- About Our Site
- Updates
- Events
About Our Site - South Pass City Historic Site
South Pass City has a variety of interesting and educational activities for visitors throughout the summer. When the presence of volunteer staff permits, not only can you walk through each of the 17 restored and exhibited original structures, you can enjoy an ice cold sarsaparilla and a game of billiards on a restored 1860s period table, as well as hear the ring of a hammer on steel when the blacksmith shapes hot iron. Each day, one can shop in the historic Smith-Sherlock General Store or pan for gold in the clear waters of Willow Creek. In the Interpretive Center, you can also learn about other gold producing methods that have been used around South Pass City throughout its history.
For folks with as much interest in nature as history, South Pass City is home to a three-mile Volksmarch Trail where you can enjoy viewing some of the area's wide array of wildlife. mule deer, antelope, moose and beaver are just a few of the animals that can be seen. For birders, many species call this area home at different times of the year, including mountain blue birds, finches, hawks and eagles. Anglers will enjoy blue ribbon fishing for brook, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout in many of the area's streams and lakes.
South Pass City Mills at Night
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail also passes through town. Popular among serious hikers and mountain bikers, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs the length of the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. Each year, numerous bikers and hikers utilizing this trail visit the site. Many use the general delivery at the General Store's post office for re-supply, and enjoy a tour through town before continuing on their journey.
South Pass City receives WCTF grant for Smith Sherlock Store restoration
December 8, 2020
The Friends of South Pass and South Pass City State Historic Site have received a $20,000 grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund to restore the historic Smith Sherlock General Store at South Pass City.
Constructed in 1895, the Smith Sherlock Store was the flagship business of Janet Sherlock Smith. Janet was a founder of South Pass City arriving in the gold rush of 1869. A strong-willed leader, she lived in SPC until her death in 1923. She and her family would eventually own and run a diverse group of businesses including hotels, mercantiles, saloons and mining operations. The Sherlock Family would run the Smith Sherlock store well into the 20th century.
The restoration will include reproduction of the large storefront windows, restoration of the 1904 telephone system and installation of the 1913 electrical lighting. Exhibits will focus on the period of 1900 to 1915 when the store was the supply hub for the whole Sweetwater Region. Modern visitors will be able to have a hands- on experience of shopping for groceries and sundries at the turn of the last century.
Matching funds will be provided by the State Parks and Historic Site Special Revenue Funds. These funds are gathered from admissions and fees from state parks and historic sites. Restorations like this are an example of how visitor’s fees are put to work. In addition, the store will receive a new roof to help preserve the building and exhibits.
The restoration will be completed in May of 2021.
For more information contact Joe Ellis, Superintendent, South Pass City State Historic Site This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 307-332-3684 or 307-349-9349.
View more updates for South Pass City Historic Site!
- South Pass City receives WCTF grant for Smith Sherlock Store restoration 2020-12-09 11:18:21
- South Pass City Gold Rush Days Event Canceled for 2020 2020-06-01 13:37:13
- South Pass City to Celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 28 2019-09-17 14:46:09
- Biologist John Mionczynski Presentation Explores South Pass City's Altoris Gulch 2019-07-10 09:51:43
- South Pass City Hosts Weekly Arrastra, Stamp Mill Demonstrations 2019-07-02 10:57:53
- South Pass City Hosts Gold Rush Days, July 6-7 2019-06-26 08:56:17
- South Pass City Begins English Tunnel Tours 2019-05-31 10:30:17
- South Pass City Plans Carissa Mine Tours This Summer 2019-05-31 10:24:05
- Gold Rush Days celebrates 150th Anniversary of South Pass City 2018-06-21 15:15:29
- South Pass City - Gold Rush Days 2017-07-07 15:44:01
- South Pass City hosts lantern tour and Scotch Tasting event 2017-06-13 08:19:00
- South Pass City Historic Site - Welcome to our new website! 2017-03-28 14:28:03
![]() |
Site Status |
||||||||
COVID-19 Coronavirus Historic sites are now open with social distancing in place, including a limited number of visitors in some locations. Please call ahead to confirm hours of operation and special guidelines. |
|||||||||
![]() |
Hours |
||||||||
COVID-19 hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Historic Buildings and Exhibits:
Grounds and Trails: Open sunrise to sunset, year-round, weather permitting.
|