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.

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. 

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. – Aug. 17, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources is pleased to present Pathfinder as part of the 2026 Tunes on the Trail concert series—a second-year initiative that blends live acoustic music with outdoor recreation in Wyoming’s scenic state parks.

The event at Hot Springs State Park will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a hike (optional) followed by a live, 90-minute performance surrounded by nature.

• Hike Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Meeting Location for Hike: Pavilion
• Hike Distance and Difficulty: Zoo and Quarry Trails: 2-2.5 miles, easy to moderate terrain
• Performance Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
• Performance Location: Pavilion

This Tunes on the Trail event features Pathfinder, a group of lifelong musicians in a small town trying to do big things. Bandmates Heath McAteer, John May, Dyllon Boyer, and Jason Murdock share a love of music, songwriting, and the beauty of the outdoors. Songwriters John and Heath display a profound love of the outdoors, evident in their lyrics. Jason and Dyllon’s devotion to music and imagery beautifully colors the background of their musical vision. Songs about the mountains and the human condition depict young men grappling with life's best and worst. 

Chris Delay, superintendent of Hot Springs State Park, stated, “We are excited to host Tunes on the Trails at Hot Springs State Park, where we can bring people together and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with the energy of live music to create something special for our community.”

Admission to Hot Springs State Park is free, and all Tunes on the Trail events are free to attend.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, explore the park, and take in the full experience. If you plan to hike, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, appropriate footwear, and anything you might need. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the park's social media channels at @HotSpringsStatePark.

While registration is not mandatory, it is encouraged to help staff plan effectively. Please RSVP on the event's Eventbrite page at bit.ly/TunesAtHotSprings. 

Attending? Tag your photos with #TunesOnTheTrail #WyoParks and #WyoRec. 

Tunes on the Trail is a summer concert series presented by Wyoming State Parks, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, and the Wyoming Arts Council, all under the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). The program celebrates Wyoming’s natural and cultural assets while supporting local musicians through the Wyoming Independent Music Initiative (WIMI).

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.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 31, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks has reached a tentative agreement with C&W Enterprises, which will conclude the pending litigation regarding the Star Plunge in Thermopolis, Wyoming. The parties have jointly asked the court to cancel the summary judgment hearing scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.

The tentative settlement has been reached after State Parks recently concluded an appraisal process as mandated by Section 335 of Enrolled Act 27 of the Sixty-Eighth Legislature of the State of Wyoming, also known as the 2027 Budget Bill.

This settlement will conclude a process that began in 2008 when the long-term concession contract for operating the Star Plunge expired.

"Wyoming State Parks’ mission is to improve communities and enrich lives. This agreement will allow the agency to reopen the Star Plunge with a new long-term concessionaire who intends to make significant investments in the aquatic facilities," said Dave Glenn, director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. "We are excited to partner on the long-term enhancement and modernization of these facilities, to ensure a safe, exceptional, and affordable experience for Wyoming residents and visitors." 

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 28, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council invite the public to attend a series of Artist in Residence programs taking place throughout August at Wyoming State Parks.

The Wyoming Artist in Residence Program places artists in parks and historic sites across the state, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with artists, observe the creative process, and participate in public programs inspired by Wyoming's landscapes, history, and communities.

During each residency, artists spend three days immersed in their surroundings before presenting a public program on Saturday. Programs may include demonstrations, workshops, performances, readings, or discussions.

Upcoming residencies include:

• Aug. 5–8 – Guernsey State Park: Holly Balgalvis (Cheyenne, creative writing)

          Public Program: Saturday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
          Location: Sitting Bull Shelter

• Aug. 12–15 – Curt Gowdy State Park: Madeline Logan Davis (Cheyenne, visual art)

          Public Program: Saturday, Aug. 15 at 4 - 5:30 p.m.
          Location: Visitor Center Conference Room

• Aug. 19–22 – Buffalo Bill State Park: Christopher Archuleta (Jackson, music)

          Public Program: Saturday, Aug. 22 at 6 - 8 p.m.
          Location: Sheep Mountain Day Use Area

• Aug. 26–29 – Glendo State Park: Phil Black (Casper, music)

          Public Program: Saturday, Aug. 29 at 11 a.m.
          Location: Two Moons Day Use Shelter

The 2026 Artist in Residence Program has expanded as part of Wyoming's commemoration of America's 250th anniversary and features artists representing visual art, music, dance, performance art, and creative writing.

Visitors are encouraged to follow individual park social media pages for additional program details and updates.

Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council are programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, which provides recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities 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.

Figures 1 & 2: Artist Breanna Whitlock during her artist residency at Hot Springs State Park in June, images courtesy of the artist. Figures 3 & 4: Artists John Wilhelm & Jessica Brower during their artist residency at Curt Gowdy State Park in June, images courtesy of the artists. 

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. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 27, 2026 – Visitors planning to recreate at Glendo and Guernsey State Parks are advised that the Bureau of Reclamation will begin its annual lowering of Glendo and Guernsey reservoirs the week of Aug. 9. Due to ongoing drought conditions, this year's drawdown will occur approximately one month earlier than normal. 

Glendo Reservoir has already been releasing more than 4,000 cubic feet per second for more than a week, and elevated outflows are expected to continue. As water levels decline throughout August, boating access and navigation at both reservoirs will become increasingly limited. Boaters are encouraged to remove watercraft early while boat ramps remain accessible and to use caution as changing water levels create evolving conditions.

To facilitate the lowering of Guernsey Reservoir, outflows from Glendo Reservoir will be reduced beginning August 9 and will decrease to low flow before the end of August. The Marina, Reno Cove, and Whiskey Gulch boat ramps are expected to remain usable, although navigation around the marina docks may become difficult as water levels recede.

At Guernsey Reservoir, rapidly declining water levels will affect boat launching and on-water recreation as the reservoir is lowered. Visitors should anticipate changing conditions and plan accordingly.

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, Glendo Reservoir levels are expected to gradually increase over the winter as the reservoir captures natural inflows and releases from Gray Reef Reservoir.

"While lower reservoir levels will temporarily affect boating opportunities, both Glendo and Guernsey State Parks offer great recreation experiences beyond the water," said Steve Horn, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. "We encourage visitors to explore the trails, campgrounds, historic sites, and other amenities that make these parks special while conditions change."

Visitors can continue to enjoy many of the recreational opportunities both parks have to offer, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and scenic landscapes. Glendo State Park also features archery and off-highway vehicle trails, while Guernsey State Park offers a playground, museum, and some of the finest Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture in the Rocky Mountain region. 

Visitors with camping reservations who wish to modify their plans may do so online at reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling (877) 996-7275. Visitors are encouraged to contact the individual park directly with questions about current conditions before traveling. 

For current and timely information on reservoir storage, inflow, outflow, percentage full, cubic feet per second (CFS), and more, visit the Bureau of Reclamation Wyoming Lakes and Reservoirs page at Bit.ly/WyoReservoirData. 

Contacts: 

Steve Horn, District Manager

Wyoming State Parks

(307) 370-0573 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Cassie Wells, Superintendent

Guernsey State Park 

(307) 836-2334 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LA GRANGE, Wyo., – July 24, 2026 – Visitors to Hawk Springs State Recreation Area should expect temporary traffic delays next week as the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources completes roadway improvements within the recreation area.

Beginning Friday, July 24, Road 22 will be reduced to a single lane while crews replace an existing culvert and install an additional culvert to improve drainage and roadway infrastructure. Construction will occur Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is expected to last approximately two weeks. 

Hawk Springs State Recreation Area will remain open during construction, and visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying the area's camping, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities while allowing extra travel time when entering or exiting the recreation area.

"We appreciate the public's patience as we complete these important infrastructure improvements," said Cassie Wells, superintendent of Hawk Springs State Recreation Area. "These upgrades will help improve the long-term safety and functionality of the roadway for visitors."

Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signs and use caution while traveling through the construction area.

For the latest information about Wyoming state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Figure 1: Hawk Springs State Recreation Area near La Grange, Wyoming. 

Contact: Cassie Wells, (307) 836-2334; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 23, 2026 – The Wyoming State Trails Program is now accepting applications for a new Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program, a one-time funding opportunity approved by the Wyoming Legislature. Funding for the program is available through the Wyoming Office of Tourism and will support the development and improvement of non-motorized trail recreation across Wyoming.

A total of $800,000 is available through the competitive grant program to fund shovel-ready projects that expand and enhance natural surface trail opportunities on public lands.

"This grant represents an exciting investment in Wyoming's outdoor recreation infrastructure," said Caleb Owen, Non-Motorized Trails Program coordinator. "We encourage eligible organizations and public land managers with qualifying projects to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to improve non-motorized recreation opportunities across the state."

Eligible projects include the construction of new natural-surface trails, the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing natural-surface trails, and trail-supporting infrastructure such as trailheads, kiosks, and restroom facilities. While both new construction and maintenance projects are eligible, new trail construction projects will receive a higher scoring multiplier during the evaluation process.

Planning efforts, including project design, engineering, and surveys, are not eligible for funding. All projects must be shovel-ready construction and maintenance projects only. 

Eligible applicants include public land management agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGO). Applicants must have a 50% (1:1) cash match secured at the time of application. The minimum project request is $15,000, requiring a minimum cash match of $7,500.

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 1, 2026, with award notifications expected by Dec. 1, 2026. 

An overview and application materials are available through the Wyoming State Trails Program at Bit.ly/Non-Motorized-Trails-Grant. Questions regarding the grant or applicant eligibility may be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Learn more about the State Trails Program’s Non-Motorized Trails Program at wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Contact:  Caleb Owen, (307) 274-6637; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

LARAMIE, Wyo. – July 2, 2026 – The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site will celebrate Wyoming's Statehood Day with a special event on July 10. Guests can enjoy free admission all day, with activities from 9 a.m. to noon, thanks to the sponsorship of the Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Association.

"We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating Wyoming's rich history on Statehood Day," said Jessica Lira, superintendent of the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. "As Wyoming celebrates its 136th birthday and joins the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, this event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to explore our shared history, experience 19th-century life, and create lasting memories together. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site for this special celebration."

This family-friendly celebration will feature a variety of activities, including stick-horse rodeo games for children aged 5 and under, balloon twisting, and more. Laramie's Sagebrush Stringband will provide live music from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and at 9:30 and 11:00, the Unexpected Company will perform an original vignette based on Laramie's historic first female jurors. Each visitor will receive a complimentary cupcake from Jubilee Days Royalty (while supplies last), and The Soda Pit will be on-site. 

For just $20, visitors can capture a piece of history with a professional tintype portrait by Dylan Burr Photography-Tintype Style Portraits taken using a camera and lens from the 1800s.

Built in 1872, the Wyoming Territorial Prison has a storied history, housing over 1,000 outlaws, including the infamous Butch Cassidy. After a new prison was constructed in Rawlins in 1903, the facility was repurposed by the University of Wyoming as an agricultural experiment station until 2004, when it became managed by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources as a historic site.

The regular operating hours for the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site are from May through September, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and October through April, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Attendees enjoying the activities at the 2025 Statehood Day Celebration at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. 

Contact: Jessica Lira, 307-745-6161; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.