Natrona: Fort History, Geology and Nature

Fort and trail history, geological landscapes, museums and reservoirs give Natrona a variety of highlights. First, consider which experiences you want to shape your trip: historical exhibits, routes through the landscape or activities on the water. This will help you plan your time in the area.

Fort History and Museums

Fort Caspar is a reconstruction of an 1865 military post at a significant river crossing on the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California and Pony Express Trails. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort buildings, a replica of the Mormon ferry and a section of the Guinard Bridge. Interpretive exhibits in the museum complement the tour.

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center explores the stories of Indigenous peoples, early explorers and the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express Trails. Seven galleries combine simulated rides in a covered wagon and stagecoach with life-size displays and information panels. The grounds are also worth exploring: more than four miles of interpretive trails cross 500 acres, with wagon ruts left by emigrants and expansive views to see.

The museums focus on other subjects. The Tate Geological Museum houses more than 6,000 fossil and mineral specimens. The Werner Wildlife Museum features 450 birds, fish and other animals, with an emphasis on Wyoming’s native wildlife. If you’d like to plan your visit around a program, consider the Wildlife Study Series, held on the third Thursday of each month from the third Thursday in February through the third Thursday in October. Check the current calendar for a specific date.

Geology and Trails Through the Landscape

At the Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area, the two-mile Interpretive Nature Trail connects the Lodgepole and Rim campgrounds. There are 28 information panels along the trail, as well as two overlooks. In Casper’s Rotary Park, another trail interprets Precambrian rocks that formed more than 2.5 billion years ago. From the Rotary Bridge, it climbs a short, steep slope to an elevated viewing platform overlooking Garden Creek Falls.

Ponderosa Park encompasses 2,460 acres of pristine landscape at the eastern end of Casper Mountain. Hell’s Half Acre features a different geological formation across more than 960 acres: deep ravines, caves, rock formations and compacted erosional soil. The Savage Peak Wilderness Study Area is also characterized by striking terrain. Managed by the BLM, this 7,041-acre area in Natrona County has mountainous terrain with firs, pines, aspens and cottonwoods in its drainages.

Recreational activities listed for the Savage Peak WSA include hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing and photography. However, access requires permission from a landowner, so confirm this requirement before visiting. For a longer view of the landscape, take the 64-mile Seminoe-Alcova Back Country Byway. The route passes through prairie grazed by pronghorn, desert landscapes and the Seminoe Mountains. It begins at the junction of Wyoming Highway 220 and Natrona County Road 407 near Alcova and passes the Miracle Mile on the North Platte River, an area designated a Blue Ribbon fishery.

Reservoirs and Practical Information

Activities at Alcova Reservoir include boating, water skiing, picnicking, beach use, camping and fishing. The reservoir covers 2,470 acres and has six campgrounds and eight boat ramps. At Pathfinder Reservoir, options include the annual HAWG Ice Fishing Derby and the 1.7-mile Pathfinder Interpretive Trail, which is accessible from the dam.

Camping conditions also vary: Pathfinder Reservoir has five first-come, first-served campgrounds and two reservable group shelters. Most Natrona County campgrounds and shelters have basic amenities. One exception is the Full Hook-Up Campground at Alcova Reservoir, which has electrical and water hookups. All campgrounds have vault toilets and trash receptacles. Check the amenities locally before your trip.

If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip to Natrona, first choose the experiences you want to make time for. Fort history, museums, trails and reservoirs offer different reasons to stay; tailor your accommodation search to your trip’s priorities.

Discover more destinations: Evansville, Midwest, Casper, Teton, Weston County, Sweetwater County, Washakie, Park.

For the main travel overview: Wyoming.