Between 1840 and 1869, an estimated half a million emigrants crossed South Pass overland. This scale makes the pass a striking gateway to migration history. In Fremont County, the past is present not only in collections, but also in landscapes and historic sites.
South Pass and Historic Trails
South Pass is designated a National Historic Landmark and is also a historic site along the Oregon National Historic Trail, California National Historic Trail, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, and Pony Express National Historic Trail. An information overlook operated by the Bureau of Land Management on the south side of the road offers views of the pass and other attractions to the east. The site’s history can be explored both through its significance to travelers and through the landscape itself.
The preserved site of the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous lies at the confluence of the Big Wind River and Little Wind River and spans 100 acres along the Wind River. In addition, the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous takes place every summer in Riverton. The event recalls gatherings of mountain men and traders for the fur trade; the specific dates vary from year to year. Check the dates for your travel year if you’d like to plan around the event.
Museums and Different Perspectives
The Riverton Museum brings together history and collections directly related to Riverton, communities in eastern Fremont County, the Eastern Shoshone, and the Northern Arapaho. The museum also collects, preserves, and interprets regional history connected with Fremont County. Its subjects therefore range from the history of individual communities to a broader regional perspective.
The Fremont County Pioneer Museum in Lander collects, preserves, and interprets artifacts from prehistoric times through the 1920s. Its collection focuses on the Lander Valley, Fremont County, and western Wyoming. The Lander Walking Tour explores the settlement of the area around Lander through its historic buildings. The Children’s Exploration Series offers another way to learn, giving children hands-on experiences with cultural history and the natural environment.
The Wind River Heritage Center features two clearly distinct types of exhibits: the Wildlife Museum displays 62 full-body taxidermy mounts, while the Historical Wax Museum features lifelike wax figures in 27 scenes. The National Bighorn Sheep Center offers guided tours of its exhibits as well as educational activities. If you’re interested in natural and cultural history, each of these places offers a distinct way to explore its subject.
The Eastern Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center displays artifacts, artworks, photographs, maps, and treaties. In Fort Washakie, the annual Treaty Days commemorate the signing of the treaty that established the Wind River Reservation. The Wind River Reservation Trail offers cultural insight into the history of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho; it is located northwest of Lander and Riverton. These places and activities highlight different aspects of history, culture, and remembrance.
Canyons, Rock Art, and Tours
Near Lander, scenic Sinks Canyon lies in the southern Wind River Mountains. Several hiking trails offer a way to explore the canyon landscape. Another kind of historic site is Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site, where rock art created by Indigenous communities takes the form of petroglyphs.
High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for the road to Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site. It is somewhat rough for much of the year, especially the county road section of the Casper route; road conditions may vary by season. Check conditions before driving. At the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, tours in an ATV side-by-side with a personal guide take visitors to see the wild horses. Check ahead for dates and seasonal details. Fishing at Boysen State Park is available year-round with a state fishing license.
The Dubois Museum also has its own historical focus: it presents the history of the Upper Wind River Valley, including the Sheep Eater Indians. Tours are arranged by special request; make your request before your trip. This lets you choose among collections, historic sites, landscapes, and guided experiences, without every discovery revolving around the same subject.
Discover More Destinations
Uinta County, Albany, Teton, Laramie, Johnson County, Washakie
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