CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Nov. 6, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks reminds the public to share feedback on proposed improvements and future management priorities for Curt Gowdy State Park via an online questionnaire available through Nov. 20, 2026. 

Wyoming State Parks is developing a Curt Gowdy State Park Master Plan to guide recreation, management, and investment decisions for the next 10 to 15 years. As one of the system’s most visited recreation destinations, the Curt Gowdy State Park Master Plan will respond to new challenges and opportunities. 

Proposed improvements under consideration include a showerhouse, a disc golf course, a strider park, and trails, upgrades to day-use areas and the amphitheater, and more. Wyoming State Parks is considering changes across the Park, including land acquisition, operations management to protect visitors and natural resources, and expanded education and interpretation opportunities. 

A total of 50 people attended three public open houses held last week at the Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Territorial Prison, and Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor Center. Discussions focused on natural resource protection, potential park expansion, and future development to meet recreational needs. Attendees expressed strong support for Curt Gowdy State Park and interest in the planning process. Those unable to attend are encouraged to share their feedback through the online questionnaire.

Take the Questionnaire by Nov. 20 at: Engage Now! | Curt Gowdy Master Plan 2025 (Bit.ly/CurtGowdyMP)

About Curt Gowdy State Park

Established in 1971 and located between Cheyenne and Laramie along Happy Jack Road, Curt Gowdy State Park is one of Wyoming’s most visited recreation destinations, welcoming more than half a million visitors annually. The 3,552-acre park encompasses three historic reservoirs (Granite Springs, Crystal, and North Crow) that supply drinking water to Cheyenne and provide a scenic backdrop for year-round outdoor activities. As a premier mountain biking and outdoor recreation area, Curt Gowdy’s visitation has surged by 27% since 2019, creating new challenges and opportunities for sustainable park management. 

The Master Plan will serve as a long-term roadmap to guide management, improvements, and decision-making for the park. Sign up to stay up to date and receive future notifications for input opportunities at Sign Up | Curt Gowdy Master Plan 2025.

For additional information, please contact Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Adam McKay, park superintendent, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figures 1 & 2:  Community members participate in recent public open houses for the Curt Gowdy State Park Master Plan, sharing feedback on park improvements, natural resource protection, and future recreational opportunities.  

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – Oct. 30, 2026 – A parkwide asphalt rehabilitation project will begin at Keyhole State Park on Nov. 2, 2026. This project encompasses asphalt repairs on Marina Road, Pat’s Point Road, and sections of Brandenburg Loop. Work will continue through the end of 2026, with additional work expected in June 2027 when temperatures allow.

Keyhole State Park staff ask visitors to use caution when entering the park through either the Marina Road or Coulter Bay entrances and to follow any temporary traffic direction changes.

Electric sites at the Coulter Bay campground will remain closed until Dec. 1, 2026, to accommodate heavy equipment, trucks, and construction materials. 

For more information, please contact Project Manager Andrew Skiba at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Keyhole State Park Superintendent Mary Negri at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Figure 1: The Marina Road Entrance at Keyhole State Park. 

AFTON, Wyo. – Oct. 30, 2026 – The Wyoming State Trails Program Advisory Council will meet in Afton at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. Members of the public may attend in person, watch virtually, or listen by phone.

Interested parties may attend the meeting in person at the Town of Afton Civic Center, 150 Washington St., Room #125A/B, Afton, WY 83110, or join virtually via Google Meet link: meet.google.com/xdh-ybwh-tec or by calling ‪(US) +1 781-514-9747, and entering PIN: ‪927 436 700#.

Agenda items include the approval of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Partnership, and the new Non-Motorized Grant applications, along with updates from the State Trails Program and the Office of Outdoor Recreation.

The Wyoming State Trails Advisory Council is a ten-member recreational trail advisory committee appointed by the Governor to advise the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources regarding trail policies, functions, and priorities.

You can learn more about the Wyoming State Trails Program and Advisory Council by visiting wyoparks.wyo.gov.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Oct. 28, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks is announcing updates to its rules and regulations, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The revisions mark the first comprehensive update in decades and aim to modernize and simplify existing regulations, better reflect current recreational activities and visitor needs, and support safe, enjoyable experiences at Wyoming’s state parks, historic and archaeological sites, and recreation areas. 

The updates follow a review of existing regulations and a formal public comment period held earlier this year. The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources issued a notice of intent to amend the rules in January 2026 and accepted public comments through February 2026. The department reviewed and considered the public comments when developing final revisions, including clarifications to several proposed changes. 

“Our goal throughout this process has been to make the regulations clearer, more practical, and better suited to how people use our parks and sites today,” said Mark Caughlan, chief ranger for Wyoming State Parks. “We appreciate the feedback received during the public comment period, which helped inform the final revisions. Ultimately, these updates are about supporting recreational opportunities while maintaining visitor safety and protecting our resources for future generations.” 

Throughout the revision process, regulatory language was cleaned up, simplified, and clarified, with unnecessary or repetitive provisions removed where possible. These changes reduced the regulations from 17 to 12 pages. Additional updates address camping, permits, pets, trail use, boating, fishing, other recreational activities, and park conduct. 

Notable updates include:

• Drone Use: Updated regulations establish provisions for drone operations, including use with prior written permission from the park superintendent, subject to applicable restrictions.
• Camping & Occupancy: Maximum campsite occupancy will decrease from 10 to eight people, and wheeled camping units must be parked on designated parking pads, where provided. Camping permits will now expire at 11 a.m. instead of 10 a.m., aligning with the established checkout time.
• Nighttime Park Access: The updated regulations remove the general restriction that closes park lands to non-campers after 10 p.m. Visitors enjoying activities such as nighttime fishing or stargazing no longer need a camping permit to remain in a park after 10 p.m., provided they are not occupying a campsite. Other applicable fees and regulations will continue to apply.
• Pets: Pets may no longer be left unattended at any time, replacing the previous one-hour allowance. Barking dogs will also be specifically included in quiet-hour restrictions, and the regulations clarify where pets may be off-leash.
• Fishing: The restricted distance for bow fishing near public facilities will decrease from 300 to 100 yards, providing anglers more flexibility while maintaining a buffer around public facilities.
• Electric Bicycles & Trail Use: Class 1 electric bicycles will be permitted on designated non-motorized trails. Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles will be prohibited on all non-motorized trails, and bicyclists will be required to yield to pedestrians. 
• Boating & Shoreline Access: New provisions prohibit unauthorized boat docks and require trailered motorized watercraft and sailboats to use designated launch and retrieval areas.

Additional revisions address quiet-hour restrictions for noise-producing generators, speed limits on unposted park roads, camp rentals, prohibited materials in campfires, and other park activities. The updated regulations also simplify certain permit requirements and remove or clarify several restrictions at individual parks and historic sites, including Curt Gowdy, Hot Springs, and Bear River State Parks. 

As visitors plan their 2027 trips and recreational activities, Wyoming State Parks encourages them to review the updated rules and regulations to help make the most of their experiences at Wyoming’s state parks, historic and archaeological sites, and state recreation areas.

An overview of the changes and the complete regulations are available at Bit.ly/WyoParksRulesAndRegulations. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Oct. 23, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks, in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s Weed and Pest Council, engaged visitors across the state through the 2026 War on Weeds initiative, focused on invasive species education, identification, and removal in Wyoming’s state parks and historic sites.

Throughout the summer and early fall, Wyoming State Parks hosted 70 interpretive opportunities and 8 weed pulls, engaging park visitors statewide. Visitors also submitted reports of potential invasive species through the War on Weeds reporting survey, helping document areas of concern for future mitigation efforts.

Invasive species are non-native plants that can cause significant environmental and economic harm. They compete with native grasses and other vegetation, disrupt ecosystems, and can affect wildlife habitat and the landscapes Wyoming State Parks works to protect.

The War on Weeds gave park visitors several ways to get involved. While hiking, camping, or otherwise enjoying state parks, visitors could use identification guides to look for invasive species and report potential sightings through a simple online survey. Participating parks also offered interpretive programs where visitors could learn about invasive species and ways to prevent their spread, along with volunteer weed pulls that let them help remove priority species.

“The War on Weeds gave our visitors a chance to be part of the work our staff and partners are doing to manage invasive species across Wyoming State Parks,” said Christina Bird, district manager of Wyoming State Parks. “From learning what to look for and reporting a potential sighting to getting their hands dirty at a weed pull, every level of participation helps build awareness and supports our efforts to protect these landscapes.”

The initiative was conducted in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s Weed and Pest Council, which provided the reporting survey used throughout the season. Wyoming State Parks and the Weed and Pest Council will use the survey data to document areas of concern and inform future mitigation efforts.

As a thank-you for their contributions, volunteers who participated in the War on Weeds invasive species removal events were eligible to enter a drawing for one of five YETI coolers. 

While the 2026 War on Weeds initiative has concluded, invasive species management remains an ongoing effort in Wyoming State Parks. Visitors can help protect Wyoming’s natural landscapes by learning to identify invasive species, reporting areas of concern, recreating responsibly, and taking steps to prevent invasive plants from spreading from one area to another.

Learn more about invasive species at WyoWeed.org. For more information about Wyoming State Parks, visit WyoParks.Wyo.Gov.

Figure 1: Volunteers help fight invasive species during a War on Weeds volunteer weed pull at Sinks Canyon State Park. Figure 2: Visitors learn about invasive species during an interpretive program at Curt Gowdy State Park. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Oct. 9, 2026 - Wyoming State Parks is developing a Curt Gowdy State Park Master Plan to guide recreation, management, and investment decisions for the next 10 to 15 years. As one of the system’s most visited recreation destinations, the Curt Gowdy State Park Master Plan will respond to new challenges and opportunities. 

Curt Gowdy is considering adding a showerhouse, a disc golf course, a strider park, and trails; upgrading day-use areas and the amphitheater; and much more. Wyoming State Parks is considering changes across multiple areas throughout the Park, as well as land acquisition, operations management to protect visitors and natural resources, and expanded education and interpretation opportunities. 

How to Participate

Wyoming State Parks invites the public to continue helping shape the future of Curt Gowdy State Park. This effort provides visitors and community members with an opportunity to directly influence how Curt Gowdy State Park evolves. 

Find Us at an Open House

Review the recommendations, speak with project team members, and provide feedback through interactive activities at one of these open houses. Each event will be the same.

• Mon., October 26 (5–7 p.m.) —  Wyoming State Museum — 2301 Central Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001
• Tues., October 27 (5–7 p.m.) — Wyoming Territorial Prison (Historic Horse Barn Building) — 975 Snowy Range Rd, Laramie, WY 82070 
• Wed., October 28 (5–7 p.m.) — Curt Gowdy State Park (Visitor Center) —1264 Granite Springs Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009

Take the Questionnaire by November 20 at: Engage Now! | Curt Gowdy Master Plan 2025 (Bit.ly/CurtGowdyMP)

About Curt Gowdy State Park

Established in 1971 and located between Cheyenne and Laramie along Happy Jack Road, Curt Gowdy State Park is one of Wyoming’s most visited recreation destinations, welcoming more than half a million visitors annually. The 3,552-acre park encompasses three historic reservoirs (Granite Springs, Crystal, and North Crow) that supply drinking water to Cheyenne and provide a scenic backdrop for year-round outdoor activities. As a premier mountain biking and outdoor recreation area, Curt Gowdy’s visitation has surged by 27% since 2019, creating new challenges and opportunities for sustainable park management. The Master Plan will serve as a long-term roadmap to guide management, improvements, and decision-making for the park. Sign up to stay up to date and receive future notifications for input opportunities at Sign Up | Curt Gowdy Master Plan 2025.

For additional information, please contact Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Adam McKay, park superintendent, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Site improvements at the Hidden Falls Trailhead include a new restroom, an accessible picnic shelter, isolated picnic options, and formalized parking for improved visitor experiences while visiting one of the Park’s busiest trails.  

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Oct. 8, 2026 – Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) Deputy Director Nick Neylon has been re-elected to the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) Board of Directors. Neylon will serve as the Northwest Region representative, representing Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. 

NASPD brings together state park leaders from across the country to promote and advance America’s State Parks and their contributions to recreation, conservation, heritage, public health, and local economies. Its Board of Directors includes representatives from six regions who help guide the association and foster collaboration among state park systems nationwide.

“It is an honor to once again represent Wyoming and the Northwest Region on the NASPD Board,” Neylon said. “This role gives us an opportunity to learn from other state park systems, share Wyoming’s experiences and perspectives, and work together on the challenges and opportunities facing state parks, recreation areas, and historic and archaeological sites across the country.”

Neylon has more than 30 years of experience working with parks, historic sites, and museums nationwide and has served Wyoming’s state park system for over a decade. As Deputy Director of SPCR’s Parks Division, he oversees Wyoming’s state parks and historic sites in the eastern part of the state, as well as the agency’s Construction and Engineering, Law Enforcement, Planning, and Visitor Services Sections.

Through his continued service on the NASPD Board, Neylon will bring Wyoming’s perspective to national conversations while strengthening relationships and sharing ideas with state park leaders across the Northwest and the country.

America’s State Parks represent the collective strength of state park systems across all 50 states. Together, they include 9,817 units encompassing more than 20 million acres and welcome more than 867 million visits. For more information about America’s State Parks and the National Association of State Park Directors, visit stateparks.org. 

For more information about Wyoming State Parks, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov.

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – Oct. 1, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources has been awarded a $3 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to support the development of a new visitor center in the Coulter Bay area at Keyhole State Park. 

“The Helmsley Charitable Trust continues to make significant positive impacts possible across Wyoming’s state parks and historic sites, and we value their continued partnership,” said Dave Glenn, director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Funding opportunities like this allow us to make meaningful, long-term investments in our parks while responding to the needs of the communities they serve.”

The new visitor center will enhance recreation and education opportunities, improve visitor services, and support park operations. Designed to complement the surrounding landscape and natural character of the park, the facility will serve as a central hub for visitors and a gateway to Keyhole State Park and northeast Wyoming, with interpretive exhibits highlighting the area’s natural and cultural history, space for community gatherings, and resources to help visitors explore recreation opportunities throughout the park.

“Being outdoors and having access to places where people can recreate, connect with their communities, and enjoy nature is an important part of health and wellness,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “Keyhole State Park is a great example of a place that serves both the people who live here and those who come to experience Wyoming. We’re pleased to help make this investment in the park and in the surrounding community, and we look forward to seeing how this new visitor center will serve people for generations to come.”

The visitor center will also support year-round park operations and natural resource management, and serve as an emergency shelter for the park and the nearby community of Pine Haven in the event of a natural disaster. The facility will be developed in conjunction with broader improvements planned for the Coulter Bay area, including boat ramp and courtesy dock enhancements.

“The Pine Haven Town Council congratulates Keyhole State Park on securing grant funding for the new Coulter Bay visitor center, and appreciates the Park’s collaboration with the Town throughout the application process,” said Rob Norton, mayor pro tem of Pine Haven. “As this project moves forward, the Council looks forward to continuing that partnership—including the boat dock and ramp improvements on the Pine Haven side of the lake that the Town has long identified as a priority.”

Wyoming State Parks hosted three public meetings in early 2026 to gather input from park users and area residents and help identify priorities and features for the proposed facility. Feedback received through that process has helped inform the project as it moves into the design phase. Construction is currently scheduled for completion in fall 2028.

For more information about Keyhole State Park, including recreation opportunities, amenities, and visitor information, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/keyhole.

Figure 1: The Coulter Bay area at Keyhole State Park, where a new visitor center is planned as part of construction projects supported by a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Figure 2: Jentry Eatherton, assistant superintendent at Keyhole State Park, discussing existing amenities with a community member during a public meeting in January 2026. 

CODY, Wyo. – Sept. 25, 2026 – Buffalo Bill State Park will temporarily close the Eagle Point area to the public Monday, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 1, while crews complete scheduled maintenance and accessibility improvements.

The project will include resurfacing the asphalt entrance to Eagle Point and reconstructing the ADA parking pad near the restroom facility. The entire Eagle Point area will be closed to public access while work is underway.

Visitors are asked to observe all posted closures during construction. The closure is expected to remain in place through Thursday, Oct. 1, and the area will reopen once work is complete and conditions allow.

Buffalo Bill State Park appreciates visitors’ patience and cooperation while these improvements are completed.

For more information about Buffalo Bill State Park, visit WyoParks.Wyo.Gov/BuffaloBill.