CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 11, 2026 – As summer approaches, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) is partnering with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to remind outdoor enthusiasts to plan ahead and stay alert to high wind conditions, especially when traveling with campers, trailers, or recreational vehicles.

Wyoming's expansive landscapes attract thousands of RVers, van travelers, boaters, and outdoor recreationists each year. Many of these travelers use trailers, gear haulers, or rooftop setups to navigate the state's open highways, which are often susceptible to strong winds. Gusts along key routes, including Interstate 25, Interstate 80, and U.S. 287, can create hazardous conditions for high-profile and tow-behind vehicles.

"Wyoming welcomes countless outdoor travelers every year, and we want their experiences to be safe and memorable," said Mark Caughlan, chief ranger of Wyoming State Parks. "Being wind-aware is a simple yet critical component of trip planning, especially for anyone driving or towing a recreational vehicle or carrying rooftop gear."

While commercial trucks are frequently affected by high-wind events, various recreational vehicles are also at risk of blowovers. These include Class A and Class C motorhomes, fifth-wheel and bumper-pull trailers, toy haulers, and rooftop tent vehicles. Furthermore, passenger vehicles towing campers, boats, utility trailers, and any setup with rooftop carriers or add-on gear face similar dangers.

To minimize the risk of accidents and damage, WYDOT actively monitors weather conditions and may impose travel restrictions or temporarily close roads to light and high-profile vehicles during wind events.

"Travel restrictions are in place to protect drivers and prevent crashes," said Lt. Colonel Karl Germain of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. "While this may seem like a restriction aimed at commercial drivers, data shows recreational vehicles are one of the most common types of vehicles involved in wind crashes. We urge everyone, from full-time RVers to weekend campers, to take wind restrictions seriously while still enjoying all Wyoming has to offer."

When planning your travels, it's essential to check conditions in advance. You can visit wyoroad.info or call 511 for updated information. Flexibility in your schedule is critical to accommodate any weather-related delays. Understanding your setup and how wind can impact your specific vehicle or tow is also vital. Securely fasten all external gear, including awnings, rooftop carriers, and bicycles. For added convenience, consider downloading the Wyoming 511 mobile app, which provides real-time road and weather alerts.

Many of Wyoming's popular state parks, such as Curt Gowdy, Glendo, Boysen, and Keyhole, are located along routes known for strong winds. By planning ahead and staying informed, recreationists can confidently enjoy Wyoming's public lands.

For real-time travel conditions and wind advisories, visit wyoroad.info or download the Wyoming 511 app. For information about state parks, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Pull Aside – Save Your Ride. Safe travel is the first step to a great adventure.

Figure 1: RV camping along the shores of Boysen Reservoir in Boysen State Park. 

Contacts: 

Mark Caughlan, Wyoming State Parks, (307) 214-9818; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jordan Young, Wyoming Department of Transportation, (307) 777-4013; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 10, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council will host the Wyoming Folklife Festival on July 4 in Cheyenne as part of the broader Capital City Celebration commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

The festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on the south lawn of the Barrett Building, home of the Wyoming State Museum, located at 2301 Central Ave. in Cheyenne. The event is free and open to the public, featuring demonstrations and performances by folk and traditional artists from across Wyoming.

The Wyoming Folklife Festival will feature 11 previous recipients of the Wyoming Arts Council’s Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant, which supports mentor artists in passing on traditional arts knowledge and skills through hands-on instruction with apprentices in their communities. Demonstrations will include traditions such as blacksmithing, saddlemaking, beadwork, regalia making, and fly rod making.

In addition to artist demonstrations at the Barrett Building, traditional dance performances by the Wind River Dancers and Las Angelitas Unidas y Los Rayos del Sol will take place on the stage and grounds at the Wyoming State Capitol square.

“We’re looking forward to marking this milestone occasion with demonstrations from traditional artists from across the state,” said Josh Chrysler of the Wyoming Arts Council. “This is a good opportunity to come learn more about the traditional arts that are practiced in Wyoming and get to know people from across Wyoming who have dedicated themselves to maintaining these traditions."

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.. Additional information about the Wyoming Folklife Festival is available at wyoarts.state.wy.us/wyoming-folklife-festival. Information about other Capital City Celebration events can be found at capitalcitycelebration.com.

Figure 1: Idalis Higginbottom, left, and Alyssa Martinez create a handmade tocado, a traditional hairpiece from the Michoacán region of Mexico. Once completed, the piece will be worn as two long braids adorned with colorful ribbon bows.

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 9, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks invite the public to attend a series of Artist in Residence programs taking place throughout June at Wyoming State Parks.

The Wyoming Artist in Residence Program places artists in state parks 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:

• June 10–13 – Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site: Aubrey Edwards (Laramie, visual art)

           Public Program: Saturday, June 13 at 10 -11:30 a.m.
           Location: Petroglyph Cliff

• June 17–20 – Hot Springs State Park: Breanna Whitlock (Buffalo, visual art)

           Public Program: Saturday, June 20 at 2 - 3 p.m.
           Location: Pavilion

• June 24–27 – Sinks Canyon State Park: Marge McCrea (Rawlins, visual art)

           Public Program: Friday, June 26 at 2-4 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 at 10 a.m. - noon and 2 - 4 p.m.
           Location: Visitor Center

The 2026 Artist in Residence Program has expanded as part of Wyoming's commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, featuring artists in 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 http://wyomingartscouncil.org.

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

Figure 1: High Iron by Aubrey Edwards of Laramie, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 2: Still Here by Breanna Whitlock of Buffalo, image courtesy of the artist. Figure 3: Geode Basket by Marge McCrae of Rawlins, image courtesy of the artist.

Contacts: 
Rachel Clifton, (307) 256-0500; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 8, 2026 – The Wyoming State Museum, in partnership with community organizations across Cheyenne, is pleased to announce Civic Season 2026, a series of free public programs focused on civic engagement, history, dialogue, and community connection.

Part of a nationwide movement involving hundreds of museums, libraries, and civic organizations, Civic Season invites people of all ages to explore the past, reflect on the present, and engage in conversations about the future of democracy and civic life in Wyoming and beyond.

This year’s Civic Season will take place June 23 through July 2 and will feature four interactive events in Cheyenne, including community conversations, informal history programs, student-led discussions, and hands-on activities designed to encourage civic engagement and thoughtful dialogue.

The following Civic Season events will take place in Cheyenne:

A Slice of History

Going Back:  A History of Suffrage in Wyoming and the US

Tuesday, June 23, 5:30 p.m.
Wyoming State Museum

Join the Wyoming State Museum for an informal lecture and discussion featuring pizza and conversation. Presented by Antonio Serrano of the ACLU of Wyoming, this session will explore the history of suffrage in Wyoming and how civic participation continues to shape our communities. The event is free, but be sure to register here: https://m51o94sr2i2.typeform.com/to/JygnAVAg?typeform-source=wyomuseum.wyo.gov. 

Community Conversation: Braver Angels Debates the American Dream

Thursday, June 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Laramie County Library, Cottonwood Room

Guided by Braver Angels, this community conversation invites participants to gather, think, and learn from one another as they discuss the American Dream and whether its ideas, from the “self-made man” to enjoying a life of middle-class comforts, are still attainable or even desirable. Wing Shack will provide refreshments for this free event; please register in advance to reserve your place at https:/tinyurl.com/CivicDebate26. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, a Section 501(c)3) organization.

Civic Chat

Tuesday, June 30, 5:30 p.m.
Laramie County Library

Join us for this informal panel discussion, which encourages participants to listen, reflect, and engage in thoughtful conversation. Wing Shack will provide refreshments for this free event; please register here: https://m51o94sr2i2.typeform.com/to/ERLSgKkI.

Democracy Under Construction

Thursday, July 2, 5:30 p.m.
Wyoming State Museum

Join the Wyoming State Museum for an evening of Jenga, a special civics-themed Apples to Apples, and interactive conversations centered around democracy, civic engagement, and community perspectives. This lighthearted program encourages participants to connect with others while exploring what democracy means in everyday life. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free, but please be sure to register here: https://m51o94sr2i2.typeform.com/to/nLe1Miza.  

All Civic Season events are free and open to the public and are generously sponsored and supported by the Wyoming Humanities, the Wyoming State Museum, the Laramie County Library, Braver Angels, Wing Shack, and America’s 250th. 

The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Ave. in Cheyenne. Fans can follow the museum’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, @WyomingStateMuseum, for updates on exhibits, programs, and events.

Learn more about the Wyoming State Museum at wyomuseum.wyo.gov. 

Figures 1-3: Participants and speakers at Civic Season 2025 events. 

Contact: Stefanie Kowalczyk, (307) 630-2573; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 5, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council is announcing the publication of Keeping Tradition: Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants in Wyoming 2005–2025, a retrospective catalog celebrating the first 20 years of the Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant program. The Wyoming Arts Council is now accepting pre-orders for copies of the catalog.

The Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant supports mentor artists in folk and traditional art forms as they pass on knowledge and skills to apprentices in their communities through hands-on, in-person instruction. Since the program began in 2005, the grant has supported artists and traditions from communities across Wyoming.

The 72-page, full-color catalog features an introduction to folk and traditional arts in Wyoming, artist spotlights, historical context, and a complete list of former grant recipients. Featured art forms include old-time fiddle, rawhide braiding, beadwork, regalia making, western saddlemaking, and other traditions practiced throughout the state.

“We’re excited to offer this catalog celebrating the people who have dedicated significant time to teaching and learning traditional art forms in Wyoming through the Arts Council’s Mentoring Grant,” said Josh Chrysler of the Wyoming Arts Council. “Twenty years is a significant milestone, and we hope the catalog helps us collectively appreciate the ongoing practice of these traditions in our communities.”

The catalog is available free of charge by request. Pre-orders may be submitted online at https://forms.gle/R63Xe5PHWBmDCqjB6. Catalogs will be mailed in the coming weeks.

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.. Additional information about the Wyoming Folkart Festival is available at wyoarts.state.wy.us/wyoming-folklife-festival.

Figure 1: John L. Blair, right, a 2024 Wyoming Arts Council Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant recipient from Greybull, teaches apprentice Matt Avery the traditional art of western saddlemaking. Their work is featured in Keeping Tradition: Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants in Wyoming 2005–2025, a retrospective catalog celebrating 20 years of the mentoring grant program. Figure 2: Cover of Keeping Tradition: Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants in Wyoming 2005–2025, a retrospective catalog published by the Wyoming Arts Council celebrating 20 years of the Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant program.

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

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – June 2, 2026 – As of May 26, 2026, Crook County, Wyoming, entered into a Stage 2 Fire Ban. To ensure the safety of park visitors and neighbors of the park, Keyhole State Park will be implementing Stage 2 burn ban restrictions effective immediately. 

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit all campfires on park property, including campfires in state-issued fire rings. Devices using pressurized liquid or gas (stoves, grills, or lanterns) that include shut-off valves are permitted when used in an area at least three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles. 

Keyhole State Park staff is working closely with the Pine Haven Volunteer Fire Department to continuously monitor fire conditions to help keep park visitors and neighbors in Keyhole safe during this fire season. Park staff will be working to clear campsites of flammable materials to help reduce fire risk and provide safe conditions for visitors to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, grills, or lanterns at the park. 

For more information, contact Keyhole State Park Superintendent Mary Negri at (307) 205-3149 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Additional information is available at https://wsfd.wyo.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions and https://www.crookcounty.wy.gov/departments/volunteer_fire/county_fire_ban.php. 

Contact: Mary Negri, (307) 205-3149; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 1, 2026 – With support from Governor Mark Gordon’s Office, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and Casper Shooters Club are proud to host the tenth annual Wyoming Governor’s Match, presented by Vortex Optics. The event will take place July 18–19, 2026, at the Stuckenhoff Shooters Complex in Casper, Wyoming.

“As the Wyoming Governor’s Match celebrates its tenth year during America’s 250th anniversary commemoration, the event continues to highlight Wyoming’s longstanding traditions of outdoor recreation, marksmanship, and Second Amendment heritage,” said Governor Mark Gordon. “This event has become an anchor in our shooting heritage and continues to put Wyoming on the map.  It’s always exciting to see participation continue to grow as we welcome some of the nation’s top shooters to Wyoming.”

Over the past decade, the Match has become a tradition for competitors and spectators alike, bringing together top competitive shooters, shooting sports organizations, legislators, elected officials, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts from across Wyoming and beyond.

Each year, the event welcomes public participation and draws hundreds of competitors and spectators for a weekend celebrating shooting sports, community, and Wyoming tradition. 

This year’s USPSA Level II competition will feature up to 250 competitors, 12 stages, a chronograph, and a minimum of 400 rounds.

Registration is currently open on PractiScore. Adult competitor entry fees are $195, while junior competitor entry fees are $95. Those interested in competing may register online. Ear and eye protection are required for all competitors and attendees.

“The Wyoming Governor’s Match has grown into more than a shooting competition; it’s become a signature Wyoming event that brings together outdoor recreation enthusiasts, industry partners, local businesses, and communities from across the region,” said Mark Tesoro, manager of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Each year, the Match and Expo help showcase Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy while creating opportunities for tourism, partnerships, and community engagement in Casper and beyond.”

In addition to the competition, organizers and local partners are planning events throughout the weekend to highlight Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy, including the fourth annual Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo at David Street Station in downtown Casper.

The Expo will take place Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Attendees can explore vendor booths featuring Wyoming outdoor recreation and firearms industry leaders, enjoy local food trucks, participate in family-friendly activities, and more.

To learn more about the Wyoming Governor’s Match and Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo, visit wyooutdoorrecreation.wyo.gov.  

Figure 1: Participant at the Wyoming Governor's Match, presented by Vortex Optics. Figure 2: Outdoor Recreation Legislative Panel at the 2025 Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo. Figure 3: Attendees at the Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo at David Street Station. 

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

EVANSTON, Wyo. – May 29, 2026 – Bear River State Park will host the Wyoming Bumble Bee Atlas Initiative on June 13, inviting community members of all ages to participate in an exciting hands-on community science project focused on bumble bee conservation and research.

“Programs like the Wyoming Bumble Bee Atlas Initiative provide a great opportunity for our community to connect with the outdoors while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts,” said Tyfani Sager, superintendent of Bear River State Park. “We are excited to welcome volunteers of all ages to the park to learn more about Wyoming’s native pollinators and help support important scientific research happening right here in our state.” 

The Wyoming Bumble Bee Atlas Initiative trains volunteers to identify and document bumble bees throughout the region, helping researchers better understand bumble bee populations and their habitat needs across Wyoming. Participants will learn how to safely observe and record bumblebee activity while contributing valuable scientific data used in ongoing conservation efforts.

This free public event offers a unique opportunity for residents, families, students, and outdoor enthusiasts to engage directly with pollinator research and environmental stewardship.

Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at www.bumblebeeatlas.org/pages/mtnstates-bba-bear-river. 

Event Details

What: Wyoming Bumble Bee Atlas Initiative
When: June 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Bear River State Park, 601 Bear River Dr., Evanston, WY 82930 
Cost: Free and open to the public
Registration: Advance registration encouraged

Together, community volunteers and researchers can help protect Wyoming’s important pollinator species for future generations. 

The Bumble Bee Atlas is a community science project aimed at gathering the data needed to track and conserve bumble bees. The Atlas is administered by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation on behalf of the Bumble Bee Atlas. The Xerces Society is a donor-supported nonprofit organization that protects our world by conserving invertebrates and their habitats.

For more information, contact Bear River State Park Superintendent Tyfani Sager, or learn more about Bear River State Park at wyoparks.wyo.gov/bearriver. 

Attachment: Wyoming Bumble Bee Atlas Field Training graphic with registration QR code. 

Contact: Tyfani Sager, (307) 789-6547; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 28, 2026 –  Wyoming State Parks is advising visitors to prepare for lower-than-normal water levels this summer at several Wyoming reservoir parks, including Seminoe, Glendo, and Guernsey State Parks, due to ongoing drought conditions and below-average snowpack across the North Platte River Basin.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s May runoff forecast, spring runoff in the Upper North Platte Basin above Glendo Reservoir is expected to be significantly below average this year. The Upper North Platte Basin is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions, with April through July runoff projected to reach only about 17% of the 30-year average.

As a result, reservoir levels throughout the North Platte system are expected to remain below historical levels throughout the summer recreation season. Glendo and Guernsey reservoirs are not anticipated to fill as early or as high as normal, and water levels are expected to decline sooner in late summer. Seminoe Reservoir is also expected to remain below historical levels.

Despite lower water levels, Seminoe, Glendo, and Guernsey State Parks will remain open for visitation and recreation throughout the summer season. Visitors can continue to enjoy camping, fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities, though some facilities, boat ramps, or shoreline conditions may be impacted as water levels change throughout the season. 

Visitors planning water-based recreation activities are encouraged to use caution, be aware of changing conditions, and check current reservoir and boat ramp conditions before traveling.

“While water levels may look different this year, these parks continue to offer excellent recreational opportunities for visitors across the state,” said Mark Caughlan, chief ranger of Wyoming State Parks. “We encourage visitors to plan ahead, recreate safely, and enjoy everything Wyoming State Parks have to offer this summer.”

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. 

The Bureau of Reclamation operates seven reservoirs on the North Platte River system, which provide irrigation water, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits across the region. 

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and recreation opportunities at wyoparks.wyo.gov and follow official Wyoming State Parks social media channels for updates. 

Contacts:

Mark Caughlan, (307) 214-9818; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

Greg Deveraux, (307) 670-3513; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.