Converse County: History, Trails and Grasslands

In Converse County, striking landscapes meet places where the region’s history unfolds in different ways. Highlights range from Ayres Natural Bridge and trails along a former railroad bed to museums and historic sites in Douglas and Glenrock. You can shape your trip around nature, local history, or both.

Landscapes, Water and Trails

Ayres Natural Bridge is one of only three natural bridges in the United States beneath which water flows. Ayres Natural Bridge Park is accessible via I-25, Exit 151, followed by County Road 13. Check road conditions before setting out. Rafting is offered in the park; seasonal conditions may affect availability.

In southern Converse County, Laramie Peak rises to just over 10,000 feet above sea level. Also in the south, Medicine Bow National Forest offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking and backpacking. Elk, pronghorn and mule deer roam freely across the county’s grasslands. These landscapes and recreational features give a sense of the variety of nature-related attractions in Converse County.

In Douglas, the Douglas Bike & Walking Trail follows the North Platte River; visitors can walk, jog and cycle there. Wildlife and numerous bird species can be spotted along the trail. In Glenrock, Al’s Way is a paved trail that follows the community’s historic railroad bed. The Historic Glenrock Walking Tour offers a different focus: interpretive signs tell the story of early travelers who passed through the area, traded, established settlements and left their names in stone. The tour is accessible year-round.

History and Culture in Douglas

From 1943 to 1946, Douglas was home to Wyoming’s principal prisoner-of-war camp. The only building from the former camp still standing today is the Camp Douglas Officers’ Club. Its notable features include elaborate murals depicting scenes from life in the American West. The Douglas Railroad Museum is housed in the historic passenger depot of the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Railroad. The depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; visitors can board several historic railroad cars.

The collections also tell stories of different aspects of regional history. The Wyoming Pioneer Museum preserves, among other things, Tom Horn’s saddle. The Wyoming State Fair began in Douglas in 1905 and showcases Wyoming’s culture and heritage. Its offerings include rodeo events and educational programs covering topics from agriculture and education to youth and the American West lifestyle. If you’re planning a visit around the fair, check the specific program for the year of your trip.

Fossils, Historic Sites and Seasonal Highlights

The Paleon Museum in Glenrock houses dinosaur fossils, geological treasures and prehistoric finds from Wyoming and beyond. Admission includes a guided museum tour with a look inside the fossil preparation lab; operational details may change. The Paleon Museum Dig School offers field programs at active dinosaur excavation sites. Advance arrangements may be required.

Fort Fetterman State Historic Site sits on a plateau above the valleys of LaPrele Creek and the North Platte River. Historic features include restored officers’ quarters and an arsenal with exhibits and artifacts about the history of the fort, Fetterman City and its Indigenous predecessors. Esterbrook Church is a hand-built log structure dating to 1943. A window looks out over mountain meadows and Laramie Peak; in summer, wildflowers bloom in the meadows around the church.

As a separate regional excursion, Glendo State Park is located in neighboring Platte County. It offers year-round opportunities for water sports, hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing and group gatherings. The park includes 45 miles of multi-use trails for non-motorized activities, as well as six boat ramps with seasonal access to the water. Check current conditions and advisories before visiting.

Plan Your Trip Around Your Interests

To plan your trip, you can start by deciding which experiences matter to you: museum and local history, trails with a historic connection, or nature and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Converse County, you can take these priorities into account when planning, without reducing the area’s different places and landscapes to a single theme.

Discover more destinations: Park, Washakie, Niobrara County, Hot Springs County, Albany, Laramie.

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