Another plug for Wyoming Staycations

Last week the commissioners for Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources had a meeting in Evanston. In addition to doing commishioner-type business, we were able to explore some amazing places. Who needs to travel out of state or country when Wyoming is so rich in history. Staycations! 

Our business meeting was held at City of Evanston’s Roundhouse and Railyard. Wowsa. The roundhouse was built in 1912. It is a semicircular building that serviced and restored locomotives. The restored portion of the roundhouse is 18,000 feet. As part of a tour we took, we were able to ride the turntable. An amazing opportunity. 

Another highlight was a talk by Doctor Dudley Gardner about the history of Chinatown in Evanston.  While the history of Chinese workers in Rock Springs is well known to most, the Evanston story is just as compelling and tragic. We went to the Joss House Museum, a replica of the original Chinese temple built in 1874. It was burned down in 1922. 

We saw the Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site. The town of Piedmont was quite the wild west town before the railroad changed its route. (Why they moved the route is a fascinating tale.) According to site superintendent Josh Camp, the soldiers stationed at Fort Bridger spend a lot of time in Piedmont trying to rein in the going-ons, which included opioid dens, shootouts, murder, gambling and Butch Cassidy.  Worth a visit. 

Bear River State Park was another one of the stops. It is beautiful and offers so many things to do: biking, geocaching, hiking, picnics, fishing, swimming, skiing and snowshoeing. There is a bison herd, too. 

Our final day was spent at Fort Bridger State Historic Site for the Rendezvous. Even if you are not in to the “mountain man” scene, it is fun. Plenty of vendors, food, activities and of course history. You can even throw an ax or shoot a flint lock rifle (with experts helping you). 

When the rendezvous is not happening. there is still plenty to see and do. You can learn more about the Oregon, California, Mormon, Pony Express, Overland and Cherokee trails. 

You truly will find “Something UneXpected” in Wyoming. A good place to start is the Wyoming State Parks website. Besides when you stay in Wyoming you support Wyoming people and businesses. There is also a Wyoming Staycation FB page. It shares events and places to go throughout the state.