Activities and Events
The Trails Center offers various programs and living history demonstrations for all ages. See the monthly schedule below for dates or click the links to view our summer program posters. Details about routinely offered programs are listed below the calendar.
2025 Summer Programs Poster | 2025 Junior Ranger Program Poster | 2025 Trail Trek Poster
Activity Calendar
- May
May 13, 10 a.m. - Storytime with Seymour
May 20, 10 a.m. - Singalong with Seymour
May 31, 8 a.m. - TBD - Pioneer Trail Trek: Western Nebraska to the Fort Laramie Area
Join us as we travel to Henry, Nebraska, where we will start our journey by following the pioneer trails. Stops will include several pioneer related sites, including pioneer graves. We will conclude this trek near the Fort Laramie area in eastern Wyoming.- June
June 6-7, (FRI: 9:30-5 pm; SAT: 9:30-3:30 pm) - 1860s Military & Pioneer Encampment
featuring The Platte Bridge Company Re-enactorsExperience life as both a frontier soldier and pioneer during this two-day encampment. Visitors are encouraged to participate in several presentations including military drills and tactics, frontier medicine, 1850’s quill penmanship and period dance performances.June 7, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Sewing Like a Pioneer
June 7, 1 p.m. - Kearny's 1845 South Pass Expedition - Prelude to War and the Mormon Battalion
featuring Kevin & Denny Henson.Under U.S. Army dragoon Col S. W. Kearny, the 1845 South Pass Expedition was a “show of force” aimed at three groups competing for supremacy in the west. The arduous trip was the dragoon’s proving ground in preparation for a potential war. Their route also set the stage for how one-third of the Mormon Battalion overwintered at Pueblo (Colorado) in 1846-47, then made it to the Salt Lake valley to join Brigham Young. Kevin Henson will present an introduction into one of the most important but unheralded expeditions by the frontier Army and how its results changed the face of the continent.
June 10, 10 a.m. - Storytime with Seymour
June 14, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Preschool Music - Bears
June 14, 1 & 3 p.m. - Public Lands Heritage Film: The Ferris Mountains
Introduction by Reid Miller, NHTIC InterpreterJoin NHTIC interpreter Reid Miller as he introduces the Ferris Mountains on Saturday, June 14 for two different video showings. These will take place inside the NHTIC at both 1 & 3 p.m. This isolated range in central Wyoming is a vital habitat for wildlife and a significant source of runoff for the lower Sweetwater River watershed. Watch this 27-minute video from 2018 to learn more about the human history these mountains have witnessed.
June 17, ETA at NHTIC: 7:10 p.m. - Pony Express Annual Re-Ride
featuring the National Pony Express AssociationJune 21, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Gold Rush!
June 21, 1 p.m. - The Battle of Red Buttes
featuring a 27-minute presentation, with introduction by Jason Vlcan, NHTIC InterpreterJoin NHTIC interpreter Jason Vlcan as he introduces The Battle of Red Buttes: A Story of Broken Promises on Saturday, June 21 starting at 1 p.m. On July 26, 1865, both the U.S. Army and Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Lakota warriors engaged in conflict just to the west of what is now Casper. After setting the stage regarding this fight, participants will watch a 27-minute presentation to learn more about this battle and what followed next.
June 24, 10 a.m. - Singalong with Seymour
June 27-28, (FRI: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; SAT: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.) - 19th Century Blacksmithing featuring David Osmundsen
and Civilian Pioneer Encampment featuring the MerchantsFrom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, the NHTIC welcomes back both David Osmundsen and the Merchant Family. The Merchant Family will portray a civilian life encampment on the pioneer trails with a covered wagon, pioneer games, and music, while Osmundsen will demonstrate various 19th century blacksmithing techniques.
June 28, 8 a.m. - TBD - Pioneer Trail Trek: Pioneer Graves and Stories
Join us for a day of remembrance as we follow the pioneer trails and stop at pioneer graves to honor them. We will share their story and learn more about their circumstances. This trek will focus on the area between Douglas and Casper.June 28, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: The Atlatl - Ancient Hunting Tool
June 28, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. - Pioneer Music & Storytelling: The Legacy of Wyoming
featuring Buffalo Bill Boycott & Dr. JoBuffalo Bill and Dr. Jo will perform old fashioned frontier music and storytelling called “Legacy of Wyoming.” Performances last approximately 45 minutes and include many unique songs, yodeling, cowboy poetry, and stories related to the state of Wyoming.
- July
July 4, 1 p.m. - Small But Mighty, Alcova
featuring Reid Miller, NHTIC InterpreterJuly 5, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Cooking on the Trail
July 5, 1 p.m. - Dr. Dumas & The Travelling Medicine Show
featuring local live historian, Bruce BerstJuly 8, 10 a.m. - Storytime with Seymour
July 12, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Preschool Music - Food
July 12, 1 p.m. - Our Army Lives: The Women of Fort Phil Kearny
featuring Sharie Shada, Site SuperintendentJuly 19, 8 a.m. - TBD - Pioneer Trail Trek: Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Visit one of the most important and influential sites along the pioneer trails; Fort Laramie National Historic Site. This trek will focus primarily on the area and site known as Fort Laramie.July 19, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Casper Collins Heritage Day
Join us at Fort Casper for pioneer gamesJuly 19, 1 p.m. - The Lakota Flute: Music & Art
featuring Donovin Sprague, Miniconjou LakotaJuly 22, 10 a.m. - Singalong with Seymour
July 25-26 - Pioneer Folk Music featuring recording artist Hank Cramer
Both Days: 10 a.m. Oregon Trail Songs; 12 p.m. California Trail Songs; 2 p.m. Soldier BalladsJuly 26, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Every Kid in a Park Day
Join us at Edness K. Wilkins State Park for a fun outdoor activityJuly 26, 1 p.m. - Staying Warm in Ice Age Wyoming - La Prele Early Paleoindian Site
featuring Dr. Spencer Pelton, WY State Archaeologist- August
August 2, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Frontier Basketmaking
featuring historian Jean SmartAugust 2, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Rag Dolls for the Trail
August 9, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: The Ferocious Fur Trade
August 9, 1 p.m. - John Colter's Run for Life
featuring NHTIC volunteer, Eric JohnsonAugust 12, 10 a.m. - Storytime with Seymour
August 15-16 (FRI: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; SAT: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) - 1860s Military & Pioneer Encampment
featuring The Platte Bridge Company Re-enactorsAugust 16, 11 a.m. - Jr. Ranger Program: Talking Fast on the Telegraph
Become a Morse code expertAugust 16, 1 p.m. - Buffalo Soldiers in Wyoming & the West
featuring local historian, Tom ReaAugust 22-23 (FRI 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; SAT 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.) - 19th Century Blacksmithing featuring David Osmundsen and Civilian Pioneer Encampment featuring the Merchants
August 23, 8 a.m. - TBD - Pioneer Trail Trek: The Lynching of Cattle Kate (in cooperation with the Natrona County Historical Society)
Join the Trails Center and the Natrona County Historical Society on this joint adventure to explore the area where both Cattle Kate (Ellen Watson) and Jim Averell were hanged in July 1889 near the famous Independence Rock.August 23, 11 a.m. - Laundry Day!
Come prepared to get wetAugust 26, 10 a.m. - Singalong with Seymour
August 30, 1 p.m. - The Grave of 1852 Pioneer Mary Elizabeth Homsley
featuring local historian, Kyle McCormick- September
September 6, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Ladies on the Frontier
featuring historian Jean Smart & FriendsSeptember 9, 10 a.m. - Storytime with Seymour
September 13, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. - Trails to Learning Film: How the Trails Center Originated
introduction by Reid Miller, InterpreterSeptember 19-20 (FRI 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; SAT 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) - Fur Trade Era Living History Event
featuring The Platte Bridge Company Re-enactorsSeptember 23, 10 a.m. - Singalong with Seymour
September 27, 8 a.m. - TBD - Pioneer Trail Trek: Devil's Gate Adventure
In this unique trek, we will explore and hike in the famous landmark, Devil’s Gate, to look at pioneer names left on the rocks and walls. This trek will be strenuous and not suited for all, as we traverse over rocks and the Sweetwater River.September 27, 1 p.m. - Of Man & Horse, The Pony Express Trail
featuring the National Pony Express Association
Routinely Offered Programs
Storytime with Seymour Antelope: Join the BLM's mascot, Seymour Antelope, on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. for stories and snacks.
Pioneer Trail Treks: Trail Treks are driving trips conducted by a BLM guide during the summer months, with numerous stops at historic sites along the trails. Depending upon the route a Trail Trek can last four to eight hours. All Trail Treks depart at 8:00 a.m. from the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center parking lot unless otherwise noted.
Please bring sack lunches, drinks, sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothing. 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, please contact Jason Vlcan at 307-261-7783.
Summer Series: Take a deep dive into an aspect of life on the historic trails by joining us for guest speakers, illustrated presentations, musical performances, or re-enactments. This series typically occurs on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer! Please call ahead for details at 307-261-7700.
Holiday on the Homestead: Held every year on the second Saturday in December, this free holiday season event for the whole family includes historical reenactments, live musical performances, craft-making activities, Pony Express riders and horses, and more!
Thursday Table: Each Thursday from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., knowledgeable student docents will be available to explain and demonstrate about topics ranging from bison to children's games to cleanliness on the trail. This program will happen weekly from June 5 through August 21, 2025 (no table on June 26).
Wyoming Public Media 2024 Photo Contest Winners will be on display in the Trails Center for the entire month of July, 2025. Stop by to take a look!