5 Best Sights in Rock Springs, Cheyenne, Laramie, and Southern Wyoming

Community Fine Arts Center

The center's Halseth Gallery houses a permanent collection of nearly 500 mostly American paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs, including works by Norman Rockwell, Grandma Moses, and Rufino Tamayo. The center also draws some of the best traveling art exhibitions from around the country. Concerts and other programs are presented throughout the year as well.

400 C St., Rock Springs, Wyoming, 82901, USA
307-362–6212
sights Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Killpecker Sand Dunes

The second largest active sand dune field in the world, these otherworldly mountains and valleys of sand stretch for more than 100 miles. Pay attention to signage: some areas are friendly to off-roading, while others are federally protected and do not allow motorized vehicles. The ADA-accessible Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area Campground is located 32 miles north of Rock Springs and has a vault toilet and fire rings.

Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour

Wild horses, antelope, desert elk, coyotes, hawks, and sage grouse are among the wild animals you might see on the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour, which also takes you past such prominent features as Pilot Butte, the Killpecker Sand Dunes, and segments of the Overland Trail. Along the route there are pullouts with interpretive panels.

This loop links Rock Springs and Green River; it takes two to three hours to drive the full 50-mile route, half of which is on gravel roads, between the two towns. From Rock Springs, travel north for 14 miles on Highway 191. Turn left onto Sweetwater County Road 4-14 and follow the route for 2½ miles before turning left onto Sweetwater County Road 4-53, which will take you to Green River, 33½ miles away.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Rock Springs Historical Museum

Countless artifacts here illustrate the beauty and ugliness of Rock Springs's past, which dates back to the mid-1800s. Learn about how the railroad and coal mines built the community and contributed to the incredible diversity of its population (with 56 nationalities represented here at one time). The companies' hiring practices were not pure, however, and they hoped that all these different languages and cultures would keep workers from organizing. The museum has permanent exhibits with period clothing and military uniforms, as well as an explanation of the 1885 Chinese massacre, when at least 28 people died. Jail cells dating back to the late 1800s are on-site, as is an old fire station, complete with a working door.
201 B St., Rock Springs, Wyoming, 82901, USA
307-362–3138
sights Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun.

Western Wyoming Community College Natural History Museum

Dinosaurs, placed throughout the building, are among the prehistoric animal and plant specimens on display at the WWCC Natural History Museum. Species range in age from 67 million to 180 million years old. Don't miss the fossilized fish and the baby alligator. The museum also has rotating exhibits.

2500 College Dr., Rock Springs, Wyoming, 82901, USA
307-382–1600
sights Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Fri.–Sun. during summer (June–Aug.). Otherwise, open daily., Daily 8–7