Gillette combines parks with museums and events covering a variety of themes. When choosing a place to stay, it helps to first decide what you’re most interested in: cowboy culture, automotive history, parks, climbing, or an event? Your direction of travel may also play a role in your planning.
Parks in Gillette
The City of Gillette’s Parks Division manages more than 661.11 acres of developed parkland, including two regional parks and 40 neighborhood parks. The two regional parks are therefore only part of the park categories listed. If you’d like to include park visits alongside museums during your trip, the parks offer a focus of their own. That’s more than 2.67 square kilometers of developed parkland.
Two Museums, Different Themes
The Rockpile Museum houses a permanent exhibit of the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame. On display are artifacts, photographs, videos, and interactive exhibits. The collection combines objects and visual material with a range of presentation formats. If you’re interested in cowboy culture, this is the main focus here.
The Frontier Auto Museum takes a different approach: It displays classic cars, neon signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, and memorabilia from the oil and gas industry. Alongside vehicles, the displays also feature signs, gas station motifs, and industrial memorabilia. The museum also has a drive-in theater under cover, where classic films and commercials are shown, as well as a mining room with a model railroad. If you include both museums in your travel plans, you can choose between the cowboy exhibit and the varied themes at the Frontier Auto Museum.
Events and Climbing
The CAM-PLEX Multi-Events Facilities in Gillette host rodeos, live music, and Broadway performances. These examples range from rodeos and concerts to stage productions. If a particular event is the reason for your trip, check the dates for your planned travel period.
The Gillette Recreation Center offers open climbing times. Belaying is provided by CCPR staff, and an appointment is required. Since both climbing times and the appointment requirement may change, confirm both before your visit. This way, you can plan for climbing without assuming that open climbing times mean you can simply drop in.
Getting There and Choosing Accommodation
Travelers can reach Gillette via Interstate 90 from the east, west, or north. From the south, the route is via Interstate 25 and Wyoming Highway 59. Choose your route based on your direction of travel, and check the route for your trip.
If an event at CAM-PLEX is the deciding factor, first check the dates of suitable events. If you’re focusing on museums or parks, you can base your choices on the themes that interest you most.
For the broader travel overview: Campbell.
