Discover Rock Springs: History, Culture, and Hotels

Discover Rock Springs through its cultural history and the many reasons to visit. The city lies in an oasis in the high desert. As you plan your trip, consider the historic walking tours, the museum in the former city hall, events at the Broadway Theater, and International Day. This can help you decide whether you are especially interested in railroad history, commemorating local miners, theater events, or the city’s diverse heritage.

Explore the City’s History on Foot

The Rock Springs Historical Museum provides free guides for two self-guided walking tours: the Historic Downtown Walking Tour and the Historic Cemetery Walking Tour. Their names indicate their different focuses: one tour takes you through the historic downtown, while the other goes through the historic cemetery. Several stops are named on the downtown tour: the original railroad depot, so-called “Ghost Signs” on downtown buildings, and a statue honoring local miners. The route thus brings together railroad history, traces on the buildings, and the memory of the miners. If you are primarily interested in exploring these aspects of the city’s history, the Downtown Walking Tour offers a specific way to do so.

Museum, Park, and Theater

The Rock Springs Historical Museum is located in the former city hall, a building constructed from sandstone bricks in 1894. The building itself is therefore part of the city’s history. In 2026, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; it is closed on Sundays and major holidays. Check the opening hours before your trip if you plan to visit.

Railroad Park features historic monuments and the old Union Pacific railroad depot. Alongside the downtown walking tour, it offers another specific setting for exploring local railroad history and commemorative heritage. The Broadway Theater offers a different focus: its auditorium has 370 seats for touring productions, concerts, comedy, and family events. The theater was built in 1948 and fully restored and renovated in 2011. Since the program changes over time, check the event schedule if you plan your visit around a performance.

Events and Cultural Heritage

International Day celebrates Rock Springs’ diverse heritage every July. The program includes food, exhibits, costumes, and live entertainment. The tradition dates back to the first events, which began in 1926 as International Night. The festival offers its own way to experience the city’s cultural history: while the walking tours focus on specific historic places, International Day puts the city’s diverse heritage at the heart of an event program. Specific dates may vary; check them before planning your trip.

Plan Your Stay

The Explore Rock Springs & Green River Visitor Center has area maps of Flaming Gorge Country, the Red Desert, and beyond. Brochures and travel guides cover local attractions and scenic drives; you can also get tips on wildlife viewing and fishing on the Green River. This gives you a way to plan around a range of interests, from attractions and roads to wildlife viewing and fishing. The visitor information available may change; if needed, check what information is currently offered before your visit.

When planning, it’s worth keeping the different time frames in mind: museum opening hours are listed for 2026, International Day takes place every July, and specific festival dates and the theater program may change. Plan around the activity that interests you most, and check the relevant hours or dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Little America, Green River.

Return to the main travel overview: Sweetwater County.