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National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper

4.9
#1 of 16 in Things to do in Casper
#History Museum, #Museum, #Must See
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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National Historic Trails Interpretive Center Reviews
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395 reviews
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4.9
TripAdvisor
  • By David E B On December 22, 2017
    Don't miss the wagon ride! Expect to spend a couple of entertaining hours, and at the end you'll probably also want to spend some cash at the souvenir shop, which has a very nice variety of unusual it...  more »
  • By missinglynx1955 On December 21, 2017
    Not only is this a hands-on museum replete with enough displays to keep a pack of kids interested for a long time, but it boasts one of Natrona County's the finest views from its southern rampart. One...  more »
  • By Chrissie M On December 16, 2017
    if you have any interest whatsoever in the astonishing story of how people moved east to west 150 years ago then this is a must. the story is well told with each area describing a period in time with ...  more »
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  • By Rodger Cook On April 5, 2018
    Outstanding museum and interpretive programs. Very impressed with the young docents presenting to other kids! The staff and volunteers are awesome.
  • By theresa miller On March 26, 2018
    Took my kids there. They loved it. The tour guides were awesome. Very friendly as well.
  • By Megan H On August 21, 2017
    Fantastic center. They do a great job presenting the history of the "trail movement" to the west. Stop here first, then explore Casper, WY. You won't be disappointed. P.S. We were in Casper for the 2017 eclipse and they were wonderfully organized for the large influx of tourists. I definitely plan to eventually return and explore further.
  • By Mark Wolfe On February 16, 2018
    Wonderful History museum. I could and did spend a couple hours in here.
  • By Robert Webster On November 26, 2017
    EXCELLENT MUSEUM!!! Lots of interactive exhibits which makes it interesting to young and old alike, while still being very informative. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
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