Fremont County: History, Culture and Nature

Traces at South Pass

South Pass is a National Historic Landmark and a historic site on the Oregon National Historic Trail, California National Historic Trail, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail and Pony Express National Historic Trail. According to the National Park Service’s historical estimate, between 1840 and 1869 about half a million emigrants crossed the pass overland. At South Pass, an information overlook operated by the Bureau of Land Management on the south side of the road offers a view of the pass and other attractions to the east.

The preserved site of the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous also tells the story of earlier gatherings: it covers 100 acres at the confluence of the Big Wind River and Little Wind River. The 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous takes place every summer in Riverton; the exact dates vary from year to year. In Fort Washakie, the annual Treaty Days commemorate the signing of the treaty that created the Wind River Reservation.

Another way to explore cultural history is the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center in Fort Washakie. Exhibits there include artifacts, artworks, photographs, maps and treaties. The Wind River Reservation Trail offers cultural insight into the history of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho northwest of Lander and Riverton.

Museums and Local History

The Riverton Museum collects, preserves and interprets history directly connected to Riverton, communities in eastern Fremont County, and the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. Regional history related to Fremont County is also among its topics. At the Wind River Heritage Center, two museums offer different focuses: the Wildlife Museum displays 62 full-body taxidermy mounts, while the Historical Wax Museum presents lifelike wax figures in 27 scenes.

In Lander, the Fremont County Pioneer Museum’s collection spans from prehistory through the 1920s. The Lander Walking Tour explores the settlement of the area around Lander through historic buildings. For children, the Children's Exploration Series offers hands-on learning experiences about cultural history and the natural environment. In Lander, exhibits, historic buildings and a hands-on program are available side by side, without requiring the same kind of visit.

The Dubois Museum is dedicated to the history of the Upper Wind River Valley, including the Sheep Eater Indians. Tours can be arranged by special request; arrange one before your trip.

Canyons, Trails and Guided Experiences

Sinks Canyon is a scenic canyon near Lander in the southern Wind River Mountains, with several hiking trails. The Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site features Native American rock art in the form of petroglyphs. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for the road to the site. Road conditions can vary seasonally, so take this into account when planning.

Other activities focus on guided experiences: the National Bighorn Sheep Center offers exhibition tours and educational activities. The Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary runs tours to see its wild horses in an ATV side-by-side vehicle. Dates and seasonal details may change; confirm them in advance. Fishing is available year-round at Boysen State Park with a state fishing license.

The trails also vary in focus. The Wyoming Heritage Trail follows a former railroad route from Riverton toward Shoshoni and is suitable for easy, flat walking; trail surfaces and conditions may vary. Those more interested in cultural history can find insight into the history of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho on the Wind River Reservation Trail, which runs northwest of Lander and Riverton. When planning your hotel stay in Fremont County, you can first decide whether museums and historic sites or hiking trails, fishing and guided tours will shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Riverton, Lander, Carbon, Albany, Teton, Niobrara County, Sheridan, Natrona.

For the overarching travel overview: Wyoming.