CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 7, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is now accepting pre-applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.  Since its inception, the program has funded more than 970 projects statewide, and in 2025, $1.5 million was awarded to various cities around the state. Pre-applications are due by May 15, 2026. 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is an outdoor recreation grant created to preserve, develop, and ensure access to outdoor recreation for all. In Wyoming, the program is administered by Wyoming State Parks, a division of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. LWCF funding supports projects such as outdoor sports facilities, community swimming pools, and pathways, enriching outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the state.

The LWCF is a matching grant program based on a fifty percent (50%) reimbursement of the project's total cost. Only costs for the development and/or acquisition of public outdoor recreation lands and facilities are eligible for assistance. LWCF-funded project sites are maintained for public outdoor recreation for perpetuity. Final application deadline is November 30, 2026. 

Site inspections to determine project eligibility will occur in late summer/early fall, prior to the application date. Applicants are asked to participate in the site inspection so that projects can be thoroughly explained. Applicants must be municipalities, counties, school districts, or recreation districts.

If you are unsure about the application process or project eligibility, or have any questions, please contact the Wyoming State Parks recreation grant staff for more information and guidance on submitting an application.

Application materials and guidance are available online at wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/learn/recreation-grants.   

For additional information, please contact Grants Manager Louisa Lopez or Grants Specialist Maddisyn Fiorini at (307) 507-2767 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Contacts: Louisa Lopez or Maddisyn Fiorini, (307) 507-2767; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 6, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks is currently accepting sealed bids for the operation of camp stores/food service concessions at Curt Gowdy State Park for the upcoming seasons. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the bidding process.

Sealed bids are being requested from individuals, businesses, or partnerships to provide temporary concession facilities at Curt Gowdy State Park for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons. The concessions will offer food, beverages, and general camping and fishing supplies.

Bids will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. 

Bid packets are available upon request. Interested parties can obtain bid packets by calling (307) 777-3680 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This is a unique opportunity to engage with park visitors and enhance their outdoor experiences while supporting local business initiatives within Wyoming’s cherished natural spaces.

For more information, please contact Contract Specialist Dalena Phipps at (307) 777-3680 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Contact: Dalena Phipps, (307) 777-3680; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 6, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks is currently accepting sealed bids for the operation of camp stores/food service concessions at Curt Gowdy State Park for the upcoming seasons. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the bidding process.

Sealed bids are being requested from individuals, businesses, or partnerships to provide temporary concession facilities at Curt Gowdy State Park for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons. The concessions will offer food, beverages, and general camping and fishing supplies.

Bids will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. 

Bid packets are available upon request. Interested parties can obtain bid packets by calling (307) 777-3680 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This is a unique opportunity to engage with park visitors and enhance their outdoor experiences while supporting local business initiatives within Wyoming’s cherished natural spaces.

For more information, please contact Contract Specialist Dalena Phipps at (307) 777-3680 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Contact: Dalena Phipps, (307) 777-3680; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – April 3, 2026 - The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources will host a public forum to update the public and gather feedback on a proposed visitor center in the Coulter Bay Area at Keyhole State Park.

The proposed Coulter Bay Visitor Center aims to enhance recreation and education opportunities at Keyhole State Park by providing improved visitor services, interpretive exhibits, and a community gathering space for local small groups, and to be a launch point for recreation at Keyhole State Park.  

“We don’t anticipate a new Visitor Center placing strain on existing routes and resources, but we do see it having a very positive impact on existing visitor services in that area of Keyhole State Park,” said Misty Moore, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. “We hear what our users and neighbors are saying there, and want to reach consensus on the best options.”

This forum follows up on a January meeting at the Pine Haven Community Center, where preliminary concepts and planning information were presented. Wyoming State Parks has revised its vision for Coulter Bay in response to public feedback. The event will again invite conversation to guide next steps in the project development process and give park users and residents an opportunity to learn more about how the new facility will support visitor experiences and natural resource education at Keyhole.

The public meeting will be held:

Date: Apr. 14, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Location: Pine Haven Community Center, 3 Industrial Park, Pine Haven, WY 82721

“We are looking forward to presenting a revised concept for the Coulter Bay Visitor Center at Keyhole State Park,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “We value the input of our visitors and partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, as we craft plans for enriching experiences at the park.”

Those unable to attend in person can review the presentation materials and submit feedback via an online public comment form at Bit.ly/PublicCommentKSP following the meeting.

For more information, visit WyoParks.Wyo.Gov/Keyhole or contact Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Misty Moore, district manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Figure 1: Coulter Bay Area at Keyhole State Park. 

Contacts: 

Carly-Ann Carruthers, (307) 777-6968; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Misty Moore, (307) 620-0331; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – April 3, 2026 - The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources will host a public forum to update the public and gather feedback on a proposed visitor center in the Coulter Bay Area at Keyhole State Park.

The proposed Coulter Bay Visitor Center aims to enhance recreation and education opportunities at Keyhole State Park by providing improved visitor services, interpretive exhibits, and a community gathering space for local small groups, and to be a launch point for recreation at Keyhole State Park.  

“We don’t anticipate a new Visitor Center placing strain on existing routes and resources, but we do see it having a very positive impact on existing visitor services in that area of Keyhole State Park,” said Misty Moore, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. “We hear what our users and neighbors are saying there, and want to reach consensus on the best options.”

This forum follows up on a January meeting at the Pine Haven Community Center, where preliminary concepts and planning information were presented. Wyoming State Parks has revised its vision for Coulter Bay in response to public feedback. The event will again invite conversation to guide next steps in the project development process and give park users and residents an opportunity to learn more about how the new facility will support visitor experiences and natural resource education at Keyhole.

The public meeting will be held:

Date: Apr. 14, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Location: Pine Haven Community Center, 3 Industrial Park, Pine Haven, WY 82721

“We are looking forward to presenting a revised concept for the Coulter Bay Visitor Center at Keyhole State Park,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “We value the input of our visitors and partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, as we craft plans for enriching experiences at the park.”

Those unable to attend in person can review the presentation materials and submit feedback via an online public comment form at Bit.ly/PublicCommentKSP following the meeting.

For more information, visit WyoParks.Wyo.Gov/Keyhole or contact Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Misty Moore, district manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Figure 1: Coulter Bay Area at Keyhole State Park. 

Contacts: 

Carly-Ann Carruthers, (307) 777-6968; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Misty Moore, (307) 620-0331; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 2, 2026 – Registration is now open for the Cultural Heritage Institute, a new professional development event hosted by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). The one-day, in-person institute will take place Sept. 17, 2026, in Cheyenne and is designed to equip cultural heritage employees, historic site and museum staff, and volunteers with practical skills in preservation and collections care.

Hosted in partnership with the Laramie County Library System, the Institute will bring together emerging and experienced professionals, as well as dedicated volunteers, working in Wyoming’s cultural fields to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections. The event will feature sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities centered on preserving and promoting the state’s shared history, arts, and culture.

“This Institute is an opportunity to invest in the people who care for Wyoming’s history and culture,” said Sara Davis of the Wyoming State Archives. “By bringing people together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and build lasting connections, we’re strengthening the collaboration needed to preserve and promote Wyoming’s cultural heritage for generations to come.”

The Cultural Heritage Institute will offer a foundation in core practices across museums, archives, historic sites, and arts programs. The event will emphasize practical learning, professional growth, and opportunities to connect with mentors and peers across Wyoming’s cultural community. Participants will learn how cultural collections and programs are cared for, interpreted, and shared within the state’s vibrant cultural network.

This initiative is made possible through funding from State Parks and Cultural Resources’ Spark Tank Program, an internal fund that supports SPCR staff in developing and testing innovative ideas to advance the department’s mission. The event is being organized collaboratively by SPCR programs, including the Arts Council, State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, State Museum, State Parks, and Historic Sites.

Attendance will be free, with registration required and limited to 50 participants. Register at Bit.ly/WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute-Register. 

The event will be held at the Laramie County Library located at 2200 Pioneer Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001. 

For future updates, please visit Bit.ly/WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute or follow SPCR programs on social media by using #WyoCulturalHertitageInstitute2026.

Contact: Sara Davis, (307) 777-7826; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SINCLAIR, Wyo. – April 1, 2026 - Despite lower-than-average water levels at Seminoe Reservoir, Seminoe State Park remains open and continues to offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors this spring and summer.

While conditions at the reservoir look different this season, park staff emphasize that Seminoe continues to offer many of the experiences that draw visitors to the area year-round. Shoreline fishing remains productive, with anglers catching walleye, trout, and perch from accessible bank locations. 

Beyond the water, Seminoe State Park offers a wide range of land-based recreation. Visitors can explore miles of open terrain on foot or by off-highway vehicle, take advantage of quiet camping opportunities, and enjoy wildlife viewing and photography across the park’s expansive high-desert landscape. 

“Even with lower water levels, the North Red Hills Boat Ramp remains open and accessible,” said Lonnie Porter, superintendent of Seminoe State Park. “There is still a great deal to experience at Seminoe. This is an opportunity for visitors to explore more of the park beyond the water and enjoy a broader range of recreational opportunities.”

Visitors are encouraged to use caution near shorelines and be aware of exposed hazards. Boating access may be limited, and Wyoming State Parks recommends checking current conditions and ramp availability prior to arrival.

Seminoe State Park is part of Wyoming’s system of reservoir parks, where water levels can vary seasonally. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, recreate responsibly, and follow Leave No Trace principles while enjoying the park.

For the latest updates and visitor information, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/seminoe or contact the park directly.

Figure 1: Boating at Seminoe State Park. 

Contact: Lonnie Porter, (307)-320-3013; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LANDER, Wyo. – March 26, 2026 - The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) is announcing a pause on a possible visitor center project at Sinks Canyon State Park following public engagement efforts conducted in late 2025.

On Dec. 1, 2025, Wyoming State Parks, in partnership with Sinks Canyon WILD,  hosted a public forum and gathered feedback from park visitors, community members, and stakeholders regarding the possibility of a new or enhanced park visitor center. Input received through that process helped inform the agency’s decision to pause the project at this time.

“We appreciate the thoughtful feedback shared during the public engagement process,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Community perspectives are an important part of our planning process and help ensure that future projects reflect the needs and values of the people who care about Sinks Canyon.”

Comments received during the engagement process highlighted several areas for further consideration, including the need for additional community and tribal engagement, further justification for a new or expanded visitor center, and additional evaluation of potential locations for such a facility. Some participants also suggested exploring alternative settings outside of the state park.

This pause presents an opportunity for interested citizens and stakeholders to work with park staff to develop a vision for such a facility.  The agency hopes that a community-driven consensus will emerge in the months and years ahead regarding future visitor services and opportunities at Sinks Canyon State Park, which continues to see high visitation each year

For more information on Sinks Canyon State Park, visit http://wyoparks.wyo.gov/sinkscanyon. 

Figure 1: Exterior of the Sinks Canyon State Park Visitor Center. 

Contacts: 

Carly-Ann Carruthers, (307) 777-6968; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jessica Moore, (307) 332-6333; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 3, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Monuments and Markers Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

The virtual meeting details can be found below: 

Video call link: meet.google.com/ogd-dbhq-bxe 

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 209-920-9976‬ PIN: ‪528 713 599‬#

This meeting’s purpose is to review ongoing projects, provide updates on new interpretive signage, discuss enhancements to the statewide database, and explore new sign opportunities, while celebrating recent program successes.

Recent accomplishments include installing an American Mountain Men sign at the South Pass rest area near Lander, which highlights the historic use of the pass by Indigenous peoples, trappers, and emigrants on the California, Oregon, and Mormon Pioneer Trails. The program also celebrated the installation of the Crowheart Butte informational sign near Dubois, which shares Eastern Shoshone oral history about Chief Washakie and the mid-1800s Shoshone-Crow conflict, and recognizes Washakie’s leadership in guiding his people through a time of significant change.

The Monuments and Markers Program is a cooperative effort among the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR), the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), the Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT), Wyoming Tribes, local governments, and private partners. The program installs new historical markers and maintains existing monuments, markers, and interpretive signage across the state.

Learn more about this program at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Community members attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Crowheart Butte informational sign in February 2026. 

Contact: Savannah Graham, (307) 777-6314; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.