Rock Springs WyomingATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rock Springs, Wyoming.
1. Flaming Gorge - Uintas National Scenic Byway
MAGNIFICENT PANORAMIC DRIVE
Flaming Gorge - Uintas National Scenic Byway offers visitors breathtaking views of red rock formations and crystal-clear waters. The scenic drive winds through diverse landscapes including forests, mountains, and the stunning Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Travelers can stop at numerous viewpoints along the way to appreciate the natural beauty of this remarkable area.
2. Flaming Gorge
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Flaming Gorge is a spectacular recreation area south of Rock Springs where visitors can boat, fish, swim, and mountain bike. The reservoir's brilliant blue waters contrast dramatically with the surrounding red rock cliffs, creating a stunning visual experience. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to this natural wonder year-round for its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and numerous water activities.
3. Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop
WILD HORSES ROAM FREE
Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop allows visitors to observe wild horses in their natural habitat just outside of Rock Springs. The 24-mile gravel loop offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape along with opportunities to spot herds of these majestic animals. Visitors are advised to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the beauty of these free-roaming mustangs against the backdrop of Wyoming's high desert.
4. City of Rock Springs Museum
RICH LOCAL HERITAGE
The City of Rock Springs Museum showcases the rich multicultural history of this unique mining town and its 56 nationalities. Housed in the historic former city hall and fire station, the museum features exhibits on coal mining, immigration, and early pioneer life in the area. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the diverse heritage of Rock Springs to life.
5. Natural History Museum - Western Wyoming Community College
PREHISTORIC WYOMING WONDERS
The Natural History Museum at Western Wyoming Community College features impressive dinosaur exhibits including life-sized replicas of various prehistoric creatures. Visitors can explore the geological and paleontological history of Wyoming through numerous fossil displays and educational exhibits. The museum offers an engaging educational experience for all ages with its well-designed displays highlighting the region's ancient past.
6. Adobe Town
OTHERWORLDLY DESERT LANDSCAPE
Adobe Town is a stunning badlands area featuring unique geological formations that resemble ancient ruins. The remote desert landscape offers photographers and nature enthusiasts an otherworldly experience with its weathered rock pillars and spires. Visitors who venture to this less-traveled area will be rewarded with solitude and spectacular views of one of Wyoming's most unusual natural wonders.
7. Boars Tusk
ANCIENT VOLCANIC REMNANT
Boars Tusk is a striking volcanic formation that stands as a solitary rock spire rising dramatically from the Killpecker Sand Dunes. This long-extinct volcanic core serves as a distinctive landmark and sacred site for Native American tribes in the region. Hikers and photographers are drawn to this unique geological feature for its impressive silhouette against the Wyoming sky and the panoramic views from its base.
8. Square State Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Square State Brewing offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Rock Springs. The brewery features a rotating selection of innovative beers along with a menu of delicious food options to complement their brews. Visitors can enjoy the friendly community vibe while sampling unique beer varieties that often incorporate regional ingredients and flavors.
9. Killpecker Sand Dunes
MASSIVE DESERT PLAYGROUND
Killpecker Sand Dunes, just north of Rock Springs, are the largest active sand dunes in North America and second largest in the world. Visitors can experience the dunes through various recreational activities including sandboarding, sledding, and off-road vehicle adventures in designated areas. The constantly shifting landscape creates a unique ecosystem where wildlife, including desert elk, can sometimes be spotted among the golden dunes.
10. White Mountain Petroglyphs
ANCIENT ROCK ART
The White Mountain Petroglyphs site preserves ancient Native American rock art carved into the sandstone cliffs north of Rock Springs. These fascinating carvings, created between 200 and 1,000 years ago, depict various animals, human figures, and mysterious symbols. Visitors can take a short hike to view these significant cultural artifacts that provide a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the area's earliest inhabitants.
11. Rock Springs Historical Museum
MINING TOWN HERITAGE
The Rock Springs Historical Museum chronicles the development of this frontier town from its coal mining beginnings to the present day. Housed in the historic old City Hall building, the museum features exhibits on local history, mining equipment, and the diverse immigrant populations that shaped the community. Visitors can explore photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring to life the challenges and triumphs of this unique Wyoming city.
12. Sweetwater County Events Complex
WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT HUB
The Sweetwater County Events Complex hosts numerous cultural events including annual rodeos and Wyoming's Big Show at the county fair. This modern facility showcases the region's western heritage through competitions, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can experience authentic western culture and entertainment while enjoying the complex's well-designed venues and amenities.
13. Coal Miner's Statue
TRIBUTE TO MINING HERITAGE
The Coal Miner's Statue stands as a powerful tribute to the miners who built Rock Springs and shaped its multicultural identity. This bronze monument captures the spirit and strength of the workers who toiled in the mines during the city's formative years. Visitors can reflect on the significant contributions of miners from 56 different nationalities who came to this frontier town seeking opportunity and building a unique community in the process.
14. Downtown Rock Springs
HISTORIC MAIN STREET SHOPPING
Downtown Rock Springs features an award-winning main street lined with historic buildings housing unique shops and locally revered restaurants. The charming downtown area offers visitors opportunities to browse boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores while admiring the well-preserved architecture. Shoppers can discover distinctive Wyoming-made products, western wear, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs while experiencing the friendly small-town atmosphere.
15. Fossils of Lake Gosiute
ANCIENT AQUATIC TREASURES
The Fossils of Lake Gosiute area near Rock Springs provides an extraordinary window into prehistoric Wyoming when the region was covered by a vast lake. Visitors can explore areas where perfectly preserved fish, plant, and insect fossils have been discovered in the sedimentary layers of this ancient lakebed. Amateur paleontologists and nature enthusiasts are drawn to this location to observe the remarkable fossil record that documents life from over 50 million years ago.