DISCOVERY-- South Pass City began with a boom in 1867 with the discovery of gold on the southeastern end of the rugged Wind River Mountains. By 1868, Wyoming's City of Gold boasted over 250 buildings along the banks of Willow Creek and the surrounding hillsides. South Pass City hummed with excitement as numerous saloons, stamp mills, hotels, and businesses took advantage of the gold driven economy. Over 1000 people called South Pass City home during this raucous time. South Pass City was the first of three towns established due to the discovery of gold in what became the Sweetwater Mining District. In addition to Atlantic City and Hamilton City (now called Miner's Delight), Fort Stambaugh was erected to protect the miners in their search for gold from hostile Indians.

Finished in 1913, Trail End was the home of the John B. Kendrick family. He was a cowboy who came up the Texas Trail in 1879, made his money in ranching and real estate, and later served as Wyoming's Governor and U.S. Senator. Trail End's Flemish Revival design and technologically-advanced interior are unique to the Rocky Mountain west. Today's visitors can enjoy 3.8 acres of groomed grounds (containing hundreds of indigenous and exotic trees), a fully-restored historic house museum (mostly original furniture), plus regular productions at the Carriage House Theater. Trail End is open daily from April 1 through December 14. Please consult the following schedule for seasonal hours:

Open year'round, the Pioneer Memorial Museum is located on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas, Wyoming. The museum collects, preserves, interprets and displays historical and cultural materials related to the westward expansion, to Wyoming pioneers in particular and the west in general.

Listed on the National Register, visitors can spend the day touring the beautifully restored Wyoming Territorial Prison. Built in 1872, the prison held some of the most notorious outlaws in the region, including Butch Cassidy. Visitors to the 190- acre facility can also enjoy the newly restored Warden's House and Horse Barn Exhibit Hall featuring rotating displays and a family friendly scavenger hunt. New for 2008:“Community Art, Western Art” featuring original pieces by the local Laramie Art Guilds. In the prison, learn more about Butch Cassidy in “The Reel, Not Real, Butch Cassidy” exhibit. Those wishing to take a little piece of the prison and Wyoming home with them can stop by the Visitor’s Center and gift shop for a splendid array of memorabilia. Large groups and RVs are welcome! Plenty of parking. Bring your lunch and have a picnic on the grounds and let the kids stretch their legs. Lots to see and do.