, WY 82301. For more
information
More on 48
48 >> ACTIVITIES
Stobride House
call 307-324-4422.
Carbon County Museum
Carbon County Museum is celebrating its 75th year. The museum
exhibits highlight the area’s rich history of cattle and sheep ranching, the
Union Pacific Rail Road and Native
American artifacts.
The first collection the museum
acquired came from rancher A.A.
Harper, who passed away Nov. 16,
1938. Harper’s daughter had two
large, locked cases custom-made to
display his smaller items.
The museum’s collection has
grown to include 30,000 objects that
include items showcasing Wyoming’s
colorful past. The museum also contains research material from photos,
newspapers, manuscripts and files on
various topics.
Hours of Operation: May through
September, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday
through Saturday; October through
April, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday
through Saturday. Address: 904 W.
Walnut St., Rawlins WY 82301. For
more information call 307-328-2740.
Elk Mountain Museum
Nestled among cottonwoods and
oaks, the newest museum in Carbon
County is a one-room museum that
features memorabilia from Elk Moun-
tain’s storied past.
The collection cuts across decades
of mementoes donated by many of its
191 community members that include
photos, old books, an honor roll of the
town’s World War II vets, vintage
crockpots, military gear with some dating to the Civil War and many other
items. The collection is designed to be
rotated throughout the tourist season.
The museum is located at 303 Oak
St. For those unfamiliar with Elk
Mountain, turn left at the U.S. Post
Office when you enter town. Museum hours were in flux at the time of
publication. Plans are to expand to
30 hours, five days a week. For more
information, call 307-348-7388.
Other museums
Other Carbon County museums
include Medicine Bow Museum open
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Saturday during the summer months
and hunting season and part-time
or by appointment during the winter
months. Address: 405 Lincoln Hwy,
Medicine Bow, WY 82329. For more
information call 307-379-2383 or 307703-8084.
The Hanna Basin Museum’s summer hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday
and Sunday; winter hours Thursday
through Friday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For
more information call 307-325-6465.
Outlaw respite
I
outlaws ret’s pretty
sponded “we
easy to
really would
have a picnic
like to have
at a place
a chicken
where Butch
dinner.”
Cassidy and
“The gang
his Wild
always treatBunch freed the people
quented back
of Baggs
in the late
very well,”
1800s.
Emmons
The aptly
said, “so they
named Out—
Little
Snake
River
butchered
law Stop in
Museum Director
the hens and
Baggs is a
gave them
great place
Lela Emmons
a chicken
to sit back,
dinner.”
unwind and
After
experience
the gang had woken up local
history while traveling
musician Tom Vernon in the
through Carbon County.
middle of the night to join CasLittle Snake River Musesidy on the harmonica, for an
um Director Lela Emmons
impromptu dance, they rolled
said the Stop had a new
off into the sunset, onto their
building opening this year, a
log cabin which was one of the next nefarious adventure.
Emmons said the reason
first to be built in the area,
Baggs was so popular was its
which was a “three-in-one
proximity.
building,” containing the old
“They could be in three
town hall, jail and firehouse.
Located right in the center other states in just hours
from Baggs,” she said.
of Baggs, the Outlaw Stop
But before the townsfolk
also has the Mathews/Gaddis
went back to bed after the
House, which was home to
party with Cassidy’s gang,
Pearl Mathews Gaddis for
they looked under the plates
over 70 years that functioned
and found $20 bills under
as a road house that doubled
each one, a token of appreciaas a Saturday night dance
tion for Baggs.
hall. Butch Cassidy and his
Visitors can tour the buildgang were known to frequent
ings, view different exhibits,
the home often for a good
(including one about the Cow
meal and entertainment.
Creek Sheep Company), and
Emmons recalled a story
hear stories about the outlaws
regarding the Outlaw Stop,
one that included an unfortu- and early Baggs residents.
A variety of books are
nate number of chickens.
available for purchase, and a
Emmons said Cassidy and
shaded picnic area can also
his gang rolled into Baggs
be found on the grounds. The
one evening and wanted a
Outlaw Stop is also home to
chicken dinner, but none
Outlaw Days, the summertime
were available. A cook in
events where kids can learn
town told them she only had
more about the Valley’s past.
her laying hens, to which the
“They could be
in three other
states in just
hours from
Baggs.”
50 >> ACTIVITIES
Fort Steele rises from the past
T
he Civil War had ended and
the North and South were
mending their wounds from four
years of brutal fighting. As reconstruction took hold and peace
reigned throughout the land,
Americans turned their attention to
Westward expansion.
Driving the move west was the
construction of the transcontinental
railroad, which cut across southern
Wyoming from 1867 to 1869.
On June 20, 1868, Fort Fred
Steele was established to guard the
men who were building the Union
Pacific Railroad’s section through
the state.
Soldiers had been sent to protect
the construction of the railroad and
its primary strategic structure, the
bridge over the North Platte River
from Native American attack.
Col. Richard I. Dodge, the fort’s
first commanding officer selected the
site on the west bank of the North
Platte River and named the fort after Maj. Gen. Fredrick Steele, a Civil
War hero who commanded a division
of the Union Army at the Battle of
Vicksburg.
Although the first fort was largely
a tent city, Dodge quickly built a
Foundations from a
bygone era still stand
along the North Platte
traditional garrison according to
Army specifications. Many of the
buildings were constructed from
wood cut at Elk Mountain. The more
than 200 soldiers stationed at the
fort received extra pay for their help
in the construction. This was a big
deal with a private making $13 per
month.
Daily life for the soldiers was
filled with the drudgery of work from
sun up to sun down.
Soldiers were kept busy doing
rockwork on the foundations and
construction of the fort. The quartermaster was in charge of making sure
they had work to do, but in reality
there wasn’t a lot to do. Still they
were kept busy doing day-to-day
stuff — and basic survival, taking
care of the horses and taking care of
the buildings.
Boredom was a big problem for
the troops because although feared,
Native American skirmishes at Fort
Fred Steele never materialized.
Still, the garrison did see action
throughout southern Wyoming and
Colorado.
Along with participating in the
1878 Meeker Massacre, troops were
sent to Rock Springs in 1885 to help
quell the Chinese uprising. Also
known as the Rock Springs Massacre, the riot was a result of racial
tension between Chinese immigrant
miners and white miners. During
the unrest at least 28 Chinese
miners died, 15 were injured and
a temple and home of 75 Chinese
miners were burned.
Although no combat occurred
at Fort Fred Steele, in July 1874,
several hundred Sioux and Cheyenne Indians raided mining camps
in the Seminoe Mountains and then
raided the fort stealing all 50 of the
soldier’s mules and horses.
Officially decommissioned in
1886, the fort came under the jurisdiction of the Department of the
Interior a year later.
After the fort was abandoned,
a sparse population of civilians
remained behind to what would
come to be known as the town of
More on 52
Fort Steele. The primary
industries of the fort after
the turn of the century
were sheep ranching and
railroad tie processing.
The single largest shipment of wool ever sent out
of Wyoming — more than
800,000 pounds — was
shipped out from the Cosgriff Brothers’ Fort Steele
sheep sheering plant in
1905. The wool was sent to
Boston. It took more than
97,000 sheep to produce
the shipment.
During the civilian
settlement, Fort Steele’s
buildings were used as
cafes, gas stations and
hotels. The largest hotel
had 22 rooms. However, it
burned down in 1923.
The Lincoln Highway,
the nation’s first transcontinental highway
passed through the town
and boosted its economy
between 1920 and 1939.
When the highway was
rerouted in 1939, most
commercial activity ended
and the number of residents rapidly declined at
Fort Steele, eventually it
became a ghost town.
Eventually, the passage
of time took its toll on the
19th century fort with
many of its buildings
being moved to other
locations, or destroyed by
fire. On New Year’s Eve
1976, the two remaining
barracks burned to the
ground.
Many of the remaining
foundations are visible but
few structures are intact.
Restoration efforts have
been ongoing for the past
six years.
Fort Fred Steele State
Historic site is about 13
miles east of Rawlins,
Wyoming and 1.25 miles
north of Fort Steele Rest
Area just off of Interstate
80, exit 228. Fort Steele
is open daily from 9 a.m.
to 7 p.m., May 1 through
November 15.
For more information
call 307-320-3013.
53 // EXPLORE
Rest your weary bones
A
Soak your bones
in Saratoga’s springs
for rest and relaxation
lmost everyone
enjoys a relaxing
soak in a natural mineral
hot spring. Maybe that’s
why the Native American
tribes who lived in areas
around the North Platte
River in what is now Saratoga kept the area
a neutral ground. The hot springs that seep
up along the banks of the river in Saratoga
can be accessed at the municipal Hobo Hot
Pool, or the luxurious Saratoga Hot Spring
Resort. The town of Saratoga was named after the city in New York state that is famous
for their hot springs.
Hobo Hot Pool
The pools at the Hobo complex are free
and open to the public 24 hours a day, every
day of the year. The recently remodeled facility includes the original large pool of mineral water with temperatures that vary from
109º to 119º, depending on how close you are
to the spring’s source. The large pool has a
natural bottom of soft sand and boulders.
An adjoining smaller pool is kept at a
more comfortable 100º. A recently remodeled bathhouse and changing facility offers
includes toilets and showers.
Alcohol, glass containers and tobacco use is
prohibited at the pools.
The Hobo Hot Pools is
adjacent to the outdoor
public swimming pool,
and there is plenty of free
parking. The hot pool and swimming pool
are located on Walnut Street.
a modern resort. The Hobo Pool is a portion
of the original state property, which by law
remains free and open to the public.
Today’s Saratoga Resort and Spa is an
intimate and luxurious vacation location
Origins of the Resort
with plenty of Western style. In the hot pool
A resort catering to visitors to the hot
courtyard, teepees provide privacy for smallsprings was originally built in 1884. Mineral
er pools, and a 70-foot hot springs swimming
hot pools were believed
pool offers recreation
to offer healing powers
and relaxation. The
for many ailments.
To the pools:
resort also offers fine
That resort burned to
dining, the Snowy
n From First Street (Hwy 130), turn
the ground in 1902,
Range Microbrewery
east on Walnut. Go two blocks to the
and the State of Wyoand massage and spa
end of road. You will see the swimming
ming purchased more
treatments at the Healpool building in front, and there are
than 400 acres around
ing Waters Spa. Access
sidewalks to the Hobo Pool on each
the springs in Sarato recreational activities
side of the building.
toga and created the
such as golf, fishing and
Saratoga Hot Springs
snowmobiling and more
State Reserve in the
are also available. For
1920s. Bathers could take a soak in the
more information, visit saratogaresortandmineral pools at the park for 50 cents. Later, spa.com or call (800) 594-0178 or (307)
in 1949, a resort developer purchased a 99
326-5261 locally. Saratoga Resort and Spa is
year lease on the state property to develop
located at 601 Pic Pike Rd in Saratoga.
55 // EXPLORE
Wild Wyoming
Carbon County
is crawling
with wildlife
W
yoming is home to
landscapes as varied
as the weather — and as such,
some tough customers call
Wyoming home.
Persistence pays off if you’re
on the lookout for wildlife.
Thousands of pronghorn dot
the landscape, pretty much
wherever you drive in Carbon
County — the City of Rawlins
Moose
seal wasn’t chosen randomly.
The argument could be
made that instead of a pronghorn, the mule deer should
grace the seal, as Rawlins and
many other cities and towns in
Wyoming host whole herds of
the animals.
North of Rawlins, in the
Seminoe Mountains that form
the boundry to Seminoe Reservoir, bighorn sheep call the
steep, rocky slopes home. They
can sometimes be spotted on
Seminoe Road as you descend
out of the mountain toward
Miracle Mile.
In southern Carbon County, around the North Platte
River Valley and Medicine Bow
Beaver
Bighorn sheep
56 >> SITES
Chipmunk
National Forest, moose lumber in the dense growth and
around the many rivers and streams that crisscross
the county. In that same trip, you might come across
marmots scrambling through the underbrush along the
gravel roads that wind through the forest.
Danger lurks as well, so it’s of utmost importance to
be keenly aware of your surroundings — mountain lions, bears and prairie rattlesnakes carve their niche out
of the land as well. Not to mention, an angry or agitated
bull moose is not something you want to take lightly.
Newborn pronghorn
57 // EXPLORE
Keep your eyes peeled
Prairie rattlesnake
For nature lovers looking to check off
multiple sightings from their lists in one
stop, center your search around a river,
stream or reservoir — all these animals
mentioned may not prefer the same habitat,
but they eventually need to hydrate. It’s not
uncommon to walk along a river’s edge and
come across a prairie rattlesnake or gopher
snake (as well as the much smaller and less
threatening garter snake), beavers, eagles,
owls, mule deer and American minks
Enjoy your time in Wyoming’s rich wilderness — a treasure worth admiring.
n Black bear
n Bighorn sheep
n Bobcat
n Coyote
n Elk
n Moose
n Mountain lion
n Mule deer
n Pronghorn
n Red fox
n Badger
n Rabbit
n Beaver
n Porcupine
n American mink
n Prairie dog
n Yellow-bellied marmot
58 >> Dining, Lodging and Shopping
Good eats
Asian
Rawlins
Anong’s Thai Cuisine
210 Fifth St.
307-324-6262
Asian Bistro
1800 E. Cedar St.
307-274-3934
Four Seasons
307-324-0565
1730 W. Spruce St.
American
Rawlins
Buck’s Sports Grill
401 W. Cedar St.
307-382-5581
Penny’s Diner
2005 E. Daley St.
307-324-4700
Peppermill Bar & Cactus
Jack’s
1602 Inverness Blvd.
307-324-8100
Aspen House Restaurant
318 Fifth St.
307-324-4787
Denny’s
I-80 and Johnson Road
307-324-0078
Country Pride
Inside the T.A.
1400 S Higley Blvd
307-324-8722
Diamond Lil’s
Inside the Days Inn
2222 E. Cedar St.
307-324-6615
Michael’s Big City Bar and
Grill
1711 W. Spruce St.
307-324-4868
The Office Bar & Grill
1307 W. Spruce St.
307-324-3673
Tico’s Tavern
309 W. Cedar St.
307-324-5474
Whiskey Gap
(at Rodeway Inn)
307-324-2783
1801 E. Cedar St.
Sinclair
The Corner Bar
101 N 10th St.
307-324-2407
I-80 Travel Plaza
Ext.221 off Interstate 80
307-324-4407
Riverside
Bear Trap Cafe & Bar
120 Riverside Ave.
307-327-5277
Mangy Moose Bar and Grill
108 Riverside Ave.
307-327-5117
Baggs
The Dixon Club
216 Cottonwood
307-383-7722
Saratoga
Silver Saddle Restaurant
601 E. Pic Pike Road
800-594-0178 (toll free)
307-326-5261
Hotel Wolf
101 E. Bridge St.
307-326-5525
Duke’s Bar and Grill
110 E. Bridge St.
307-326-3853
Whistle Pig Saloon
2000 Highway 130
307-326-5744
Baggs
Bobcat Inn
15 S. Miles St.
307-383-7059
Hanna
Dingy Dan’s
#9 Miner’s Plaza
307-325-9829
Nugget Bar
2200 First St.
307-325-6872
Medicine Bow
The Virginian Eating House
404 Lincoln Highway
307-379-2377
Ryan Park
Rendezvous Lodge
9 Ryan Park Road
Wyoming Highway 130
888-326-8998 (toll free)
307-326-8998
Wamsutter
Broadway Cafe
315 Broadway St.
307-324-1056
Italian/American
Rawlins
Cappy’s Restaurant
2351 W. Spruce St.
307-324-4847
Saratoga
Bella’s Bistro
218 N. First St.
307-326-8033
Mexican/American
Saratoga
J.W. Hugus & Co. Restaurant
405 N. First St.
307-326-5046
Mexican
Baggs
El Rio Restaurante
20 N. Penland St.
307-383-7515
60 >> Dining, Lodging & Shopping
Sinclair
Su Casa
705 E. Lincoln Ave.
307-328-1745
Rawlins
Rose’s Lariat
410 E. Cedar St.
307-324-5261
Cloverleaf Cafe
113 Fourth St.
307-328-0180
Mixed cuisine
Elk Mountain Hotel Restaurant
Reservations required
102 E. Main St.
307-348-7774
Rawlins
Tex Mex Restaurant
416 W. Cedar
307-324-8915
Pizza
Rawlins
Domino’s
312 W. Cedar St.
307-328-1400
1902 E. Cedar St.
307-324-2919
Pizza Hut
506 Higley Blvd.
307-324-7706
KFC-Taco Bell
2421 Plaza St.
307-328-5890
Saratoga
Platte River Pizza
113 W. Bridge St.
307-326-8932
Subway
2014 E. Cedar St.
307-324-6130
Sandwiches, coffee shops,
fast food
Rawlins
Huckleberry’s
509 W. Cedar St.
307-324-4758
McDonald’s
2225 E. Cedar St.
307-324-7377
Burger King
2510 E. Cedar St.
307-324-3866
Jerry’s Donuts
606 E. Cedar St.
307-324-2673
Saratoga
Lollypops
107 Bridge Ave.
307-326-5020
Taco John’s
1821 E. Cedar St.
307-324-4932
Sweet Marie’s
117 W. Bridge St.
307-326-3244
Deb B’s Family Espresso
Hotels/Motels
Rawlins
America’s Best Value Inn
Phone: 1-888-315-2378
Address: 1392 S. Higley
Blvd. (Exit 214 off I-80)
Web: www.americasbestvalueinn.com
Best Western
CottonTree Inn
Phone: 307-324-2737 or 800662-6886
Address: 2221 W. Spruce St.
Web: book.bestwestern.
com/bestwestern
Comfort Inn of Rawlins
Phone: 307-324-3663
Address: 2366 E. Cedar St.
Web: comfortinn.com/bestrate/rawlins-wyoming-hotels
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Phone: 307-328-5991
2370 E. Cedar St.
Days Inn of Rawlins
Phone: 307-324-6615
Address: 2222 E. Cedar St.
Web: www.daysinn.com
Address: 1915 W. Spruce St.
(Exit 211 off I-80)
Econo Lodge
Phone: 307-324-2905
Address: 1500 W. Spruce St.
Web: www.econolodge.
com
Oak Tree Inn
Phone: 307-324-4700
Address: 2005 E. Daley St.
Web: www.oaktreeinn.com
Express Inn of Rawlins
Phone: 307-324-3471
Address: 1720 W. Spruce St.
Roadway Inn of Rawlins
Phone: 307-324-2783
or 307-324-9476
Address: 1801 E. Cedar St.
1st Choice Inn
Phone: 307-328-1401 or
1-866-578-8596
Address: 1904 E. Cedar St.
Web: www.1stchoicerawlins.
com
Super 8 Motel
Phone: 307-328-0630
Address: 2338 Wagon Circle Drive
(Exit 211 off I-80)
Web: www.super8.com
Holiday Inn Express
Phone: 307-324-3760 or
888-233-9450
Address: 201 Airport Road
Web: www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress
Travelodge
Phone: 307-328-1600
Address: 1617 W. Spruce St.
(Exit 211 off I-80)
Web: www.travelodge.com
The Hampton Inn
Phone: 307-324-2320
Address: 406 Airport Road
Web: hamptoninn3.hilton.
com
Rawlins Western Lodge
(Formerly the Key Motel)
Phone: 307-392-2084
Address: 1806 E. Cedar St.
(Exit 215 off I-80)
La Bella Motel
Phone: 307-324-2583
Address: 1819 W. Spruce St.
Pronghorn Inns & Suites
Phone: 307-324-5588
Address: 812 Locust St.
Motel 7
Phone: 307-324-2263
Campgrounds
KOA Campground
Phone: 307-328-2021 or
800-562-7559
Address: 205 E. Highway 71
Web: http://koa.com/campgrounds/rawlins/?ccwu
RV World Campground
Phone: 307-328-1091 or
877-328-1091
Address: 3101 Wagon Circle
Road, (Exit 211 off I-80)
Web: www.rvworldcampground.com
Western Hills Campground
Phone: 307-324-2592 or
888-568-3040
Address: 2500 Wagon Circle Road
Web: westernhillscampground.com
62 >> Dining, Lodging & Shopping
Bed & Breakfast
Ferris Mansion
Phone: 307-710-3961
Address: 607 W. Maple St.
Web: ferrismansion.com
Hotels/Motels
Saratoga
Hacienda Motel
Phone: 307-326-5751
Address: 1500 S. First St.
The Riviera Lodge on the
River
Phone: 307-326-5651 or 866326-5651
Address: 104 E. Saratoga
Web: www.therivieralodge.
com
Sage and Sand Motel
Phone: 307-326-8339 or 888860-8339
Address: 311 S. First St.
Web: sageandsandmotel.net
Saratoga Resort & Spa
Phone: 307-326-5261 or 800594-0178
Address: 601 E. Pic Pike
Road
Web: www.saratogaresortandspa.com
Silver Moon Motel
Phone: 307-326-5974
Address: 412 Bridge St.
Hotel Wolf
Phone: 307-326-5525
Address: 101 E. Bridge St.
Web: www.wolfhotel.com/
index.html
Guest Houses/Ranches/RV
Parks
Deer Haven RV Park
Phone: 307-326-8746
Address: 706 N. First St.
Web: www.deerhavenrv.com
Saratoga Lake Campground
& RV Park
Phone: 307-326-8335
Address: Saratoga Lake
Roan Hill Ranch Guesthouse
Phone: 307-710-5299 or 307389-2481
Address: 1107 Hugus Ave.
Web: www.roanhillranch.com
Cabins/Cottages
Jack Creek Ranger Station
Phone: 307-326-5258 or 877444-6777
Reserve online: www.reserveamerica.com
Address: Call for directions
Season Dates: June 19,
2016-Oct. 24, 2016
Platte River Cottages
Phone: 307-321-1658
Address: 304 S. River St.
The River Cottages
Stoney Creek Outfitters
Phone: 307-321-3591
Address: 216 E. Walnut
Web: www.fishstoneycreek.
com
The Lodge & Spa at Brush
Creek
Phone: 307-327-5284
Address: 66 Brush Creek
Ranch Road
Web: www.brushcreekranch.com
Ryan Park
Medicine Bow Lodge
Phone: 800-409-5439 or 307326-5439
Address: Star Route 8A,
Saratoga, Snowy Range
Highway 130
Web: www.medbowlodge.
com
Rendezvous Lodge
Phone: 307-362-8998 or 888326-8998
Address: Scenic Byway 130
and Ryan Park Road
Web: therendezvouslodge.net
Ten Mile Inn
Phone: 307-326-5928
Address: Highway 130,
Snowy Range Road
Web: www.tenmileinn.com
Bed and Breakfast
The Hood House
Phone: 307-326-8901
Address: 214 N. Third Ave.
Web: www.hoodhousebnb.com
63 // EXPLORE
Cabins
Encampment/Riverside
Cottonwood Cabins
Phone: 307-327-5151
Address: 411 First St., Riverside
Wed: cottonwoodcabinswy.
com
Riverside Garage and Cabins
Phone: 307-327-5361
Address: Located in Riverside on Highway 230
Web: www.riversidegarageandcabins.com
River Ridge Cabins
Phone: 307-327-5345
Address: 2 miles north of
Encampment
Web: wyriverridge.com
Campgrounds/Motels
Lazy Acres Campground and
Motel
Phone: 307-327-5968
Address: Main Office: 110
Fields Ave., Riverside; located 38 miles South of I-80
(exit 235)
Web: www.lazyacreswyo.com
Bed & Breakfasts/Lodges/
Ranches
Spirit West River Lodge Bed
& Breakfast
Phone: 307-327-5753
Address: Encampment
Web site: www.spiritwestriverlodge.com
Platt’s Rustic Mountain
Lodge and Bed and Breakfast
Phone: 307-327-5539
Address: 11202 State Highway 230, Encampment
Web: www.plattoutfitting.com
Spur Outfitters’ Elk Hallow
Lodge
Phone: 307-327-6505
Address: Encampment
Web: www.spuroutfitters.com
Water Valley Ranch
Phone: 307-509-0227
Address: Encampment
www.watervalleyranch.com
Hotels
Medicine Bow
Virginian Hotel
Phone: 307-379-2377
Address: 404 Lincoln Highway
Web: www.facebook.com/
pages/The-Historic-Virginian-Hotel
Elk Mountain
Hotels/Motels
The Historic Elk Mountain
Motel
Phone: 307-348-7774
Address: 102 E. Main St.
Web: www.elkmountainhotel.com
Ranches/Cabins
Elk Mountain Cabins
Phone: 307-348-7778
Address: 107 Main St.
Web: www.elkmountaincabins.com
Hotels/Motels
Baggs
Country Inn Motel
Phone: 307-383-6449
Address: 800 Highway 789
RV Parks
Happy Camper RV Park
Phone: 307-383-7120 or 307380-8083
Address: 1 mile north of
Baggs on Highway 789
Bed and Breakfast
Bobcat Inn Bed and Breakfast
Phone: 307-383-7059
Address: 15 N. Miles St.
Web: www.facebook.com/
Bobcatinn
Savery
Dude and Guest Ranch
Boyer YL Ranch
Phone: 831-624-3426 or 505670-2359
Web: boyerylranch.com
Motel
Dixon
The Dixon Motel
Phone: 307-383-2300
Address: 217 Cottonwood
St., Dixon
64 >> SITES
Rawlins
Population
Rawlins is home to a projected 9,173
people, according to a 2013 census estimate.
History
Rawlins draws its namesake from Civil
War veteran Maj. Gen. John Rawlins. The
general arrived in the area in 1867 on a
surveying trip with Union Pacific Chief
Engineer Grenville Dodge, in hopes that
the dry air of the West would help his
tuberculosis.
Out of water, the party discovered a
spring near where the town of Rawlins
now stands. The general proclaimed
its water the sweetest he’d ever tasted.
“(Rawlins) said that if anything was
ever named for him, he wanted it to be a
spring of water. I said, ‘We will name this
Rawlins Springs,’” recalled Dodge in his
memoir.
The town that sprung up nearby was
named Rawlins Springs. It was designated
as a division point of the railroad and a
depot was built. By the time the town was
incorporated in 1886, the “Springs” had
been dropped from its name.
Major events
A favorite event during Rawlins’ mild
summers is Music in the Park. Hosted
at Washington Park, the concert series
features musicians performing a variety
of genres on a weekly basis. Downtown
Rawlins hosts the popular Summerfest,
an annual celebration featuring outhouse
races, sidewalk sales, children’s activities
and games and an ice cream eating contest.
A local favorite is the Cow Plop, where cows
are placed on a grid and people bet on where
the cow “plops” first.
Things to do
As the county seat, Rawlins is the gateway to the outdoor playgrounds of Carbon
County. A favorite attraction in Rawlins
is the Carbon County Museum, which is
ever expanding and adding new displays,
including an interactive “Discovery Zone” for
children. Another popular spot is the Rochelle
Ranch Golf Course, which offers visitors a
chance to tee off on a course that Golf Digest
ranked 29th on its 2010 list of the nation’s
toughest golf courses. Rawlins is also home
to the Carbon County Fair and Rodeo, which
draws contestants from all over the state.
Places to see
The Wyoming Frontier Prison, also known
as the Old Pen, first opened in 1901 and
housed more than 13,000 inmates during its
80 years as a correctional facility. Now, the
Old Pen attracts visitors with its “I did time
in Rawlins, WY” slogan and hosts guided
tours through the prison, including a visit
to the death chamber. The prison’s haunted
tours around Halloween can also be quite the
experience.
Shopping and dining
Rawlins offers an array of shops that cover
everything from hunting gear to souvenirs.
In addition to good ol’ American fare, Rawlins
also has a nice selection of ethnic restaurants,
including Thai, Mexican and Chinese. The
town has two supermarkets: City Market and
the recently opened Walmart. For the first
time in many years, Rawlins now boasts an
art gallery.
Economy
Rawlins’ top employers include the
Wyoming State Penitentiary, Carbon
County School District 1, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County and Union Pacific.
66 >> SITES
Saratoga
Population
Saratoga is home to a projected 1,671
people, according to a 2013 census estimate.
History
The mineral hot springs, located right in
the middle of town, has long drawn people
to the Platte River Valley. The first to use
the springs were Native American tribes,
who called the area “the place of magic
waters.” The town itself was founded in
the early 1870s under the name of “Warm
Springs.” Former Wyoming governor
Fenimore Chatterton, who grew up on the
East Coast, renamed the town Saratoga in
1884 after Saratoga Springs of New York.
Soldiers from surrounding forts, including
Fort Fred Steele, came to the area and filed
water rights in the 1870s. Ranchers also
made their early homes around Saratoga.
Some of these ranches are still in existence
today.
Major events
Visitors to Saratoga in the summer can
attend the Platte River Rodeo Association
Rodeo in July at the Buck Springs Rodeo
Arena. Other favorites include the Steinley
Cup state microbrewery competition and
Bullfest, a bull riders-only event. During the
67 // EXPLORE
winter, visitors can compete in the
annual ice-fishing derby and bet
Calcutta-style at the annual Donald E. Erickson Chariot Races.
Attractions
Saratoga is known for its
mineral hot springs. Visitors can
either soak in the pools of the
Saratoga Resort and Spa or take
a free dip at the Hobo Pools in the
middle of town. Saratoga Lake
provides year-round fishing, with
an ice-fishing derby that attracts
anglers from all around the
country. In the summer, the lake
is often used for boating, wind
surfing and water skiing. The
nearby Medicine Bow Forest and
Snowy Range provide hundreds
of miles of trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting and horseback
riding.
Things to do
Visitors can enjoy a float trip
down the North Platte River
starting in Saratoga or schedule
an outdoor adventure, such as a
guided fishing trip, with one of
the many outfitters in town. The
North Platte River is known for
its trophy fishing opportunities,
hence the town’s motto, “Where
the Trout Leap on Main Street.”
Travelers can stop for lunch or
shopping in town before embarking upon the Snowy Range Scenic
Byway — usually open from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October — and traverse the Medicine
Bow Mountain Range.
Places to see
The Saratoga Museum is
housed in the 1915 Union Pacific
Railroad Depot. In addition to historical artifacts, the museum is
home to one of Wyoming’s largest
gem and mineral displays and
includes an exhibit of Wyoming
jade. The museum also has on
display a real mammoth’s tooth
from a nearby excavation.
Dining/shopping
Saratoga offers a wide range
of dining opportunities, ranging
from gourmet Italian to grilled
burgers. Visitors can buy hunting
and fishing supplies from several
places in town.
Economy
The town’s top employers
include Carbon County School
District 2, U.S. Forest Service,
Forest Management and Sinclair
Oil Refinery.
Hanna/Elk Mountain
Population
Hanna is home to a projected 827 people according to a 2013 census estimate.
History
The town of Hanna was established in
1889 by the Union Pacific Coal Company
as a company town. Many Hanna residents have family stories to tell about the
No. 1 mine explosion in 1903 and again
in 1908. The 1903 explosion killed 169
miners, making it the largest coal mine
disaster in the history of Wyoming. The
mining industry has fluctuated considerably in the area. A slowdown occurred after 1954 when Union Pacific converted to
diesel-powered locomotives. The industry
was revived in the late 1970s and 1980s
— mainly by strip mines — before slacking again in the late 1980s. Hanna’s population peaked at 2,294 people in 1980. The
coal mines ceased their operations.
Major events
King Coal Days, which commemorates
the town’s mining history, usually takes
place annually at the end of July. The
event includes a parade and horseshoe
and cribbage tournaments. An inflatable
amusement park is set up for children.
Things to do
Hanna is a gateway to a variety of
outdoor recreational opportunities. Ty
Schultz, a resident of Hanna, recommends
taking the drive up the Hanna-Leo Road
(past the mine), towards Seminoe State
Park. “You can see a lot of wildlife on that
road, antelope, mule deer and sometimes
elk, and there is some pretty canyon
country,” he said. Caution, the road turns
to gravel a short distance out of town.
Visitors can find hunting and fishing
spots in the area, or continue northwest to
Seminoe State Park. or south to the Medicine Bow National Forest, which offers
camping, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling,
cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and
trails for horseback riding.
Economy
The newest development in Hanna’s
economy stems from a groundbreaking
company. The area has been selected to become home to one of the first
coal-to-gasoline companies in the United
States, DKRW. The project was expected
to start construction in 2014, but has
since been on hold.
Elk Mountain
Population
Elk Mountain is home to a projected 196
people, according to a 2013 census estimate.
History
The town of Elk Mountain shares
its name with a mountain located seven miles away, which was named after
Sioux Chief Standing Elk. The area was
originally used as a crossing point over
the Medicine Bow River. Ben Holladay
had a stage stop built at what was known
as Medicine Bow River Crossing. As time
passed, the town’s economy turned to
timber, mining and ranching. The town’s
first store was built in 1902.
Things to do
Elk Mountain is home to the Historic Elk Mountain Hotel. Built in 1905,
the hotel boasts about its historic roots,
serving “entrepreneurs and laborers who
traveled (to Elk Mountain) for the timber,
mineral and ranching industries.” Another structure on the historic river is the
bridge crossing Medicine Bow River. The
one-lane bridge is more than 100 years
old. The county moved the trusses of the
bridge to county road 109 in 2012. They’re
set up alongside an existing bridge and
are still visible from far away.
“Probably the best kept secret in Elk
Mountain is our new museum,” said
local resident Cathy Wick. The museum,
which opened in a new log building in
2015, houses a collection documenting the
town’s history, including a sheepherder’s
wagon. The museum is located at 303 Oak
St. For those unfamiliar with Elk Mountain, turn left at the U.S. Post Office. The
museum is open Thursdays from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. — closed during lunch — or by
appointment. For more information call
307-348-7388.
Gateway to the outdoors
Visitors can cast a line into the Medicine Bow River from the town park or
they can take a scenic drive on County
Road 400, also known as Rattle Snake
Pass Road, or Pass Creek Road. Both
routes connect to Wyoming Highway 130.
69 // EXPLORE
Sinclair
What makes Sinclair such a great
place to visit?
Along with the chance to sample some
amazing Mexican food at Su Casa, “Being situated on the old Lincoln Highway
there is a lot of history to explore,” said
Mayor Michelle Serres.
the Sinclair Refining Company purchased
all of PARCO’s properties in 1935. Originally, the town was company-owned, but
in 1967, the Sinclair Refining Company
sold the houses to their occupants. The
refinery, located in the center of the town,
remains in use today.
Population
Sinclair is home to a projected 426 people, according to a 2013 census estimate.
Major events
The annual Holiday Fair offers
shoppers a multitude of items, including
holiday crafts, jewelry, food and clothing.
The event takes place in November, a
week or two before Thanksgiving, or in
early December at the Sinclair Recreation Center.
History
Founded in 1924, Sinclair was originally named “Parco” after the Producers
and Refiners Corporation (PARCO), which
built what is now known as Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company. Residents voted
to rename the town Sinclair in 1943 after
Things to do
History enthusiasts can learn about
the area’s past at the Parco/Sinclair
Museum, a historic building that served
as the First National Bank of Parco from
1924-1933. The historic district features
unique Spanish Mission style architecture and a large “bearcat” fountain that
was recently renovated. Visitors can tee
off at the Sinclair Golf Course, which is
usually open from mid-April to mid-October. Golfers can play an 18-hole game on
the nine-hole course, which contains two
tee boxes.
Economy
As it has since its founding, Sinclair’s
economy relies heavily on the refinery,
which produces 85,000 barrels of petroleum products per day. Sinclair Oil is the
town’s largest employer.
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Baggs
Population
Baggs is home to a projected 435
people, according to a 2013 census
estimate.
History
Baggs, established in 1879, was
named after Maggie and George Baggs,
early settlers and ranchers. Prior to its
founding, fur trappers, prospectors and
Native Americans were drawn to the
area around Baggs, known as the Little
Snake River Valley. The infamous
outlaws Butch Cassidy, the Sundance
Kid and the rest of the “Wild Bunch”
are said to have frequented Baggs and
Dixon quite often.
Major events
Baggs and other members of the
Little Snake River Valley boast several events, including the annual Music
Fest in July at the Little Snake River
Museum in Savery, located about 11
miles east of Baggs. The Fall Trek, a
day trip that takes participants to various historical sites in the area, takes
place in September.
Things to do
Visitors can visit the Outlaw
Stop and view the house that Butch
Cassidy occasionally stayed in.
Sportsmen also can take advantage
of local hunting with the aid of local
outfitting businesses. Visitors also
can take a drive along the Battle Pass
scenic byway (Wyoming Highway 70)
starting in Baggs and traveling east
on through Dixon and Savery to Encampment and Riverside. The route
winds through the Medicine Bow
National Forest and passes by several
campgrounds. Travelers should note
that the byway is closed during the
winter months.
Economy
The Devon Energy Corporation is
Baggs’ major employer. The area is
also home to various ranching and oil
and gas operations.
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Medicine
Bow
Population
The town of Medicine Bow is home
to a projected 277 people, according to
a 2012 census estimate. This number
is slightly less than the 2010 census,
which calculated 284 people.
History
Like many other towns across
southern Wyoming, Medicine Bow was
established as a result of the construction of the transcontinental railroad in
1868. In the mid-1880s, Philadelphia
lawyer Owen Wister stopped in town
and wrote a description of the town in
his journal. He later used the historic
setting of Medicine Bow as a backdrop
for his novel “The Virginian,” which is
considered to be the first novel of the
“Western” genre. The historic Virginian Hotel, completed in 1911, was
named after the novel.
“The people of Medicine Bow are
fantastic,” said longtime resident and
city councilwoman, Kenda Colman,
said. She noted that the town was a
shipping hub for the ranching industry, and that thousands of cattle sheep
and horses were loaded at Medicine
Bow in the past. Not far outside of
Medicine Bow is the Fossil Cabin at
Como Bluff, on Hwy. 30, about five
miles east of town. The cabin is constructed entirely of bones and fossils.
Major events
Medicine Bow is home to Bow
Days, an annual celebration weekend
in June. Events include a parade, outdoor dances and a re-enactment of the
lynching of Dutch Charlie, which took
place in nearby Carbon.
Things to do
Visitors can enjoy a meal or stay
at the Virginian Hotel, named after
Owen Wister’s classic novel. The hotel
also hosts the “Battle of Old Wyoming” music festival in August. A few
miles east on Highway 30 is the Fossil
Cabin at Como Bluff, built entirely
of bones excavated from the nearby
“dinosaur graveyard” of Como Bluff.
Economy
In contrast to Medicine Bow’s
early days, when the workforce relied
heavily on the railroad, the town’s top
employer is now the Virginian Hotel.
Residents are preparing for the construction of the DKRW coal-to-liquid
plant – one of the first of its kind in
the nation. The project is expected to
bring more jobs back to the town.
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Encampment/Riverside
Population
The town of Encampment is home
to a projected 443 people according to a
2013 census estimate. Riverside is home
to a projected 53 people, according to a
2013 census estimate.
History
Encampment and Riverside are the
only two remaining towns of the eight
Hamlets of the Grand Encampment,
which were mostly formed after the
1897 copper strike in nearby Sierra
Madre Mountains. During the boom
period, Encampment’s population numbered in the thousands. At one point a
16-mile aerial tramway was built – at
that time the longest in the world. In
1908, the company, which had produced
$2 million in copper ore, was indicted
for overcapitalization and fraudulent
stock sales. Mines closed and most of the
settlements were abandoned. A large
sawmill operated in the town between
1950 and 1998.
Major events
Encampment is home to the Woodchoppers Jamboree, an annual celebration
featuring a rodeo and a variety of competitive wood chopping events. The celebration usually takes place in mid-June.
Downtown Encampment also hosts the
annual Sierra Madre Winter Carnival at
the end of January. The annual celebration
includes sled and snowmobile races, turkey
curling, chili and fresh bread cook-offs and
snow sculpturing. The town also hosts the
Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering
in July. The event features free entertainment, a children’s stick horse rodeo, and a
concert. Riverside is home to What Fest, a
music festival featuring regional artists.
Things to do
Fishing enthusiasts can drive about
one hour south of Encampment and
Riverside to Hog Park Reservoir, near
the Wyoming-Colorado border. Visitors
also can take a drive from Encampment to Baggs on the Battle Pass
Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 70),
which crosses the Continental Divide
at Battle Pass. Locals say to be sure
to hike up to the Indian Bathtubs just
east of Riverside. An easy trail takes
you up to a stunning view with interesting geological features. Take Wyo.
Hwy. 230 east one mile to Cty Rd. 200.
Turn south and proceed one mile to the
trailhead.
Economy
Although Encampment and Riverside were once home to a copper boom,
the current largest employer in the
area is local government. The town of
Encampment employs the most people
now.
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Wamsutter
What makes Wamsutter such a great
place to visit?
“The people,” said Susan Carnes, Wamsutter’s clerk/treasurer. “People here are friendly
and nobody is a stranger. If you’re a visitor
coming through you will want to stroll though
our beautiful parks, in fact our parks meet
through a walking path. Along with one of
our parks being a skate park, this summer we
plan to put new playground equipment into
our big park.”
Population
Wamsutter is home to a projected 481
people, according to a 2013 census estimate.
Because of a local BP office in Wamsutter, the
town’s population has increased rapidly over
the past several years.
History
Wamsutter was first known as Washakie
and began as a station on the transcontinental railroad in 1868. The name was changed
to Wamsutter in the mid-1880s after freight
and mail addressed to Fort Washakie, near
Lander, kept being accidentally shipped to
Washakie. The town was incorporated in
1914. Since its inception, Wamsutter has
served as headquarters for sheep operations, wild horse roundups, uranium explorations, oil production and, most recently,
the development of natural gas reserves. In
2002, BP America, the largest area producer,
announced an investment of $2.25 billion in
exploration and production. This figure is
expected to increase during the next 25 years.
Major events
Wamsutter hosts an annual Christmas
tree lighting ceremony, which includes
lighting up the areas surrounding Town Hall
and the Beautification Triangle, hay ride and
soup dinner. In the summer the town hosts a
city picnic that includes games for children.
The picnic is free of charge. During April, the
area’s ambulance service hosts an Easter egg
hunt.
Attractions
The Wamsutter area offers a variety of
wildlife and geology. Rock hounds can search
for fossils southwest of Wamsutter or view
wild horses north of town. Adobe Town, a
geological formation located south of Wamsutter near the Colorado border, is another
great attraction for the outdoor enthusiast
or amateur geologist. Brochures about local
attractions are available at the Wamsutter
Town Hall, 231 McCormick Ave. Visitors
should get detailed maps of the area that
show where public and private land is located
before setting out. They are available at the
Bureau of Land Management’s Rawlins Field
Office, 1300 N. Third St.
Economy
BP and D&D Oil are the area’s largest
employers.
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Dixon/Savery
Population
Dixon is home to a projected 92
people, according to a 2013 census
estimate. Savery is unincorporated and
census data is not available.
History
Native Americans and mountain
men first settled Savery. It is nationally
recognized as the home of the beloved
Wyoming mountain man Jim Baker,
one of the first settlers in the valley.
Descendents of Baker still live in Dixon
and tend to the family cemetery. Much
like the town of Baggs, Butch Cassidy
frequented Dixon and Savery and Sundance Kid’s rifle is featured on display
at the Little Snake River Museum. On
Major events
Every summer, the community
hosts a barbecue and a Peruvian soccer
match for seasonal ranch workers
on the Little Snake River Museum
grounds.
lions and bears -- all of which are indigenous in the Little Snake River Valley.
Fishermen can visit Savery Creek along
the Little Snake River for Colorado
River cutthroat, mountain whitefish,
rainbow and tiger trout. Visitors can
also learn about the local history at the
Little Snake River Museum, located
in Savery. In addition to Jim Baker’s
cabin, the museum grounds contain
replicas of three historic businesses:
Freddie Johnson Barber Shop, John
Irons Saloon and the Harris Mercantile.
Things to do
Outdoor enthusiasts can hunt an
array of wildlife in the area, including
mule deer, elk, antelope, mountain
Economy
Ranching and oil and gas companies
are the biggest economic sources in
Savery and Dixon.
at least one occasion, local trappers
clashed with Native Americans. Battle
Mountain, located east of Savery, was
the site of a two-day battle in 1841
between area Crow and Sioux Indians
and local trappers.
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