September 12, 2024

Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, in an effort to make the recreational opportunities at the park more accessible, has acquired an accessible beach mat through the brand Mobi-Mat.

According to their website, the mat is a heavy-duty portable ramp made of 100% recycled polyester material “designed to create a stable and durable surface over soft or unstable ground.”  This apparatus provides light and medium-sized vehicles such as wheelchairs access to the pond’s shoreline. It can be seen in action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_U8JebscDw&authuser=0.

These mats have been used successfully on beaches throughout the United States for many years. 

Teka Perry, Ms. Wheelchair Wyoming 2023, tried out the device after it was installed at the EKW pond at the end of August and provided staff with valuable feedback. Perry is a frequent visitor to EKW and an advocate for increased accessibility. 

“Thank you to the Ms. Wheelchair America Foundation for offering me the hope and freedom award, which I was then able to contribute the money I won towards this project,” Perry said. “This will be a great addition. I will be able to get down to the water with my kids.”  

The Mobi-Mat will be a welcome addition to EKW, according to Superintendent Linley Mayer.

“We are grateful to be able to work with the Wyoming State Parks team and with their support provide this addition to the park as we strive to meet the department’s mission of improving communities and enriching lives,” Mayer said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_U8JebscDw&authuser=0 

September 12, 2024

Thanks to the generous support of the Bronco Wild Fund, Wyoming Wildflower Women’s 101 programming will be offered on October 12 and 13 at Curt Gowdy State Park. These programs are designed to empower and educate women in outdoor skills. 

Wyoming State Parks’ Ranger Angelina has offered sessions at Sinks Canyon, South Pass City, and Hot Springs State Park this summer, reaching over 100 women with campouts and skill-building.

This program features three specially curated sessions aimed at fostering confidence and knowledge in outdoor recreation:

Outdoor Survival: Saturday, October 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Leave No Trace: Saturday, October 12, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Animal Awareness: Sunday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to ensure a personalized and immersive experience for all participants. Curt Gowdy State Park will provide a stunning backdrop for women to explore and enhance their outdoor skills!

Interested participants can learn more and sign up at: https://wyoparks.info/WildflowerWomen.

For more information, please contact: District Ranger Angelina Stancampiano, 307-677-2461, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Wyoming Wildflower Women

Wyoming Wildflower Women is an initiative by Wyoming State Parks to create a space for women to learn outdoor skills in a supportive and engaging environment, led by female interpretive rangers. The 101 programming offers basic to intermediate skills, helping women of all experience levels to connect with nature, each other, and themselves.

September 10, 2024

The Wyoming State Parks Ambassador Ferrets are on the move this week, from their home at Sinks Canyon State Park to Keyhole State Park. 

Ranger Katie and the domestic ferrets, Sandstone (Sandy) and Madison Limestone (Maddy), will be hosting a program about black-footed ferrets at the Tatanka Shelter in Keyhole State Park on Saturday, September 14, at 7pm. 

            The conservation story of the black-footed ferrets is one of great importance, and it has ties to our very own state of Wyoming. Once thought to be extinct, a small group of black-footed ferrets was discovered in Meeteetse in 1981. This small group has given the species a second chance at survival through captive breeding, reintroductions, and cloning, and it is estimated that there are now about 300 in the wild!

            The WyoParks Ambassador Ferrets help tell this story to visitors across the state,whether they are in the Sinks Canyon Visitor Center, visiting school classrooms, or traveling the state to other parks. In addition to the public program on September 14th, Ranger Katie and the ferrets will also be hosting a program for “Girl Scouts Love State Parks” weekend with local scout troops. 

            Attendees to the public program will be able to interact with our super cute and personable Ambassador Ferrets. For directions, visit wyoparks.info/keyholemaps. Events and their descriptions can be viewed on the Keyhole State Park Facebook page: wyoparks.info/keyholeevents. Park fees apply to those attending the events. Interpretive Ranger Katie can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any specific questions.

September 10, 2024

Trail End State Historic Site and the Trail End Guilds, Inc. announce a FREE antique car and wagon show being held at the Kendrick Mansion on Saturday, September 21, from 1-4 p.m. 

Spend the afternoon viewing antique autos—and, new for this year, wagons as well! Cars made before 1969 will be on hand for viewing, and some of the wagons, buggies, and a sleigh date back to the early 1900s.  

“The earliest vehicles that have entered the competition were from 1919, but different autos enter the show every year, so you never know what you’ll see there! We’re very excited that the horse-drawn vehicles are joining us this time, so folks will have a lot to look at when they attend,” said Sharie Shada, Trail End’s Site Superintendent. 

If you would like to enter the show and are the owner of a car made in or before 1969, or the owner of an antique wagon, please email the Trail End Guilds at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let them know. There is no charge to have an entry in the show! 

The mansion will also be open for self-guided tours during this time, and regular museum admission will apply: $8 per adult, $4 for Wyoming residents, and children 17 and under are always free but must be with a paid adult. 

The Kendrick Mansion is a 1913 historic house museum located at 400 Clarendon Avenue, Sheridan, on the grounds of Trail End State Historic Site. Trail End is a division of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.  For more information or directions, visit the website at www.trailend.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/trailend, or call 307-674-4589.

September 5, 2024

Plein Air in the Parks will be taking place at Hot Springs State Park on September 11-15, 2024.

Online registration for artists is available at https://pleinairintheparks-hotsprings.eventbrite.com or artists may register in person during the event. There are a number of events that are open to the public and the full schedule of events is listed below. 

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

See the Artists at Work

• Mingle with artists as they sketch and paint the landscape right before your eyes as you explore Hot Springs State Park. This event is free and open to the public.

          Wednesday, September 11 | 12 - 5PM

          Thursday, September 12 | 9AM - 5PM

           Friday, September 13 | 9AM - 5PM

Saturday, September 14 | 9AM - 5PM

Beginner Plein Air Workshop in Oils with Cindy Clancy - Thursday, September 12 | 9-12 PM | Wyoming Arts Council Registration Tent 

• Learn tips and tricks on how to pick a plein air location while exploring composition and design to give your art a unique point of view. Participants will need to bring their own supplies; this event is free and open to the public. 

Plein Air Tips with Carolyn Wostenberg and Victoria Bales  - Saturday, September 14 | 9-11 AM | Wyoming Arts Council Registration Tent 

• The instructors will share tips and tricks for novice plein air artists to learn and enjoy the practice of plein air painting. Participants will need to bring their own supplies for your medium of choice, 9” x 12” (or smaller) canvas or sketch pad recommended. This event is free and open to the public. 

Artist Mingle with Plein Air Participants hosted by Sagebrush Artisans - Sunday, September 15 | 11-12:30PM | Safari Club Lounge 

• While waiting for the Awards Ceremony, come meet the artists that have spent time in the Park creating the artwork for the Show and Sale.

Awards Ceremony, Show, and Sale - Sunday, September 15 | 1-3PM | Hot Springs Hotel and Spa Meeting Room

• See the artwork created throughout the event, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and purchase artwork from the sale.

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

September 3, 2024

Wyoming State Parks in partnership with the Girl Scouts will host a series of events as part of Girl Scouts Love State Parks, a nationwide initiative providing an opportunity for scouts to participate in curated outdoor activities.

Held in conjunction with a nationwide event September 14 and 15, Girl Scouts from primarily Wyoming will have an opportunity to attend events hosted by several Wyoming  State Parks.

Any Girl Scouts interested in participating in a Wyoming event, who need more information can contact their usual Girl Scouts Member Experience manager.

Five events will be held at different Wyoming State Parks with each park offering a unique activity.

Events and activities will be held at the following parks:

Bear River State Park 

• Sunday, September 15, from 1 pm – 3 pm in the Rendezvous Area of Bear River State Park. 
• Girl Scouts will learn about pollinators and put up bee bungalows around the park for native bees to use. 

EKW 

• Saturday, September 14, from 1 pm – 3 pm 
• Participants will take out canoes, dissect owl pellets, and do a scavenger hunt hike. 

Sinks Canyon 

• Saturday, September 14, from 1 pm – 3 pm 
• Join Sinks Canyon State Park staff to explore what wildlife makes their home in Sinks Canyon. Play “Animal Detective” and learn how to read animal signs and discover who has been in the area. Make seed bombs and learn how to provide things wildlife needs like food, water, and shelter. 

Keyhole 

• Saturday, September 14, from 10 am – 1 pm 
• Participants will build bluebird houses and take part in an educational program about black footed ferrets with the State Parks ambassador ferrets!  

Curt Gowdy 

• Saturday 14 - Sunday 15
• Overnight event involving a night hike along with camp-building skills in the evening, then a morning rotation activity where Scouts visit different stations to learn different outdoor skills. Everything is suited to Scouts of all ages and skill levels.

August 29, 2024

The Wyoming Archaeology Fair held annually as part of Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month, will be held September 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie.

A beloved annual celebration, the fair will showcase Wyoming’s cultural traditions including Indigenous lifeways and historic activities, and provides a unique, hands-on learning experience for all ages. The event is free and open to the public.

Featured during the fair is the Wind River Dancers, who will demonstrate a variety of Indigenous dance styles. The Wind River Dancers will perform at 1 p.m.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Twaynes during most of the day.

Participants are invited to try their hand at flint knapping, atlatl throwing, and pottery making, as well as hide painting, cordage making, yucca leaf processing and more.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet local archaeologists, ask questions, and find answers.

Additionally, the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist welcomes you to bring items from your collections to learn how an expert examines and identifies artifacts. We hope to see you there!

August 26, 2024

Did you know that milkweed is the only plant that monarch butterflies lay their eggs on? Did you know that ingesting milkweed plants actually makes monarch caterpillars toxic to their predators? Or, did you know that it is estimated that the monarch butterfly population has decreased as much as 90% – as if every person living in the United States, except for those living in Ohio and Florida, disappeared? The relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed plants is remarkable and becoming increasingly more important to learn about!

Join Ranger Katie at the Tatanka Shelter in Keyhole State Park on Sunday, September 1, at 7 p.m. to learn more about monarchs and milkweed! We will talk about the unique relationship between the two, explore the amazing monarch migration, and discuss how we can help the survival of both. There will also be live monarch caterpillars for some hands-on experience (if Ranger Katie can find some monarch caterpillars in the park this week)! These caterpillars will be reared, and adults will be tagged with Monarch Watch tags (https://monarchwatch.org/tagging/) and released to aid in the monarch butterfly research efforts.

Attendees to the program will be given packets of milkweed seeds to bring home and plant themselves! For directions, visit wyoparks.info/keyholemaps. Events and their descriptions can be viewed on the Keyhole State Park Facebook page: wyoparks.info/keyholeevents. Park fees apply to those attending the events. Interpretive Ranger Katie can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any specific questions.

August 23, 2024

The Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission will meet September 4-5, at the Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge Meeting Room in Lander.

For those that wish to attend virtually, the conference Meeting ID is meet.google.com/vui-afhr-vpc; Phone Numbers, (US)+1 636-334-6945, PIN: 689 617 800#.

The meeting convenes at 8 a.m., September 4, and includes a departmental update and reports on the Buffalo Bill Resource Management Plan, the Hot Springs State Park Concession Contract, fee modification requests and a State Museum accession and deaccession report.

The Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources Commission has advisory responsibility for the agency which involves the planning, acquisition, development and management of all State Parks, the State Trails Program, State Recreation Areas, State Historic Sites and Archaeology sites and Outdoor Recreation Office. The Commission also advises the Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Arts Council, the official State Records Center and Archives, the Office of the State Archaeologist, historical research activities, the State Historic Preservation Office and the Cultural Trust Fund.

Members of the Commission are: President Robert Tyrrell, DDS, Star Valley Ranch; Vice-President Sue Peters, Riverton; Julie Greer, Sheridan; Andy Pannell, Laramie; Barbara Anne Greene, Basin; Leslie Stewart, Lusk; Ken McCann, Cheyenne; Angela Emery, Casper; and David Bassett, Evanston. 

For more information please contact Tatum Soto at 307-777-7496 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..