The SPCR Artist in Residence program is a 10-day road trip residency through Wyoming State Parks. The Rowswells will be visiting the following parks: 

Curt Gowdy State Park: September 20-23, 2025

Guernsey State Park: September 23-25, 2025

Glendo State Park: September 25-27, 2025

Seminoe State Park: September 27-29, 2025

The artists will be identified at each location with a SPCR feather flag on display. They welcome you to stop by, say hello, and see their artwork in action. Standard day-use fees will apply at each location. Additionally, the residency will conclude with a free and public exhibit at the Wyoming State Museum from November 7, 2025, through December 19, 2025.  

Two artists—together! That’s been the theme of Dave and Georgia’s life for the past 41 years. Georgia is a self-employed studio artist, and Dave is a retired high school art teacher. Their studio and gallery space, Blue Door Arts, is located in the heart of downtown Cheyenne. 

Although the Rowswells pursue different media and subject matter, they’ve always enjoyed co-creating and bouncing ideas off one another. Wyoming has been a deep well of inspiration since moving West in 2008. Dave and Georgia share their passion for the visual arts through creating, teaching, and participating in a variety of events across the state. They have had many opportunities to meet new faces, visit new places, and enjoy the wide open spaces of their “small town with long streets.” 

The SPCR Artist in Residence program is part of Arts in the Parks, a collaborative initiative supported by the Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks, both programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). This program aims to provide opportunities for Wyoming artists while also showcasing our state's beautiful landscapes.

Additional information can be found on the Wyoming State Parks website at wyoparks.wyo.gov. For more information, contact the Wyoming Arts Council's Creative Arts Specialist Kimberly Mittelstadt.

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HYATTVILLE, Wyo. – July 22, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources is pleased to present Kalyn Beasley as part of the 2025 Tunes on the Trail concert series—a new initiative that blends live acoustic music with outdoor recreation in Wyoming’s scenic state parks.

The event at Medicine Lodge State Archeological Site will take place on Saturday, August 2. Visitors will enjoy a guided hike followed by a live, 90-minute performance surrounded by nature.

Hike Start Time: 6:30 p.m.

Meeting Location for Hike: Petroglyph wall

Hike Distance and Difficulty: Just under 1 mile long on easy terrain beginning at the Petroglyph wall, following the nature trail, and ending at the historic cabins. 

Performance Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Performance Location: Historic cabins, located 100 yards from the gravel parking area in front of the Petroglyph wall. The path to the cabins is wheelchair accessible. 

This Tunes on the Trail event features Kalyn Beasley, a talented Wyoming-based musician from Cody, known for his heartfelt songwriting, engaging storytelling, and a sound that blends country, rock, and Americana rooted in the Western way of life. His performances reflect a genuine connection to the land and lifestyle of the Mountain West, offering audiences both humor and heart in every song.

“Medicine Lodge is a place where the past and present meet in the most meaningful way,” said Heather Jolley, superintendent of Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. “Hosting a live performance like this—surrounded by petroglyphs, historic cabins, and stunning landscapes—offers visitors a truly special way to connect with both nature and culture. We’re thrilled to welcome Kalyn Beasley and share this experience with the community.”

All Tunes on the Trail events are free; entry to Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site is free year-round.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, explore the park, and enjoy the whole experience. Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, appropriate footwear, and anything you need if you plan to hike. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the park's social media channels at Facebook.com/MedLodge. 

While registration is not mandatory, it is encouraged to help staff plan effectively. Please RSVP on the event's Eventbrite page, located on the official Facebook page at Bit.ly/TunesAtMedLodge. 

Attending? Tag your photos with #TunesOnTheTrail, #WyoParks, and #WyoRec. 

Tunes on the Trail is a summer concert series presented by Wyoming State Parks, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, and the Wyoming Arts Council. The program celebrates Wyoming’s natural and cultural assets while supporting local musicians through the Wyoming Independent Music Initiative (WIMI).

To stay updated on upcoming events, follow us on our Facebook pages: @WyomingArtsCouncil, @WyoRec, and @WyomingStateParks. You can also learn more about the diverse programs offered by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

 
Figure 1: Kalyn Beasley, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 2: The Tunes on the Trail graphic for the Medicine Lodge event. 

Contact: Jamie Hansen, 307-399-0851; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

BANNER, Wyo. — July 18, 2025 — Wyoming State Parks invites the public to a special tipi-raising program at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site on Tuesday, July 22, at 6:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical significance of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tipi through a live demonstration and interpretive talk.

Macariah Pine, a Native American Student Interpretive Ranger and member of the Crow Tribe, will lead the evening. As the tipi is raised in real time, Pine will share insights into the meaning and construction of the Crow tipi, including its symbolism, its use as a seasonal guide, and its continued significance in Apsáalooke culture.

“[I’ll be] talking about the meaning and history behind the tipi, such as why it is raised a certain way, the meaning behind each pole, and how the tipi was used to tell seasons and time,” Pine said. “This will be a live presentation where the tipi is set up while I talk.”

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and meet near the fort’s historic stockade wall for this engaging outdoor program.

This initiative is part of the American Indian Student Interpretive Ranger Program, now in its third year. A partnership between Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, the Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, and the U.S. Forest Service, the program provides interpretive training to Native American college students. This summer, three student rangers are alternating between Fort Phil Kearny and the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark in the Bighorn Mountains, sharing Indigenous perspectives and stories with park visitors.

Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site is located at 528 Wagon Box Road, Banner, WY 82832, and is part of the Wyoming State Parks system.

For more information, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/fortphilkearny, follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/fortphilkearny, or call 307-684-7629.

Contact: Sharie Shada, 307-275-6120; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. — July 18, 2025 — Wyoming State Parks is announcing two exciting infrastructure improvements at Hot Springs State Park—a new boat dock installation and rehabilitation of the historic Swinging Bridge—that will enhance visitor safety, accessibility, and recreational opportunities. Construction begins next week and is scheduled to conclude before the end of August.

Work will begin the week of July 21 on a new boat dock at the park’s boat ramp, designed to improve water access for future recreation and small craft use. Construction will run through August 26. While the boat ramp will be temporarily closed during this period, the nearby parking area will remain open for general use. Please note that trailers will not be permitted due to limited turnaround space; however, the area will still be accessible for hand-launching small watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, or rafts.

The park’s beloved Swinging Bridge will also receive key upgrades beginning next week. Intermittent closures will begin the week of July 21, with more extended closures expected starting July 28. Construction is scheduled to be completed by August 22. Park staff aim to keep the bridge accessible as much as possible—it is expected to remain open most evenings unless a safety concern arises. These enhancements will help preserve the bridge’s historic charm while improving safety and structural integrity.

“We’re thrilled to make these long-term investments in the park’s infrastructure,” said Park Superintendent Chris Delay. “These projects are all about ensuring Hot Springs State Park remains a safe, beautiful, and accessible destination for years to come. We appreciate our visitors’ understanding and support during these beneficial improvements.”

Visitors can continue to enjoy the many open amenities throughout the park, including more than six miles of accessible trails, the mineral terrace boardwalk, scenic picnic areas, and the free State Bath House, which offers therapeutic soaking in natural mineral waters and is open daily with extended hours. Wildlife enthusiasts are also encouraged to visit the park’s central bison herd, a unique highlight of the Hot Springs experience.

For more information on available amenities and ongoing construction updates at Hot Springs State Park, please visit our official website at wyoparks.wyo.gov/hotsprings or follow us on Facebook at @hotspringsstatepark.  

Figure 1: An image of Hot Springs State Park's colorful terraces and boat ramp area.

Contact: Christopher Delay, 307-864-2176; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 18, 2025 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation facilitates eight outdoor recreation collaboratives throughout the state. These collaboratives bring together local community members, recreation stakeholders, businesses, conservation groups, federal and state agencies, and elected officials to identify and prioritize grassroots opportunities for the growth and enhancement of outdoor recreation in Wyoming. 

Each summer, these collaboratives host various events across the state, each centered on maintaining or promoting an outdoor recreational area or activity. 

This August, the Bighorn Basin, Sweetwater County, Cloud Peak, and Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives are each supporting or hosting events in their respective areas. 

Events supported or hosted by outdoor recreation collaboratives are open to the public. Everyone is welcome to participate, as these events provide an excellent opportunity to engage with members of your community who are passionate about increasing and enjoying outdoor recreation opportunities in your area. 

Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Events

Tunes on the Trail at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site in Hyattville, WY

August 2, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (MDT)

Participants will enjoy a ranger-led hike from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by an acoustic concert that begins at 7:00 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m.

Participants must wear appropriate walking shoes. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Bighorn River Blueway Float in Thermopolis, WY

August 23, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m. (MDT)

Meet at the Wedding of the Waters for a float to Hot Springs State Park. 

All participants must bring their own paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or other watercraft and a life vest.

Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Event

Trail Volunteer Day in Green River, WY

August 9, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MDT)

Volunteers can choose from two shifts: 8:00 a.m. to noon or 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All volunteers are provided lunch at noon, and all necessary equipment will be provided. The participant is responsible for gloves, eye protection, and other safety equipment. 

Cloud Peak Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Event

Summer Gathering & Potluck at Lake Desmet in Buffalo, WY

August 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (MDT)

Meet at the Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area along the shoreline of Lake Desmet.

Please bring your water toys and a dish to share!

Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Event

Outlaw Trails Tour in Cody, WY

August 13, 2025, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Meet at the Outlaw Trailhead for a tour of the Outlaw Trails system. 

All participants are required to bring water and wear suitable clothing and footwear. 

Directions to the Outlaw Trailhead: From Cody, take WY-120 north, crossing the Belfry Bridge. After three miles, turn left on Road 7WC (the access road to Newton Lakes and the Cody Shooting Complex). Continue 1.4 miles to the Outlaw Trails parking area on the right.

All participants must park in the gravel parking area.

The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation champions responsible outdoor recreation to improve communities and diversify Wyoming’s economy. Collaboratives are one of many effective programs the Office facilitates, helping achieve this mission. You may find more information regarding the Collaborative in your area at wyorec.com. 

If you are interested in joining a Collaborative or have any questions regarding the events listed above, please contact Amy Crawford with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Contact: Amy Crawford, 307-777-6925, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LANDER, Wyo. — July 16, 2025 — Wyoming State Parks invites the public to celebrate the opening of the new Sunnyside Trail at Sinks Canyon State Park on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the upper Sunnyside Trailhead near the southern boundary of the park.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 15, 2025 – Due to increasing demand and lower supply, Curt Gowdy State Park will limit the availability of shower facilities in the Visitor Center starting July 18, 2025. The Visitor Center shower facilities will be open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Visitors are encouraged to use the open and convenient restroom facilities located around the park.  

"Our staff is working hard to monitor and find solutions for this situation. Please follow our social media pages for important updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding," said Adam McKay, Curt Gowdy State Park superintendent.  

The Visitor Center opened to the public in 2014, thanks to a generous gift from the Wyoming State Legislature and Bass Pro Shops founder John Morris. The building was the first LEED-certified structure within the Wyoming State Parks system. The park hosts over 500,000 visitors annually and offers 50 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails, fishing, paddleboarding, and camping.  

"We hope this is a temporary restriction for our shower facilities at the Visitor Center," said Christina Bird, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. "We appreciate the patience of our visitors and will continue to work on the issue and keep the public updated as we go."   

Wyoming State Parks will share press releases, website updates, and social media announcements. To stay informed about the latest updates, follow Curt Gowdy State Park on social media or visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/curtgowdy for more information. 

Figure 1: Curt Gowdy State Park's Visitor Center.

Contact: Christina Bird, 307-631-1110; Christina.BThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.