Places to visit in Gillette, WY.
Gillette, Wyoming, is a small city in Campbell County. Founded in 1891, it is the county seat. This small town is known for its railroad heritage and has many historical attractions, such as the Frontier Relics and Auto Museum. It also has the AVA Community Art Center, the Campbell County Rockpile Museum, and the Dalbey Memorial Park.
If you plan a trip to Gillette, Wyoming, you’ll love the many things to do in the area. From historic sites to museums, there are plenty of options to explore. The town’s economy is based on energy. Gillette is the country’s “Energy Capital.” It is home to two of the largest coal mines in the United States.
Frontier Relics & Auto Museum
The Frontier Relics & Auto Museum is the perfect pit stop for anyone passionate about autos or antiques. The museum is a family affair, with father Leon and sons Jeff and Briana appearing occasionally.
Its impressive collection includes early to mid-century automobiles, gas pumps, and related memorabilia. The mechanic’s shop is one of the more interesting displays in the museum. This looks like the one you’d find after a long day working on your car.
The Frontier Relics & Auto Museum also boasts many artisan items. Most are exclusive to the museum. However, you can check out the rest of the collection online. Many exciting vehicles are displayed, including an old gas pump and a convertible Hudson.
Campbell County Rockpile Museum
Located in Gillette, Wyoming, the Campbell County Rockpile Museum features several exhibits focusing on local and natural history. The museum is also home to a collection of historical artifacts. These include fossils, Native American items, and weapons. In addition, there is a wide variety of activities and events for the entire family.
The main building of the museum contains four exhibit areas. Each area highlights different aspects of the region’s history. It also has an annex building that houses more extensive exhibits. For example, the annex is home to a collection of Indian artifacts. Visitors can also see a restored shepherd’s wagon and horse-drawn farm equipment.
Another of the museum’s exhibits is a collection of aviation history. The museum has a full schedule of programs, including hands-on activities for children. In addition to its regular exhibitions, it collects images and information on veterans who served in the Korean War.
Since 2021, the Rockpile Museum moved to an Admission Fee. The fee for adults is $10.
CAM-PLEX Park
Gillette’s CAM-PLEX Park is one of the most extensive multi-use facilities in the country. It offers everything from concerts and rodeos to a convention/exhibit hall. You’ll also find a 21-acre park, playground equipment, a garden area, and more.
Campbell County Parks and Recreation maintain the park. CAM-PLEX is home to the Heritage Center Gallery, which features local, regional, national, and international artists. In addition, it’s the perfect location to host banquets, conferences, and other events.
Cam-plex is also home to five campgrounds. These campgrounds provide partial hookup RV camping sites. There are also electric and water fills locations at these campgrounds. Campground reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests may reserve campsites for a minimum of a year in advance.
AVA Community Art Center
AVA Community Art Center in Gillette, Wyoming, offers classes from the arty to the techie. One of the many perks is that you’ll find a small but mighty art supply shop atop the complex.
The best part is that the facility boasts a monthly calendar of events that includes art classes and lectures on works of art aplenty. For a good time, you can also enroll in a monthly night painting class and sample some wine along the way.
AVA also boasts an ever-changing art gallery on the main level. One of its more ambitious programs is the Art of the West, which showcases the work of some of the nation’s most accomplished artists. There are also several studios in which to experiment with your artistic chops.
Bicentennial Park in Gillette, Wyoming
The Bicentennial Park in Gillette, Wyoming, is the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. The park boasts a few baseball fields, a football field, and a handful of soccer fields, not to mention the requisite concessions stands.
Considering the park’s location on the outskirts of town, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike. So whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a quick and dirty lunch, you’ll be sure to find what you’re after at the onsite eatery or one of the nearby restaurants.
The park offers several amenities, including a sand volleyball court, two batting cages, and a weight room. Aside from being the home of the local collegiate t-ball team, the park also hosts several fastpitch tournaments on the weekends, making it a great place to meet a friendly neighborhood rival.
Best Things to Do in Gillette, Wyoming
Places to visit in Gillette, WY:
- Frontier Relics Auto Museum
- Campbell County Rockpile Museum
- CAM-PLEX Park
- AVA Community Art Center
- Bicentennial Park in Gillette, Wyoming
