CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 17, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is excited to announce the lineup of talented musicians for the 2nd year of the Tunes on the Trail summer series. This unique initiative combines live acoustic music with the stunning outdoor scenery of Wyoming's state parks and historic sites, offering an unforgettable experience for music lovers and nature enthusiasts.

The four selected Wyoming-based artists are Shawn Hess (Laramie), Box of Rocks (Laramie), The Tinderwoods (Lander), and Pathfinder (Casper). 

"We are beyond excited for the second year of Tunes on the Trail. This program saw incredible success last year, and we have amazing artists selected for 2026," stated Jamie Hansen with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "It was a difficult selection process, and we greatly appreciate everyone who applied. We look forward to getting people outside and introducing them to Wyoming music and culture.”

Each artist will perform a 90-minute set, made unique by the custom backdrop of Wyoming's beautiful landscape. The experience begins with an optional guided hike, allowing attendees to explore the area before settling in for live music.

The summer concert series will kick off on June 6, 2026, with a performance by Shawn Hess at Guernsey State Park. Attendees are invited to join a hike at 4:30 p.m., followed by the performance from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

On July 11, 2026, Seminoe State Park will feature the band Box of Rocks. The schedule includes a 5:00 p.m. hike and a performance from 6:00 to 7:30p.m.

South Pass City State Historic Site will host The Tinderwoods on August 15, 2026. Participants can enjoy a hike at 4:30 p.m., with the performance set from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The concert series will conclude at Hot Springs State Park on August 22, 2026, with the band Pathfinder performing. Hikers can start at 5:30 p.m., with the concert running from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

While standard day-use fees apply for park entry at Guernsey State Park and Seminoe State Park ($7 per vehicle for Wyoming residents and $12 per vehicle for non-residents) and general admission applies at South Pass City State Historic Site ($4 for Wyoming residents, $8 for non-residents, with free admission for kids 17 & under) the Tunes on the Trail events are free to attend. Entry to Hot Springs State Park is always free. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore the park to make the most of their visit.

Tunes on the Trail is a program created in partnership by the Wyoming Arts Council, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, and Wyoming State Parks, programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

The Tunes on the Trail program is partially supported by the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Spark Tank program, an internal funding initiative for innovative agency projects and events, and is part of the Wyoming Arts Council's Wyoming Independent Music Initiative (WIMI), which aims to promote local artists and facilitate their performances throughout the state.

To stay updated on upcoming events, follow us on our Facebook pages: @WyomingArtsCouncil, @WyoRec, and @WyomingStateParks. You can also learn more about the diverse programs offered by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Shawn Hess of Laramie, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 2: Box of Rocks of Laramie, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 3: The Tinderwoods of Lander, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 4: Pathfinder of Casper, image courtesy of the artist. 

Contact: Jamie Hansen, (307) 460-8794; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 17, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails has officially released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional appraisal services to evaluate concession facilities at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

These appraisals are mandated by 2026 Senate Enrolled Act 27, Section 335, which requires appraisals of the “capital investment” and “ongoing concern” for the businesses known as the Star Plunge and the Hot Springs Hotel and Spa. 

Qualified professional appraisers are encouraged to review the full requirements.  Proposals must be submitted through the State’s Public Purchase online bidding system by 2:00 p.m., May 18, 2026. To view the full RFP (Number 0270-M), please visit https://www.publicpurchase.com/gems/wyominggsd,wy/buyer/public/home. 

For additional information, contact Wyoming State Parks' Visitor Services Manager Stephanie Dillmon.

Contact: Stephanie Dillmon, (307) 777-5734; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 14, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources will begin accepting applications for the 2027 Non-Motorized Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in May 2026. 

RTP provides competitive funding for projects that enhance non-motorized trail opportunities across Wyoming. Winter trail grooming projects shall remain eligible for reimbursement at a rate determined either on a per-mile or per-hour basis.

Approximately $550,000 is available statewide to support the maintenance, construction, restoration, and repair of trails and trailhead facilities.  Eligible applicants must be a land-managing agency or have a land use agreement in place. 

Pre-applications due September 1, 2026. Pre-applicants will receive feedback and guidance in accordance with the RTP guidelines, specifically regarding their eligibility and the prerequisites for proceeding to the full application, which must be submitted by October 1, 2026. All interested parties are encouraged to review the FY2027 RTP Grant Guidelines, available online, along with all application materials, at wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/rtp-grant-information-trails.

RTP grants are available through the Wyoming State Trails Program within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Funded through the Federal Off-Highway Vehicle Gas Tax, RTP helps provide and improve recreational trail opportunities for the public throughout Wyoming.

For more information, contact Grants Specialist Naomi Lopez at (307) 777-7446 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also learn more about State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Contact: Naomi Lopez, (307) 777-7446; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.