CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 18, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council are announcing the Wyoming artists and park and site locations selected for the 2026 Artist in Residence Program. This annual program will run throughout the summer and fall with an expanded statewide presence in recognition of America’s Semiquincentennial, supported in part by a grant from the Governor’s Semiquincentennial Task Force. 

The Artist in Residence Program places artists in state parks and historic sites to engage visitors, offer fresh perspectives, and create meaningful connections to place. It also provides a paid, professional opportunity for artists to develop and share original work inspired by Wyoming’s landscapes, history, and communities.

In conjunction with the 250th commemoration, the program has expanded to include 19 artists across nine parks and historic sites. This year’s cohort represents a diverse range of disciplines, including performance art, music, dance, visual art, and creative writing.

Each residency will run from Wednesday through Friday, culminating in a public program on Saturday. These public components may include performances, readings, demonstrations, or workshops, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage directly with the artists and their work.

Through their time in residence, artists are asked to reflect on Wyoming’s history, culture, and future through original work inspired by the state’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.

The full schedule, locations, and artists are below. Those interested in visiting the parks to interact with artists, watch their creative process, or attend their public event on Saturday are encouraged to follow individual parks on Facebook for full event details: 

• June 3–6, 2026, Glendo State Park: Shawn Bush (Casper, visual art)
• June 3–6, 2026, Curt Gowdy State Park: John Wilhelm (Laramie, music)
• June 10–13, 2026, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site: Aubrey Edwards (Laramie, visual art)
• June 17–20, 2026, Hot Springs State Park: Breanna Whitlock (Buffalo, visual art)
• June 24–27, 2026, Sinks Canyon State Park: Marge McCrea (Rawlins, visual art)
• July 8–11, 2026, Edness K. Wilkins State Park: Mattias Russell (Casper, music)
• July 8–11, 2026, Buffalo Bill State Park: Sarah Lass (Laramie, dance)
• July 22–25, 2026, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site: Alexandra Hansen (Aladdin, visual art)
• July 29–August 1, 2026, Edness K Wilkins State Park: Nicholas Resch  (Cody, visual art)
• August 5–8, 2026, Guernsey State Park: Holly Balgalvis (Cheyenne, creative writing)
• August 12–15, 2026, Curt Gowdy State Park: Madeline Logan Davis (Cheyenne, visual art)
• August 19–22, 2026, Buffalo Bill State Park: Christopher Archuleta (Jackson, music)
• August 26–29, 2026, Glendo State Park: Phil Black (Casper, music)
• September 2–5, 2026, Keyhole State Park: Oakley Boycott (Lander, performance art)
• September 2–5, 2026, Guernsey State Park: Donna Buckley (Casper, visual art)
• September 2–5, 2026, Sinks Canyon State Park: Tara Pappas (Laramie, visual art)
• September 9–12, 2026, Hot Springs State Park: Sidney Woods (Afton, creative writing)
• September 16–19, 2026, Sinks Canyon State Park: Natalie Callum (Lander, creative writing)
• September 23–26, 2026, Keyhole State Park: Maddison Hodson (Cody, creative writing)

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

For more information, 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.. 

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks at wyoparks.wyo.gov or follow us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events at Wyoming’s state parks and historic sites at @WyomingStateParks. 

Figure 1: Artist Georgia Rowswell works on a sketch on the side of a trail at Curt Gowdy State Park.

Contacts:

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

Christina Bird, (307-631-1110); This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — May 15, 2026 — The Wyoming Veterans in Focus project, a collaboration between the Wyoming State Archives, the Wyoming Arts Council, and Wyoming State Historic Sites, will culminate in a public exhibition at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site from May 22, 2026, through May 1, 2027.

A free public reception will be held on May 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., inviting community members to experience the exhibit and connect with the stories behind the project. Remarks will be given at 5:30 p.m. for agency officials. Refreshments will be served.

In recognition of their service, all veterans will receive free admission May 22–25, during the exhibit’s opening weekend. Following that period, veterans will receive $1 off regular admission for the duration of the exhibit at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.

The exhibition is the result of a statewide effort to document and preserve the stories of Wyoming’s military veterans. In 2025, through recorded oral history interviews and professional portrait sessions conducted in Buffalo, Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Evanston, Gillette, Rawlins, Sheridan, Thermopolis, and on the Wind River Indian Reservation, veterans were invited to share their experiences in their own words. Select portraits and stories are now featured in Wyoming Veterans in Focus, while all interviews and images will be preserved in the Wyoming State Archives’ collection as part of the state’s permanent historical record.

“Thank you to the veterans who trusted us with their stories, the Wyoming State Archives and Eastern Shoshone Tribe Archives interview teams, our photographers and community partners, and everyone who supported this project,” stated Sara Davis, state archivist with the Wyoming State Archives. “As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, these oral histories create a permanent record for future generations and mark the beginning of our commitment to preserve Wyoming's history through the voices of Wyoming's people.”

To find a photographer whose vision could match the candid and impactful stories captured in the oral histories, a statewide call for artists was issued. Big Horn Basin photographer and Marine Corps veteran Barrie Lynn Bryant was selected for the project. Bryant’s photography reflects a strong sense of community, and he is well known for conducting workshops and classes across Wyoming. His approach to portrait photography invites participants to be themselves in front of the camera, incorporating documentary elements that provide context and depth. The resulting portraits serve as a visual complement to the oral histories. 

This project honors the voices, service, and experiences of Wyoming’s military community, past and present, while creating a lasting resource that reflects the state’s rich and diverse history.

The Wyoming State Archives, the Wyoming Arts Council, and Wyoming State Parks are part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, which provides memorable recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities and experiences to improve communities and enrich lives. This project was funded through a Wyoming 250th Task Force Grant.

For additional information, please contact State Archivist Sara Davis of the Wyoming State Archives. Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Wyoming State Archives staff conduct oral history interviews with veterans in Thermopolis, Wyoming, as part of the Veterans in Focus project.

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 14, 2026 – Curt Gowdy State Park and the Gowdy Family Foundation are thrilled to announce the season opening of Little House on the Park. Join us on May 29, 2026, for a special weekend as the family and the park dedicate the house to the family legacy and to Curt and Jerre Gowdy. Come celebrate kindness, family, and children with us. 

Little House on the Park, whose mission is to reflect the golden past of western homesteads and celebrate the future of fairytales, teaches, embraces, and inspires kindness in children ages 3 to 12. Through innovative artistic programming, interactive behavioral activities, and specialized arts and crafts, our mission is to help each child experience a magical moment when kindness and love touch their heart, spirit, and soul. 

We are celebrating the opening of the fourth season of Little House on the Park with Cheryl Gowdy, daughter of the famous native and sportscaster Curt Gowdy. Little House will be open at 10 a.m. beginning May 30, 2026, and the special celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. with a plaque dedication to Curt and Jerre Gowdy. The schedule of events from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. includes special kindness programming, sweet treats, an opportunity to purchase a brick for the Kindness Walkway, and a very special Kindness Hour with Ms. Cheryl Gowdy at 1:00 p.m.  Special activities continue through Sunday, June 1, 2026.

“This will be a very special opening that remembers the love, kindness, and contributions of Curt and Jerre Gowdy with a special plaque dedication by their children,” says Cheryl Gowdy. “I am so excited about kindness programming for this year and am looking forward to finishing the Kindness Walkway this season, where people will be able to purchase bricks to remember loved ones, celebrate our children, and promote kindness in the world.”

Little House on the Park at Curt Gowdy State Park is open May 29 to September 6, 2026, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  To stay informed about updates, events, and park conditions, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/curtgowdy or follow Curt Gowdy State Park on social media.

Figure 1: Little House on the Park at Curt Gowdy State Park. 

Contacts: 

Park Headquarters, (307) 632-7946

Carlo Migliaccio, (307) 745-6161; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. – May 7, 2026 – Construction on the boardwalk at Hot Springs State Park is scheduled to begin the week of May 11, with work expected to continue through late August.

The project will involve a full replacement of the existing boardwalk, which is approximately 25 years old. Over time, the structure has begun to deteriorate, reducing water flow across the park’s iconic mineral terraces.

For the safety of visitors and to allow for efficient construction, the boardwalk will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. Visitors are encouraged to follow all posted signage and respect closure areas while work is underway.

“This project is an important investment in preserving both visitor access and the natural features that make Hot Springs State Park unique,” said Chris Delay, superintendent of Hot Springs State Park. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete these necessary improvements.”

Hot Springs State Park remains open during construction, and visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying the park’s many amenities. Nestled along the Big Horn River, the park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including viewing the resident bison herd, relaxing in the State Bath House’s mineral waters, picnicking in designated areas, and accessing the river for fishing and other water activities.

The park features more than 6 miles of trails, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding landscape. Seasonal programs and interpretive offerings are also available throughout the year.

The park’s mineral hot springs produce more than 3 million gallons of water daily, maintaining a constant temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The free State Bath House offers therapeutic soaking at a comfortable 104 degrees and is open year-round. Starting May 15, the Bath House hours will be Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon - 7 p.m. 

Hot Springs State Park remains a vibrant destination for both relaxation and outdoor recreation, and Wyoming State Parks encourages visitors to explore all areas that remain accessible during construction.

For more information, please visit the Wyoming State Parks website at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Views of the Big Horn River and Mineral Terraces at Hot Springs State Park. 

Contact: Chris Delay, (307) 864-2176; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – May 4, 2026 - The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources will host a third public forum to update the public and gather feedback on a proposed visitor center at Keyhole State Park.

The proposed Visitor Center aims to enhance recreation and education opportunities at Keyhole State Park by providing improved visitor services, interpretive exhibits, and a community gathering space for local small groups, and to be a launch point for recreation at Keyhole State Park.  

This forum follows up on an April meeting at the Pine Haven Community Center that presented a revised concept for the Visitor Center proposal, building on feedback received in January 2026. The event will again invite conversation to guide next steps in the project development process and give park users and residents an opportunity to learn more about how the new facility will support visitor experiences and natural resource education at Keyhole.

The public meeting will be held:

Date: May. 12, 2026

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Moorcroft Branch Public Library, 105 E. Converse Street, Moorcroft, WY 82721

“We are looking forward to continued conversations surrounding how a visitor center can better serve the local community and Keyhole State Park users,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “We appreciate the dialogue fostered throughout this process and welcome continued engagement from our visitors and partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, as we craft plans for enriching experiences at the park.”

Those unable to attend in person can review the presentation materials and submit feedback via an online public comment form at wyoparks.wyo.gov/keyhole under the Proposed Visitor Center tab.

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.. 

Contacts: 

Carly-Ann Carruthers, (307) 777-6968; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Misty Moore, (307) 620-0331; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – April 29, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and Wyoming State Trails Program, both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, are preparing to welcome attendees to the second-annual Mountain West Trails Conference, taking place May 19–20, 2026, at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs.

Bringing together trail professionals, advocates, and outdoor recreation leaders from across the region, the conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and experience Wyoming’s trail systems firsthand.

Early bird registration is available for $199 per person through May 11. Registration will remain open after that date, with pricing increasing to $225.

Day 1 is centered on hands-on workshops and field tours across the Rock Springs area, while Day 2 features keynote, general, and breakout sessions covering trail planning, stewardship, accessibility, and partnerships.

A highlight of the conference is its lineup of immersive field experiences. Attendees can explore Wyoming’s landscapes and trail systems through opportunities such as:

• Red Desert Old West History Tour & Honeycombs Hike
• OHV Tour of the Red Desert: A Historical and Scenic Adventure
• Hidden Waters of Flaming Gorge: A Lucerne Valley Boat Experience
• Adaptive, beginner, and intermediate mountain bike rides
• Trail signage and restoration projects
• Guided hikes and partner-led experiences

These field tours provide hands-on learning and real-world application, connecting participants directly to the work shaping trail systems across the Mountain West.

Important Registration Reminder

Conference registration does not automatically reserve a spot in field tours or workshops. Attendees must log back into the registration system to select and secure their sessions. Space is limited and expected to fill.

In addition to conference programming, the public is invited to attend a free film screening presented in partnership with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Trails Program, and Wyoming PBS. The screening will take place on Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at Western Wyoming Community College’s Western Theatre in Rock Springs.

The event will feature the film “Headwinds: Bikepacking the Red Desert,” which highlights the unique landscape and trail opportunities of the very region hosting this year’s conference, along with an extended trailer of the forthcoming film “A Life Outside.” The screening is free and open to the public, offering an engaging look at outdoor exploration and the landscapes that define the Mountain West.

To explore the full schedule, field tour options, sponsorship opportunities, and speaker lineup—and to register—visit mountainwesttrailsconference.com. 

The Mountain West Trails Conference brings together participants from Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and advance trail systems across the region. The event highlights the role of trails in supporting recreation, tourism, health, and community connection throughout the Mountain West.

Contact: Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-2507; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

LANDER, Wyo. – April 29, 2026 – Fremont County Weed and Pest District, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the Bureau of Land Management plan to conduct aerial cheatgrass treatment within Sinks Canyon State Park the week of May 4-8, depending on weather conditions. Conducting cheatgrass treatments is a continuing and shared commitment to manage healthy wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire risk.

“Treating cheatgrass in Sinks Canyon State Park is a high priority for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The area includes crucial winter range for mule deer and provides extensive habitat for a myriad of other species. All of these species depend on native plants for forage and cover. Cheatgrass inhibits these native plants as well as increasing chances for wildfire,” stated Amy Anderson, Wyoming Game and Fish Department terrestrial habitat biologist.  

Treatments will involve spraying the herbicide indaziflam (Rejuvra) from drones. Actual spray dates will depend on weather conditions, but could begin as early as May 4. Short-duration closures in Sinks Canyon State Park will occur during application.

“Historical wildfires on the south slopes in Sinks Canyon created an opportunity for cheatgrass to dominate, risking repeat fires and continued loss of important wildlife habitat. Rejuvra treatments will improve land health, benefiting wildlife while also reducing fire risk,” said

Aaron Foster, Fremont County Weed and Pest district supervisor. 

Spray areas will be flagged and marked with signs. The public is advised to use caution and avoid spraying operations if encountered. Once the spray has dried, areas will be reopened to the public. The Sunnyside Trail will be closed during the duration of the treatment. 

For more information, please contact Fremont County Weed and Pest District Supervisor Aaron Foster at (307) 332-1052 or Sinks Canyon State Park Superintendent Jessica Moore at (307) 332-6333.

Contacts: 

Aaron Foster, (307) 332-1052; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jessica Moore, (307) 332-6333; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. – April 28, 2026 – The Wyoming State Trails Program’s Advisory Council will meet in Thermopolis on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person, watch virtually, or listen in by phone. 

The meeting details are as follows: 

Meeting Location: Hot Springs Hotel, 115 E. Park St,  Thermopolis, WY 82443. 

Video call link: meet.google.com/bft-brmu-ude 

Or dial:  ‪(US) +1 234-805-1090‬ PIN: ‪504 288 107‬# 

Agenda items include RTP Updates, the OHV Partnership, a presentation on a new Non-Motorized Grant opportunity, and 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. 

If you have questions about the meeting, please call (307) 777-7446. You can also learn more about the Wyoming State Trails Program and Advisory Council by visiting wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Contact: Naomi Lopez, (307) 777-7446; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.