CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Aug. 3, 2026 – The Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series invites the public to step into the boots of 19th-century soldiers with its upcoming presentation, "Campaigns in the American West." Featuring archaeologist and cultural resource specialist Nathan May, the event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Wyoming State Museum classroom.

While modern highways make the vast distances of the American West seem trivial today, the reality for a late-1800s foot soldier was one of grueling endurance. From sun-baked desert plains to freezing, rocky mountain passes, troops marched and countermarched through punishing weather, racing against time to meet the enemy in battle.

Using archaeological insights and historical accounts, May will explore the raw, firsthand experiences of these soldiers, the staggering distances they covered on foot, and how the unforgiving Western landscape fundamentally shaped military strategy.

About the Speaker

Nathan May is an Archaeologist and Cultural Resource Specialist with the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office. He holds a Master of Arts in Anthropology, with a focus on Historical Archaeology, from the University of Idaho.

May brings extensive field experience to the presentation, having conducted excavations, comprehensive surveys, and advanced metal-detection mapping across precontact and historic sites in the Intermountain, Great Plains, and Pacific Northwest regions. He holds a specialized research interest in 19th-century American pioneer trails and military battle sites.

Event Details

The event is free and open to the public. Participation is available both in person and online, with a live Q&A session following the presentation.

• When: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
• In-Person Location: Wyoming State Museum classroom, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne.
• Virtual Attendance: Registration is required for virtual access. Please visit: eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693.

About the Wyoming State Archives

The Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series takes place on the second Thursday of each month, highlighting the state's diverse history. The Wyoming State Archives ensures the preservation and accessibility of Wyoming's rich history, offering public programming, research resources, and educational series that bring the state's vibrant past to life.

The Wyoming State Archives is fully accessible in accordance with ADA guidelines. For more information or to request special assistance, please contact Sara Davis, Wyoming State Archivist.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 31, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks has reached a tentative agreement with C&W Enterprises, which will conclude the pending litigation regarding the Star Plunge in Thermopolis, Wyoming. The parties have jointly asked the court to cancel the summary judgment hearing scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.

The tentative settlement has been reached after State Parks recently concluded an appraisal process as mandated by Section 335 of Enrolled Act 27 of the Sixty-Eighth Legislature of the State of Wyoming, also known as the 2027 Budget Bill.

This settlement will conclude a process that began in 2008 when the long-term concession contract for operating the Star Plunge expired.

"Wyoming State Parks’ mission is to improve communities and enrich lives. This agreement will allow the agency to reopen the Star Plunge with a new long-term concessionaire who intends to make significant investments in the aquatic facilities," said Dave Glenn, director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. "We are excited to partner on the long-term enhancement and modernization of these facilities, to ensure a safe, exceptional, and affordable experience for Wyoming residents and visitors." 

For more information about Wyoming State Parks, please visit WyoParks.Wyo.Gov. 

SOUTH PASS CITY, Wyo. – July 31, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources is pleased to present The Tinderwoods as part of the 2026 Tunes on the Trail concert series—a second-year initiative that blends live acoustic music with outdoor recreation in Wyoming’s scenic state parks.

The event at South Pass City State Historic Site will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a hike (optional) followed by a live, 90-minute performance surrounded by nature. If attendees opt out of the hike, they should meet at the Dance Hall at 5 p.m.

• Hike Start Time: 4:30 p.m.
• Meeting Location for Hike: Dance Hall
• Hike Distance and Difficulty:  2 miles round-trip, moderate to steep terrain. 
• Performance Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
• Performance Location: Mouth of the English Tunnel

*Accessibility options are available. Please contact South Pass City State Historic Site in advance to explore these options: (307) 332-3684. 

This Tunes on the Trail event features The Tinderwoods, an Americana folk band from Lander, Wyoming. Their debut EP, Small Town Long Streets, won 2nd place in the Wyoming Public Radio people’s choice award in 2025. 

Joe Ellis, superintendent of South Pass City State Historic Site, stated, “South Pass City State Historic Site is excited to host Tunes on the Trail. Music was an important part of the history of South Pass City.  Historically, miners and town folk alike enjoyed music daily, and this is a cool opportunity to feel what it may have been like in SPC during the gold rush.” 

General admission at South Pass City State Historic Site is $4 for Wyoming residents, $8 for non-residents, with free admission for kids 17 & under. However, all Tunes on the Trail events are free, and no additional event fees are charged.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, explore the site, and take in the full experience. If you plan to hike, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, appropriate footwear, and anything you might need. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the park's social media channels at @SouthPassCityStateHistoricSite.

While registration is not mandatory, it is encouraged to help staff plan effectively. Please RSVP on the event's Eventbrite page at bit.ly/TunesAtSouthPassCity.

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, all under the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). 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: The Tinderwoods, image courtesy of the band. 

Contact: 
Jamie Hansen, Outreach Coordinator

Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation

(307) 460-8794 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

LARAMIE, Wyo. – July 29, 2026 – On July 16, 2026, the National Park Service listed the Abraham Lincoln Monument, located at the Sherman Summit Rest Area off I-80 east of Laramie, to the National Register of Historic Places. The Monument was listed as a work of art and a significant example of the work of Robert Isaiah Russin, an art professor at the University of Wyoming and arguably one of the state’s premier monumental sculptors.

From his arrival in Wyoming in 1947 until his death in 2008, Robert Russin had a profound impact on the advancement of sculpture as an art form in the state. Russin stood apart from most of his contemporaries, generally avoiding stereotypical Western themes and focusing on public art for the appreciation and contemplation of the masses. As a professor at the University of Wyoming, Russin taught and trained hundreds of students, many of whom went on to become successful artists themselves. Due to the high-profile nature of his work and his role as a professor, Russin was perhaps the most well-known Wyoming sculptor of the 20th century.

The Abraham Lincoln Monument is Russin’s most visible and best-known work and was among the artist’s largest and most personally meaningful projects. Completed in 1959, Russin designed the monumental bronze sculpture and granite base to grace Sherman’s Summit, the highest point on the transcontinental Lincoln Highway. It was Russin’s hope and intention that the sculpture would inspire travelers to contemplate the ideals and life of the nation’s 16th president. Though moved in 1968 when I-80 redirected traffic away from the former Lincoln Highway alignment, Russin initiated and oversaw the monument’s relocation to a similar vantage point: the summit of I-80, at an elevation of 8,686 feet. Viewed by thousands of motorists each day while traveling through Wyoming along I-80, the monument is one of Wyoming’s most high-profile works of public art.

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of historic places worthy of preservation and is managed by the National Park Service. Over 600 buildings, districts, archaeological sites, and objects in Wyoming are listed on the National Register, representing significant achievements in American history, culture, archaeology, engineering, art, and architecture. If you are interested in learning more about the Wyoming listings, please visit wyoshpo.wyo.gov/index.php/programs/national-register/.

For more information about the National Register program in Wyoming, or for information pertaining to the Abraham Lincoln Monument, contact the National Register Program Coordinator, Casey Woster, at the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office.

Figure 1: The Abraham Lincoln Monument, located at the Sherman Summit Rest Area off I-80 east of Laramie.

Contact:

Casey Woster, National Register Program Coordinator 

Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office

Phone number (307) 777-7530 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 28, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council invite the public to attend a series of Artist in Residence programs taking place throughout August at Wyoming State Parks.

The Wyoming Artist in Residence Program places artists in parks and historic sites across the state, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with artists, observe the creative process, and participate in public programs inspired by Wyoming's landscapes, history, and communities.

During each residency, artists spend three days immersed in their surroundings before presenting a public program on Saturday. Programs may include demonstrations, workshops, performances, readings, or discussions.

Upcoming residencies include:

• Aug. 5–8 – Guernsey State Park: Holly Balgalvis (Cheyenne, creative writing)

          Public Program: Saturday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
          Location: Sitting Bull Shelter

• Aug. 12–15 – Curt Gowdy State Park: Madeline Logan Davis (Cheyenne, visual art)

          Public Program: Saturday, Aug. 15 at 4 - 5:30 p.m.
          Location: Visitor Center Conference Room

• Aug. 19–22 – Buffalo Bill State Park: Christopher Archuleta (Jackson, music)

          Public Program: Saturday, Aug. 22 at 6 - 8 p.m.
          Location: Sheep Mountain Day Use Area

• Aug. 26–29 – Glendo State Park: Phil Black (Casper, music)

          Public Program: Saturday, Aug. 29 at 11 a.m.
          Location: Two Moons Day Use Shelter

The 2026 Artist in Residence Program has expanded as part of Wyoming's commemoration of America's 250th anniversary and features artists representing visual art, music, dance, performance art, and creative writing.

Visitors are encouraged to follow individual park social media pages for additional program details and updates.

Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council are programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, which provides recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities to improve communities and enrich lives. 

For more information about the Artist in Residence Program, visit the Wyoming Arts Council at wyomingartscouncil.org.

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks at wyoparks.wyo.gov or follow @WyomingStateParks on Facebook for updates on upcoming events and programs statewide.

Figures 1 & 2: Artist Breanna Whitlock during her artist residency at Hot Springs State Park in June, images courtesy of the artist. Figures 3 & 4: Artists John Wilhelm & Jessica Brower during their artist residency at Curt Gowdy State Park in June, images courtesy of the artists. 

Contacts: 
Rachel Clifton, Executive Director

Wyoming Arts Council

(307) 256-0500 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Christina Bird, District Manager

Wyoming State Parks

(307) 631-1110 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 27, 2026 – Visitors planning to recreate at Glendo and Guernsey State Parks are advised that the Bureau of Reclamation will begin its annual lowering of Glendo and Guernsey reservoirs the week of Aug. 9. Due to ongoing drought conditions, this year's drawdown will occur approximately one month earlier than normal. 

Glendo Reservoir has already been releasing more than 4,000 cubic feet per second for more than a week, and elevated outflows are expected to continue. As water levels decline throughout August, boating access and navigation at both reservoirs will become increasingly limited. Boaters are encouraged to remove watercraft early while boat ramps remain accessible and to use caution as changing water levels create evolving conditions.

To facilitate the lowering of Guernsey Reservoir, outflows from Glendo Reservoir will be reduced beginning August 9 and will decrease to low flow before the end of August. The Marina, Reno Cove, and Whiskey Gulch boat ramps are expected to remain usable, although navigation around the marina docks may become difficult as water levels recede.

At Guernsey Reservoir, rapidly declining water levels will affect boat launching and on-water recreation as the reservoir is lowered. Visitors should anticipate changing conditions and plan accordingly.

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, Glendo Reservoir levels are expected to gradually increase over the winter as the reservoir captures natural inflows and releases from Gray Reef Reservoir.

"While lower reservoir levels will temporarily affect boating opportunities, both Glendo and Guernsey State Parks offer great recreation experiences beyond the water," said Steve Horn, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. "We encourage visitors to explore the trails, campgrounds, historic sites, and other amenities that make these parks special while conditions change."

Visitors can continue to enjoy many of the recreational opportunities both parks have to offer, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and scenic landscapes. Glendo State Park also features archery and off-highway vehicle trails, while Guernsey State Park offers a playground, museum, and some of the finest Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture in the Rocky Mountain region. 

Visitors with camping reservations who wish to modify their plans may do so online at reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling (877) 996-7275. Visitors are encouraged to contact the individual park directly with questions about current conditions before traveling. 

For current and timely information on reservoir storage, inflow, outflow, percentage full, cubic feet per second (CFS), and more, visit the Bureau of Reclamation Wyoming Lakes and Reservoirs page at Bit.ly/WyoReservoirData. 

Contacts: 

Steve Horn, District Manager

Wyoming State Parks

(307) 370-0573 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Cassie Wells, Superintendent

Guernsey State Park 

(307) 836-2334 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LA GRANGE, Wyo., – July 24, 2026 – Visitors to Hawk Springs State Recreation Area should expect temporary traffic delays next week as the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources completes roadway improvements within the recreation area.

Beginning Friday, July 24, Road 22 will be reduced to a single lane while crews replace an existing culvert and install an additional culvert to improve drainage and roadway infrastructure. Construction will occur Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is expected to last approximately two weeks. 

Hawk Springs State Recreation Area will remain open during construction, and visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying the area's camping, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities while allowing extra travel time when entering or exiting the recreation area.

"We appreciate the public's patience as we complete these important infrastructure improvements," said Cassie Wells, superintendent of Hawk Springs State Recreation Area. "These upgrades will help improve the long-term safety and functionality of the roadway for visitors."

Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signs and use caution while traveling through the construction area.

For the latest information about Wyoming state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 23, 2026 – The Wyoming State Trails Program is now accepting applications for a new Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program, a one-time funding opportunity approved by the Wyoming Legislature. Funding for the program is available through the Wyoming Office of Tourism and will support the development and improvement of non-motorized trail recreation across Wyoming.

A total of $800,000 is available through the competitive grant program to fund shovel-ready projects that expand and enhance natural surface trail opportunities on public lands.

"This grant represents an exciting investment in Wyoming's outdoor recreation infrastructure," said Caleb Owen, Non-Motorized Trails Program coordinator. "We encourage eligible organizations and public land managers with qualifying projects to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to improve non-motorized recreation opportunities across the state."

Eligible projects include the construction of new natural-surface trails, the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing natural-surface trails, and trail-supporting infrastructure such as trailheads, kiosks, and restroom facilities. While both new construction and maintenance projects are eligible, new trail construction projects will receive a higher scoring multiplier during the evaluation process.

Planning efforts, including project design, engineering, and surveys, are not eligible for funding. All projects must be shovel-ready construction and maintenance projects only. 

Eligible applicants include public land management agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGO). Applicants must have a 50% (1:1) cash match secured at the time of application. The minimum project request is $15,000, requiring a minimum cash match of $7,500.

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 1, 2026, with award notifications expected by Dec. 1, 2026. 

An overview and application materials are available through the Wyoming State Trails Program at Bit.ly/Non-Motorized-Trails-Grant. Questions regarding the grant or applicant eligibility may be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Learn more about the State Trails Program’s Non-Motorized Trails Program at wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Contact:  Caleb Owen, (307) 274-6637; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

LOVELL, Wyo. – July 22, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation's Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative will host the 4th annual Bighorn River Blueway Community Float on Aug. 1, 2026, bringing together local community members and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Hosted by the Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC) in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and the City of Lovell, the float will highlight two new launch locations, Red Rim Meadows and Eagle Nest, located off the Crystal Creek Road near Lovell, Wyoming.

"Each year, this float gives us an opportunity to experience another section of the proposed Bighorn River Blueway Trail while showcasing the progress our partners have made together," said Amy Crawford, outdoor recreation coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "It's exciting to see the momentum this project has built over the past several years, and we're looking forward to introducing participants to these new access sites and another beautiful stretch of the river." 

Interested participants should bring their own watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, small rafts or inflatables, and all necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable float. The approximately 8-mile float will take 3 hours, beginning at Red Rim Meadows and ending at the Eagle’s Nest access. Bring a life jacket, appropriate clothing for the weather, sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks.

Participants can meet at Red Rim Meadows, off Crystal Creek Road across the river from Georgia Pacific, at 10 a.m., or at the Lovell Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. All watercraft using Wyoming waters are required to display an Aquatic Invasive Species decal. Non-

motorized inflatable watercraft 10 feet or less in length, all solid and inflatable paddleboards regardless of length, and all devices defined as water sport toys are exempt from the decal requirement.

The Bighorn River Blueway Trail is a regional initiative led by the BBORC to establish a water trail along the Bighorn River. The proposed route would begin at the Wedding of the Waters south of Thermopolis, Wyoming, and extend to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Lovell, Wyoming. From there, paddlers could continue to Yellowtail Dam in Fort Smith, Montana. The trail is envisioned to provide a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including wildlife viewing, fishing for more than a dozen game fish species, camping, and scenic paddling through Wyoming's changing landscapes. Planning efforts have been underway for the past five years, with significant progress recently made in mapping the proposed route. 

Once completed, the BBORC plans to have formal maps created that outline the entire route and list important safety and access information, making it a recreational destination and opportunity that residents and visitors will enjoy.

Please note that the water levels are low this year and the float is subject to change. For all updates, please visit facebook.com/wyorec. 

For more information regarding the Bighorn River Blueway Trail project or the upcoming float, please contact Outdoor Recreation Coordinator Amy Crawford via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at (307) 548-5406. 

You can also learn more about the BBORC by visiting wyooutdoorrecreation.wyo.gov. 

Figures 1 & 2: Community members and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the 3rd annual Bighorn River Blueway Community Float from Wedding of the Waters to Hot Springs State Park.

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