Rolling Hills WyomingATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rolling Hills, Wyoming.
1. Devils Tower National Monument
SACRED MONOLITHIC WONDER
Devils Tower National Monument is a massive monolith that towers 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River near Sundance. The sacred site for many Native American tribes was designated as the nation's first national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The park surrounding this classic Wyoming rock formation is home to diverse wildlife and blanketed with pine forests, woodlands, and grasslands.
2. Sinks Canyon State Park
MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARING RIVER
Sinks Canyon State Park features a remarkable disappearing river that tops the list of famous Wyoming natural attractions. The middle fork of the Popo Agie River flows until it suddenly curves into a large cave and descends underground at 'the Sinks,' later reemerging about a quarter mile away in a large, calm pool called 'the Rise.' Scientific tests using colored dye confirmed the connection between the two points, though it remains unexplained why more water emerges at the Rise than initially disappears at the Sinks.
3. Independence Rock State Historic Site
HISTORIC OREGON TRAIL LANDMARK
Independence Rock State Historic Site was a crucial landmark along the Oregon Trail where half a million pioneers passed between 1843 and 1869. Many travelers inscribed their names on this massive granite rock, which became known as the 'Register of the Desert.' The rock earned its name because pioneers aimed to reach this point by July 4th to ensure they could cross the Rocky Mountains before winter.
4. Paleon Museum
PREHISTORIC WYOMING DISCOVERIES
The Paleon Museum in Glenrock showcases the rich paleontological history of Wyoming with impressive fossil displays and exhibits. Visitors can explore the region's prehistoric past through carefully preserved specimens and educational presentations. The museum offers an intimate look at the ancient creatures that once roamed this area millions of years ago.
5. Duncan Ranch Trail Head
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Duncan Ranch Trail Head provides access to beautiful nature and wildlife areas near Glenrock. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing along the well-maintained trails. The area showcases Wyoming's natural beauty with diverse landscapes and opportunities to spot local fauna in their natural habitat.
6. Cowboy State Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Cowboy State Brewing offers visitors a taste of Wyoming through their locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewery features a variety of handcrafted ales and lagers that capture the spirit and flavors of the region. Guests can enjoy fresh brews while experiencing the friendly hospitality that Wyoming is known for.
7. Vedauwoo Recreation Area
LAND OF EARTHBORN SPIRITS
Vedauwoo Recreation Area, named by Native Americans as the 'land of the earthborn spirits,' features distinctive rock formations that create a majestic natural landscape. The area offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding among the unique granite outcroppings. Visitors are drawn to its mystical atmosphere and the striking beauty of these ancient rock formations that seem to emerge organically from the earth.
8. Heart Mountain Relocation Center
WWII JAPANESE-AMERICAN HISTORY
The Heart Mountain Relocation Center was an internment camp for Japanese-Americans during World War II located between Cody and Powell. This historic site preserves the memory of thousands of Japanese-Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated there from 1942 to 1945. Today, the interpretive center and original structures tell the powerful story of this difficult chapter in American history.
9. Oregon Trail Ruts
PIONEER WAGON TRAIL MARKS
The Oregon Trail Ruts near Guernsey showcase deep gouges in solid sandstone created by countless wagon wheels during the westward migration. These remarkable trail ruts, carved up to five feet deep in places, provide tangible evidence of the thousands of pioneers who traveled west during the mid-1800s. Visitors can walk alongside these preserved tracks, literally following in the footsteps of history as they imagine the arduous journey faced by early settlers.
10. South Pass
HISTORIC CONTINENTAL DIVIDE CROSSING
South Pass consists of two mountain passes on the Continental Divide that provided a natural crossing point of the Rockies for westward travelers. This crucial passage served as the route for pioneers on the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails heading west during the 19th century. The relatively gentle slope of the pass, compared to other Rocky Mountain crossings, made it an essential corridor for westward expansion and settlement.
11. Historic Governors' Mansion
WYOMING'S EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE
The Historic Governors' Mansion State Historic Site in Cheyenne served as the official residence for Wyoming governors from 1905 to 1976. The Colonial Revival mansion has been restored to reflect different periods of its use and showcases original furnishings and historical artifacts. Visitors can tour this elegant home to gain insight into the lives of Wyoming's early state leaders and the changing domestic styles of the 20th century.
12. Killpecker Sand Dunes
VAST DESERT PLAYGROUND
Killpecker Sand Dunes form one of the largest active sand dune fields in North America, stretching for over 100 miles across southwestern Wyoming. These massive dunes offer opportunities for hiking, photography, and seasonal recreational activities including sandboarding and off-road adventures in designated areas. The unique ecosystem supports diverse plant and animal life that have adapted to survive in this ever-shifting desert landscape.
13. Boar's Tusk
ANCIENT VOLCANIC REMNANT
Boar's Tusk is a distinctive volcanic formation rising dramatically from the surrounding desert floor near Rock Springs. This 400-foot tall rock spire is all that remains of an ancient volcano that eroded away over millions of years. The striking landmark holds cultural significance for Native American tribes and serves as a popular destination for photographers and geology enthusiasts.
14. Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site
FRONTIER MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site preserves the remains of a military outpost established in 1866 to protect travelers on the Bozeman Trail during a period of conflict with Native American tribes. The interpretive center features exhibits on the fort's history, the daily lives of soldiers, and the significant battles that occurred in the area. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort walls, interpretive trails, and the nearby Fetterman and Wagon Box battle sites that played crucial roles in the Plains Indian Wars.
15. Granger Stage Station
OLD WEST TRANSPORTATION HUB
Granger Stage Station State Historic Site preserves a crucial transportation stop from Wyoming's frontier era. The station served as an important rest point for the Overland and Pony Express mail services as well as passenger stagecoaches traveling west. Today, visitors can explore the preserved stone buildings and learn about the vital role such stations played in connecting the expanding United States during the mid-19th century.