The Center
Being a nonprofit we rely on our donors and our volunteers. We offer many ways to get involved with the Trails Center. You can become a sustaining member, make a one-time donation, or become an active volunteer here with us.
Welcome
Between 1840 and 1869, approximately 500,000 emigrants traveled through the Casper area on three National Historic Trails: The Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail and the California Trail. They migrated for different reasons: They sought free land in the Oregon Territory, religious freedom in the Great Salt Lake Valley, and free gold in California.
These pioneers left behind not only trails, but important stories as well, stories that are significant to U.S. history.
Footsteps to the West
Begin your journey through the Trails Center with our 18-minute multi-media program in the theater. The program, entitled “Footsteps to the West,” combines light, sound, and images to re-create the lives of the pioneers as they traveled west. Many of the stories in this presentation were taken from the journals and diaries of pioneers. The program is narrated by Wilford Brimley.
Journal entries are used not only in the theater presentation, but throughout our exhibits. Following the orientation film, we recommend that you enter the galleries beginning with the Native American Gallery.
Explore the 7 Galleries
- Ways of the People
- The U.S. Looks West
- The Oregon Trail
- The Mormon Trail
- The California Trail
- The Pony Express Trail
- Epilogue: The Trail Today
Even More to See...
Head outside to see the Pony Express Cabin outside used for Pony Express re-rides, a demonstration area, and a walking path with native plants and wildlife signage.
Must-See Exhibits
Take a Wagon Ride
Crossing the North Platte River was often a perilous undertaking: The river was at times 300 yards across and four feet deep. Feel the bumps and jolts of a wagon as you take a virtual wagon ride across the river.
Push a Hand Cart
Nearly 3,000 Mormon converts from Europe made their journey pushing and pulling hand carts. Push a virtual hand cart, and see if you have what it takes to make it over the Rocky Mountains.
The Martin Handcart Co. Rescue
Hear a nine-minute dramatization of the Heber McBride family, who were part of the Martin Company that faced terrible perils during their journey in 1856. The words in this presentation were taken from diary accounts.
Ride in a Stage Coach
Sit in our stage coach and experience the sights and sounds of passengers as they traveled west.
Crossing the North Platte River
Step outside our veranda, and learn where the pioneers crossed the North Platte River in the Casper area. Imagine the long lines of wagons and the clouds of dust along the river banks.
Now's the time to
get involved
Make a donation to the Historic Trails Center to do your part to preserve history.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer and how you can help visitors please fill out this form.
To learn more about becoming a sustaining member and member benefits please fill this form out.
Now's the time to
get involved
Make a donation to the Historic Trails Center to do your part to preserve history.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer and how you can help visitors please fill out this form.
Get your business or organization involved and coordinate an event with us.
To learn more about becoming a sustaining member and member benefits please fill this form out.