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.  

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Feb. 24, 2026 –Wyoming State Parks is thrilled to announce that system-wide visitation surpassed the 5-million-visitor milestone in 2025. With an estimated 5,048,419 total visitors, the agency saw a 5% increase over 2024, marking its highest visitation levels since the 2020-21 recreation surge.

This continued growth reaffirms Wyoming’s reputation as a premier destination for recreation, history, and culture. High-traffic hubs like Hot Springs State Park led the system with over 1.2 million visitors, while sites like Curt Gowdy State Park recorded nearly 600,000 visitors—the second-highest total in its history.

“Surpassing five million visitors is a testament to the vital role our parks, historic sites, and recreation areas play in Wyoming’s communities,” said Dave Glenn, director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Whether it is local families escaping for a weekend at Glendo or international travelers stopping at Buffalo Bill on their way to Yellowstone, these sites are essential to our state’s quality of life and economic resilience.”

The 2025 data shows a healthy balance of use, with Wyoming residents accounting for 53% of all reserved nights, underscoring the role our state parks play in everyday recreation close to home. Out-of-state visitors, led by the Colorado Front Range and travelers heading to national parks, also played a vital role in driving overall system revenue and supporting park operations statewide.

The agency’s commitment to “more than just a campsite” was further demonstrated through its expanding interpretive and educational services. In 2025, Wyoming State Parks provided 552 opportunities to engage the public through interpretive programs, special events, and outreach activities statewide, including 329 interpretive programs, 176 events, and 47 outreach or tabling efforts. Programs were offered at 22 state park and historic site locations, as well as at schools, libraries, senior centers, and other community venues beyond park boundaries.

Wyoming State Parks staff also led 169 field trips for 11,780 students across the state and collaborated with more than 50 partner organizations to deliver meaningful educational experiences. Program topics ranged from birding, wildflower hikes, and night-sky programs to history demonstrations, geology talks, kayak programs, and art and photography classes.

The agency’s interpretive services program began in 2021 with the creation of its first Interpretive Ranger position. Over the past five years, the program has expanded to include five year-round Interpretive Rangers and a corps of seasonal interpreters. In addition to these dedicated positions, dozens of Wyoming State Parks staff, including superintendents, maintenance technicians, fee collectors, law enforcement officers, and volunteers, also contribute to education and interpretation efforts across the state.

To learn more about Wyoming state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Figure 1: Participants enjoy the annual First Day Hike at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site.

Figure 2: Visitors and Wyoming State Park staff enjoy a day of kayaking and paddleboarding at Hot Springs State Park.

Figure 3: Visitors enjoy camping at Curt Gowdy State Park. 

Contact: Chris Floyd, (307) 757-8792; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CROWHEART, Wyo. —  Feb. 11, 2026 — A public ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at noon to celebrate the installation of a new interpretive sign at Crowheart Butte, a prominent landmark in Wyoming’s Wind River country that honors Eastern Shoshone oral history and the legacy of Chief Washakie.

The new sign is located just north of U.S. Highway 26, approximately 34 miles southeast of Dubois and four miles southeast of the community of Crowheart. Crowheart Butte takes its name from a mid-1800s conflict between the Eastern Shoshone and the Crow over hunting rights in the region.

According to Eastern Shoshone oral traditions, the conflict ended when Chief Washakie and Crow Chief Big Robber agreed to a duel, bringing the fighting to a close and establishing peace between the tribes.

The interpretive sign also recognizes Chief Washakie’s enduring leadership. Known for his wisdom and fearlessness, he guided the Eastern Shoshone through a period of significant change while securing a homeland rich in natural resources—land that continues to sustain the Eastern Shoshone people today.

The ribbon-cutting event is open to the public.

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 individuals and organizations. The Monuments and Markers Program installs new historical markers and maintains existing monuments, markers, and interpretive signage. 

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

Figure 1: A public ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at noon to celebrate the installation of a new interpretive sign at Crowheart Butte. 

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Feb. 11, 2026 — In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council, both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, have announced a statewide artist residency program that will place 18 Wyoming artists in residencies at state parks across the state during the summer and fall of 2026.

The residency program will feature artists working in visual arts, performing arts, folk and traditional arts, and creative writing. Selected artists will spend four days immersed in a Wyoming state park and will conclude their residency with a required public program inspired by Wyoming’s official semiquincentennial theme:

• Honoring our past: Commemorate Wyoming’s history, places, and people.
• Examining our present: Review Wyoming’s role in America today.
• Imagining our future: Plan for Wyoming’s leadership in America’s future.

“We are pleased to host artists of all backgrounds and disciplines whose work reflects the rich history and landscapes of Wyoming’s state parks, places that have shaped this nation’s past, its peoples, and cultures,” said Christina Bird, district manager for Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

Residency artists will develop a public component that engages park visitors and local communities through workshops, performances, exhibitions, or readings. Artists will propose their public program as part of the application process and will work with park staff to determine appropriate locations within each park.

Applications opened on Monday, Feb. 2, and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. March 23, 2026, through the Wyoming Arts Council’s Submittable platform at wyomingartscouncil.submittable.com/submit. Applicants must be Wyoming residents age 18 or older. Both emerging and established artists will be considered, and Native artists and folk and traditional artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Each selected artist will receive a $1,400 stipend, with lodging provided by the host park. Lodging options vary by location and may include tent camping, RV sites, cabins, dorms, or yurts. Each residency will run from Wednesday through Saturday and will conclude with a public program on Saturday.

Residency Dates, Locations, and Disciplines:

• June 3–6, 2026: Glendo State Park, visual art
• June 3–6, 2026: Curt Gowdy State Park, music
• June 10–13, 2026: Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site, visual art
• June 17–20, 2026: Hot Springs State Park, dance
• June 24–27, 2026: Sinks Canyon State Park, visual art
• July 8–11, 2026: Edness K. Wilkins State Park, music
• July 15–18, 2026: Buffalo Bill State Park, dance
• July 22–25, 2026: Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site, visual art
• July 29–Aug. 1, 2026: Edness K. Wilkins State Park, visual art
• Aug. 5–8, 2026: Guernsey State Park, creative writing
• Aug. 12–15, 2026: Curt Gowdy State Park, visual art
• Aug. 19–22, 2026: Buffalo Bill State Park, music
• Aug. 26–29, 2026: Glendo State Park, music
• Sept. 2–5, 2026: Keyhole State Park, dance
• Sept. 2–5, 2026: Guernsey State Park, visual art
• Sept. 9–12, 2026: Hot Springs State Park, creative writing
• Sept. 16–19, 2026: Sinks Canyon State Park, creative writing
• Sept. 23–26, 2026: Keyhole State Park, creative writing

Funding for the residency program was provided through the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force. The grants program was launched in 2025 with a $2 million appropriation from the Wyoming Legislature to support projects that recognize Wyoming’s role in American history and explore the state’s cultural legacy and future potential.

For more information about the residency program, visit wyomingartscouncil.org or contact Rachel Clifton, executive director of the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 256-0500 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Georgia Rowswell works on a fabric piece at Hot Springs State Park. A Wyoming-based fiber artist, Rowswell creates textured landscapes inspired by the American West using repurposed textiles. She was a 2025 Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources Artist-in-Residence and, alongside her husband Dave, part of the program’s first duo residency.

Contact: Rachel Clifton, (307) 256-0500; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LANDER, Wyo. – Feb. 10, 2026 – The Wyoming State Trails Program, part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, invites motorized recreationists to join them in a multi-day, cross-Wyoming trek from Evanston, WY, to Cheyenne, WY, July 1-4, 2026. 

“The Wyoming State Trails Program, and our dedicated partners, are honored to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind, organized, long-distance ride across the state,” stated Forrest Kamminga, State Trails Program manager. “This exciting event is the culmination of several years of hard work developing long-distance Off-Road Vehicle routes across Wyoming.”

The event was proposed by Sweetwater County Senator Stacy Jones, a member of the Wyoming Legislature’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources (TRWCR) committee. The event was developed through the efforts of the Wyoming State Trails Program and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, in collaboration with Southwest Wyoming Off-road Trails (SWOT), the Wyoming Trails Alliance, and the Sweetwater Snowpokes Snowmobile and ATV Club.

Participants are welcome to caravan via side-by-sides, ATVs, dirt bikes, and other motorized machines through Wyoming for three days leading up to America’s 250th celebration. 

The multi-day excursion will include the following stops per day:

• July 1, 2026: Starting in Evanston, WY, and ending in Rock Springs, WY
• July 2, 2026: Starting in Rock Springs, WY, and ending in Saratoga, WY
• July 3, 2026: Starting in Saratoga, WY, and ending in Laramie, WY
• July 4, 2026: Starting in Laramie, WY, and ending in Cheyenne, WY

The route will be established on mostly dirt roads, with some paved sections. Cell service will be limited throughout the trip. 

“The plan isn’t for this to be a one-time experience; we’re looking forward to riders using this trail for years to come,” shared Mark Tesoro, manager for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Motorized recreation is one of the many ways to experience Wyoming’s best assets; hop on your side-by-side, ATV, or dirt bike and join us.”

All participants must bring their own machine, and participating machines must be license-plated. Riders are expected to be self-sufficient; come prepared with the minimum street legal equipment, tools, fuel, food, water, and camping supplies for emergencies.

Room blocks will be established at the identified stopping locations each night; participants may book a room through these blocks or arrange their own lodging. 

Capacity for this experience is 50 machines; all interested parties must register at wyorec.info/250thRideRegistration by March 1, 2026. Registration may close earlier if capacity is met before the deadline. Registration is $100/person, non-refundable, and all fees will be collected by the Sweetwater Snowpokes Snowmobile and ATV Club. 

Upon arrival in Cheyenne, WY, participants may enjoy the festivities around the Capitol and city at their leisure. 

To learn more about this experience, refer all questions to Forrest Kamminga via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at (307) 335-2671. 

Figure 1: Participants ride ATVs and UTVs along designated routes during an annual off-road event near Mountain View, Wyoming. Image courtesy of Southwest Wyoming Off-Road Trails.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Feb. 4, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources honors the life and legacy of Geraldine “Jerre” Ophelia Gowdy, who passed away Jan. 27, 2026, at the age of 101, and recognizes the enduring contributions of the Gowdy family to Curt Gowdy State Park.

Jerre Gowdy, the late broadcaster and Wyoming native Curt Gowdy's wife, was a devoted philanthropist whose vision, generosity, and commitment helped shape Curt Gowdy State Park into a welcoming and inspiring place for visitors of all ages. For more than five decades, the Gowdy family has worked in close partnership with Wyoming State Parks, the Wyoming Legislature, and private partners to support meaningful park enhancements that reflect Curt Gowdy’s deep love for Wyoming and the outdoors.

Among the family’s most significant contributions are the park’s visitor center, iconic entry archway, and the creation of Little House on the Park, a one-of-a-kind children’s space designed to inspire kindness, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to nature. Little House opened in 2023 and was dedicated in 2024 as a family legacy honoring Curt and Jerre Gowdy.

In 2013, Jerre Gowdy and her daughter, Cheryl Gowdy, established the Curt Gowdy State Park Family Fund to ensure continued stewardship and support of the park for future generations.

“The Gowdy family’s impact on Curt Gowdy State Park is profound and lasting,” said Nick Neylon, deputy director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Jerre’s life of service and the family’s continued commitment embody the spirit of generosity, community, and outdoor appreciation that Wyoming State Parks strives to foster statewide.”

Wyoming State Parks extends its condolences to the Gowdy family and expresses deep gratitude for their extraordinary partnership and dedication to preserving one of Wyoming’s beloved state parks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Curt Gowdy State Park Family Fund through the Wyoming Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, at 1472 N. 5th St., Suite 201, Laramie, WY 82072.

Figure 1: Geraldine “Jerre” Ophelia Gowdy of Boston and Palm Beach, Fla., passes at 101, January 27, 2026.

Figure 2: Curt Gowdy State Park's visitor center and entry archway were made possible through the support of the Gowdy family and continue to welcome visitors to the park.

Figure 3: Little House on the Park opened in 2023 and was dedicated in 2024 in honor of Curt and Jerre Gowdy.

Figure 4: Jerre Gowdy (left) and Cheryl Gowdy (right) stand at the center of the ribbon cutting during the opening of Little House on the Park, joined by family members, community leaders, and partners.

Contact: Nick Neylon, (307) 431-4866; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LANDER, Wyo. – Feb. 3, 2026 – The Wyoming State Trails Program is issuing a safety alert and urging the public to exercise caution this winter snowmobile season. The season has tragically begun with a concerning number of fatalities, underscoring the hazards currently present on trails across the state.

"We have already had four snowmobile-related fatalities in the State this season, and that is four too many," stated Forrest Kamminga, the State Trails Program manager. "While many of our high-elevation snowmobile trail systems are officially open for business, the conditions are far less than desirable. Riders are going to encounter extremely icy and hard-packed snow conditions that significantly compromise the control of their snowmobiles."

The Current Danger: Hard and Icy Conditions

A severe lack of significant snowfall across most of Wyoming for nearly a month has resulted in a hard, frozen, and icy base layer on most established trail systems. This lack of fresh powder fundamentally changes the physics of operating a snowmobile, making machines much harder to control, steer, and stop.

• Compromised Control: Accelerating, cornering, and braking performance are all severely degraded by the hard, icy surface. What would be a manageable speed on fresh snow can become dangerously fast on ice.
• The Downhill Hazard: The loss of traction is magnified on downhill sections. The combination of speed, ice, and gravity significantly increases the risk of loss of control, potentially leading to rapid instability and serious accidents.
• Encouragement with a Caveat: We encourage everyone to still get out and enjoy the unique Wyoming snowmobile experience, but this must be done with the utmost caution and awareness of the drastically altered trail conditions.

Hidden Hazards: The Risk of Low Snow Cover

The limited snow depth is creating a significant secondary risk: barely covered-up hazards both on and immediately off the trail system.

• Subsurface Dangers: Riders must be acutely aware of objects lying just beneath the snow's surface. Running into a rock, a jagged stump, or fallen timber that is only thinly covered can result in severe personal injury and major, often catastrophic, damage to the snowmobile.
• Assume the risk: Encountering these subsurface hazards increases exponentially when traveling off the established, packed trail because of insufficient snow cover.

A Call for Responsible Riding

The Wyoming State Trails Program is encouraging all riders to adjust their behavior and riding style to match the current dangerous conditions.

• Please Slow Down: Reduced speed is the single most effective way to regain a manageable level of control on hard, icy trails. Give yourself significantly more distance and time to react and stop.
• Scale Back the Ride: Consider adjusting the planned route or ride duration to a more conservative, manageable level. This may mean choosing less ambitious terrain or shorter trips until conditions improve.
• Prioritize Safety: The goal of every outing should be to return home safely with a positive Wyoming snowmobile experience to share, not to push the limits of speed or machine capability in dangerous conditions.

Snowmobiling is a beloved winter tradition in Wyoming, and the State Trails Program wants everyone to enjoy it safely. Until significant snowfall softens and deepens the trails, riders must assume that every turn and every descent poses an elevated risk. Your vigilance can save lives.

Learn more about the Wyoming State Trails Program at wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Figure 1: The Wyoming State Trails Program is issuing a safety alert and urging the public to exercise caution this winter snowmobile season.

Contacts: 

Forrest Kamminga, (307) 335-2671; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

State Trails Field Office, (307) 335-8229; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – Feb. 3, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources reminds the public that the online survey related to the proposed projects at Keyhole State Park will close at midnight on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

The survey follows a public forum held in January and provides an opportunity for park users, local residents, and stakeholders to review project information and share feedback if they were unable to attend the meeting in person.

“Public input is an important part of our planning process,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “We encourage anyone who has not yet shared their thoughts to take a few minutes to complete the survey before it closes.”

Presentation materials from the public forum and the online survey are available at Bit.ly/WYPublicForum. All comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

The proposed Coulter Bay Visitor Center is intended to enhance recreation and educational opportunities at Keyhole State Park by providing improved visitor services, interpretive exhibits, and a community gathering space, while serving as a launch point for park recreation.

“It’s important that this facility reflects the expectations and needs of the people who use and care about Keyhole State Park,” said Misty Moore, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. “We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback.”

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: Keyhole State Park. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 27, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) will launch a new professional development event on Sept. 17, 2026: the Cultural Heritage Institute, a one-day, in-person gathering in Cheyenne designed to equip cultural heritage employees, historic site and museum staff, and volunteers, both new and long-serving, 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.

“The Cultural Heritage Institute will create space for new and emerging professionals—and those looking to strengthen or refresh their foundational skills—to build confidence, gain practical knowledge, and connect with mentors and peers,” said Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis. “It’s an exciting step toward ensuring Wyoming’s history and culture continue to be preserved and shared by a strong, connected community of professionals statewide.”

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.

The Cultural Heritage Institute is seeking volunteers to lead workshops and lightning talks focused on practical cultural heritage work, including preservation, collections care, digitization, interpretation, and related topics. Individuals with relevant expertise or proposed session ideas are encouraged to submit a brief interest form by March 31, 2026, at Bit.ly/LeadAWorkshop.    

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, Cultural Trust Fund, Office of the State Archaeologist, 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. Additional details will be announced in the coming months, including registration information and a schedule. 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. Updates will also be shared on social media through SPCR programs, including the Arts Council, Office of the State Archaeologist, State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, State Museum, and State Parks, using the hashtag #WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute2026.

Figure 1: A volunteer reenactor demonstrates historic prison labor practices at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.

Figure 2: Visitors engage with fossil specimens from the Wyoming State Museum’s collections during the annual Dino Day event.

Figure 3: A Wyoming State Archives staff member uses new 16mm film repair equipment to preserve historic film materials. 

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