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National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper

4.8
#1 of 9 in Things to do in Casper
History Museum Museum
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a 11000sqft interpretive center about several of the National Historic Trails, and is located northwest of Casper, Wyoming on Interstate 25. It is operated through a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Casper, and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The center offers interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, and special events.HistoryThe idea for an interpretive center in Casper began with the creation of a small trails committee; eventually this committee became the non-profit, National Historic Trails Center Foundation . In 1992 the Bureau of Land Management joined with the NHTCF to work on the project, committing to pay half of the $10 million estimated cost. The City of Casper donated 10 acres of land for the center's site.In 1994, voters in Casper passed the Optional One Cent Tax, which helped to fund construction of the center's exhibits. The Wyoming State Legislature also passed a bill to help fund the center that same year. By 1997 plans for the center were complete, and a bill, to support construction and operating costs, passed both houses of congress and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.The groundbreaking for construction took place on June 21, 1999 and the center officially opened August 9, 2002.ExhibitsThe center contains several permanent exhibits, and hosts temporary, traveling, exhibits as well.Permanent Exhibits include: The Oregon TrailThe Mormon Pioneer TrailThe California TrailThe Pony Express Trail An entrance fee is required for admission into the center.
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Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
355 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Much more interesting than expected, so it is something that we were glad to stop in and visit. We learned a lot about the tens of thousands of settlers who traveled west. The hardships they encounter...  more »
  • Beautiful building situated on a bluff overlooking Casper. Wonderful historical exhibits arranged in chronological order, it demonstrates the hardships and sacrifices made by early settlers as they wa...  more »
  • I am so glad I made time while in Casper to visit this information center. It has a very well produced film about the historic trails and really informative exhibits. Its put together really well. I c...  more »
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Google
  • Great experience. Very helpful young man. Thankful we found this place. Loved the movie...made you feel like you were there.
  • Excellent experience. This facility is run by the Department of Natural Resources of the US government. Many interactive exhibits. Great for children.
  • Worth a walk through. Hard to imagine walking across the country with everything you own in a covered wagon. Great movie.
  • What a beautiful museum. The history is breathtakingly presented. A must stop on the Oregon and Mormon trail.
  • Great experience to take the family to, with artifacts from this important area where the Trails converged. The only downside was the woman who thought I was 8 years younger...I was 22 (#FML). ©TIFA 2003
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