Discover the Best Things to Do in Rock Springs, Wyoming
Rock Springs is located in southwestern Wyoming, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The city is near several parks, lakes, and rivers, including the Flaming Gorge and Green River. Rock Springs is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with plenty of hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
The city is also rich in history, with roots dating back to the late 1800s when it was a hub for the coal mining industry. As a result, rock Springs is a thriving city with a strong community spirit and a vibrant economy. In addition, the city is home to several museums and cultural centers, including the Sweetwater County Historical Museum, which showcases the history and heritage of the area.
Rock Springs is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The nearby parks, lakes, and rivers offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. In addition, the scenic drives through the surrounding wilderness are breathtaking and offer a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Rock Springs Historical Museum
The Rock Springs Historical Museum is one of the best places to explore when visiting Rock Springs. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of the city, especially its coal mining industry, and railroad.
The museum is free of charge and open year-round, except on Sundays. It also features research libraries, individual or group tours, book and gift shops, a penny pincher to create souvenirs for your family and friends, and much more.
The museum is located in the former city hall building, serving as a jail, fire station, judge’s chambers, and several other governmental offices for almost a century. It now hosts exhibitions highlighting the town’s railroad and coal mining history and outlaws like Butch Cassidy.
Bunning Park
Bunning Park is a great place to go for a stroll or a jog. Its pristine view and quiet atmosphere will make you feel refreshed.
You can also enjoy a picnic with your family at this spot, and it is one of the best places to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life.
In addition to being a relaxing place, it hosts several events throughout the year. These include Sweetwater Blues and Brews, ARTember, and other musical performances.
Aside from these activities, Rock Springs is also known for its fine arts. The Rock Springs Art Center features a variety of art exhibitions and is open to everyone.
Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop
The Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, located in the White Mountain Management Area of Southwest Wyoming, allows visitors to see the state’s wild horses up close and personal. These majestic creatures live in their natural habitat and are a sight to behold.
Travelers can begin the tour in Green River or Rock Springs, which takes around 1.5 hours to complete. The majority of this 24-mile self-guided tour is on a gravel road.
The scenic overlooks along the loop offer a variety of views of prominent Wyoming features, such as Pilot Butte, Boar’s Tusk, Killpecker Sand Dunes, and the Uinta, Wind River, and Wyoming mountain ranges. In addition, wild animals make the area a wildlife-viewing paradise, including pronghorns, elk, deer, rabbits, coyotes, hawks, and eagles.
Fossil Butte National Monument in Rock Springs, WY
The flat-topped ridges of southwestern Wyoming’s cold sagebrush desert are home to some of the world’s most perfectly preserved fossilized fish, insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Fossils are windows into the past that give us a glimpse into what life was like in this part of the world 50 million years ago.
The Fossil Butte National Monument visitor center offers several ways to explore and learn about fossils. The Visitor Center features fossil rubbings, exhibits, videos, and computer programs.
There are also several hiking trails and dirt roads within the park. Hikers can also complete the 5.5-mile one-way Scenic Drive to enjoy beautiful views.
Sweetwater County Museum in Rock Springs, Wyoming
The Sweetwater County Museum is a unique and exciting place for those interested in the local area’s history and culture. Located in Rock Springs, Wyoming, this museum showcases the rich and diverse history of Sweetwater County and its surrounding areas. The museum is housed in a beautiful and well-preserved historic building that has been carefully restored to its original state, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
The Sweetwater County Museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and historical documents tells the story of the area’s past. Visitors can see exhibits showcasing the region’s Native American history, including displays of traditional clothing, tools, and weapons. The museum also has an impressive collection of artifacts related to the area’s rich mining and industrial history, including equipment, maps, and photographs from the early days of the coal, oil, and gas industries.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Sweetwater County Museum is the interactive exhibits that provide a hands-on experience for visitors. For example, visitors can try their hand at operating a drill rig simulator, which gives them a sense of what it was like to work in the mines. Additionally, the museum has a particular exhibit area dedicated to the history of transportation in the region, featuring historical vehicles, photographs, and maps that show how transportation has changed over the years. Overall, the Sweetwater County Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Rock Springs and the surrounding area.