EVANSTON, Wyo. – Sept. 18, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources will host a public forum to share information and gather feedback on a proposed expansion of the visitor center at Bear River State Park.

This project aims to enhance recreation and education opportunities at Bear River State Park by improving visitor services, interpretive exhibits, and dedicated meeting and learning spaces, and to serve as a launch point for recreation in southwest Wyoming. Most importantly, it would connect travelers with the many communities, attractions, and experiences that make the state unique.

During the forum, Wyoming State Parks staff will present preliminary concepts and planning information for the proposed visitor center and invite public feedback to help guide potential next steps in the project development process. The event will provide park users and residents with an opportunity to learn more about how the new facility could support visitor experiences and natural resource education at Bear River.

The public meeting will be held:

Date: Sept. 28, 2026

Time: 5-7 p.m open house, with presentations at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. 

Location: Bear River Greenway Pavilion, 75 Bear River Drive, Evanston, WY 82930

“This proposed visitor center expansion is a tremendous opportunity to enhance educational and recreational experiences at Bear River State Park,” said Greg Devereaux, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. “Local feedback is essential to ensure the final design best serves the people of Wyoming and its guests for generations to come.” 

Those unable to attend in person can review presentation materials and submit feedback through an online public comment form available at wyoparks.wyo.gov/BearRiver following the meeting.

For more information, contact Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Greg Devereaux, district manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Figure 1: Bear River at Bear River State Park. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Sept. 15, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources reminds residents and visitors that volunteer opportunities are taking place across Wyoming this September in celebration of National Public Lands Day and Wyoming Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26. 

“National Public Lands Day is an opportunity for people across Wyoming to get outside, give back, and help care for the public lands and recreation areas that are important to their communities,” said Jamie Hansen, outreach coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Whether you have a few hours to help with a cleanup, trail project, habitat improvement, or preservation effort, there are opportunities across the state for everyone to get involved.”

Wyoming State Parks Volunteer Opportunities 

Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites will host volunteer projects throughout September, including cleanup efforts, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, habitat improvements, and preservation projects. In recognition of National Public Lands Day, day-use and entrance fees will also be waived at all Wyoming state parks and historic sites on Sept. 26.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Bear River State Park – Sept. 1–30, Noxious Weed Identification
• Boysen State Park – Sept. 26, Puncturevine Weed Pull
• Buffalo Bill State Park – Sept. 26, Tree Planting
• Curt Gowdy State Park – Sept. 26, Bird Box Cleaning and Winterization
• Edness K.Wilkins State Park – Sept. 26, Russian Olive Removal
• Fort Bridger State Historic Site – Sept. 26, Historic Building Whitewash
• Hawk Springs State Recreation Area – Sept. 26, Beach & Campground Cleanup
• Hot Springs State Park – Sept. 26, Trash Cleanup
• Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site – Sept. 26, Trash Cleanup
• Seminoe State Park – Sept. 26, Trash Cleanup
• Sinks Canyon State Park – Sept. 26, Trail Maintenance & Weed Pull
• Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site – Sept. 26, Sunflower Garden Winterization & More

Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Volunteer Opportunities 

Across Wyoming, community-led Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives, facilitated by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, are also bringing together volunteers, local organizations, and land managers to support stewardship projects on public lands. Projects range from trail construction and maintenance to fence repair, habitat restoration, and cleanup efforts.

Collaborative-supported opportunities include:

• Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC) | Lovell – Sept. 19, Rainbow Canyon Trail Build
• Cloud Peak Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (CPORC) | Sheridan – Sept. 26, Black Mountain Nordic Trail Work Day (RegistrationRequired)
• High Plains Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (HPORC) | Esterbrook – Sept. 26, Esterbrook Campground Cleanup
• Lincoln Uinta Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (LUORC) | Mountain View – Sept. 26, Leavitt Creek Beaver Dam Restoration
• Mountain Man Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (MMORC) | Pinedale – Sept. 26, NPLD Celebration (Registration Encouraged)
• Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (PCORC) | Cody – Sept. 26, Absaroka Fence Initiative (Registration Required)
• Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SWORC) | Laramie – Sept. 26, Roger Canyon Trash Cleanup (Registration Required)
• Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SWORC) | Laramie – Sept. 26, Upper UW Trail Maintenance (Registration Required)
• Teton County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (TCORC) | Jackson - Sept. 26, Salt River Cleanup 
• Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (WRORC) | Atlantic City – Sept. 19, Strawberry Meadow Zeedyk Build Day (RSVP Encouraged)

Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is a nationwide initiative led by the National Environmental Education Foundation. Each year, volunteers across the country come together to care for public lands, improve recreation areas, and celebrate the places that connect communities to the outdoors. NPLD is also a fee-free day at participating federally managed public lands.

Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation are both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR), which provides recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities and experiences across the state. 

RSVP for a National Public Lands Day event near you by visiting the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation Facebook page at @WyoRec. Event details, including volunteer times, meeting locations, and project information, are available on all social media accounts of participating Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives. Additional information can also be found at wyooutdoorrecreation.wyo.gov. 

Learn more about the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: 2025 National Public Lands Day at Edness K. Wilkins State Park in Casper, WY. Figure 2: 2025 National Public Lands Day at Keyhole State Park in Moorcroft, WY. Figure 3: 2025 National Public Lands Day at Roger Canyon near Laramie, WY. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Sept. 14, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources’ Monuments and Markers Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

The virtual meeting details can be found below: 

Time zone: America/Denver

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ena-nexm-voc

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 240-468-7195‬ PIN: ‪312 072 054‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/ena-nexm-voc?pin=2493398505437

This meeting will review ongoing projects, provide updates on new interpretive signage, discuss enhancements to the statewide database, explore new sign opportunities, and celebrate recent program successes.

Recent accomplishments include a new historical marker in Kaycee that commemorates the 1892 KC Ranch battle between Nathan D. Champion and Johnson County War invaders. Dedicated on July 11, 2026, the marker replaces an outdated panel and was funded through partnerships with the Hoofprints of the Past Museum, Wyoming 250 Commission, and Wyoming’s Monuments and Markers Program. 

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 statewide.

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

Figure 1: Community members attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new 1892 KC Ranch Attack Monuments and Marker sign.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Sept. 4, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks will honor first responders by offering free entrance to all Wyoming state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas on Patriot Day, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.

In recognition of their service, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will receive free entrance for the day. The free entrance does not apply to reservations, and all other applicable fees, including camping, electricity, and rentals, will still apply.

“First responders serve Wyoming communities through challenging and often stressful circumstances,” said Stephanie Dillmon, visitor services manager for Wyoming State Parks. “Patriot Day is an opportunity for us to recognize that service and invite them to enjoy Wyoming’s state parks and historic sites, whether that means spending time outdoors, connecting with family, or simply taking a break from the demands of the job.” 

The Patriot Day recognition is part of Wyoming State Parks’ broader Parks for Patriots initiative, which reflects an ongoing commitment to honoring military members, veterans, and first responders who serve and protect communities across the state through special opportunities year-round. 

Wyoming State Parks is part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. To learn more, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Sept. 1, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is joining the annual National Public Lands Day tradition and invites communities across Wyoming to celebrate, care for, and give back to public lands through volunteer opportunities throughout September. The month-long effort leads up to National Public Lands Day and Wyoming Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26. 

Wyoming State Parks Volunteer Opportunities 

Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites will host volunteer projects throughout September, including cleanup efforts, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, habitat improvements, and preservation projects. In recognition of National Public Lands Day, day-use and entrance fees will also be waived at all Wyoming state parks and historic sites on Sept. 26.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Bear River State Park – Sept. 1–30, Noxious Weed Identification
• Boysen State Park – Sept. 26, Puncturevine Weed Pull
• Buffalo Bill State Park – Sept. 26, Tree Planting
• Curt Gowdy State Park – Sept. 26, Bird Box Cleaning and Winterization
• Edness K.Wilkins State Park – Sept. 26, Russian Olive Removal
• Fort Bridger State Historic Site – Sept. 26, Historic Building Whitewash
• Hawk Springs State Recreation Area – Sept. 26, Beach & Campground Cleanup
• Hot Springs State Park – Sept. 26, Trash Cleanup
• Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site – Sept. 26, Trash Cleanup
• Seminoe State Park – Sept. 26, Trash Cleanup
• Sinks Canyon State Park – Sept. 26, Trail Maintenance & Weed Pull
• Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site – Sept. 26, Sunflower Garden Winterization & More

Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Volunteer Opportunities 

Across Wyoming, community-led Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives, facilitated by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, are also bringing together volunteers, local organizations, and land managers to support stewardship projects on public lands. Projects range from trail construction and maintenance to fence repair, habitat restoration, and cleanup efforts.

Collaborative-supported opportunities include:

• Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC) | Lovell – Sept. 19, Rainbow Canyon Trail Build
• Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC) | Ten Sleep - Sept. 12, Salt Lick Trailhead Volunteer Project
• Cloud Peak Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (CPORC) | Sheridan – Sept. 26, Black Mountain Nordic Trail Work Day (Registration Required)
• High Plains Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (HPORC) | Esterbrook – Sept. 26, Esterbrook Campground Cleanup
• Lincoln Uinta Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (LUORC) | Mountain View – Sept. 26, Leavitt Creek Beaver Dam Restoration
• Mountain Man Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (MMORC) | Pinedale – Sept. 26, NPLD Celebration (Registration Required)
• Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (PCORC) | Cody – Sept. 26, Absaroka Fence Initiative (Registration Required)
• Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SWORC) | Laramie – Sept. 26, Roger Canyon Trash Cleanup (Registration Required)
• Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SWORC) | Laramie – Sept. 26, Upper UW Trail Maintenance (Registration Required)
• Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SCORC) | Rock Springs – Sept. 12, Tri-State Marker Fence Repair and Trash Cleanup
• Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (WRORC) | Atlantic City – Sept. 26, Strawberry Meadow Zeedyk Build Day (RSVP Encouraged)
• Teton County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (TCORC) | Jackson - Sept. 26, Salt River Cleanup 

Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is a nationwide initiative led by the National Environmental Education Foundation. Each year, volunteers across the country come together to care for public lands, improve recreation areas, and celebrate the places that connect communities to the outdoors. NPLD is also a fee-free day at participating federally managed public lands.

Event details, including volunteer times, meeting locations, and project information, are available on the social media accounts of participating Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives. Additional information can also be found on the NPLD map provided by the National Environment Education Foundation.

Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation are both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR), which provides recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities and experiences across the state. Learn more about SPCR at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Russian olive removal at Edness K. Wilkins State Park during 2025 National Public Lands Day. Figure 2: Campground cleanup at Keyhole State Park during 2025 National Public Lands Day.

Contact: 

Jamie Hansen, Outreach Coordinator, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation

(307) 460-8794 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

SINCLAIR, Wyo. — Aug. 25, 2026 — Wyoming State Parks is advising visitors to Seminoe State Park to plan for intermittent water system interruptions through the remainder of the camping season as upgrades to the park’s water system are completed.

Campers are encouraged to arrive with their RV or camper water tanks filled, as water availability within the park will be limited at times during construction.

The park’s dump station will remain open; however, construction activity may occasionally affect access or timing of use. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow for potential delays.

Wyoming State Parks appreciates visitors’ patience and understanding as these improvements are completed.

For more information and park updates, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/seminoe or follow Seminoe State Park on Facebook.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Aug. 24, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council invite the public to attend the final Artist in Residence programs of the 2026 season, taking place throughout September at Wyoming State Parks.

As part of Wyoming’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 Artist in Residence Program expanded to include 19 artists at nine state parks. Throughout the summer, artists representing visual art, music, dance, performance art, and creative writing have engaged visitors, developed original works inspired by place, and explored Wyoming’s history, culture, and future through creative expression.

September features six residencies across four Wyoming state parks, highlighting performance art, visual art, and creative writing while offering visitors multiple opportunities to engage directly with artists and their creative process. 

Each residency includes three days of creative work and visitor engagement, culminating in a public program on Saturday. Public programs may include readings, demonstrations, workshops, performances, discussions, or presentations that provide visitors an opportunity to connect directly with artists and their work.

September residencies include:

• Sept. 2–5 – Keyhole State Park: Oakley Boycott (Lander, performance art)

          Public Program: 

          - Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

          - Friday, Sept. 4, 2026  9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

          - Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., artist talk back 5 - 6 p.m.

          Location: Tatanka Campground Shelter

• Sept. 2–5 – Sinks Canyon State Park: Tara Pappas (Laramie, visual art)

          Public Program: Saturday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
          Location: Visitor Center

• Sept. 9–12 – Hot Springs State Park: Sidney Woods (Afton, creative writing)

          Public Program: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
          Location: Lower Terrace Shelter

• Sept. 16–19 – Sinks Canyon State Park: Natalie Callum (Lander, creative writing)

          Public Program: Saturday, Sept. 19 at 3 -4:30 p.m. 
          Location: Sawmill Campground

• Sept. 16–19 – Edness K. Wilkins State Park: Donna Buckley (Casper, visual art)

          Public Program: Saturday, Sept. 5 at 10 - 11 a.m.
          Location: Mountain View Shelter

• Sept. 23–26 – Keyhole State Park: Maddison Hodson (Cody, creative writing)

          Public Program: Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m.
          Location: Tatanka Campground Shelter

The Artist in Residence Program provides artists with an opportunity to create work inspired by Wyoming’s landscapes, history, and communities while offering visitors new ways to experience state parks and historic sites. Artists participating in the 2026 program were asked to reflect on Wyoming’s official Semiquincentennial themes of honoring the past, examining the present, and imagining the future.

Visitors are encouraged to attend the free public programs and to interact with artists throughout their residencies. Additional event details, including program locations and times, will be shared by individual parks and historic sites through their social media channels.

The Wyoming Artist in Residence Program is a partnership between Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council. Both are programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, which provides recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities and experiences to improve communities and enrich lives.

For more information about the Artist in Residence Program, visit the Wyoming Arts Council at wyomingartscouncil.org.

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks at wyoparks.wyo.gov or follow @WyomingStateParks on Facebook for updates on upcoming events and programs statewide.

Contacts: 

Rachel Clifton, Executive Director

Wyoming Arts Council

(307) 256-0500 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Christina Bird, District Manager

Wyoming State Parks

(307) 631-1110 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. — Aug. 21, 2026 — Wyoming State Parks is announcing upcoming improvements to the outdoor soaking pool at the State Bath House in Hot Springs State Park. The outdoor soaking pool will temporarily close beginning Aug. 24 for approximately one month while several accessibility and safety improvements are completed.

The project will include installation of a new ADA-compliant pool lift chair, concrete improvements, and new handrails designed to meet current safety standards. Crews will also install a new sidewalk heating system to help reduce snow and ice accumulation around the pool area, providing a safer and more comfortable experience for visitors during the winter months.

“These improvements are an important investment in the State Bath House and the experience we provide our visitors,” said Christopher Delay, superintendent of Hot Springs State Park. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during the temporary closure and look forward to reopening the outdoor pool with improvements that will enhance safety and accessibility.”

The indoor soaking pool will remain open throughout construction during regular State Bath House hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.

The State Bath House is a free public facility. Visitors can also continue to enjoy Hot Springs State Park’s other amenities, including more than six miles of trails, scenic picnic areas, and the park’s central bison herd.

Construction is expected to take approximately one month. Visitors are encouraged to check for updates before their visit.

For more information on available amenities and ongoing construction updates at Hot Springs State Park, please visit our official website at wyoparks.wyo.gov/hotsprings or follow us on Facebook at @hotspringsstatepark.  

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Aug. 19, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks is announcing an agreement with Big Springs Spa, Inc., current operator of the Hot Springs Hotel, formerly the Days Inn Hotel, in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Under the agreement, the State will pay Big Springs Spa, Inc. $1,175,921.05 for the appraised value of its capital investment and ongoing business interest in the hotel. 

The agreement follows an appraisal process conducted pursuant to Section 335 of Enrolled Act 27 of the Sixty-Eighth Wyoming Legislature, also known as the 2027 Budget Bill. 

Section 335 required Wyoming State Parks to conduct an appraisal of the capital investment and ongoing business value of an existing concessionaire that was not selected for a subsequent long-term contract. The Legislature authorized up to $3 million in previously appropriated funds for reimbursement based on the appraised value, subject to review and written approval by the Wyoming Attorney General. 

“This agreement, along with the recent agreement with the Star Plunge, will allow us to focus on the future of the hotel and water park concessions at Hot Springs State Park,” said Nick Neylon, deputy director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “We look forward to moving ahead with improvements that will provide a safe, welcoming, and high-quality experience for Wyoming residents and visitors.” 

For more information about Wyoming State Parks, please visit WyoParks.Wyo.Gov.