Are you one of the thousands that want to take a Dude Ranch Vacation but don’t know where to go?  Then check out those available in the great state of Wyoming!  You will be able to have the Western experience that you have always yearned for and your family will think you are just the best ever!

Although there are a number of different Dude Ranches in Wyoming, you should know that no two experiences will be the same.  Some are at working ranches where guests participate in cattle drives and performing daily chores.  These are perfect for the “wanna be” cowboy or cowgirl.  Remember when you thought you wanted to grow up to be a cowboy?  Now is the chance to capitalize on that dream and make it a reality.  Other ranches provide a totally different experience where you don’t have the labor chores that you do at a working ranch but will still be a vacation you will treasure for a lifetime.

The ranches have horses that fit everyone’s riding ability.  If you have never been on horseback you will have a horse that will tolerate your just learning.  If you have ridden your whole life you will find a horse that fits your style and comfort zone. 

Along with riding horse, working on the ranch and eating great food you will be able to choose some of the other activities that would appeal to you such as an overnight fishing trip to a secluded, trout-filled mountain lake, spending the afternoon getting pampered with a massage, take a swim in the pool or discover hidden talent in an archery.  Evening activities are an Old West ranch tradition and range from square dancing to sing-a-longs with a couple of the Ranch hands, or maybe even a pickup game of softball against some of the Ranch Crew.

While on your Wyoming vacation you will make friends that will last a lifetime.  You will get to know the owners, ranchers, cowboys and other guests in a way that other vacations just don’t offer.  Many dude ranches have roots extending back 100 years or more.  Just imagine the history waiting for you to explore.  Look at the old pictures, talk to the people around you and enjoy the experience.

 A Wyoming Guest Ranch offers creature comforts that you would expect to see at a fine resort only very family oriented. Hearty western cooking with a gourmet touch, fine wine lists, hot tubs, pools, fireplaces, and even a Ranch massage in a setting that only helps to relax you further.

 There are many, many Dude Ranches in Wyoming.  You can find one that is just right for what you are looking for with the ability to make memories.

 To find the ranch that is just right for you Contact the Wyoming Dude Ranch Association at 888-996-9372.

Dude Ranch Vacation – Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Exhibits at the Glenrock Paleontological Museum are typically rotated in and out, but you are able to catch a glimpse at some of their permanent exhibits. These include the bones from not only a Triceratops but also Torosaurs, Nanotyrannus, Camarasaurs, Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, and even the world famous Tyrannosaurus Rex also known as T-Rex. Dinosaurs are not the only things to see at the museum as they also have fossils of smaller reptiles, mammals, and prehistoric fish from all over the world.

This museum knows that everyone enjoys a hands-on learning experience, especially the children, so they now offer what they call Digs. Digs are week long schools where they take the students out into the fields all over Wyoming in which they work on archaeological digs. After a day filled with uncovering fossils, they then take you to the laboratories where you will learn how to properly prepare these newly found wonders. The cost’s to do something like this is $1,150 per person which includes your accommodations, local transportation, and food. If this seems like it may be a little out of your reach then perhaps you will be able to afford a less expensive day dig.

During a day dig you get to go out into the fields to find your fossils, enjoy an hour long lunch, then head on over to lab to learn the preparation techniques. The day digs cost $75 per person. Or you can get the discounted rate of $150 for a family of five. If you decide you would like to try a day dig then be sure to call and give the museum at least a 24 hours notice so they can set up for your arrival. Admission into the actual museum is free and donations are happily accepted.

506 W Birch St
Glenrock, WY 82637
(307) 436-2667

Glenrock Paleontological Museum – Glenrock, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

South Pass City Historic Site is a terrific attraction to visit in Wyoming. There are 20 original structures to tour, and each has been autheentically restored to give visitors a sense of what the real West was like during the late 1800s. Costumed interpretors lend an even more realistic air to visitors’ historic experiences.

One of the highlights of South Pass City Historic Site is the Gold Mining Interpretive Center. Here you will learn all about gold mining as it was practiced during the late 19th century. The Gold Mining Interpretive Center building was originally built as a mercantile store in approximately 1874. It later served as a warehouse for a neighboring store before being converted to  its present day function at South Pass City.

The Blacksmith Shop at South Pass City Historic Site was constructed in 1915 out of logs that were salvaged from a nearby store dating to 1868. The Blacksmithing Shop originally did contain the forge and other blacksmithing tools that were used to repair horsedrawn wagons, coaches and other equipment. You can see real-life blacksmithing practiced here at the Shop.
 
A recreation of the five room Slack family cabin is another intiguing building you will tour at South Pass City Historic Site. This was the home of Esther Morris. Esther Morris is considered the first woman to hold political office in the United States, as she served as a justice of the peace in South Pass City in the year 1870. Her son E. A. Slack also resided at the cabin. He published the South Pass News newspaper at the original cabin until it burned in 1871. The Gordon Hand Press he used survived the fire and is on display at the recreated cabin.

The Cave or Fort Bourbon as it is known was built in 1868 in South Pass City to protect perishable food items and liquor. According to legend, when Indian raids or attacks were thought to be imminent, women and children of the town would be locked away here for safety while the townsmen prepared to fight.

The Carissa Saloon is another popular attraction at South Pass City Historic Site. The saloon was build in the 1890s and operated on and off until 1949. Visitors can also see the remains of an even older, combination saloon and whorehouse called the White Swan next door to the Carissa.

Some of the other fascinating historic buildings you can tour at South Pass City Historic Site include the Livery, School house, the South Pass Hotel and Restaurant, and the Carr Butcher Shop. In addition to viewing historic buildings and artifacts on a self-guided interpretive tour, there are several walking and hiking trails at the site to explore.

South Pass City Historic Site – Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center in Casper, Wyoming is a must see for art lovers visiting the area. The Museum exhibits a wide variety of contemporary art by artists from the Rocky Mountain and High Plains area. Works by artists from other areas of the United States as well as International art is exhibited in traveling exhibits at the NIC, as well.

The NIC is located in a 25,000 square foot building, formerly the Mountain States Power Company. The renovated building is an outstanding place to showcase contemporary art. The large Discovery Center at the NIC offers a variety of special programs and educational exhibits designed for children.

Current Exhibitions

Trappings is the title of a very interesting exhibition presently on display at the NIC. This exhibition was created by Tiffany Ludwig and Renee Piechocki, and includes photographs, audio, and projected video. The exhibit involved 600 female participants from around the U.S responding to the question, What Do You Wear That Makes You Feel Powerful? The exhibition explores themes related to power, self-esteem, identity and presentation in relation to women of diverse nationalities and ages.

Trappings has traveled around the U.S. since 2002, but in Casper it involves a special public art component. Clothing tags have been placed in retail clothing stores in the area that cater to women, inviting them to participate in the exhibit. Responses will be included in the traveling exhibit as it moves forward from the NIC.

Visitors can see two very interesting exhibits by husband and wife artists Jon and Ginnie Madsen currently on exhibit at the NIC. Jon Madsen’s exhibit is entitled Alternate Routes. Jon’s paintings are inspired by the flat, horizontal features of the Wyoming landscape, and focus in particular on human elements. Ginnie’s exhibit Along My Way expresses her interest in atmosphere and light in landscape, and color and pattern are key focuses of her paintings.

Permanent Exhibition: The Conrad Schwiering Gallery
The Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center acquired the entire studio collection of Wyoming painter William Schwiering in 1999. Part of the vast collection is displayed in an intriguing re-creation of the painter’s studio where he worked in Moose, Wyoming. The studio appears just as it did at the time of William Schwiering’s death, and includes his easel, drawings, art tools, and a work in progress.
NIC Fest

The NIC fest is a vibrant and exciting festival held at the NIC each June. Works from dozens of regional artists and performances by regional bands are part of the festivities. An art car show, chalk art competition, quilt exhibition and special children’s area are regularly featured at NIC Fest. Anyone interested in regional artwork from the Rockies and High Plains region will enjoy visiting the NIC during this large annual event.

Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center – Casper, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

A Wyoming vacation has to start with an adventure in the Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks  – showcasing high plains and desert sands to mountains and beautiful rock formations.

Adventure begins in Wyoming – whether it is a organized corporate or family retreat at a dude ranch or performing arts in a four star resort or hotel.  Wyoming has much to offer the family vacation or corporate event.

Wyoming Vacation is a post from: Wyoming Tourism