A river crossing where several historic trails converged gives Natrona’s history a tangible anchor: Fort Caspar reconstructs a military post from 1865 at this site. From there, further discoveries lead to museums, geological formations and reservoirs. Natrona can therefore be explored through a wide range of interests—from historic routes to landscapes shaped by water and rock.
Fort Caspar and the Historic Trails
Fort Caspar is a reconstructed military post from 1865 at a significant river crossing used by the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California and Pony Express trails. Visitors can explore the reconstructed buildings, as well as replicas of the Mormon ferry and part of the Guinard Bridge. Interpretive exhibits in the museum complement the tour. The various reconstructions show how the history of the post and that of the trails intersect at this site.
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center shares the stories of Indigenous peoples, early explorers, and the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express trails. Its seven galleries include simulated rides in a covered wagon and stagecoach, life-size displays and interpretive panels. The grounds are also part of the experience: the 500-acre site has more than four miles of interpretive trails, ruts left by emigrant wagons and expansive views. The indoor and outdoor spaces offer different ways to explore the stories of the trails.
Museums, Rock and Wildlife
The Tate Geological Museum houses more than 6,000 fossil and mineral specimens. The Werner Wildlife Museum displays 450 birds, fish and other animals, and focuses primarily on Wyoming’s native wildlife. The collections have different areas of focus: one highlights fossils and minerals, while the other features animals and the state’s wildlife.
At Casper’s Rotary Park, the Geology Interpretive Trail interprets Precambrian rocks formed more than 2.5 billion years ago. From the viewpoints, visitors can see Garden Creek Falls. From Rotary Bridge, the trail climbs a short, steep stretch to the highest viewpoint at the waterfall. The geological age of the rocks and the direct view of the falls offer two distinct themes along this trail.
Hell's Half Acre also showcases geological formations on a large scale: the formation covers more than 960 acres and features deep ravines, caves, rock formations and tightly compacted, eroded soil. Ponderosa Park has a different landscape character: this remote park area encompasses 2,460 acres of pristine land at the eastern end of Casper Mountain.
The Werner Wildlife Museum also offers the Wildlife Study Series. It runs on the third Thursday of each month from the third Thursday in February through the third Thursday in October. Check the current calendar for specific dates.
Reservoirs, Routes and Practical Information
Popular activities at Alcova Reservoir include boating, water skiing, picnicking, beachgoing, camping and fishing. The reservoir covers 2,470 acres and has six campgrounds and eight boat ramps. Access is via U.S. 220 and either County Road 406 or 407. The area also includes the Dinosaur Interpretive Trail at Cottonwood Campground.
Most Natrona County campgrounds and shelters have basic facilities. 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 current facilities before your visit.
Pathfinder Reservoir has five first-come, first-served campgrounds and two reservable group shelters. The 1.7-mile Pathfinder Interpretive Trail is accessible from the dam. Pathfinder Dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The reservoir also hosts the HAWG Ice Fishing Derby every year; check the current calendar for specific event dates.
The 64-mile Seminoe-Alcova Back Country Byway offers a longer perspective on the landscape. The route passes through prairie where pronghorn graze, across desert terrain and into the Seminoe Mountains. It begins at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 220 and Natrona County Road 407 near Alcova and runs via the Miracle Mile, an area along the North Platte River designated as a Blue-Ribbon fishery.
Trails and the Outdoors
In Natrona County’s Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area, the two-mile Interpretive Nature Trail connects the Lodgepole and Rim campgrounds. There are 28 interpretive panels along the trail, as well as two viewpoints. The Pathfinder Interpretive Trail and this nature trail differ in both length and orientation: one is accessible from the dam, while the other connects two campgrounds and shares information along the way through interpretive panels.
The Savage Peak Wilderness Study Area encompasses 7,041 acres of BLM-managed land in Natrona County. The rugged, mountainous terrain features firs, pines, aspens and cottonwoods in its drainage areas. Activities include hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, wildlife viewing and photography. Access to the area requires permission from a landowner.
The year-round range of activities in Natrona County parks includes camping, biking, hiking, fishing and boating, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and snow biking. Which of these options defines your stay also depends on whether your focus is on water, trails or winter activities.
Explore more destinations: Midwest, Casper, Evansville, Johnson County, Big Horn, Uinta County, Carbon, Weston County.
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