July 3, 2024

Despite the lack of water at Guernsey State Park for approximately the rest of July, due to the annual silt run, plenty of recreational activities will still be available.

            According to information from the Bureau of Reclamation, Guernsey Reservoir will experience a rapid decline in water level, approximately 25 feet, beginning July 7. The boat ramps will not be useable from approximately July 11 through July 27. The reservoir is expected to reach the normal reservoir operation level on July 30.

However, camping, hiking, mountain biking, the playground and museum will still all be open and available for use.

In addition to the recreational opportunities listed above, Guernsey State Park provides

the finest examples of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work in the Rocky Mountain area.

Built by the CCC, the Guernsey Museum, the Castle and Brimmer Point are available to explore. The museum is perched on a high cliff, overlooking the water. The building itself is made of hand-hewn timbers and hand forged iron.

The Castle, with its giant fireplace and winding steps, leads to an observation area for a spectacular view of the park.

An extensive network of trails was originally planned and partially built during the operation of the CCC camps. Ever since that time hiking and trail use has been a major feature at Guernsey State Park. Approximately ten miles of CCC trails have been restored on the park.. Most of the trails are moderately physically demanding.

For more information about Guernsey State Park, please call 307-836-2334.

July 3, 2024

The Wyoming Arts Council, in partnership with Wyoming State Parks, recently concluded the first of two Plein Air in the Parks events at Curt Gowdy State Park.

After creating work over five days, the program closed with an art show, sale, and awards ceremony that offered over $2,000 in cash awards. This year’s judges were Laura McDermit, Director of Laramie Public Art Coalition, and Alexis Pratt, Superintendent of the Historic Governor’s Mansion and Quebec - 01. They deliberated over 30 works of art in the adult and youth divisions.

The Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks are pleased to announce the event’s winners. Receiving both Best in Show and 3rd place in the Youth Division was Maggie McClintock (Cheyenne) for her pieces “Nuts About Nuts” and "Dancing in the Moonlight” Taking 2nd Place in the Youth Division was the piece “Camping at Curt Gowdy with Pappy & Grandma & I Love Them,” by Aviv Mantake (Cheyenne).

Elizabeth Baldwin (Laramie), the artist of “Light on the Shoreline,” received Best in Show for the Adult Division. Claiming 2nd place in this division was Georgia Rowswell (Cheyenne) with, “Beautiful WY - Aren’t We Lucky II.” The painting, “Hidden Falls,” by Lori Kostur (Saratoga) received 3rd place, while Angela Jones (Cheyenne) took home the People’s Choice Award for her piece, “A Hike to Remember.”

Plein Air in the Parks seeks to engage state, regional, and youth artists in the legacy of painting on-site outdoors, all while exploring the rich landscapes of Wyoming’s State Parks. 

The Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks will be hosting another Plein Air in the Parks event in Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, WY on September 11-15, 2024. For more information on this event please visit, wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/plein-air-in-the-parks or contact Ismael Dominguez at 307-275-4476 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Image Description: Adult Division Best in Show winner Elizabeth Baldwin stands next to Wyoming Arts Council staff member Kim Mittelstadt holding the winning piece “Light on the Shoreline.”

June 28, 2024

The Wyoming State Archives and WyoParks is hosting a special speaker series event titled, “The Register in the Desert,” on Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m.

Join Superintendent of Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park (EKW) and Independence Rock State Historic Site Linley Mayer in person at the Wyoming State Museum classroom, located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne, for this presentation. For those not able to attend in person, registration to attend the event online is through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693.

Virtual and in-person attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenters. This event is free and open to the public.

Superintendent Mayer’s presentation, “The Register of Red Desert,” will focus on this granite monolith that makes up Independence Rock. Learn more about the history and folklore of this famous landmark located along the Oregon Trail. It has seen many groups of peoples and cultures walk across and gather in its shadow.

Linley Mayer is the Superintendent of Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park (EKW) and Independence Rock State Historic Site. Originally from Southern Illinois, Mayer started her career with Wyoming State Parks at Fort Bridger State Historic Site as a seasonal interpreter in 2014, became the Office Support Specialist, during which she obtained a master’s in museum studies, and then served as the Superintendent all at Fort Bridger.

Looking to delve deeply into interpretive work, Mayer was named the first Interpretive Ranger in Wyoming State Park’s history on May 20, 2021, serving the Absaroka District which includes Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Trail End State Historic Site, and Keyhole State Park.

Mayer now works along the Oregon Trail again after she accepted the role as Superintendent of EKW and Independence Rock. She is excited to share her knowledge of the Oregon Trail in this new location.

The WSA Speaker Series hosts talks at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Upcoming topics include a presentation on Estelle by author and historian Larry Skogen on August 8 and a discussion about the Arboretum located in the Cheyenne area with State Parks Historic Sites staff on September 12. To view upcoming events, check out the Wyoming State Archives events calendar at https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/about-archives/events. A recording of this talk will be available on the WSA YouTube channel the week following the talk.

The Wyoming State Archives collects, manages, and preserves Wyoming state public records that have long-term administrative, legal, and historical value. These records document the history of our state and the activities of Wyoming Government offices. The Archives also collect non-government records that contribute to the understanding of the state’s history.

For more information or if you require special assistance, please contact Sara Davis, Wyoming State Archivist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the WSA at 307-777-7826. The Wyoming State Archives is accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. 

June 26, 2024

The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is accepting the 2025 Non-Motorized Recreational Trails Program (RTP) applications.

These competitive projects benefit non-motorized recreation trail opportunities in Wyoming.  New this year non-motorized winter trail grooming projects are being funded on a per-mile or per-hour basis.

Approximately $440,000 is available for the maintenance, construction, restoration, and repair of trails and trailhead facilities.  Applicants must be a land managing agency or have a land use agreement. RTP grant pre-applications are due September 1, 2024 and the full application must be submitted no later than October 1, 2024.

Application materials and guidance are available online at https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/rtp-grant-information-trails.

RTP is funded by the Federal Off-Highway Vehicle Gas Tax and supports recreational trail use opportunities for the public throughout the state.

For more information contact Louisa Lopez, Grant Manager, SPCR 307-777-6491, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

June 26, 2024

The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is accepting 2025 Motorboat Grants Program applications for projects benefiting boating opportunities in Wyoming.

This year $100,000 is available for construction, restoration, repair, and other improvements of publicly owned boating facilities.  Applicants must be a local (city or county) government agency. Grant applications must be submitted no later than November 30, 2024.

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

The Motorboat Grants Program is funded by the Motorboat gas tax with the purpose of increasing boating opportunities for the public throughout the state.

For more information contact Louisa Lopez, Grant Manager, SPCR 307-777-6491, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

June 20, 2024

Curt Gowdy State Park is providing U.S. military veterans an opportunity to get outdoors with a series of veterans’ partner hikes during the summer.

Held in partnership with the Veterans Association Recreational Therapy Program, Curt Gowdy State Park will offer multiple veterans’ partner hikes from June until August.

For each hike, a volunteer veteran will meet attendees at the Curt Gowdy Visitors’ Center at 10 a.m., determine what trail and distance the group is looking for, and then lead the group on their trek.

A Laramie District Interpreter will also accompany each hike to help identify plants and wildlife, along with other information about the park. This program provides an excellent opportunity for veterans looking to spend time with their peers in the outdoors, and gain familiarity with exploring Wyoming’s beautiful state parks

Interested veterans have three more opportunities to participate with hikes scheduled for  June 28, July 12 and July 26.

This program is open only to U.S. military veterans. Please remember to bring adequate water for a 1.5-hour hike, sunscreen, hiking shoes, layers for all weather, and snacks if you need them.

Veterans interested in participating are asked to show up ready to go at 10 a.m. at the Curt Gowdy Visitors’ Center on one (or all!) of the dates listed above!

            For more information, please contact Carlo Migliaccio at: (307) 359-4014.

Curt Gowdy State Park is a public recreation area covering 3,395 acres in Albany and Laramie counties in southeast Wyoming. It is located just 24 miles west of Cheyenne, Wyoming and 24 miles east of Laramie, Wyoming off of State Route 210 (Happy Jack Road).

For more information on these events please visit, wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/plein-air-in-the-parks or contact Ismael Dominguez at 307-275-4476 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

June 17, 2024

Plein Air in the Parks will be taking place at Curt Gowdy State Park on June 19-23. Online registration is available at https://pleinairintheparks-curtgowdy.eventbrite.com or artists may register in person at the Curt Gowdy Visitor’s Center during the event.

Now in its seventh year, Plein Air in the Parks is a collaborative program by the Wyoming Arts Council and the Wyoming State Parks. The tradition of plein air painting includes on-site painting and drawing outdoors. Plein Air in the Parks pairs talented artists with beautiful locations while offering cash prizes to top participants and opportunities for the community to participate. 

Several opportunities and events are open to the public; the full list of public events is below. The general public will need to pay the daily access fee to enter the park.

See the Artists at Work

Mingle with artists as they sketch and paint the landscape right before your eyes as you explore Curt Gowdy State Park.

Wednesday, June 19  | 12 - 5PM

Thursday, June 20 |  9AM - 5PM

Friday, June 21 | 9AM - 5PM

Saturday, June 22 | 9AM - 5PM

Kids Watercolor Plein Air - Saturday, June 22 | 10AM-12PM 

Bring your kids along for a free watercolor session! This is a great way to introduce your aspiring artists to the world of Plein Air. Hosted at Curt Gowdy State Park’s Visitors Center. Materials provided; no experience necessary.

S’mores Social at Camp Russell Day Use Shelter - Wednesday, June 19 | 6-8PM

Pop on by the Camp Russell Day Use Shelter after a day of painting in the park! This event is also open to other campers and community members who would like to socialize with the artists. S’mores will be provided.

Awards Ceremony, Show, and Sale - Sunday, June 23 | 1-3PM Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor’s Center

See the artwork created throughout the event, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and purchase artwork from the sale. No park admission will be charged to those attending the show and sale on Sunday afternoon.

Curt Gowdy State Park is a public recreation area covering 3,395 acres in Albany and Laramie counties in southeast Wyoming. It is located just 24 miles west of Cheyenne, Wyoming and 24 miles east of Laramie, Wyoming off of State Route 210 (Happy Jack Road).

For more information on these events please visit, wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/plein-air-in-the-parks or contact Ismael Dominguez at 307-275-4476 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

June 17, 2024

The Leave No Trace organization has selected Sinks Canyon State Park as a 2024 Spotlight site. From June 28-30, a Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team will be in Lander, WY with Wyoming State Parks to work with the community and local land agencies to deliver Leave No Trace education as well as to partner on stewardship projects.

Sites are nominated for the Leave No Trace Spotlight initiative by local land agencies or community groups. The diverse sites chosen in 2024 span the country, each with unique environmental challenges. The goal of the initiative is to equip each Spotlight area with relevant Leave No Trace tools that address the impacts the site is facing and ultimately, to foster healthy lands and people.

“The Spotlight program is an amazing way to highlight the power of community and the difference people can make when they unite to protect the outdoors,” states Dana Watts, the Executive Director of Leave No Trace. “Spotlights put conservation into action. The 3-day program, led by our Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team, focuses on workshops, Leave No Trace education, and community engagement to ensure that every Spotlight host is empowered with the tools necessary to continue to protect and conserve the areas around them.”

            “Sinks Canyon State Park is a Wyoming treasure, and we are committed to preserving its beauty for generations to come,” said Kyle Bernis, Shoshone District Manager for Wyoming State Parks. “The Leave No Trace Spotlight event aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are thrilled to offer this educational opportunity to park visitors.”

The following events are free and open to the public and we encourage people of all ages to attend. For more information visit https://lnt.org/event/leave-no-trace-spotlight-sinks-canyon-state-park/.

    Saturday, June 29th: Leave No Trace Pop-Up Education & Outreach: Join us from 10:00-1:00 for engaging and family-friendly outreach and education, meet the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team, and play quick games to learn more about Leave No Trace and how to protect Sinks Canyon and all your favorite outdoor spaces.

    Saturday, June 29^th: Leave No Trace and Sinks Canyon Trivia & Social Hour: Whether you are new to Leave No Trace or consider yourself an expert, join us from 5:30-7:30 for this interactive game night to gauge your knowledge of Leave No Trace practices and principles while learning tips and techniques for protecting Sinks Canyon State Park and beyond. Don’t miss this chance to participate in fun stewardship trivia and win some cool prizes!

    Sunday, June 30^th: Volunteer Stewardship Project: Join Leave No Trace and Sinks Canyon State Park staff and partners from 10:00-12:00 for a fun volunteer day and stewardship project. Volunteer projects may include an invasive weed pull, litter clean up, and light trail maintenance.

            These programs are free and open to the public. To stay informed, sign up at https://wyoparks.info/LNTspotlight.

Curt Gowdy State Park is a public recreation area covering 3,395 acres in Albany and Laramie counties in southeast Wyoming. It is located just 24 miles west of Cheyenne, Wyoming and 24 miles east of Laramie, Wyoming off of State Route 210 (Happy Jack Road).

For more information on these events please visit, wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/plein-air-in-the-parks or contact Ismael Dominguez at 307-275-4476 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

June 13, 2024

Wyoming State Parks and the Gowdy Family proudly announce the opening of a second wonderful season of the Curt Gowdy State Park Little House this summer.

Opened for the first-time last year, the Little House is a Gowdy Legacy and a testament to Curt Gowdy’s kind and gentle nature. The facility is open Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Programming planned for this season include two animal kindness events on July 12 and August 23. Both events, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature representatives from the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, Black Dog Rescue and Yola's Pet Rescue at the Little House with ambassador animals and information about how to adopt from their organizations.

The Little House is located adjacent to the Curt Gowdy Visitor Center which was funded in 2013 by Founder and CEO John Morris of Bass Pro Shops, and the Wyoming Legislature. The visitor center not only features green-building accreditation standards, but also features exhibits honoring Gowdy’s career.

The Little House on the Park reflects the golden past of western homesteads and celebrates the future of Fairytales. It will teach, embrace and inspire the importance and emotions of kindness on all levels of children between the ages of three to 12 years of age.

Through innovative artistic programming and interactive behavioral activities, and specialized arts and crafts, the mission is that each child will feel a magic moment when kindness and love will touch their heart, spirit and soul. We mentor that kindness is love and love is kindness will touch every child.

The environment at the Little House is happy and joyous and will help build positive relationships.

“The Little House is a place where children can experience the importance and emotions of kindness, caring and compassion,” Cheryl Gowdy said. “This is a family legacy that began with our father and continues with our family today.”

Various sponsorships opportunities at the Little House are available. For more information please contact Gary Schoene at Wyoming State Parks at 307-777-7014.