Exploring Evanston, Wyoming: Guide to Fun and Fascinating Activities.
There is much to do and see in and around Evanston, a small city in the heart of southwestern Wyoming. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, there’s something for everyone.
1. Downtown: Shop, Dine, and Explore
Located in the center of town, downtown Evanston offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and special services. In addition, visitors can stroll down Main Street, visit Historic Depot Square, and enjoy the Chinese Joss House Museum.
2. Union Pacific Roundhouse & Railyards
Get up close and personal with history at this unique attraction on the UPRR mainline. There are twenty-two acres to explore, including a 28-bay roundhouse (railcar/engine repair station), visitor center, and machine shop!
3. Outdoors: Experience the Big Outside
The Uinta Mountains offer hiking, camping, fishing, and more, a short drive south of town. In addition, Bear River State Park is also a great place to spend time. Kayaking, floating, and fishing are some of the activities at this park.
4. Local Festivals:
Throughout the year, Evanston hosts several events. These include Cowboy Days PRCA Rodeo, BrewFest, Wyoming Downs, and Cinco de Mayo.
The City of Evanston has a long downtown revitalization, beautification, and preservation history. But, thanks to dedicated citizens, this community remains where people love to go and want to return.
Roundhouse & Railyards in Evanston, Wyoming
The Roundhouse & Railyards was built by Union Pacific Railroad. Evanston became a significant maintenance station for the railroad’s Green River, Wyoming, to Ogden, Utah line.
The Union Pacific Railroad was the primary economic base for Evanston, and a coal mine near Almy was another source of employment for the town. However, the city quickly outgrew its original plans.
Evanston’s downtown was once referred to as a “Godforsaken Hole.” It had few street lights, trees, and only 55-gallon oil drums used for garbage cans.
With the help of a few dedicated volunteers, the City of Evanston and the EURA, an organization for downtown restoration, began to take action.
The first significant change was the rehabilitation of Depot Square, home to a restored train depot, a replica of the Chinese Joss House, heritage and Chinese gazebos, and many other historical structures.
Bear River State Park in Evanston, WY
Located on the eastern edge of Evanston, Bear River State Park straddles the Bear River and offers picnicking, wildlife viewing, a visitors center, and several miles of hiking trails. The park is home to small herds of bison and elk; the park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fishing is also available throughout the park. Popular catches include rainbow, brook, and brown trout.
The park has several trails, including 1.2 miles of paved trail and an arched footbridge that crosses the river. Another 1.7 miles of packed gravel trails are on the west side of the river.
Uinta County Museum in Evanston, Wyoming
The Uinta County Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Evanston, Wyoming. There are many interesting artifacts and exhibits here.
This small local museum is in the historic Carnegie library building on Front Street in Evanston, Wyoming. The Carnegie libraries were built in small towns across the United States as part of Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropic work.
The county of Uinta, named for the nearby mountains, was created in 1869 as one of the five counties of Wyoming Territory.
The county seat, Evanston, became a division point on the railroad between Ogden, Utah, and Green River in 1870 and is the largest community in the county.
Bear River Greenway in Evanston, WY
Located in the heart of Evanston, this greenway is excellent for walkers, joggers, bikers, runners, rollerblades, and skateboarders. It is also popular with dog owners on leashes and those of all ages and abilities.
Bear River Greenway has a main trail that extends over 2 miles along the banks of the scenic Bear River. It connects to Evanston’s historic downtown, the Bear River State Park, and the Bear Ponds.
The trails are paved on the east side of the river and packed with gravel on the west. These trails are great for families with kids who want to run or ride.
Purple Sage Golf Course in Evanston, Wyoming
Not far from the center of Evanston, Purple Sage Golf Course is terrific for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy. This challenging course is well-groomed and has excellent views.
The course is on rolling terrain with a few holes and water in play. It is a good choice for a round of golf when you are in the area, and its friendly staff can offer tips and tricks to help you have an enjoyable game.
This 18-hole semi-private course features 6,138 yards from the longest tees. It has a par of 72 and a slope rating of 110.
The course features five sets of tees and a range of yardages to suit players of all abilities. The course is available for private play and has a pro shop.
