From Solar Eclipse to the 2018 American Solar Challenge
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CASPER, Wyo. – Last summer, thousands of visitors flocked to Wyoming to view the rare solar eclipse. This summer, hundreds of students will arrive while attempting to re-create the historic Oregon Trail journey – but they’ll be driving solar-powered cars instead of covered wagons! On Monday, July 16, the solar-powered cars and their teams will check in at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center Checkpoint during the 2018 American Solar Challenge.
In partnership with the Oregon-California Trails Association and the National Park Service, the solar-powered cars will travel along portions of the Oregon Trail starting from the Lewis & Clark Landing in Omaha, Nebraska to the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon during a nine day endurance race. This program aims to connect participants with public lands, and in turn with America’s natural and cultural heritage.
The teams are made up of college students, engineers, designers and others, as part of the Innovators Educational Foundation in conjunction with Formula Sun Grand Prix, who work together to design, construct and race cars powered by the sun across more than 1,700 miles.
The lead solar-powered car is expected to arrive at approximately 12:30 p.m. and others will arrive staggered until approximately 6:00 p.m. Visitors will be able to view the cars during the required 45 minute stop and learn about the solar cars from the student design teams. The National Park Service traveling exhibit and interpreters will be available as well.
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is typically closed on Mondays during the summer, it will be open to the public on July 16. For more information on the teams or the route maps see the American Solar Challenge website athttp://
For more information contact Chris Wilkinson at 307-261-7786.
The NHTIC is a public-private partnership between the BLM and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The facility is located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, there are 30 congressionally designated National Scenic and Historic Trails in the National Trails System. National Historic Trails are extended trails that closely follow a historic trail or route of travel that is of national significance. The BLM now protects nearly 6,000 miles of 18 designated trails in 15 States, and the BLM also manages thousands of miles of trails under study for potential designation.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.