The Douglas Railroad Museum is housed in the historic passenger depot of the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Railroad. The depot is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can step inside several historic railroad cars. Here, railroad history and a distinctive building come together—a great introduction to the many stories of Converse County.
History made visible in specific places
Douglas was home to Wyoming’s main prisoner-of-war camp from 1943 to 1946. The only building from the former camp still standing today is the Camp Douglas Officers’ Club. Its elaborate murals depict scenes from life in the American West. Here, you encounter both the history of the camp and a visual portrayal of the West.
The museum collections also offer their own highlights: The Wyoming Pioneer Museum displays, among other things, Tom Horn’s saddle. The Paleon Museum in Glenrock, by contrast, focuses on dinosaur fossils, geological treasures, and prehistoric finds from Wyoming and beyond. Admission to the Paleon Museum includes a guided tour with a look inside the fossil preparation lab; check on current arrangements before your visit. The Paleon Museum Dig School also offers field programs at active dinosaur dig sites. Advance arrangements may be necessary.
The Wyoming State Fair began in Douglas in 1905 and showcases Wyoming’s culture and heritage. Rodeo events are part of the fair, as are educational programs about agriculture, education, youth, and the lifestyle of the American West. If you plan to attend an event in a particular year, check the dates and program for that year.
Between plateau, river, and mountain landscapes
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 ordnance building with exhibits and artifacts about the history of the fort, Fetterman City, and Indigenous predecessors. Fort Fetterman Day is held annually on the Saturday closest to July 19; check the specific date for your travel year.
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. Along with the historic sites, these landscapes and the striking summit give the region a distinct natural perspective.
Ayres Natural Bridge Park features a distinctive geological formation: Ayres Natural Bridge is one of only three natural bridges in the United States with water flowing beneath it. Rafting is also available in the park; seasonal conditions may affect availability. The park can be reached via I-25, Exit 151, followed by County Road 13. Check road conditions before setting out.
Trails with different stories
In Glenrock, Al’s Way is a paved trail that follows the town’s historic railroad bed. The Historic Glenrock Walking Tour offers a different historical perspective: interpretive signs tell the stories of early travelers who passed through the area, traded, established settlements, and left their names in stone. The walking tour is accessible year-round. The two routes have different focuses: one follows the former railroad line, while the other tells the stories of the people who passed through the area.
The Douglas Bike & Walking Trail follows the North Platte River and is suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. Visitors can spot wildlife and numerous bird species along the trail. For those interested in the landscape, it offers a different perspective from Glenrock’s historic trails. Wildlife can be observed along the trail and in the county’s grasslands, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Esterbrook Church also brings together architectural history and landscape: the handcrafted log building dates to 1943. Through a window, you can see mountain meadows and Laramie Peak; in summer, wildflowers bloom in the meadows around the church.
Outside Converse County, neighboring Platte County is home to Glendo State Park. The park offers year-round opportunities for water sports, hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and group gatherings. It includes 45 miles of trails for non-motorized activities and six boat ramps with seasonal access to the water. The trails and seasonal access to the water are different aspects of the park; check conditions for the activities you have planned.
Discover more destinations: Douglas, Glenrock, Sheridan, Washakie, Natrona, Uinta County, Albany, Fremont County.
For the main travel overview: Wyoming.
