Central Wyoming

Museums and cultural destinations

• Fort Laramie National Historic SiteFort Laramie - This historic place preserves one of America's most important locations in the history of westward expansion and Indian resistance.

• National Historic Trails Interpretive CenterCasper - Thousands of people traveled the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express trails in the 1800s. Their tales are told through the center's interactive exhibits.

• Fort Caspar MuseumCasper - The museum explores central Wyoming's history, including a reconstructed 1865 military post located at a major river crossing on the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer and Pony Express trail corridor.

• Fort Fetterman State Historic SiteDouglas - One of few original frontier posts with existing buildings, at the junction of the Bozeman and Oregon/Morman Trails. Open from 1867 to 1882.

• Nicolaysen Art MuseumCasper - The Nicolaysen is one of few Wyoming institutions focusing on contemporary arts, showcasing a wide variety of work across multiple media. Together with other galleries in Casper, "the Nic" offers a welcome respite from the constant "Old West" theme seen in galleries throughout the Rocky Mountains. Exhibits showcase the work of local, national and international artists. The Nicolaysen's website offers details about exhibits and opening hours.

Byways and backways

• California Trail - Follows the same route as the Oregon and Mormon trails. Trail ruts can be seen for more than 1,000 miles from Casper to California.
• Cherokee Trail - In 1849 and 1850, many Cherokee Indians left their reservation in Oklahoma to head west and seek their fortunes in California's gold fields.
• South Big Horn/Red Wall Scenic Backway - Vast prairieland gives way to red sandstone mesas on this 102-mile gravel road at the southern end of the Big Horn Mountains.