CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 12, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council, in partnership with Wyoming Humanities, has announced the 2026 Wyoming Road Trip Playlist, featuring music and podcasts from Wyoming-based creatives.

As summer travel begins, the playlist offers a curated soundtrack for exploring Wyoming’s scenic byways, public lands, and cultural destinations. From road trips across open plains to visits at parks, museums, and historic sites, the playlist highlights the voices and stories of Wyoming artists.

The Wyoming Road Trip Playlist is an annual release hosted on Spotify and promoted across tourism destinations throughout the state, including Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, as well as visitor centers, museums, and festivals.

“Sound has a unique way of bringing a journey to life,” said Kimberly Mittelstadt, creative arts specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council. “This playlist isn’t just something to listen to, it’s an invitation to experience Wyoming’s landscapes, stories, and spirit in every mile.”

The playlist is available on Spotify by searching “2026 Wyoming Road Trip Playlist” or by visiting https://bit.ly/2026WRTP.

Songs featured on the 2026 playlist include:

Jiwon Han | Trois Mouvements de Petrouchka: I. Danse Russe

Phryne | Tiger Orange

Ty Warner | This is Not Goodbye (feat. Olivia Frances)

Jordan Smith | Dark Horses

The Boom & The Bust | Ryegrass Riders

Buffalo Bill Bozell | My Sweet Wyoming Home

Puddle Jumping | Ancient Truth Inside The Bible  

Livvy Wilson | Stupid Or Psycho

Kalyn Beasley | Hell On Women & Horses

DAVE MUNSICK: Songteller | Trophy Buckle

De Gringos y Gremmies | Shovelhead's Revenge

Peter Blomberg | Capture the Sun

Judd Grossman | She Likes Being A Girl

Ben Musser | The Way

Jamie Hansen | 1 2 Many

J Shogren NOISEfolk (Shanghai'd) | Because Promises (NOISEfolk)

Bob Lefevre & The Already Gone | Bitter Days

Box of Rocks | Kitchen Blues

Box Elder | Post College Days

Podcast selections include:

Helen Wilson | Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor 

Megan Feighery | HumaNature Podcast

Willow Belden | Out There

Melodie Edwards | The Modern West 

The Wyoming Road Trip Playlist is a component of the Wyoming Independent Music Initiative (WIMI), which supports artist development and promotes a thriving independent music scene across the state. Music selections for the 2026 playlist were curated by Margot Chobanian, program director at Colorado Sounds, with podcast selections by Hannah Rentsch, development associate at Humanities Nebraska.

Wyoming Humanities is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of Wyoming residents. Since 1970, the organization has supported programs and initiatives that strengthen cultural understanding and preserve the state’s shared heritage.

For more information, contact Kimberly Mittelstadt, creative arts specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 274-6673 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Michelle Humber and Nate Curry, Wyoming musicians featured on the 2026 Wyoming Road Trip Playlist, perform and write Americana-inspired music rooted in their lives in Wyoming.

Contact: Kimberly Mittelstadt, (307) 274-6673; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 11, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations and individual teaching artists for the Creative Aging Project Grant.

The Creative Aging Project Grant supports the development and delivery of arts programs for older adults, ages 55 and older, in Wyoming communities. These programs promote social connection, lifelong learning, and creative expression through sequential, skills-based arts instruction.

Applicants may request funding to develop and implement one to four separate eight-week Creative Aging programs. Grants are awarded in increments of $2,500 for each eight-week program, with total funding ranging from $2,500 for one program up to $10,000 for four programs. The application deadline is June 22, 2026, and funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027.

The Creative Aging Project Grant is part of the Wyoming Arts Council’s ongoing efforts to expand meaningful arts opportunities for older adults across the state. Funding supports both artists and organizations in creating arts education and community engagement programs for Wyoming’s aging population.

“The Wyoming Arts Council is committed to providing meaningful arts education opportunities for older adults through the Creative Aging Project Grant,” said Josh Chrysler of the Wyoming Arts Council. “We encourage anyone interested to reach out with questions about the program or application process.”

Additional eligibility requirements and application materials are available at wyomingartscouncil.org.

For more information, contact Josh Chrysler, folklorist and health and wellness specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 256-2010 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Figure 1: Creative Aging class in printmaking, taught by Desiree Brothe, at Cheyenne Creativity Center in Cheyenne.

Contact: Josh Chrysler, (307) 256-2010; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. – May 7, 2026 – Construction on the boardwalk at Hot Springs State Park is scheduled to begin the week of May 11, with work expected to continue through late August.

The project will involve a full replacement of the existing boardwalk, which is approximately 25 years old. Over time, the structure has begun to deteriorate, reducing water flow across the park’s iconic mineral terraces.

For the safety of visitors and to allow for efficient construction, the boardwalk will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. Visitors are encouraged to follow all posted signage and respect closure areas while work is underway.

“This project is an important investment in preserving both visitor access and the natural features that make Hot Springs State Park unique,” said Chris Delay, superintendent of Hot Springs State Park. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete these necessary improvements.”

Hot Springs State Park remains open during construction, and visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying the park’s many amenities. Nestled along the Big Horn River, the park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including viewing the resident bison herd, relaxing in the State Bath House’s mineral waters, picnicking in designated areas, and accessing the river for fishing and other water activities.

The park features more than 6 miles of trails, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding landscape. Seasonal programs and interpretive offerings are also available throughout the year.

The park’s mineral hot springs produce more than 3 million gallons of water daily, maintaining a constant temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The free State Bath House offers therapeutic soaking at a comfortable 104 degrees and is open year-round. Starting May 15, the Bath House hours will be Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon - 7 p.m. 

Hot Springs State Park remains a vibrant destination for both relaxation and outdoor recreation, and Wyoming State Parks encourages visitors to explore all areas that remain accessible during construction.

For more information, please visit the Wyoming State Parks website at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Views of the Big Horn River and Mineral Terraces at Hot Springs State Park. 

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 5, 2026 – The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund board will meet May 17-19, 2026, in Pinedale. This board meeting will focus on the review and award of April 1, 2026, grant applications. This public meeting will be held in person at the Hampton Inn, Meeting Room, 55 Bloomfield Avenue, on May 17, and at Sublette BOCES, 655 N. Tyler, on May 18 and 19.  A Google Meet option is also available for all meeting days.

The meeting on Sunday, May 17, will begin at 3 p.m. and conclude by 5 p.m. The meeting on Monday, May 18, will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by approximately 5 p.m.  The meeting on Tuesday, May 19, will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by approximately 3 p.m. An executive session may be held if necessary.

To participate via the Google Meet option:

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Google Meet ID

Meeting code

meet.google.com/imw-cnqr-uwn

Phone Number

(‪US)

‪+1 570-554-0272

PIN: ‪578 471 726# 

Monday, May 18, 2026

Google Meet ID

Meeting code

meet.google.com/hue-rzau-msc

Phone Number

(‪US)

‪+1 515-446-9195

PIN: ‪583 675 323#

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Google Meet ID

Meeting code

meet.google.com/erv-aqhr-csk

Phone Number

(‪US)

‪+1 484-531-4459

PIN: ‪566 298 954#

The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund board meetings are open to the public. Grant applicants are encouraged to attend any grant review meeting, but cannot participate in the proceedings unless addressed by the board. The WCTF program coordinator and board cannot confirm exactly when a grant application will be reviewed, but the board may review an application "out of order" if an applicant is present at the meeting for a limited time.

The board meeting agenda is available on the WCTF website, wyoculturaltrust.com. Please feel free to contact the WCTF Program Coordinator, Renée Bovée, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (307) 777-6312 with any questions.

Contact: Renée Bovée, (307) 777-6312; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – May 4, 2026 - The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources will host a third public forum to update the public and gather feedback on a proposed visitor center at Keyhole State Park.

The proposed Visitor Center aims to enhance recreation and education opportunities at Keyhole State Park by providing improved visitor services, interpretive exhibits, and a community gathering space for local small groups, and to be a launch point for recreation at Keyhole State Park.  

This forum follows up on an April meeting at the Pine Haven Community Center that presented a revised concept for the Visitor Center proposal, building on feedback received in January 2026. The event will again invite conversation to guide next steps in the project development process and give park users and residents an opportunity to learn more about how the new facility will support visitor experiences and natural resource education at Keyhole.

The public meeting will be held:

Date: May. 12, 2026

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Moorcroft Branch Public Library, 105 E. Converse Street, Moorcroft, WY 82721

“We are looking forward to continued conversations surrounding how a visitor center can better serve the local community and Keyhole State Park users,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “We appreciate the dialogue fostered throughout this process and welcome continued engagement from our visitors and partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, as we craft plans for enriching experiences at the park.”

Those unable to attend in person can review the presentation materials and submit feedback via an online public comment form at wyoparks.wyo.gov/keyhole under the Proposed Visitor Center tab.

For more information, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/keyhole or contact Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Misty Moore, district manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Contacts: 

Carly-Ann Carruthers, (307) 777-6968; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Misty Moore, (307) 620-0331; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LUSK, Wyo. – May 4, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council board will hold its quarterly meeting May 18–19 at the Wyoming Municipal Power Agency (WMPA), 4041 U.S. Highway 20, in Lusk. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, May 18, and continue Tuesday, May 19, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. An executive session may be called if necessary.

Members of the public are invited to attend any portion of the meeting to observe the board process. The board will review upcoming grants, including panel recommendations for the fiscal year 2027 Community Support Grant.

Interested parties may attend in person or join virtually via Google Meet on Monday at  meet.google.com/avy-smpj-ejj or by calling (513) 818-1694‬ and entering PIN: ‪731 996 364‬# and on Tuesday via Google Meet at meet.google.com/fui-izfq-qso or by calling (262) 674-7386‬ and entering PIN: ‪572 890 045‬#. All callers will be muted except during the public comment period.

Public comment will be heard on Monday, May 18, at 3:30 p.m. This will be the only opportunity for the public to comment on the grant review process. Public comment provides an opportunity to share updates, events, or feedback with the Arts Council board.

Community Support Grant appeals will not be heard by the board unless formally requested in advance. The Arts Council offers a formal appeal process for applicants that requires submitting an appeal form to the grants manager at least 48 hours before the meeting. Appeals may be submitted if a conflict of interest was not disclosed by a panelist or if inaccurate information was knowingly provided during the panel’s review. For more information, contact Cashmere Balland, grants and administration manager, at (307) 214-7819 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In addition to the board meeting, Wyoming Arts Council staff and board members will host a free, informal networking social hour at the Niobrara County Library on Monday, May 18, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Local artists, creatives, educators, and community organizations are encouraged to attend to connect, learn about Arts Council programs, and explore opportunities to support arts and cultural projects in their communities.

The mission of the Wyoming Arts Council is to provide leadership and invest resources to champion, sustain, and cultivate community through the arts.

For a detailed agenda or more information, contact the Wyoming Arts Council at (307) 777-7742.

Contact: Mandy Connelley, (307) 214-2701; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 1, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council is now accepting applications for the Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant and the Arts Access Project Grant. 

Beginning in May 2026, both grants will be offered through three application cycles throughout the year. Applicants should apply during the cycle that best aligns with their project timeline or set project start date.

Application cycles are as follows:

• Round one: May 1 through June 1, 2026, for projects beginning between July and September 2026
• Round two: Aug. 1 through Sept. 1, 2026, for projects beginning between October 2026 and February 2027
• Round three: Jan. 1 through Feb. 1, 2027, for projects beginning between March and June 2027

“Together, these two grants reflect a vision for Wyoming’s artistic ecosystem, one that invests in both artistic development and access,” said Kimberly Mittelstadt, creative arts specialist for the Wyoming Arts Council. “By empowering artists to grow professionally while expanding opportunities for community engagement, the Wyoming Arts Council is strengthening not only the arts sector, but also the social and cultural fabric of the state as a whole.”

The Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant provides funding to Wyoming artists and organizations to build skills, expand capacity, and increase long-term impact in the creative sector.

The Arts Access Project Grant is available to organizations for arts project funding designed to increase access to the arts for communities with limited access through comprehensive and collaborative community engagement.

Applications are available through the Wyoming Arts Council’s online grant system at wyomingartscouncil.org under the Grants tab. A complete list of eligibility requirements and guidelines is also available on the website.

Arts Council staff are available to answer questions and encourage applicants to reach out prior to applying.

For questions about application content or eligible projects, contact Kimberly Mittelstadt, creative arts specialist, at (307) 274-6673 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For general questions, contact Cashmere Balland, grants and administration manager, at (307) 214-7819 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Casey Rislov, Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant recipient, hosting a literary reading and actor performance of one of her books to a school in Cheyenne.

Contact: Kimberly Mittelstadt, (307) 274-6673; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – April 29, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and Wyoming State Trails Program, both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, are preparing to welcome attendees to the second-annual Mountain West Trails Conference, taking place May 19–20, 2026, at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs.

Bringing together trail professionals, advocates, and outdoor recreation leaders from across the region, the conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and experience Wyoming’s trail systems firsthand.

Early bird registration is available for $199 per person through May 11. Registration will remain open after that date, with pricing increasing to $225.

Day 1 is centered on hands-on workshops and field tours across the Rock Springs area, while Day 2 features keynote, general, and breakout sessions covering trail planning, stewardship, accessibility, and partnerships.

A highlight of the conference is its lineup of immersive field experiences. Attendees can explore Wyoming’s landscapes and trail systems through opportunities such as:

• Red Desert Old West History Tour & Honeycombs Hike
• OHV Tour of the Red Desert: A Historical and Scenic Adventure
• Hidden Waters of Flaming Gorge: A Lucerne Valley Boat Experience
• Adaptive, beginner, and intermediate mountain bike rides
• Trail signage and restoration projects
• Guided hikes and partner-led experiences

These field tours provide hands-on learning and real-world application, connecting participants directly to the work shaping trail systems across the Mountain West.

Important Registration Reminder

Conference registration does not automatically reserve a spot in field tours or workshops. Attendees must log back into the registration system to select and secure their sessions. Space is limited and expected to fill.

In addition to conference programming, the public is invited to attend a free film screening presented in partnership with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Trails Program, and Wyoming PBS. The screening will take place on Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at Western Wyoming Community College’s Western Theatre in Rock Springs.

The event will feature the film “Headwinds: Bikepacking the Red Desert,” which highlights the unique landscape and trail opportunities of the very region hosting this year’s conference, along with an extended trailer of the forthcoming film “A Life Outside.” The screening is free and open to the public, offering an engaging look at outdoor exploration and the landscapes that define the Mountain West.

To explore the full schedule, field tour options, sponsorship opportunities, and speaker lineup—and to register—visit mountainwesttrailsconference.com. 

The Mountain West Trails Conference brings together participants from Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and advance trail systems across the region. The event highlights the role of trails in supporting recreation, tourism, health, and community connection throughout the Mountain West.

Figure 1: Mountain West Trails Conference Graphic. 

Attached: Mountain West Trails Conference 2026 logo, A Life Outside poster, and Headwinds poster. 

Contact: Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-2507; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LANDER, Wyo. – April 29, 2026 – Fremont County Weed and Pest District, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the Bureau of Land Management plan to conduct aerial cheatgrass treatment within Sinks Canyon State Park the week of May 4-8, depending on weather conditions. Conducting cheatgrass treatments is a continuing and shared commitment to manage healthy wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire risk.

“Treating cheatgrass in Sinks Canyon State Park is a high priority for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The area includes crucial winter range for mule deer and provides extensive habitat for a myriad of other species. All of these species depend on native plants for forage and cover. Cheatgrass inhibits these native plants as well as increasing chances for wildfire,” stated Amy Anderson, Wyoming Game and Fish Department terrestrial habitat biologist.  

Treatments will involve spraying the herbicide indaziflam (Rejuvra) from drones. Actual spray dates will depend on weather conditions, but could begin as early as May 4. Short-duration closures in Sinks Canyon State Park will occur during application.

“Historical wildfires on the south slopes in Sinks Canyon created an opportunity for cheatgrass to dominate, risking repeat fires and continued loss of important wildlife habitat. Rejuvra treatments will improve land health, benefiting wildlife while also reducing fire risk,” said

Aaron Foster, Fremont County Weed and Pest district supervisor. 

Spray areas will be flagged and marked with signs. The public is advised to use caution and avoid spraying operations if encountered. Once the spray has dried, areas will be reopened to the public. The Sunnyside Trail will be closed during the duration of the treatment. 

For more information, please contact Fremont County Weed and Pest District Supervisor Aaron Foster at (307) 332-1052 or Sinks Canyon State Park Superintendent Jessica Moore at (307) 332-6333.

Contacts: 

Aaron Foster, (307) 332-1052; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jessica Moore, (307) 332-6333; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.