Wyoming Official Travelers Journal 2008 - (Page 46) Casper Wyoming’s Cultural Capital: This city of 50,000 com- Torrington Cattle Country: This rich agricultural area is a Norman bines cultural sites, historical points of interest and recreation. Topping any itinerary should be the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, with its thorough, realistic documentation of life for both emigrants and Native Americans in the pioneer era. The city is also home to the Nicolaysen Art Museum, Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Tate Geological Museum, Werner Wildlife Museum and Casper Planetarium. It’s a cultural feast! Don’t Miss: At Casper Mountain just south of town, there’s great biking, hiking and scenic driving on the way to the peak’s pine-draped summit. And don’t forget to catch a Casper Rockies (www.casperrockies. com) game for some minor-league baseball action. Rockwell sort of place, as the North Platte River flows sleepily through town, its tree-lined banks provide natural beauty. It’s at the crossroads of several historic trails: the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, Texas Cattle Route and the Cheyenne-to-Deadwood Stagecoach Route. Today that history is preserved at the Homesteader Museum, which is filled with artifacts from the hordes of emigrants who passed through here. Don’t Miss: 20 miles northwest of town is the Fort Laramie National Historic Site, the state’s oldest garrisoned post. See informative videos about the fort and take audio tours through the restored buildings. Get more info at www.nps.gov/fola. Douglas Home of the Jackalope: Head to Jackalope Square in downtown Douglas to get the lowdown on the mythical creature that allegedly roams Wyoming. More real and just as fun is the Wyoming State Fair (Aug. 9-16, 2008) that lights up the town every summer. The little town swells by the thousands for this weeklong event, featuring arts and crafts, animal competitions and, of course, a rodeo. Don’t Miss: Ayres Natural Bridge, 14 miles west of town, is a 100-foot-long rock arch spanning LaPrele Creek 50 feet overhead. Seven miles northwest of town is Fort Fetterman State Historic Site, where the last army base was built in the Rockies. The second week of July, the fort hosts Fort Fetterman Days, with Indian dancing, military demos, fort tours and other festivities. 46 Wyoming Official Travelers Journal
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.