National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Department of Interior. We are a public-private partnership between the BLM, the National Historic Trails Center Foundation, and the City of Casper, Wyoming.
The Trails Center commemorates Native American history, early explorers, and the travel corridor of the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails, as well as the Bridger and Bozeman trails through hands-on, interactive exhibits, multi-media programs, and virtual education opportunities.
Virtual interpretive programming and visits to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center are free!
The Mission of the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center:
The NHTIC interprets the significant role of the area’s historic trails in the history of the U.S. by providing exceptional visitor, educational, and volunteer programs. NHTIC staff seeks to promote public understanding of both America’s western native cultures and historic westward expansion while highlighting the BLM’s role as active stewards of public lands.
For more information about the trails as well as a link for a downloadable map, please click here
Hours
Hours
Open seven days a week: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Trails Center is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
For current information call (307) 261-7700.
Admission is FREE!
Events
Spring Programs
June 1 @ 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: 1860s & 1870s Military Living History Encampment
Featuring the Platte Bridge Company re-enactment group.
June 8-9: Civilian Pioneer Living History Encampment (Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.)
Featuring the Merchant Family.
June 15 @ 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Rug Braiding Workshop
Featuring NHTIC Interpreter Stacey Moore. Pre-registration required.
June 15-16: 19th Century Blacksmithing - featuring Dave Osmundsen (Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.)
Dutch Oven Cooking - featuring Jean Smart (Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.)
June 21: National Pony Express Association - Annual Re-Ride
Estimated time of arrival: 1 p.m.
June 22 @ 1 p.m.: The Vore Site: Communal Bison Hunting During a Time of Transition
Featuring Jacqueline Wyatt, President of the Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation Board.
June 23 @ 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.: Little Brave Singers & Bull Dancers Special Performances
Featuring Northern Arapaho Dancers from the Wind River Reservation.
June 29 @ 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Flint Knapping Workshop
Featuring Patrick Walker. Pre-registration required.
June 29 @ 1 p.m.: The Willow Springs Campsite - A High Plains Oasis
Featuring Spencer Pelton, Wyoming State Archaeologist.
June 30 @ 1 p.m.: History of Fort Bridger - Migration Era Supply Stop to Military Outpost
Featuring Erika Olson, Fort Bridger State Historic Site
Youth Programs
Storytime with Seymour Antelope: Second Tuesday of each month throughout the year
Join the BLM's official mascot, Seymour Antelope, for stories and snacks at the Trails Center. Storytime starts at 10 a.m. on the following days.
- May 14
- June 11
- July 9
- August 13
- September 10
Pioneer Trail Treks**
May 25: Trails West - Martin's Cove Monument to Split Rock
This trek will follow the pioneer trails from the Sweetwater River near Martin's Cove and end near the famous landmark Split Rock.
June 01: Independence Rock and Rattlesnake Pass
Com explore Independence Rock, one of the most noted pioneer landmarks around, as we celebrate National Trails Day!
June 29: Black Hills Route and Pioneer Graves
This trek will focus on what pioneer called the Black Hills route near Douglas, WY. Sites will include pioneer landmarks, swales, and graves.
July 20: County Roads 308/309 - The Oregon Trail Road
Known as the Oregon Trail Road, this trek follows County Roads 308 & 309 west of Casper with numerous trail-related stops showcasing pioneer trail history.
August 24: Western Nebraska to the Iron Bridge at Fort Laramie
Join us as we travel to Henry, Nebraska, where our journey begins following the pioneer trails. Stops will include pioneer related sites, including several pioneer graves. The trek concludes near the Fort Laramie area.
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Trail Treks** Know Before You Go – All trail treks depart at 8:00 a.m. from the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center parking lot: 1501 North Poplar, Casper, WY - unless otherwise noted.
Please bring sack lunches, drinks, sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothing and apparel. Be prepared for inclement weather throughout the day. Transportation to these sites will not be provided and carpooling is encouraged! 4-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles are recommended.
Registration is required to participate! For more information and/or to register for any trail trek, please contact Jason Vlcan at 307-261-7783.
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Volunteer
Volunteers at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center contribute close to 5,000 hours of time towards furthering the mission of the center and the BLM. We welcome volunteers and the breadth of experience they bring to the daily operations of the NHTIC.
There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone! Contact the Center at (307) 261-7700 for more information.
For additional volunteer opportunities with the BLM and other federal agencies, check out volunteer.gov.
Contact Us
Phone
307-261-7700
Contact
blm_wy_trailscenter@blm.gov
Address
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
1501 North Poplar Street
Casper, WY 82601
Directions
The Trails Center is located off Interstate 25 North of exit 189, or East of exit 190
Education
Educational Resources
For a wealth of resources on the trails, including maps, FAQs, basic facts, teaching trunks, and more, please see our Educational Resources page.
NHTIC Photos
