The Parco/Sinclair Museum is housed in the original building of the First National Bank of PARCO. The building dates to Wyoming’s oil boom in the 1920s—so history is evident here in the museum building’s architecture alone.
Local scenes and stories
Sinclair, too, tells its story through its built environment: Several buildings and residential areas follow a general Spanish architectural style. Most of the original townsite is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town square is also home to a fountain built in 1927 in honor of PARCO founder Frank E. Kistler.
Another chapter of local history began in 1868, with the founding of Fort Steele as a military post. The post supplied expeditions and protected the Union Pacific Railroad, its workers, and the surrounding communities. At the Carbon County Museum, cattle and sheep ranching and mining are represented alongside artifacts and cultural information about Indigenous peoples.
The Grand Encampment Museum offers another glimpse into the valley’s past: It includes more than a dozen historic buildings with artifacts related to logging, mining, and agriculture. In Saratoga, the museum is housed in the town’s original Union Pacific railroad depot, dating to around 1915. Its collection includes hundreds of Wyoming jade specimens; the research library also holds stories from the Platte Valley, Carbon County territorial brand books, and audio and video oral histories from local residents.
At the Elk Mountain Museum, local history, coal mining, and the timber industry meet cultural examples: The Finn Swim Sauna is presented as an example of Finnish tradition, while old barns and buildings illustrate European craftsmanship. The Medicine Bow Museum, meanwhile, is housed in the old railroad depot and displays artifacts related to the history of the American West and the town. Next to the museum stands the Owen Wister Monument, erected in 1939 to honor the writer and his book The Virginian.
Trails through the mountains and seasons
The Snowy Range Scenic Byway runs for 29 miles along Highway 130 through the Medicine Bow National Forest. Access at higher elevations may vary by season. Along the byway, you’ll find hiking trails of varying difficulty, opportunities for trout fishing in alpine lakes, and options for horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The route brings together several ways to experience the mountain landscape without requiring a fixed day’s itinerary.
Carbon County offers hundreds of miles of trails and five wilderness areas. Trails lead to mountain lakes, clear streams, and remote fishing spots; wildlife viewing is also possible. In winter, there are cross-country ski trails for beginners and experienced skiers. Many snowmobile routes can also be used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding—offering a different range of activities from the warmer months.
River experiences and practical information
The Miracle Mile is a seven-mile stretch of the North Platte River near Seminoe Reservoir, known for large trout and fly fishing. The Encampment River offers technical water for kayaking, while the North Platte River offers whitewater and scenic raft trips. There are twelve North Platte River access points in the Saratoga, Encampment, and Riverside area for rafters and boaters. River experiences range from fishing spots to trips on the water.
Another way to experience the North Platte River is at Hobo Hot Springs: Several thermal springs emerge along the riverbank behind the springs, where primitive rock formations form hot pools. Seminoe State Park was established in 1965 through an agreement between the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Wyoming Recreation Commission. Reservations are required for its campsites from May 15 to September 15. If your trip falls within this period, plan to reserve accordingly.
Golf may also be of interest: Rochelle Ranch Golf Course is a public, municipal 18-hole championship course designed by Ken Kavanaugh. At an elevation of 6,800 feet, it features elevation changes and views; sand, sagebrush, and low brush border the fairways. The facility includes a driving range with grass tees and a practice green of more than 19,000 square feet. Check its operating status before planning a game.
Discover more destinations: Rawlins, Elk Mountain, Saratoga, Niobrara County, Crook County, Uinta County, Campbell and Platte County.
For the main travel overview: Wyoming.
