SPHST Home

Places

Activities

Upcoming

Permits & Reservations

Park Rangers

More

News & Updates
 

Search Our Site

27 June 2025

Low Water Notice at Guernsey State Park 2025

Wyoming State Parks.png
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

 

Low Water Notice at Guernsey State Park

 

GUERNSEY, Wyo. – June 27, 2025 – The Bureau of Reclamation has announced its annual silt run at Guernsey State Park. As a result, the reservoir will experience a rapid decline in water levels starting July 6. The boat ramps will be unusable from approximately July 9 through July 26. Water levels at Guernsey Reservoir are expected to be suitable for boating again by the morning of July 27. The reservoir will continue to rise by about 3 feet per day and is anticipated to reach the normal operational level by July 29.

 

"We appreciate the understanding and patience of our visitors during this period. While water levels may be low, Guernsey State Park still offers a wide range of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery," stated Cassie Wells, superintendent of Guernsey State Park. "We encourage everyone to come out and experience everything our park offers."

 

Despite the low water levels, many recreational activities will still be available, including camping, hiking, and mountain biking. The playground and museum will remain open. The park also features some of the best examples of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work in the Rocky Mountain region.

 

Customers with affected reservations can modify their bookings online at reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling 877-996-7275.

 

Nearby boating opportunities are available at Glendo State Park, Hawk Springs State Recreation Area, Gray Rocks Reservoir, and other locations.

 

Boaters and recreationists are advised to take proper precautions in response to the changing river flows below Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs and the rapid lowering and refilling of Guernsey Reservoir during this period.

 

For more information about Guernsey State Park, please call 307-836-2334 or visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/guernsey.

 

Figure 1.jpg
Figure 1: Image of Guernsey Reservoir during the annual silt run. 
 

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

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
23 June 2025

Plein Air in the Parks: This Week at Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site 2025

Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.png
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Plein Air in the Parks: This Week at Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site 
 

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. – June 23, 2025 – Plein Air in the Parks will be taking place at Springs State Park and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site on June 27-29, 2025. Online registration is available at 2025-Plein-Air-at-Hot-Springs-State-Park.eventbrite.com, or artists may register in person at the Wyoming Arts Council tent at the Kiwanis Shelter of Hot Springs State Park during the event. 

 

Now in its eighth year, Plein Air in the Parks is a collaborative program by the Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks, both under the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. The tradition of plein air artmaking includes on-site painting and drawing, but the Plein Air in the Parks Program is open to most types of media. Plein Air in the Parks pairs talented artists with beautiful locations while offering cash prizes to top participants and opportunities for the community to participate. 

 

Several opportunities and events are open to the public and free of charge, with no park fee required; the full list of public events is below.

 

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 and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site.

 

  • Friday, June 27 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 28 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

Chalk Drawing Contest

Get in the plein air spirit by participating in the chalk drawing contest! Participants will be able to register on site for this free event to be tasked with creating the best chalk drawing! Materials provided, no experience necessary, and open to all ages.

 

  • Saturday, June 28 | 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at Pavilion of Hot Springs State Park

 

Show and Sale

Enjoy refreshments while browsing the artwork created throughout the event, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and support the artists and organizations by purchasing artwork from the sale.

 

  • Sunday, June 29 | 3-5 p.m. at Hot Springs County Armory

 

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..

 

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources and its many programs at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

 

Figure 1.png
Figure 1: An artist creates a textile-based rendition of the Hot Springs State Park landscape.
 
Contact: Ismael Dominguez, 307-275-4476; Ismael.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
19 June 2025

Statehood Day Celebration at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie

Wyoming State Parks.png
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

 

Statehood Day Celebration at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie

 

LARAMIE, Wyo. – June 19, 2025 – The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site will celebrate Wyoming's 1890 statehood with a special event on July 10. Guests can enjoy free admission all day, with activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 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. "This event will be a wonderful opportunity for families to experience 19th-century life and create lasting memories. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site!"

 

This family-friendly celebration will feature a variety of activities, including appearances by Cowboy Joe, Jubilee Days Royalty, a balloon twister, and costumed interpreters portraying life in 19th-century Laramie. Laramie's Sagebrush Stringband will provide live music from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each visitor will receive a complimentary cupcake while supplies last, and food trucks will be on-site, offering a variety of delicious options.

 

Activities include demonstrations of candle-making and hand-processed wool, along with a stick horse rodeo for children aged five and under. For just $20, visitors can capture a piece of history with a professional tintype portrait taken using a camera with a 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.JPG Figure 2.png Figure 3.jpg
Figure 1: The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie, image courtesy of Wyoming State Parks. Figure 2: Cowboy Joe and his handlers, image courtesy of the University of Wyoming. Figure 3: Jubilee Days Royalty, image courtesy of Cedar Mountain Photography.
 

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

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
16 June 2025

Wyoming Veterans in Focus: Oral History & Photo Exhibit Project

WSP Main Logo_RGB (2).pngWy State Archives Logo - Color-01.jpgWAC LOGO 2012.jpg
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Jessica Lira, 307-745-6161 x13; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Wyoming Veterans in Focus: Oral History & Photo Exhibit Project

LARAMIE, Wyo. — June 16, 2025— The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Historic Sites, Wyoming State Archives, and Wyoming Arts Council are partnering on a project to gather and exhibit portraits and oral histories of Wyoming military veterans. The exhibition will open in the temporary exhibit gallery at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in time for Memorial Day 2026. "Wyoming Veterans in Focus: Oral History and Photo Exhibit Project" ensures that Wyoming veterans' experiences are preserved in their own words through conversations with those who share the unique bond of military service. The project pairs veterans with fellow veterans of all ages to conduct interviews about their experiences and lives in Wyoming. There will be 3-5 formal interview dates at locations across the state. Each scheduled session will include professional portrait photography to preserve the stories and faces of Wyoming's military community.

There are two main ways to be involved:
  • Wyoming State Archives staff is overseeing the oral histories, including training veterans to conduct oral histories, editing, and preserving the information collected. Veterans interested in participating as either an interviewer or as an interviewee can complete an online participation form by June 30, 2025. The form is available at: https://forms.gle/goQaYziX5Vp9CEMq5
  • The Wyoming Arts Council is administering a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select one portrait photographer who will conduct photo shoots around the state and produce high-quality, printed, and mounted photos for the exhibition. The RFQ is open to Wyoming photographers, and those with current or former military experience are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply to the RFQ is June 26, 2025 and is available online at: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15533
For more information contact Jessica Lira, Superintendent of Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site at 307-745-6161 x13 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Contact: Jessica Lira, 307-745-6161 x13; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
04 June 2025

Rise Observation Deck to Undergo Maintenance Construction

Wyoming State Parks.png
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Jessica Moore, 307-332-6333; Jessica.MThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Rise Observation Deck to Undergo Maintenance Construction

 

LANDER, Wyo. – June 4, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks announces maintenance construction will begin on the Rise observation deck at Sinks Canyon State Park starting June 9, 2025. The project is expected to be completed by July 4, 2025.

 

During this time, visitors may experience intermittent full and partial closures that will limit or prevent access to the Rise deck. The work will focus on replacing supports and railings to enhance safety for all park visitors.  

 

"We recognize the importance of the Rise observation deck to our guests, and we appreciate their patience as we carry out these essential maintenance upgrades," states Jessica Moore, superintendent of Sinks Canyon State Park.  

 

Follow Sinks Canyon State Park on Facebook for updates on the construction progress and any changes to the closure schedule at @SinksCanyonStatePark. 

 

For more information about Sinks Canyon State Park, amenities, and upcoming events, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov.

 

Figure 1.jpg Figure 2.jpg
Figures 1-2: Images of the Rise observation deck at Sinks Canyon State Park. 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
03 June 2025

Wyoming State Parks Welcomes Nearly 5 Million Visitors in 2024

Wyoming State Parks.png
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nick Neylon, 307-431-4866; nick.neylon@wyo.gov

 

Wyoming State Parks Welcomes Nearly 5 Million Visitors in 2024

 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 3, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites welcomed 4,843,471 visitors in 2024, reaffirming the state’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, heritage tourism, and year-round exploration. The total represents a 5% increase over 2023 and places 2024’s visitation 5% above the five-year average, signaling steady and sustained public interest in Wyoming’s public lands.

 

As part of the agency’s routine data reconciliation process, updated site-level tracking has revised visitation figures for 2022 and 2023. While previously reported numbers were higher, the updated data offers a more accurate and consistent picture of long-term trends, still reflecting overall growth across the system. The revised total for 2023 now stands at 4,618,267, up from 4,546,419 in 2022.

 

“Wyoming remains committed to providing exceptional experiences across our state parks and historic sites,” said Dave Glenn, director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. “These places connect people to our landscapes, our heritage, and to one another. As visitation grows, so does our responsibility to protect these spaces and keep them accessible, safe, and meaningful for all.”

 

Several locations, including Edness K. Wilkins, Fort Fred Steele, Quebec 01, Register Cliff, and Sinks Canyon, reported increased visitation from 18% to 50%. Hot Springs State Park, one of the system’s most visited sites, showed a 12% increase compared to revised previous counts. Past estimates had overcalculated visitation due to mechanical counter discrepancies—an issue now resolved to improve long-term tracking and site management.

 

During the 2024 season, the overall visitation to Wyoming's state parks and historic sites demonstrated a steadfast commitment to preserving the state's stunning landscapes and rich history. Factors contributing to this engagement include ongoing infrastructure improvements, enhanced educational programs, and the introduction of new recreational opportunities. 

 

New park and historic site infrastructure, such as the new Cultural Center at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site (MLSAS), provides unique visitor experiences integrating technology, culture, and the outdoors. MLSAS received hundreds of visitors to the Cultural Center during the summer, immersing visitors in thousands of years of Indigenous history through seasons, sights, and sounds.

 

This year, Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites expanded its interpretive program, increasing participation statewide and hosting 577 programs with nearly 24.5k program attendees. Approximately 4% of Wyoming residents attended these programs, accounting for participation from every county. Additionally, 27% of schoolchildren had the opportunity to participate in a field trip at a Wyoming State Park or Historic Site, showcasing strong engagement from families and educational institutions.

 

Through various projects and initiatives in 2024, visitors can also enjoy expanded hiking and biking trails, as well as enhanced fishing and boating facilities at key locations in parks and historic sites throughout the state. 

 

"We are dedicated to continuously improving and expanding hiking, biking, and other trail opportunities across the state. Each new project and addition reflects our commitment to providing outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality trails that enhance their experience in Wyoming's outdoors, " said Caleb Owen, non-motorized trails coordinator for Wyoming State Parks. 

 

Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites officials are optimistic about the future and encourage visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the diverse range of recreational, educational, and cultural offerings at parks and historic sites across the state. 


For more information about Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, please visit wyoparks.wyo.gov and follow us on Facebook at @WyomingStateParks.
 
Figure 1.jpg Figure 2.jpg Figure 3.jpg Figure 4.jpg Figure 5.jpg
Figure 1: Visitors enjoying kayaking at Keyhole State Park. Figure 2: Visitors enjoying a group hike led by an Interpretive Ranger at South Pass City State Historic Site. Figure 3: Visitors participating in activities at the annual Fort Bridger Mountain Man Rendezvous. Figure 4: Visitors relaxing at Trail End State Historic Site's annual Summer Evening at the Mansion event. Figure 5: An external image of Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site's new Cultural Center. 
Contact: Nick Neylon, 307-431-4866; nick.neylon@wyo.gov 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
02 June 2025

Wyoming State Parks and the Department of Family Services Launch Backpack Program for Foster Families

Wyoming State Parks.png   Wyoming Department of Family Services.png
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Wyoming State Parks Deputy Director Nick Neylon, 307-431-4866; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Department of Family Services Public Information Officer Kelly Douglas, 307-777-6203This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Wyoming State Parks and the Department of Family Services Launch Backpack Program for Foster Families

 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 2, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) and the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) are proud to partner on a new program designed to inspire foster families across the state to explore the outdoors and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of nature.

 

"We're incredibly proud to be part of this effort to connect foster families with the transformative power of Wyoming's public lands," said Nick Neylon, deputy director of Wyoming State Parks. "Our state parks and historic sites offer opportunities not only for outdoor recreation, but also for learning, reflection, and shared experiences. Whether families are hiking a scenic trail or exploring the stories preserved at a historic site, these places can spark connection, curiosity, and a deeper sense of belonging. We hope this program helps foster families feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow together while discovering our state's rich natural and cultural heritage."

 

Thirty park passes have been delivered to DFS offices around the state, where they are available for foster families to check out for one week at a time. The passes allow everyone in the vehicle to access the state park or historic site.

 

“We are grateful to our foster caregivers, who provide safety, empathy and stability to 463 children and teens in Wyoming who are temporarily in care,” said DFS Social Services Administrator Kristie Gordy. “Our foster families treasure the time they have with their foster children and teens, and they are already planning trips with the passes.”

 

The day-use passes are part of a kit that foster families can borrow. The kit includes an  "Adventure Backpack" filled with maps, brochures, outdoor activity supplies, tools, and resources to make outdoor adventures more accessible and enjoyable for foster families at Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites across the state. 

 

Modeled after the successful Wyoming State Parks Library Backpack Program, the program reflects a shared commitment between the two agencies to support whole-family wellness and to remove barriers that may prevent foster families from spending quality time together outside.

 

"At the Department of Family Services, we're always looking for meaningful ways to support the well-being of the children and families we serve," Gordy said. "This partnership with Wyoming State Parks allows foster families to step outside, recharge, and experience the joy of being together in a new setting. This is a wonderful gift.” 

 

A second phase of the program will launch in the coming months, adding a creative dimension to the Adventure Backpacks. The Wyoming Arts Council will incorporate artistic components and hands-on activities designed to inspire imagination, encourage observation of nature, and foster creativity as families explore the outdoors together.


For more information on Wyoming State Parks, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov. Foster families can contact their local DFS office for questions about accessing an Adventure Backpack. Find a regional office in your area at dfs.wyo.gov.
 
Figure 1.jpg Figure 2.jpg 
Figure 1: A park visitor shows the Wyoming State Parks Day Use Pass, along with an outdoor activity kit, included with the Adventure Backpack for foster families—image courtesy of DFS. Figure 2: The new Adventure Backpack, available at regional DFS offices, includes a Wyoming State Parks day-use pass, maps, brochures, nature guides, and outdoor activity supplies—everything foster families need to plan a day of exploration, learning, and connection at state parks and historic sites across Wyoming—image courtesy of DFS. 
 

Contacts: Wyoming State Parks Deputy Director Nick Neylon, 307-431-4866; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Department of Family Services Public Information Officer Kelly Douglas, 307-777-6203This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
21 May 2025

Connor Battlefield Campground Temporarily Closed 2025

Wyoming State Parks.png
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: Sharie Shada, 307-275-6120; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Connor Battlefield Campground Temporarily Closed

 

RANCHESTER, Wyo. – May 21, 2025 – The Connor Battlefield State Historic Site Campground is temporarily closed due to rising water levels from the Tongue River in northern Wyoming.

 

Seasonal flooding is common in this area, particularly following extended periods of rain, and there is currently no set timetable for reopening the campground.

 

Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site and the town of Ranchester jointly manage Connor Battlefield.
 

During this closure, visitors are encouraged to explore other camping opportunities and local attractions in the region. Nearby Wyoming State Parks, such as Buffalo Bill, Medicine Lodge, and Keyhole, offer scenic campsites and a wide range of outdoor recreation. For those interested in history and culture, the area also features several remarkable state historic sites, including Trail End State Historic Site and Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, just down the road from the Connor Battlefield Campground. These sites provide rich opportunities to experience Wyoming’s heritage while enjoying the natural beauty of northern Wyoming.

 

To stay informed about the campground's status, follow updates on Facebook at @ConnorBattlefieldCampground or visit the official website at wyoparks.wyo.gov. The campground will post updates about its reopening as more information becomes available.

 

The safety of our visitors is a priority, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. We look forward to welcoming you back to Connor Battlefield State Historic Site Campground soon.

 

Figure 1.jpg
Figure 1: The Connor Battlefield State Historic Site Campground in northern Wyoming.
 

Contact: Sharie Shada, 307-275-6120; sharie.shada@wyo.gov

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
21 May 2025

Grand Reopening of Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site's Interpretive History Cabin

Wyoming State Parks.png
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Heather Jolley, 307-469-2234; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Grand Reopening of Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site's Interpretive History Cabin

 

HYATTVILLE, Wyo. – May 21, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources is excited to announce the reopening of the Interpretive History Cabin at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. Join us with family and friends at the park on Saturday, June 7, to celebrate.

 

The Interpretive History Cabin has been closed for the past two years due to water damage from flash flooding and heavy snow melt.  The Division of Wyoming State Parks' Central Construction Office crew lifted the historic building to replace and raise the foundation to help mitigate water damage from future flood events.  The bottom sill logs were replaced, new flooring was installed, and Medicine Lodge's site staff has now finished installing all the interpretive panels and displays.

 

"We are very excited to have this project completed," said Heather Jolley, park superintendent of Medicine Lodge. "Our visitors have long awaited to explore the site's history in this interpretive cabin, which focuses on archaeology."  Medicine Lodge is full of life history that covers the past 10,000 years.  Last year, the newest addition to the park opened, the Medicine Lodge Cultural Experience, which gives visitors an idea of what life could have been like over those thousands of years.  Jolley added, "Since the opening of the Cultural Experience, over 1,800 people have taken the journey back through time.  With the reopening of the interpretive history cabin, visitors can read about modern-day practices for discovering the past and then experience the past themselves."

 

The celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7. It will feature "Expert" tables hosted by programs within the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources umbrella. One table will highlight archaeology, staffed by Michael Page, senior archaeologist of the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist. The other will focus on the reconstruction of the cabin, with Cole Horton, supervisor of the Central Construction Office, available to share insights. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the tables to ask questions and learn more about each topic. Site staff will serve Dutch-oven dessertswhile supplies last, and the first 150 visitors will receive a commemorative sticker. 


For more information on events and programs, visit wyoparks.info/medicinelodge or follow us on Facebook at @MedLodge. Learn more about the diverse programs within Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.
 
Figure 1.jpg Figure 2.jpg
Figure 1: Interpretive History Cabin at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site in 1980. Figure 2: Interpretive History Cabin at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site in 2025.
 
Contact: Heather Jolley, 307-469-2234; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 

 

 

 
 

General News >>

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest Imager