FORT WASHAKIE, Wyo. – March 6, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council will host two free grant information sessions for artists and community members on March 27 and 28 in the conference room of the Frank Wise Building, 3 Ethete Road, in Fort Washakie.

The sessions will take place on Friday, March 27, from 3 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. The events are presented in collaboration with the Northern Arapaho Tribal Historic Preservation Office, Wind River Development Fund, and the Wind River Community Alliance.

Wyoming Arts Council staff will provide information about agency programs and services, including the Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant and the Professional Development /Career Advancement Grant. Staff will also offer guidance on eligibility, provide hands-on assistance with applications, and share insight into what grant reviewers look for in submitted materials.

“These sessions are a great opportunity for artists and community members to learn how the Wyoming Arts Council can support their creative goals,” said Kimberly Mittelstadt, creative arts specialist for the Wyoming Arts Council. “We want artists at every stage, from emerging to established, to feel confident navigating the grant process and to know that staff and resources are available to support their work in Wyoming.”

The Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant provides $5,000 to support master artists as they pass on traditional knowledge and skills to apprentices through in-person, hands-on instruction. The Professional Development and Career Advancement Grant offers $1,000 to help individual artists build capacity and advance their careers.

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

Figure 1: Cherokee Brown, left, and Shine Tidzump stand with a star quilt created through a Wyoming Arts Council Folk and Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant. Brown received the mentoring grant to teach traditional star quilt making, supporting the continuation of cultural knowledge through hands-on instruction.

Figure 2: Poster promoting free Wyoming Arts Council artist grant information sessions, March 27–28, at the Frank B. Wise Building in Fort Washakie.

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 5, 2026 – Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming State Museum recognized 53 Wyoming artists at the 2026 Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition awards reception on Thursday, Feb. 26. Three artists were presented with awards, each accompanied by a cash prize:

• Lynn Jones of Laramie received the Governor’s Choice Award for her piece, “The Snowy Range.”
• Georgia Rowswell of Cheyenne received the Juror’s Choice Award for her piece, “Where the Buffalo Roam Again.”
• Alexandra Hansen of Aladdin received the People’s Choice Award for her piece, “Walk the Line.”

Four works were also selected for the Capitol Art Collection Purchase Awards through votes cast by the statewide elected officials and agencies participating in the museum’s Capitol Art Program. These works will be displayed in public offices of state agencies and elected officials. Artists receiving purchase awards were:

• James Overstreet of Cheyenne, for his piece titled “Yellowstone Pool”
• Catherine Barnes of Cheyenne, for her piece titled “April, May and June” 
• Ella Bishop-Heil of Alcova, for her piece titled “Portrait of Two Horses” 
• Steve Knox of Cheyenne, for his piece titled “Lookin' for 2”

This year’s exhibit is featured as part of Wyoming's tribute to America's 250th anniversary. Artists were encouraged to submit entries that celebrate Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and the people who call our great state home. The exhibit showcases 62 works chosen from 383 entries submitted by 152 Wyoming artists. The selections were made by guest juror Kate Hlavin, Curator of the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale in Denver, Colorado.

Hlavin, in her remarks during the reception, shared that "reviewing the submissions for this exhibition was a privilege. The level of creativity represented was impressive, and the range of interpretations—from land and wildlife to people and community—was fascinating to experience.” She noted that each artist brought “a unique reason for loving Wyoming, and that individuality was evident in every submission. The works I selected resonated with me as thoughtful, compelling, and beautiful reflections of this place."

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition was established in 2000 under an initiative by Governor Geringer and is organized by the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council. The exhibition is the primary avenue for the state museum to acquire contemporary Wyoming art for its Capitol and permanent collections. In addition to the works selected for Purchase Awards and added to the Capitol Art Collection, the museum purchases additional works from the exhibition for its permanent collection, serving as a record of artists working in Wyoming today.

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition will be on display until Aug. 8 in the Capitol Gallery. The Capitol is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Works in the exhibition can also be viewed and purchased at bit.ly/4qwN3x1. 

Figure 1: Governor Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon with Lynn Jones, recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Choice Award.

Figure 2: Juror Kate Hlavin and Georgia Rowswell, recipient of the 2026 Juror’s Choice Award.

Figure 3: Governor Mark Gordon and State Parks and Cultural Resources Director Dave Glenn with Alexandra Hansen, recipient of the 2026 People’s Choice Award.

Contact: Nathan Doerr, (307) 823-2935; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 3, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Monuments and Markers Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

The virtual meeting details can be found below: 

Video call link: meet.google.com/ogd-dbhq-bxe

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 209-920-9976‬ PIN: ‪528 713 599‬#

This meeting’s purpose is to review ongoing projects, provide updates on new interpretive signage, discuss enhancements to the statewide database, and explore new sign opportunities, while celebrating recent program successes.

Recent accomplishments include installing an American Mountain Men sign at the South Pass rest area near Lander, which highlights the historic use of the pass by Indigenous peoples, trappers, and emigrants on the California, Oregon, and Mormon Pioneer Trails. The program also celebrated the installation of the Crowheart Butte informational sign near Dubois, which shares Eastern Shoshone oral history about Chief Washakie and the mid-1800s Shoshone-Crow conflict, and recognizes Washakie’s leadership in guiding his people through a time of significant change.

The Monuments and Markers Program is a cooperative effort among the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR), the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), the Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT), Wyoming Tribes, local governments, and private partners. The program installs new historical markers and maintains existing monuments, markers, and interpretive signage across the state.

Learn more about this program at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Community members attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Crowheart Butte informational sign in February 2026. 

Contact: Savannah Graham, (307) 777-6314; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Feb. 26, 2026 – The Wyoming State Archives is proud to announce the next installment of its monthly Speaker Series, featuring noted historian and firearms expert Evan Green. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., Green will present "Branding Irons," a captivating exploration of the tools that defined the American West and shaped Wyoming’s cattle industry.

Branding irons are more than just tools of the trade; they are iconic symbols of ownership, heritage, and the economic foundation of the frontier. Green will delve into the cultural and historical significance of these marks, offering attendees a closer look at how they helped forge Wyoming’s unique identity.

About the Speaker

Evan Green serves as the firearms historian at the Wyoming State Museum and has been a dedicated volunteer with the institution since 2015. Raised on a family ranch in eastern Colorado, Green developed a lifelong connection to the tools and traditions of the West.

His extensive background includes:

• Curatorial Work: Guest curator for the Wyoming State Museum’s firearms exhibits and lead researcher for the inventory of the Museum’s collection of over 400 firearms.
• Digital Education: Host of more than 75 "Firearms Friday" videos on the Wyoming State Museum’s YouTube channel.
• Community Leadership: Member of the Wyoming State Historical Society, Winchester Arms Collectors, and Colt Collectors Association, as well as a volunteer with the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.

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, March 12, 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: www.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 Archives collects and preserves public and non-government records that document the activities of Wyoming’s government and the rich heritage of its people.

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.

Contact: Sara Davis, (307) 777-7826; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Feb. 25, 2026 — On behalf of the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund (ORTTF) Board, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation is proud to announce the official launch of the 2026 ORTTF Grant, a new funding initiative designed to support the planning, development, improvement, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure across the state through a competitive grant program.

Starting today, Feb. 25, 2026, eligible applicants are invited to submit applications for projects that promote, preserve, and enhance Wyoming's outdoor recreation and tourism infrastructure and its people for current and future generations. All applications must be submitted through email by 5:00 p.m. on April 11, 2026.

“Outdoor recreation is central to Wyoming’s economy and identity. For years, innovative community ideas have outpaced available resources, and today we’re excited to see that gap closing,” said Brynn Hirschman, grant coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “This investment reflects our state’s commitment to supporting local innovation and strengthening the health, economy, and natural beauty of Wyoming for generations to come.”

The grant is open to governmental entities, the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes, or a cooperative tribal governing body, and non-profit organizations. Ineligible applicants include private individuals and for-profit entities. 

For full guidelines, the application form, and more information, please visit wyorec.info/ORTTF or contact the Grant Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (307) 701-5011.

Contacts: 

Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-6316; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brynn Hirschman, (307) 701-5011; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Feb. 24, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation facilitates 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 to grow and enhance outdoor recreation in Wyoming. 

Members of the public are welcome to attend these virtual meetings. Near the end of each meeting, a designated time will be allocated for public comments. 

Dates, times, and call-in information for upcoming Collaborative meetings are as follows:

The Northeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (NEWORC), representing  Crook, Weston, and Campbell Counties, will meet virtually on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MST).

• Join through a video call: meet.google.com/bpp-uism-gfe 
• Dial in: (US) +1 662-565-5258,‬ PIN: ‪635 330 029‬#

The Natrona/Converse County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (NCORC), representing Natrona and Converse Counties, will meet virtually on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MST).

• Join through a video call: meet.google.com/gyc-wjex-utz
• Dial in: (US) +1 720-526-3767‬, PIN: ‪923 838 395‬#

The Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SWORC), representing Albany and Carbon Counties, will meet virtually on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MST).

• Join through a video call: meet.google.com/aja-nibd-aax
• Dial in: ‪(US) +1 314-666-2104‬, PIN: ‪463 880 847‬#

The Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (WRORC), representing Fremont County, will meet virtually on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MST). 

• Join through a video call: meet.google.com/cjv-dwtc-zdq 
• Dial in: (US) +1 409-420-6561,‬ PIN: ‪208 574 181‬#

The Mountain Man Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (MMORC), representing Sublette County, will meet virtually on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MST).

• Join through a video call: meet.google.com/ceo-pcki-sts 
• Dial in: ‪(US) +1 386-753-7914,‬ PIN: ‪698 043 186‬#

If you’d like to connect with one of these Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives, join their Facebook group at the following link:

• NEWORC: wyorec.info/NortheastWYORC 
• NCORC: wyorec.info/NatronaConverseCountyORC
• SWORC: wyorec.info/SoutheastWYORC  
• WRORC: wyorec.info/WindRiverORC 
• MMORC: wyorec.info/MountainManORC 

The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation champions responsible outdoor recreation to improve communities and diversify Wyoming’s economy.

Learn more about the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation’s Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives by visiting wyorec.com.

Contact: Amy Crawford, (307) 277-6339; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Feb. 24, 2026 –Wyoming State Parks is thrilled to announce that system-wide visitation surpassed the 5-million-visitor milestone in 2025. With an estimated 5,048,419 total visitors, the agency saw a 5% increase over 2024, marking its highest visitation levels since the 2020-21 recreation surge.

This continued growth reaffirms Wyoming’s reputation as a premier destination for recreation, history, and culture. High-traffic hubs like Hot Springs State Park led the system with over 1.2 million visitors, while sites like Curt Gowdy State Park recorded nearly 600,000 visitors—the second-highest total in its history.

“Surpassing five million visitors is a testament to the vital role our parks, historic sites, and recreation areas play in Wyoming’s communities,” said Dave Glenn, director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Whether it is local families escaping for a weekend at Glendo or international travelers stopping at Buffalo Bill on their way to Yellowstone, these sites are essential to our state’s quality of life and economic resilience.”

The 2025 data shows a healthy balance of use, with Wyoming residents accounting for 53% of all reserved nights, underscoring the role our state parks play in everyday recreation close to home. Out-of-state visitors, led by the Colorado Front Range and travelers heading to national parks, also played a vital role in driving overall system revenue and supporting park operations statewide.

The agency’s commitment to “more than just a campsite” was further demonstrated through its expanding interpretive and educational services. In 2025, Wyoming State Parks provided 552 opportunities to engage the public through interpretive programs, special events, and outreach activities statewide, including 329 interpretive programs, 176 events, and 47 outreach or tabling efforts. Programs were offered at 22 state park and historic site locations, as well as at schools, libraries, senior centers, and other community venues beyond park boundaries.

Wyoming State Parks staff also led 169 field trips for 11,780 students across the state and collaborated with more than 50 partner organizations to deliver meaningful educational experiences. Program topics ranged from birding, wildflower hikes, and night-sky programs to history demonstrations, geology talks, kayak programs, and art and photography classes.

The agency’s interpretive services program began in 2021 with the creation of its first Interpretive Ranger position. Over the past five years, the program has expanded to include five year-round Interpretive Rangers and a corps of seasonal interpreters. In addition to these dedicated positions, dozens of Wyoming State Parks staff, including superintendents, maintenance technicians, fee collectors, law enforcement officers, and volunteers, also contribute to education and interpretation efforts across the state.

To learn more about Wyoming state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Figure 1: Participants enjoy the annual First Day Hike at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site.

Figure 2: Visitors and Wyoming State Park staff enjoy a day of kayaking and paddleboarding at Hot Springs State Park.

Figure 3: Visitors enjoy camping at Curt Gowdy State Park. 

Contact: Chris Floyd, (307) 757-8792; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Feb. 23, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, in partnership with the Wyoming Office of Tourism, is eager to announce the launch of Mindtrip, an AI-powered trip-planning resource, on both state agencies’ websites, now serving as your go-to resource for planning your next outdoor adventure. 

“Bringing this resource to Wyoming is a direct testament to the value of inter-agency collaboration,” said Mark Tesoro, manager for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “The partnership between our office and the Wyoming Office of Tourism ensured that multiple perspectives were integrated into the database. This fusion of specialized input has resulted in a product offering residents and non-residents alike an exceptional resource for planning their next outdoor experience in Wyoming.”

Mindtrip was established in 2023 and is a first-of-its-kind platform that combines conversational AI with a proprietary knowledge base to deliver personalized travel experiences that are accurate, actionable, and all in one place. 

“From shoulder seasons to peak travel months, people want reliable information they can trust,” added Tesoro. “Mindtrip makes it easier to plan outdoor recreation in Wyoming year-round by providing seasonally relevant information in one place—helping users discover experiences that fit their interests while supporting thoughtful, responsible exploration of Wyoming’s landscapes and communities.”

Those planning their next trip in Wyoming are encouraged to visit the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation’s website, wyorec.com, or the Wyoming Office of Tourism’s website, travelwyoming.com, to begin exploring the new resource. 

This resource is available to both desktop and mobile users. After asking practical questions, like “What permits do I need to stay in a Wyoming State Park?” or “What hiking trails are near Lander, Wyoming?” download recommended destinations straight to Google Maps and hit the road, review suggested itineraries and plan your next weekend getaway, attend events happening nearby, or hit the trail nearest you. 

The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Wyoming Office of Tourism plan to continuously maintain and add to the resource, furthering the benefits it provides to adventure seekers, recreationalists, and visitors. 

To learn more about Mindtrip, its founders, and how to access it, please visit Mindtrip.ai. 

Contact: Frances Schaetz, (307) 388-8748; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.