National Historic Trails Interpretive Center Reviews

Good information. They show a 20 minute movie on the hour, watch that first. Many exhibits and interactive activities. Our kids were kind of enjoyed it (10 & 12), seemed like the adults got more out of it.

We were not planning to stop on our way home from the Badlands, but did. Very well thought out presentations and displays of the trails heading west. I had no idea that everything heading west went through Casper. Well worth the stop just for the view of the valley.

Found the staff to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would recommend this to anyone traveling through Casper that wanted some background of the area. It started off with a great movie that contained a plethora of information. Learned a great deal.

Who knew that all the National Historic trails came through Casper, WY?!? You can learn about people's experience on the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the Pony Express at this center. There are lots of photos and explanations, great dioramas, and plenty of hands-on interactive exhibits that will teach and entertain kids and adults alike. This is a must-see if you are in Casper!

Casper was a major hub for pioneers going into Oregon, Utah and California in the early and mid-1800s . This interpretive center explains the trails that crossed the North Platte River here and gives background on the peoples who were here before them. There are displays and a film presentation. This is a good stop for all ages.

This is a great place to share the history of Casper as it relates to the nation. Great for family and interactive. Great gift shop for souvenirs

This is the most amazing Interpretive Center we have been to and we have visited a lot of them. Absolutely incredible. The exhibits are outstanding. We learned a lot about the early day westbound pioneer experience. The staff had all the answers to all of our questions and everyone was so polite and welcoming.

We made a special trip to Casper to visit this museum and were not dissapointed. The staff were excellent at showing us around and helping answer our numerous questions. We learnt loads and had a very interesting and fun time. We appreciated all the added touches which brought the history to live. The 'show', the interactive wagon ride and the 'Pony Express' ride.

Excellent history of immigrants trails to the West. A great way to spend time in Casper and learn about the settling of the west and how the immigrants managed to travel west via life and death experiences. Staff was friendly and well informed about the trails and this unit. They were more than willing to answer questions about the exhibits. Admission is free. They do take donations. Accessible parking for handicapped. Do not miss this museum.

We were only passing through but thought this would be interesting to learn about the history. We learned so much about these trails, the life they lived, the issues that they dealt with.... terrific ! It is good for any age... things for kids to seniors. Just an excellent presentation. We spend about 1 1/2 hrs here but we took our time. So glad we decided to stop. We thouroughly enjoyed this experience. Staff is super friendly and so ready to answer your questions. And to think it was free!

Very interesting & well planned out. A wonderful gift store & presentations throughout the year. Nice way to spend the afternoon.

The Center is a fun way to learn history. We took our Granddaughter to see it when she was in 4th grade and learning about WY history, We all immensely enjoyed the tour and hands-on exhibits. Definitely a place to visit for all ages.

Exhibits and experiences are great. It's well worth a visit. Fun way to learn more about the history of the human migration to the West. Nice views of the valley.

We visited here after enjoying a Historic Trails West Wagon trip. It is a modern museum with a fun, interactive theme. And all for the price of a donation.

This is a must see if you are in the area. It is free, run by the BLM. Everything about this center is excellent. Be sure to watch the film and read the stories of people who made the trip. It will make you appreciate the sacrifice others made to develop our country. It is of the highest quality.

We stopped by planning to spend just a few minutes, but ended up spending an hour, and could have spent much more time. The exhibits and interactive experiences were great, and the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. Plan to spend a couple of hours there, this is a very nice attraction, and could be made even better with visits to other important stops on the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, or other historic trails in the area (Register Cliff, Independence Rock, and other locations). And it's free, as a double-bonus! Be sure to leave a donation.

The National Historic Trails is a hands on and well organized center that clearly describes the experiences of those who traveled from east to west. One exhibit features a ride in a covered wagon that fords a river. You will feel the reality of the dangers those folks confronted to move West.

The Center fully describes and presents in nterestin pig ways the way people went west in wagons, and pulling hand carts, and the building of railways. The displays provide you with texture for the story of people moving West. It does not omit the effect on Native Americans in the plains.

Not to be missed

This is a really great museum if you want to begin to understand how westward migration happened, and the crucial role that Casper Wyoming played in it. The museum had a number of interactive exhibits and explanations of the various trails which all went through Casper, the rigors of travel in a wagon train, and the various Native American tribes who lived on the land. A really nice presentation.

Couldn't believe all if this was for a small donation as WA charges us for everything it can. Great museum, loved the short films and getting on the wagon. The experience allowed us to know what it was like for those that made this hard journey. Would definitely recommend it. We learned a lot.

We live in Casper and have been to the Center several times. Each time we find something new. There is something for every member of the family, and will be enjoyed by all.

It is worth the time and the experience. Also a great place to take kids believe it or not. The wife and I have taken kids between the ages of four to 9 and both times we went they seemed to really enjoy the place. It also does not take a great deal of time to browse through the attraction. It is worthwhile. Also it is never crowded.

Great place to visit. Admission is free but they accept donations. Great for kids. A lot of hands on for all ages. They have a simulated covered wagon you can ride in.

We were able to grab an hour at this excellent museum before getting on the road again. The museum truly gave you a great chronological view of the pioneer trails across the the western half of the country. They also had a great 18 minute introductory video.

Apparently a remarkably fine museum but not open on Sunday. Our bad planning but we had planned to visit Casper museums on Sunday, including this one, then fly out in afternoon.

Travelers should build this into their planning: much of Casper is closed on Sunday, not just museums. The main street has interesting shops but most are closed.

Conclusion—if you come to Casper for history or nature museums, check their website and plan not to come on Sunday.

Really nice museum with lots of interactive exhibits for children. Also educational and fun for adults. Our children especially enjoyed the river crossing simulation. Definitely make time to go if you are visiting Casper.

This is a great place to spend a couple of hours learning about our country and the settlers that past through this area. Great place to take kids.

We needed a break from driving and decided to stop here. This place did not disappoint. So much to see and learn inside and outside.

This place really gave me an experience to what things were like. We did the exihibit where you pull a hand cart. It was alot harder than I thought it would be

This Interpretive Museum was wonderfully laid out to tell the story of the pioneers heading west, the Oregon and Mormon Trails, Pony Express, and Native Americans. The centerpiece was a video presentation about the pioneer experience. There are plenty of hands-on things for the kids, but as seniors we thoroughly enjoyed learning about this history. The museum also had a great bookstore.

The museum is totally awesome, one of the best that we have seen, with interacting displays, and an informative film.

So glad this museum was open on a Sunday, as that was the only day we could visit. I was told this was the best museum in the West for a look into the history of the plains. My sister-in-law and I loved it. That day a woman had driven in from Nebraska to share her interpretive story about pioneer life, specifically a '49er widow (many men left their families hoping to find gold in California, thus leaving their wives as "widows"). She was dressed in the pioneer garb and had a great story to tell. I was currently reading a book called "Rush," about the California Gold Rush, so I was particularly interested. There was a question and answer session after that. There were quotes from pioneers, actual Indian memorabilia, buffalo info, a little gift shop, and a LOT more.

There is a replica of an actual wagon train, and in one section you can actually sit in a wagon train and via virtual reality, cross a typical river they would have had to cross. That was pretty cool. We spent a couple of hours there, but without the storyteller, an hour would probably be enough.

It is easy to get to off of I-25 and has ample parking for RVs. It sits on a hill, so the town of Casper is laid out at the bottom and the views are beautiful.

Superb presentational and interactive experience of a critical period in American history. I thought this would be a good local or state museum refreshing my memory of the westward settlers’ trails. I was very wrong. This is a first-rate, national curated experience with multimedia, artifacts, creative interactive stations, and informed friendly staff. My mind was blown by the overwhelming amount of detail and work that went into this center. I walked away infinitely more informed, inspired, and encouraged than I walked in. If you are facing any challenge in your life whatsoever, pay this center a visit for an enlightening dose of perspective.

One out of ten died on the Oregon Trail. There is a body buried every eighty feet. It took six months to walk across the country. It wasn't cheap. You had to be well off to afford it. Everyone along the way took advantage of you and frankly, the Indians didn't like it much. These people were the epitome of survivors.

I visited on a very quiet Sunday - folks were friendly and welcoming. Enjoyed learning a little more about the community.

Definitely stop and learn about the western migration. Extremely helpful staff, and great exhibits of the pioneers and fantastic display on the perspective of the American Indians.

As someone who has traveled a lot and is native to Wyoming, I can say without a doubt this is a must visit! It has wonderfully interactive exhibits (think simulated wagon train ride through the North Platte river, testing out a mock backpack settlers carried thousands of miles, pulling handcarts, etc.). We were all engaged and interested, from grandkids through to grandparents. Tons of great info about how the West was settled and the hardships endured. Makes everything very realistic.

Also has a small gift shop that has a great collection of unique books hard to find on kindle. Definitely need to come to this, plus it's completely free!! (No onsite food vending just fyi, and they are typically closed Mondays).

Would highly recommend for both a historic and geographical perspective of the area. Allow plenty of time for this activity as once you get there, it's hard to leave.

We came here as a meeting point for a tour, and went inside for a quick peek. Very soon we knew we had to return the next day before we left town the next morning. We ended up spending 3 hrs the next day. Very well done, so much information about the pioneer trails. Very hands on. I need to come back and bring my grandkids!!! Staff is very friendly and knowledgable. The film in the center is so well done, everything is, and puts you back to those trail times!!! I learned so much, and gained such an increased understanding.

This was one of the best museums we have ever explored as a family! We went with two teenagers and a toddler, and each and every child was engaged. I can’t believe this museum does not charge admission. We would highly recommend any individual, couple, or family to visit if you are in the Casper area.

Well worth the visit, whether you take young kids, teenagers, or both, like I did. This will be a visit the whole family enjoys.

We really enjoyed this Center. Greatly improved our understanding of the several migrations west that occurred. Right on the former wagon trails!

The staff was super helpful, and the exhibit was fascinating. I would highly recommend anyone that has a couple of hours to stop in. The views from outdoors are spectacular.

This museum was well worth the small entrance fee. The staff was very helpful and we enjoyed the interactive displays!

Wow! Such an incredibly well done museum. I love that so much of it is hands on learning. Even if someone doesn't usually like museums or history, this is so well presented that it is fun. Several excellent videos explaining different historical points. Very kid friendly. Too much to absorb it all in one visit, so we will be back. And it's FREE!

I can't tell you just how much two old senior citizens enjoyed our visit to this National Historic Interpretive Center. The only thing that would have made our time there more enjoyable would have been having our grandchildren there with us. That way I would not have felt silly in the mock wagon trail ride as it crossed a river. Even so, it was a lot of fun and I was real glad that I didn't get my feet wet. Here is a shout out to the person who met and welcomed us as we walked in and to the interpreter who walked around with us pointing out particularly intersting tidbits about what the treacherous trip across the country entailed. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this Center if you are traveling anywhere near Casper, WY.

Cant believe this museum is free!? What a great way for kids and adults to learn about the trials and tribulations of the Emigrants of the Past who dared to go out West. Thought the Native American perspective was accurately portrayed rather than muted. A must stop if your making the drive through Wyoming.

if you have any interest whatsoever in the astonishing story of how people moved east to west 150 years ago then this is a must. the story is well told with each area describing a period in time with lots of videos and interactive tools. the children love it too. they even have a wagon you can get in to and it then seems to have to ford a river. the central diorama is beautifully done with lights and narrative picking out the figures. and well done the designers for including the Native Americans in the centre, so often they are air brushed out of Americas history.

Fascinating place to learn about the western expansion of European settlers into the western territories. Well worth the time. The museum sits on a bluff and has beautiful views over Casper and the surrounding mountains.

I was looking forward to visiting this museum most during my visit to Casper. Driving up one sees the back of the museum and the dumpsters. Not a grand entrance. Finding the entrance from the parking lot is an analogy to the arduous trek settlers took to their destinations. And that sea of blue? Seriously? Inside, a corny diorama and lots of weary quotations. The best thing about the museum? It's free.

On a sidenote, there was a temporary exhibit about the round up of the Nez Perce by the us army. It was outstanding.

If you want to learn about those traveling the Oregon Trail stop at this center in Casper WY. There are many exhibits and interactive displays. Be sure and watch the Film!

Not knowing the historical significance of the Casper, Wyoming area to the overland journeys made by westward pioneers in the 1800’s, we explored this center/museum.
Run by the US Parks Dept., we found it to be very informative with good perspective on the history of the area and the significance the N. Plate River had in the journey west. Every major overland trail utilized the river and each converged in the Casper area before going their own direction . . . depending on if one was heading to Oregon, California, etc.
The exhibits and many displays are interactive and friendly to children.
A great way to ‘look back’ and learn some vital history of the United States of America.

This was a very informative and beautiful museum. There was no admission, which was a pleasant surprise. The history of the indigenous people, the Oregon Trail, and the gold rush was interesting and enlightening.

My husband & I recently spent two days in southern WY in order to learn about the 19th century pioneers who traveled the Overland Trails to settle the American West; we began our exploration at this site. We found the exhibits in this good-sized museum to be very well done—interactive, engaging, and informative. Both adults and youth will enjoy the galleries here, which covered the Oregon, California, Mormon, & Pony Express trails and the participants of each. Each historic trail is shown on a large map and in a comparative timeline. There are many interactive touches, including pull-out drawers with additional information and exhibits like “What to Take/What to Pack” about the choices the pioneers had to make. There is a simulated river crossing video, which you can experience from the safety and relative comfort of a wagon. Throughout the museum, there are placards with various quotes taken from travelers’ journals, letters home, etc., which give further insight into their personal experiences. There is a centrally located theater containing a life-size diorama of the various pioneer participants, who are highlighted during a 15-minute video shown on the half-hour. The Mormon Trail gallery also included a short, interesting video on their unique experience.

We spent just under 2 hours here, exploring the galleries, enjoying the presentation, and browsing their excellent book store. There are clean bathrooms, plentiful free parking, and free admission when we visited. I especially appreciated the free National Park Service materials offered to us by the museum’s helpful staff member.

All in all, this site offered us an excellent visitor experience! I highly recommend it!

We visited as a party of 4 adults and 1 four month old the morning after the solar eclipse. There was a lot to see and plenty of interactive exhibits. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Not only was the centre free but they also provide a free bottle of cold water which was great in the heat. Outside the centre itself there are some nice views over Casper.

A must see for everyone interested in learning about the unforced migration of people to the West in the 1800's! It is one of the best, if not the best interpretive center that I have visited in the U.S. Be sure to read about the architectural design of the building on the sign placed outside the building. The exhibits immerse visitors in the lives of the people who emigrated to the West. I spent more than two hours and return again the following day. I would visit this center again. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. No cost to visit the center.

This was a very fun museum. You get to learn about the trails and get to ride a covered wagon. Soo much fun :)

This is a very well done museum by the Bureau of Land Management. Great interactive exhibits for kids, and informative for the whole family. Friendly staff and volunteers too.

This center (never call it a museum, apparently) is a real gem with interactive exhibits for all the trails that went through this area. It leads you through the various hardships & joys of leaving everything behind to search for a new life. A great history lesson for young and old...and it is now FREE!

Probably the best museum for kids I have ever been to. After a long day traveling we were worried a museum might be a mistake, but not this one. It was a highlight of the whole trip across the country. Several interactive exhibits kept the kids enthralled and after 2 hours they still didn’t want to leave. Very interesting for adults as well.

We are so lucky to have this Trails Center in our community! History of the trails that came through our area (most of them did) with information about the settlers and the native americans at that time. Well worth the time to go through.

Were in Casper to enjoy the eclipse. This a really good museum, it really brings history to life. Good for all ages, we are in our 70's, and we enjoyed it greatly. It is very organized and very clean. Lots of hands on things for children. A nice show that explains the hardships our fore fathers faced heading west. Should be a must do the next time you are In the area. It is FREE there is a donation box, which were happy to out a donation in.

Very educational place to go to and learn about the history of the Wyoming trails. They have a couple of simulations there where you can experience what it would have been like at that time. The employees were very friendly and knowledge, answering questions that we had. We would highly recommend stopping here if you're in Casper.

Terrific history lessons displayed and experienced here. It's a wonderful collection of the brave men and women that made the journey to settle the west. Moving stories told and the visitor is educated and entertained.

Real nice experience. Recommend to all who visit Casper. Great way to learn about the migration of people Westward and local tribes as well.

Although we had visited five years ago, this excellent museum was well worth a return visit. No charge is made for admission although I would willingly have paid $10 to be there. The displays are very enlightening, charting the development of the mass migration trails westwards in the 1800s, and the history of the Pony Express, the Telegraph and the eventual arrival of the railroad. Fascinating stuff, attractively displayed.

This place is more for kids. Very hands on, but still enjoyable for all ages. Lots of mining, wildlife, native peoples, and covers all of the different trails to the west.

Worth the stop if you are in the area. We stopped by before our Yellowstone visit. Watched some videos, read some displays and bought some souvioners. Some good history about the area.

Interesting exhibits of white folk travels and settlement of west / midwest. Strange long walk from parking to front door. Very open displays can be viewed quickly or more leisurely, with many child-friendly.

A very comprehensive look at the Oregon, Mormon and gold rush trails through the Wyoming region. Everything was done first rate, and informatively. The US Interior Dept staff on premises are quite helpful and informative. And there were 3 antelope grazing outside the porch.

The theme seems to have a predominantly Mormon bent to it if you're put off by such.

This center was so much more than expected. It's laid out in sections for the different groups who travelled west, explaining who they were, why they went, and the trials of their journey - Oregon Trail (free land), Mormon Trail (religious freedom), California Trail (gold) and the Pony Express Trail (to fill the gap between east and west while the transcontinental telegraph was built).
We sat in a covered wagon while it "crossed a river" - the video was very good with drama and humor.
Be sure to read the requirements for a Pony Express rider!
This center is on the north end of Casper just off I-25, along with/inside the Caspar Welcome Center. It has a great scenic view of Casper from the entry deck. I'd recommend starting here before going to see Fort Casper.
It's free and run by the National Parks Service. the staff were friendly and very helpful, as we asked about places we planned to visit.

I think this is a must do while traveling! It adds to your trip so much! It is a well done display and is well worth going through! Adults and kids alike will learn from this and enjoy their trip around the area more! I love learning about the area I travel in!

We were getting ready for a Wagon Train RIde with Morris from Historic Trails West, and thought we'd check out the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. I'm so glad that we went in and explored.
We started out with a short video which was so informative, and very cool how they had realistic characters in the foreground. They had several interactive exhibits and it was so fun to check them out.
I would definitly recommend you visiting while your in the area. Also, please check out Historic Trails West for a great Wagon Train adventure.

Stopped to get some pamphlets on the historic trails and they have plenty of material. Some free others at a reasonable price.

We stopped at Casper for a night as part of a Montana/Wyoming road trip to go to this museum. Glad we did. It was wonderfully done, and very interesting. The exhibits were very informative, aided by many interpretive stations. The file which preceded the self guided tour was very good, and the staff was excellent. One of the highlights of our trip.

This is a fascinating place with stories of the west and the history of the US. I love the displays and the family activities! I have taken students here from grades K-8, and my family as well.

This center is great for any age. Lots of hands on items for both kids and adults . My wife teaches Pre-School and would love to take her class there is it weren't for the 2,000 mile trip. A must see.

This is a must do if you are passing through Casper. The museum tells the story of the four major western movements that passed through Casper across the Platte heading west in the 19th century. Start your visit with the movie to set the story for you. The exhibits are notable inn that they are easy to read and practice word economy. No need to stand 10 minutes in front of each exhibit to read. It is all very well done.

I enjoyed the scenery here, pretty lifelike! They do a good job of representing the "old west" with the different scenes throughout the museum. I enjoyed it, and I feel it was well worth stopping in.

What a great museum! So much to see and learn about. Highly recommend. Awesome displays. Wish we had had more time. And it is FREE!

We had read the reviews and as an added bonus our hotel was a stones’ throw away. The exhibits were laid out in chronological order and so well done. In addition to the facts, there were personal stories about families and individuals and their struggles on the trails across the country. I learned so much and came away feeling guilty for ever complaining about my day! We stayed for about two 1/2 hours.

We have visited this place several times throughout the years. Upon arrival you watch a film that incorporates several screens as well as props that are on display in the center. You can walk around and see what it was like to be on a stagecoach as well as a Mormon pioneer crossing a river with oxen. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and were able to direct us to pioneer graves that are on the trail that passes through Casper that can be visited. This place is a must stop if you love history, genealogy, or if you are curious about western migration. Visiting made me appreciate the luxuries I have in this day and age.

I highly recommend this museum. The museum is located above Casper. It shows all of the trails that go throur central Wyoming. Very well done.

This is a truly amazing museum. There are hands on activities, you can do a couple simulations, our favorite was crossing the Platte River in a covered wagon. They had a speaker on the "iron horse " and it is FREE. Well worth the time.

Very cool little museum with lots of information about the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Mormon Trail. And it’s absolutely free!!!! Recommend for anyone interested in this area of history.

We took our 91 year old Mother there on her Birthday. The staff treated us like Royalty very kind, and we learned a lot. Very nice lay out, even the black smith display outside was very interesting. The only thing that was lacking was we came to late so we did not have time to do all the displays. The staff was very educated in the displays.

I was interested in how this museum took the four trails---Oregon, Mormon, California Gold Trail, and Pony Express, and made sense of how many people went, what time of year they needed to start, and trials that they faced on the trail. Displays are excellent as is the movie. This is a great stop.

Great collection of exhibits, maps and a film that covers an important part of this country's history. It would be a great stop for children or school field trips. It is closed on Mondays when we arrived in Casper, so we made a quick visit before leaving town on Tuesday.

Told a friend of mine that she had to see this Museum even though I had been there a couple of years ago. It is a wonderful experience and now that we all stayed home for a year, due to Covid, it is great to get out now that we are vaccinated. Do not miss "Crossing a River in a Covered Wagon exhibit" This is just a terrific and exciting Museum even a second time. There is so much to read and enjoy! They are open on their Winter Hours until Memorial Weekend 9-4:30PM.

This is our third annual trip to the Trails museum in Casper. We (mom and 11 & 7 year old children) look forward to it and learn something new each time. The exhibits are interactive and engaging for children and adults. We love the movie in the main theater, riding in the wagon crossing the river and the Wells Fargo coach, playing on the telegraph line, and we appreciate the warm and welcoming volunteers. We highly recommend a visit and look forward to coming back again.

We had some time to explore Casper in the morning before heading to Denver so we decided to visit the center. It was an eye opener because it portrayed the western migration during the 1800s in very creative exhibits and interactive displays. It showed the hardships and also other aspects of the journey that the immigrants experienced and endured.

Excellent attraction. Lots to do for children and adults presented in a fun and interesting way. The interactive wagon ride fording the river and stagecoach ride across the prairie are highlights. The staff is friendly and well trained. You can spend a minimum of 45 min to see the film made on location on the Oregon Trail for a good overview but the activities will keep everyone engaged for as much time as you wish. I guarantee you will be thinking a lot about our predessors on the Trails as you cruise down I-25. Don't miss the experience.

This is by far the best museum we have visited in a long time. They have so many hands on exhibits. You can ride a wagon across a water crossing and then ride a stage coach. You will love this and it is free!!!!!

The museum exhibits utilize cutting edge technology and film paired with the actual artifacts found along the trails to tell the story of the pioneers who traveled west in pursuit of a better life and the affect this westward migration had on Native Americans. This is one of the best museum experiences I’ve seen and I would highly recommend that you take the time to visit. We also enjoyed shopping in the bookstore where we found western history books to further our understanding of this period of history. We were able to spend a couple of hours at the museum, and when we are back in the area we make a return visit. Well done!

Stopped here while looking at a number of the Oregon Trail related historic sites in Wyoming. This was hands down one of the best museums related to the trail that I've seen so far. There were a number of great exhibits detailing the history of the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails from start to finish, would recommend at least two hours to see everything. Museum also sits on a hill with a scenic overlook of Casper town and nearby mountains. Staff was also very friendly and helpful. A definite must see for anyone interested in history.

National Historic Interpretive Center was such a fascinating reminder of the lengths the emigrants went through to settle the west. I enjoyed the interactive parts. You can feel buffalo and beaver pelts, take a ride across a river in a covered wagon and experience what it was like to pull a handcart. I could barely do it for a minute let alone the months and months it took the pioneers to make it all the way out west. It was a great reminder of the sacrifices these people made to settle the west. They have come nice presentations and artifacts. It’s immaculately clean and best of all it’s FREE!! I enjoyed it very much and definitely recommend a stop on your journey.

The ratings for this museum were good, so my daughter and I decided to go while I was visiting her in Casper. The detail, exhibits and stories in this museum were excellent. So much interesting history presented in an informative and interactive way. I’d recommend this for everyone - appropriate for young kids and so good for adults! We allocated about an hour and a half, and did not make it all the way through the exhibits! And we didn’t get out to the outside trails. I’d suggest not skimping on time! This museum is amazingly well done, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the exhibits are engaging and fun! Definitely five stars!

This place is a must-see for anyone interested in the Westward movement in the 1800's. The displays are outstanding and very informative. Plan on staying at least a couple of hours.

While I have always been fascinated with the early pioneers and their struggles to traverse the continent, the Center does an amazing job of telling the story well. The movie was superbly crafted and the museum type displays were very informative. I would allow two hours to take in all it has to offer.

Excellent museum devoted to the great trails of the West - the Oregon, Mormon, California trails and the Pony Express. Great exhibits for kids and set high above Casper. Friendly staff and fresh exhibits that entertain; and its all free for a donation.

This is a great place. Spend an afternoon. IT's a trip back in history. My son was amazed at the difficulty of pullimg a hand cart.

This center tells the harrowing story of the Oregon Trail is epic detail. Fascinating presentations which depict the 'saga' of moving west. Our grand daughter became immersed in the interactive exhibits. Don't missing the ride in the covered wagon crossing the river.

If visiting the area, anyone would be remiss not to visit this wonderful FREE center. They had a really nice 18 minute film in their theatre which was terrific and the the guide was so accommodating to us and friendly. The displays were among the finest I have ever seen. The life size depictions were so real you could believe you were right there in history! Don't miss this!

We were in Casper for the Eclipse and this was our first stop. While we initially stopped for information on the Eclipse festival, this museum was one of the most interactive and interesting that we have visited. The exhibits were very well done and were very educational. The staff here was extremely friendly and helpful. This facility deserves a visit for the creativity of the museum and most of all the friendliness of the people.

Tom Empey was one of the strongest supporters of the establishment of the "Trails" Center. He was in on all aspects of its development and one of his children did the incredible theater lighting design. When Tom passed away in early December, this seemed like the perfect venue for a memorial celebration. The staff was extremely helpful in the planning, set up and administration of the event. I know he would have been so pleased that several hundred people came to the "Trails" to honor him, many for the first time. This beautiful facility is an incredible asset to Casper and Wyoming. As the organizer of this tribute along with Tom Empey's wife and children, Will remain eternally grateful for this place in Casper, Wyoming. I am proud to take every guest in my home to visit the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, sometimes a second and third visit.

We just moved back from Europe & felt a sense of solidarity with the pioneers represented in this museum. Such a well done hands-on museum for children & adults alike. And it was free! Impressive.

A few things were closed for covid but overall this was a great stop on our journey!

Very impressive and educational and fun !
Great films and very informative as well as interactive
The staff is great

We thoroughly enjoyed this museum. Several volunteers added tidbits of knowledge to enhance well-done displays. A great place for families as well as history buffs, like us.

A federal museum, this is well-done. Lots of interesting things to learn (things you may not have even thought would be interesting, but are).
Pulling a hand cart is harder than it looks. I can't imagine how they did it across the prairies!
The ride in the stagecoach was enlightening, too.
Well worth the trip.
Only complaint is all parking is a ways from the entrance (in Wyoming terms)--including handicapped parking (big bummer). Elderly people, people on crutches and wheelchairs have a tough time making the hike down and up the hill. Like I said, though, it's a federal museum, so it figures.

This was interesting and the staff was friendly and interacted with the visitors . There is a short film which is shown in the museum and highlights what the settlers faced.

We went there as a family to 6 and we loved it. Special mention for the gentleman who had us test for smallpox and his wife.

What luck to have stopped here on a road trip from NY to Yellowstone. I am now eager to learn more about the emigrations to the west, especially the handcart journeys. Sitting in a simulation of a wagon crossing a raging river was amazing. The video was inspiring. The staff could not have been more helpful, especially when I was smitten with the artwork of Julie Rogers depicting those early settlers and their heart-wrenching stories. The staff was able to pull books from their library showing Julie Rogers' art, enabling me to acquire my own copy after a hands on review. Specifically, "Follow Me to Zion" tells the stories of the emigrants illustrated by Julie Rogers art. This is education at its finest, where the spark of interest is lit and the individual can't help but go on to learn more. BLM (Bureau of Land Management) staff are to be congratulated on the work they are doing here. Can't say enough good things about this place!

The museum was very well done with interactive displays that visitors of all ages would enjoy. Ride a wagon across the North Platte River, pull a Mormon Pull Cart, or ride in a stage coach.

I just loved this museum!! It was just a gem! I learned so much about the journeys of the brave souls who traveled West to settle. The museum was small, manageable and chock full of interesting information on our country’s pioneers! Highly recommend stopping in here for a quick and educational visit.

What a cool set of displays. They have done a great job and the interactive part is the best. Kids really like this place. We love to take visitors and grand kids. Great place to go on a windy day, makes you feel like a real explorer.

We were delighted to spend at least an hour at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. We wish we had more time, but the facility was closing. Not only is the center free with a beautiful view of Casper and the nearby mountains, but the information on the westward trails was factual and impressive. Moreover, we particularly liked many of the hands-on exhibits and splendid dioramas. Casper must be quite proud to have such a gem in its backyard. Highly recommend this attraction to all.

Well worth the time to stop by. Friendly docents who are very knowledgeable about the events of the westward migrations. Free! New, modern facilities set up by timelines with a center theater showing a nice overview of what is covered in the center. Cross the river in a covered wagon simulator. And much more! If you like historical events, don't miss it.

Definitely enjoyed this place. Exhibits are very well done. Movie was interesting and informative. We learned a lot about the emigrants and their experiences. And it’s free!

The definative museum for those who wish to know the true story of those who have gone before.

Start with the film presentation as it will give you the best overall view, then follow in the footsteps as you learn about the trials, successes and failures.

Many succeeded, many lay in unmarked and forgotten graves. All put their faith in The Lord and their backs to the wheel.

I had not stopped at this center before because I figured it was going to cost $20 or more to go in. That was not the case. I was so glad I stopped here. They have some great displays and very informative. I saw some families during my visit and they all seemed to be enjoying the center. I was there for a little less than an hour but there is enough to see and do that it could take 1 to 2 hours.

This is a very special place to visit. The history here is fantastic. It features history of the Oregon, California, and Morman Trails. The presentations and displays are top notch. There is so much to see. We spent 4 hours there. All of this and it is free.

Beautiful building situated on a bluff overlooking Casper. Wonderful historical exhibits arranged in chronological order, it demonstrates the hardships and sacrifices made by early settlers as they walked the 2000 miles from Missouri to Oregon. It was fun to ride in the interactive wagon crossing the river! You can try your stamina in pulling the handcart also. Very well done and a for sure attraction while visiting Casper.

Went to Casper Wyn, specifically to see this Center and it did not disappoint!!! ALL EXHIBITS done in an excellent educational manner. Ride the prairie wagon across the N. Platte!!! Also take a ride in a stage coach!! Spend as much time as you want. We spent over three hours!! Good area for a picnic overlooking Casper and surrounding areas. MUST SEE!!!

My husband and I stopped in here while we were in Casper and we were very happy with the place. When we first walked in we were greeted by employees who explained the place a little and let us know that the show was starting in a minute. The show was great and explained the conditions the travelers went through to get to Casper. The entire place was very hands on and would keep kids entertained for a while. Definitely a great place to stop!

This is a must see! The museum is very well organized, in chronological order with an excellent flow. It starts with a nice 17 minute film that lets you experience the trials and tribulations of life on the trail. The museum takes you through the Oregon trail then the Mormon Trail, California trail and Pony Express. There are lots of interactive maps. There is a chance to get into a covered wagon to experience the crossing of the North Platte river. Great for all ages and it is FREE!

This is a great center to visit. Lots of hands on experiences and great information. Everyone was friendly and helpful and full of information. We made postcards and met Smokey Bear and took an old fashion (simulated) wagon ride! AWESOME!

An excellent explanation of the trails--California, Oregon and Mormon. Great video with dioramas. Simulated wagon crossing of the Platte river. The best Interpretive Center we have seen!! A MUST SEE.

I have loved the old West since I first read the little house on the prairie series, and this place brings it to life. They have great interactive displays and give a lot of information about how the West was settled. I think everyone should learn about how America became what it is today

We are history addicts and have visited hundreds of historical sites, museums and activities but this one is in the top five percent.
Great for kids as well as adults.

Visited here three different days. Wonderful experience. Saturday morning pioneer type classes free. Call to find out time.

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a gem, beginning with the thoughtfully done architecture of the center. The Center features four trails: Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express. The exhibits are nicely done and great for people of all ages. We met Bozeman, Montana friends for a weekend in Casper. We typically try to appreciate local or regional history on these getaways with our friends. The Interpretive Center did not disappoint us at all. One of the rangers also provided a lecture on the Nez Perce Historic Trail, which enters Wyoming in the Northwest corner of the state. Use your National Park Pass to gain entry to the Center, if you wish. Take your National Park Passport book to get it stamped! There is a wonderful bookstore with books related to the history of the trails and the area. We will return!

The National Historic Trails Center has something for everyone. There are hands-on activities for young people, beautiful artifacts related to historic personal stories and dedicated guides who bring history to life.

Exhibits for all ages. Hands on activities for children and educational exhibits for adults. The subject of the history of western pioneers and covered wagon trails is very important to learn and appreciate about America's past. The museum uses different media and display means to explain the historical info. Plenty to do for several hours. There was a person in the front of the museum who gave really good explanations of all the different ways that the buffalo provided food and tools for the early pioneers and indians. The museum is up on a hill with a great view of the town of Casper.

Spent at least two hours visiting the exhibits and I learned so much about the history of the western United States.

Wonderful center, lots of interactive exhibits that are fun and educational for all ages. A must see if you want to understand the history of Casper and of the trail system.

Fantastic 2 hours spent here. Very informative. Shows both points of views for the Native Americans and the settlers traveling to find a new life.

If you like history and want to know more about the pioneer trails to the west, be sure to stop here. A video approximately 15 minutes long is shown and there are many other displays and information about the opening of the west from when only Native Americans were there through the exploration of the pioneer trails and how travel evolved from hand carts and Prairie Schooners to the railroad. There is also some information about the Pony Express and the telegraph. The simulated wagon crossing was not working the day we were there which was a bit of a disappointment. It is operated by The Bureau of Land Management. Currently admission is free for about the next six months. You have to walk around the building to the entrance but the view of Casper and surrounding area is great!

We stopped in here to see the folks for Wyoming welcome enter in order to get some ideas of what to see, eat and visit while in Casper. The staff were quite friendly and helpful. The location is cool too overlooking Casper.

Our family loved this FREE indoor museum in Casper. It is also a beautiful site to take pictures and walk around outside for a few minutes. We were immediately greeted upon entering and felt very welcomed. The employees were so knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share history with us. We learned about the Oregon Trail (and other trails) that went through Wyoming. The 15-minute introductory video (I think it is shown twice per hour) helped explain the history of the trails. Then, the museum took us about 30-45 minutes to explore. We bought several unique items in the gift shop on our way out. I highly recommend this place! It was the highlight of our day.

We loved this place. There are so many exhibits and multiple videos and we spent almost two hours here.

I spent three hours at the Interpretive Center and walked away feeling as if I had truly had a comprehensive education about the emigrants who made their way West. The exhibits are laid out in chronological order and separated by emigrant group which made it easier to follow. Many exhibits are interactive. The 18 minute film is fantastic, combining both video and highlighted exhibits. Another film (just 7 minutes) told of a Mormon party that needed rescuing during a winter snowstorm. Inside this small theatre freezing cold air con would blow in at certain intervals creating a sort of virtual reality experience! Other fabulous hands on exhibits include riding in a Wells Fargo stagecoach and crossing a river in a covered wagon. There is so much to see and learn here. Staff is very friendly and quite informative. Don’t forget to take in the incredible vistas across Casper and beyond from the scenic overlook out back. Admission is free, but you can leave donations.

The trail center has excellent displays, knowledgeable staff, and some interesting videos. If you have time, bring good walking shoes and walk outside to get a feel for the countryside. They also have a nice gift shop with lots of historical books and fun items for children. This is both fun and informative!

No visitors expected on Mondays! Despite this site saying "Open Now"
You can still look over the town of Casper and peek in the Indian tipi, but that's about it!

Go before June 27th if possible or follow artist Julie Rogers "Heroes of the Emigrant Trails" series. The paintings are fantastic and the stories that go along with them are interesting and heart breaking. This is a great place to go to before exploring Casper's other areas of interest as it gives you the big picture of all the trails that go through Casper. We did this first then went to Independence Rock, Oregon Trail, Mormon Handcart Site and Fort Casper. Interesting for young and old, some hands on for the kids, fantastic view of Casper from the deck, very clean and the people there couldn't of been more helpful. Lots of free pamphlets I've not seen at other tourist places, including historic buildings in downtown Casper. Great gift shop too.

We walked up from town as our EV was getting charged up. What fun! A unique center - bringing you to the days if Webster migration. Highly recommend.

And it's free! Easily the best museum for the pioneer trails. Having been through many of the well-done LDS and Pony Express (and railroad) attractions, this one beats them all. Very nice central display with video and overview. And the attractions along the outside ring were very well done. There are lots of interactive things, like a amusement-park-ride river crossing in a covered wagon (the wagon bumps and jolts to the movie), and a pull-your-own handcart. If you are passing through the pioneer trails tour, be sure to stop here.

Wow! Must see and free! They did a fabulous job presenting the different trails. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

This is an awesome place to learn about the people who passed through or stayed in Casper. And the best thing? it's interactive so whether you have children with you or not there's something for everyone!

Excellent displays, friendly staff, really nice place. There are interactive exhibits and lots of really great information about the pioneers traveling through Casper. I always recommend this museum to visitors and have gone myself multiple times.

We really weren't expecting to spend more than an hour. It is packed with information about the trails people used to cross the U.S. They had a lot of detail about the Oregon Trail, the Gold Rush Trail, and the Mormon Trail. There are interactive displays. Very interesting and we really enjoyed it. Where it is provides a nice view overlooking Casper. We spent almost 2 hours. The gift shop has some locally produced items.

I stopped in here with friends and found the information made available to be enlightening and educational. We sat for the 15-20 minute film that tells the story of the Oregon Trail encompassing both the settlers from the east as well as the story of the Native Americans that were in the area at the time.

Educational fun for young and old. Nice displays and great interactive areas. Friendly staff members. Lots to see and learn about.

Amazing museum. So much for history buffs and children. We never thought about the trials of crossing rivers on the trails west. They have a virtual wagon river crossing. The kids have a chance to play with wagons crossing the rivers in play sets. We learned a lot about the perils the pioneers faced. Thanks BLM and the people who donated the many Western sculptures. Visit, you will not be disappointed.

Amazing place. If you ever thought you could walk from Ohio to California, you need to ck here first. They cover all the trails, California, Washington, Morman, Oregon and Pony Express. Plan to spend at least two hours here. If you want to get wild, they will show you where to drive the road beside the wagon ruts and see where the pioneers walked. Wonderful place.

This free museum is the best place to get an overall history lesson about the Westward movement of people on the Oregon, Mormon and California trails. These trails went through Wyoming. Watch the 18 min film first then explore the museum. While not a huge museum it is very well organized and has many great interactive features. We were very impressed. The gift shop has great books. The staff were very friendly. Definitely a must see if you are interested in the trails.

Passing thro Casper looking for something interesting to do for an hour or so. We're not disappointed. Could have spent a lot longer. Good amenities. Good parking. Extremely pleasant and helpful staff. Learned a lot.

We've been following the Oregon trail for quite some time and have visited a range of interpretive centers along the route. Each one offers something new and a different take on the history and this one is no different. What makes the Casper center special is the interactive design, the storytelling and the experience is excellent for all ages. Definitely a must-see whilst in the town.

This is a GREAT place to stop with kids. Great Info - pick up some free literature for the kids to read as we drive.

Just slow down and imagine that you have to downsize. You can only take what you can haul. This is a very interesting place to see what life was like not so long ago. Simply worded. Beautifully designed.

This is a great place to take kids of all ages. We had a 15 year old and even he was interested. Lots of hands on exhibits and interaction. Adults will enjoy it as much!

Great history lesson. It's better if you have time to soak it all in. If you have a short amount of time, go anyway and plan to come back.

This building contains a museum dedicated to the cross country trails to the West in the 1900s. There is a very good video as well as a large number of exhibits. The exhibits cover many aspects of the trails such as what the settlers carried, the Mormon migration, deaths on the trail, water crossings, etc. The exhibits were very well done and informative. The staff was very helpful.

Took about an hour and a half to go through of course I did not read everything sign or listen to all the stories. Was very interesting with regards to the history of the old trails and what the pioneers went through crossing the Plains.

Even the walkway into the building is fun, with quotes from settlers. Lots of stations with fun activities. Climb in the stage coach, trail maps that light up, a handcart to pull and a covered wagon river crossing. We take every visitor. They all love it.

There are many state and national sites along the trail across Nebraska. Many tell part of the story of the trail, but this site pulls all the information together in a very education and interesting collection. The seven exhibit areas are well curated and the staff is know the history of the trail very well. If you do not visit any other size along the Oregon - California - Mormon -- Pony Express trail, don't miss this one. Too bad that it is not along i-80, but the trail does not follow I-80 after the North and South Platte divide..

We really enjoyed this museum as a stop on our drive through Wyoming and highly recommend it. My 10-year-old did the tablet quiz and learned a great deal. The museum is interactive and well put together.

Visited here after driving the hill to get some scenic photos and there were people re-enacting how the settlers would have lived. We got talking to them and they recommended the visitor centre. Time was short for us but ended up there for an hour which was rushed. Plenty to see and interact with and the staff were really helpful. Would love to have spent more time here

The museum was extremely informative with many interactive displays. It brings to life the struggles and successes of the individuals traveling west! Well worth the visit!

This site offers a wealth of information regarding the historic Oregon/California/Mormon trails that went through the area. The location features exceptional animations, hands on exhibits, and written displays detailing the trails that led to western American expansion. Anyone interested in the history of the area or the early pioneer settlers journey across the nation would greatly enjoy this location. Allow yourself at least 2 hours to properly enjoy.

This fabulous museum does a great job of telling the story of the people who are part of the world‘s largest unforced migration, the westward expansion of the United States.

It also does excellent job of telling how that migration affected the Indians. It goes into great detail of how the United States ignored and violated treaties whenever it suited them.

Make sure you watch the overview film presented in a diorama setting. There’s also another film that lasts about 27 minutes that talks about the United States violating the treaties they had with the tribes.

The reason why the center is in Casper is because three of the major trails passed through the city.

The hardships that these people lived with are quite moving.

They even have a simulation of what it’s like to ride in a covered wagon on a river crossing. Believe it or not it’s really good. It rattles and bounces and you’re looking at a video screen framed by the wagon. You might actually get a little motion sickness from it. They have a similar thing from a stagecoach.

I’m so glad I went out of my way to visit

I had some time to kill after a work meeting. So went and took a tour through the museum. It is very hands on. It is very informative. I liked the experience a lot. I think my 8 yo son would love it too.

However, I was expecting to get to actually walk on part of the Oregon trail. Nope. Walked around outside but no trail to be found. That would have really sealed the experience for me.

This is a great hands on museum for all ages. Our twin boys were able to interact with the many displays and pretend they were traveling as a frontiersman making their way west.

What's there to say which was not said before from other visitors?
Beautiful modern building above the city - so great views.
I saw a lot if museums and exhibitions across the country regarding the trails but this is definitely one of the best. You get a real feeling how difficult and dangerous these travels were and what those people endured to get to the "promised land" - out of different reasons.
Also impressive films with sound and voices from the different people.
A real experience!

I am so glad I made time while in Casper to visit this information center. It has a very well produced film about the historic trails and really informative exhibits. Its put together really well. I could have spent hours here.

Of all the visitor education sites our family visited on this trip, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center was the best designed. It is interesting, simply presented, interactive, and educational in a way that really solidified our understanding of US Westward Expansion.

If you have Junior Rangers in your group, grab a booklet when you arrive. I recommend starting with the movie in the theater that is the centerpiece of the building. After the movie, exit to the right and move counter-clockwise through the exhibits (which is chronological order.)

We were on a tight schedule, so I was pleased to learn the center actually opens at 8am rather than the 9am opening that was on their website at the time.

Seeing what the pioneers endured to go Westward was humbling experience. Dealing with death,disease, hunger and weather on a daily basis. What motivated these men and women to follow their dreams and take the huge risk of moving from the familiar to the completely unpredictable is truly inspiring . Bring the kids and don’t miss this place. It’s a gem.

This is a must if you are in Casper. It is free, there is an 18 minute movie, interactive things to do, wonderful pieces from people long gone's diarys. I was extremely impressed.

Great museum right on I-25 in Casper, WY exit 189. It’s a national historic site, so take your national park passport book for a stamp- actually 4.

We took some friends visiting and had a nice time. Very educational and a clean facility. Def recommend and we will return.

We ended up spending an hour and a half here the morning we left Casper, and learned so much about the Western settlers. It was exactly what I was wondering about as we drove long hours and miles through all the "empty" country. It was very well done, using journal entries and actual photos, to give you a sense of what it must have been like 150 years ago out here,

Great stop, so informative about the great western migration. Really makes it come to life. Be sure to try the virtual wagon ride fording the river. Great place to bring children for the many active exhibits.

This museum is very special. Full of interesting and interactive displays, visitors walk around counter clockwise through very informative accounts of history. Be sure to watch the movie. Parking was easy.

We thought this would be interesting but it was way better than that. It's free, which is amazing - worth a donation in the pot on the way out.
This is the whole history of the settlers going west, with things you can climb on, touch, look at and watch. Everything was clear and well explained. I thought it was one of the best places we've visited.

If you are interested in any of the western trails that passed through Wyoming, this is the place for you. The various galleries provide information for people of all ages. Many of the interesting exhibits in the galleries are interactive. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and very willing to answer to answer questions. Don't pass up this gem in Casper!

This museum tells the story of the Mormon, California, and Oregon Trails, which all pass through Casper and were used to settle the west. It also honors the heritage of the early Native Americans, and the Pony Express. The exhibits are set out in a detailed, timeline type of order. There are interactive exhibits that let you compare your stamina to the early travelers. On certain days, there are historical reenactments and crafts/activities for kids - you can check the schedule online. It is also a Blue Star museum, so is free for military families.

We visited in October 2019 on our route from Jackson Hole to Cheyenne. This centre gives an excellent picture of this facet of American history. Well worth a visit.

Very informative educational display of western history.
The opening video gave an excellent overview.
The displays were presented in a logical order.
The displays were very informative.

We visit a lot of visitor centres but this one is outstanding. Externally, it overlooks Casper from a fair height. Internally, this is so well organised and with so much content, it leaves you in awe. They have regular screenings of an 18 video of the history of the trails which overlap at Casper. We spent a lot more time there than expected and enjoyed every minute.

We went to the center yesterday and we completely enjoyed our trip! There was period music being played, and the different parts of the museum were amazing. You can take a wagon “ride” over the river, experience a stage coach ride and see, heat and feel all the things that happened in the west! 5⭐️

Beautiful vista from the hill on which this new beautiful museum sits. The museum explores features of the California, Mormon & Oregon Trails all of which converged in Casper at the ford of the N Platte. While the sound is not high enough on several features, the ride in it covered wagon and stage coach are very very cool and the Pony Express portion is also quite interesting. It is amazing that this is free because it is well done, new, and take about 90 minutes to thoroughly see. The museum shop has great stuff as well. I would give it 5 stars but for how confusing it was to figure it out at first and the sound being too low to hear at several of the 'movie' features.

The Interpretive Center is free! Excellent displays. Many interactive displays. My grandchildren participated in the Junior Explorer program and loved it. Staff friendly and helpful. Great for families!

The staff was helpful and knowledgeable. It was entirely wheelchair accessible. The center has a great 20-minute movie with a "Panorama" of life-sized "People" and animals in a setting of the wagon train wilderness. This movie talks about some of the diaries - quotes from diaries - from the pioneers, then talks about the pony express. It closes with the advent of the joining of the railroads from east and west. After this, you can walk around really nice displays of the Native Americans thoughts and culture, the wagon-trainers and the Pony express. There were a couple of activities such as sitting in a wagon and watching a movie of "Crossing the Platte" and models of a Platte ferry with people and horses and wagons that children can play with; also a "Packing-for-the-Journey" Section that you can decide what to take and what to leave on your life-changing adventure.They have a map of the different trails (Oregon, California, Mormon, Pony Express and Stagecoaches. They have a full-sized "Prairie Schooner" as well as a Pony Express Station (outside) so you can see just how rustic it all was. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in this wonderful place. I thought if was funny that some of the quotes of the pioneer women were such as "I washed the dirt out of my eyes so I could see to make supper."

They have a great displays of covered wagons and anything related to settlers that were challenged by the Oregon and California trails.

Great Center provides real view of emigrants' lives as they crossed from eastern US to western US; very informative, very well done. I'd read Rinker Buck's book "The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey" a few months ago, and it all tied together very well.

I really enjoyed this place!!! I learned SOOOO much. It was fun and informative and the Rangers who ran the place were extremely helpful and amusing. I definitely recommend this centre if you want to learn anything about the historic trails!! Go -- you WON'T be disappointed!!!!

I stopped here with my elderly mom and sister for a couple of hours as a driving break from our MT to CO trip. To our delight, entry was FREE! We explored the history and read the personal journal accounts of pioneers and settlers who crossed the American continent in the mid-1800s. This place was very interesting. It includes interactive experiences with rides, videos, real, stuffed livestock, 100-lb push wagons, photos, and oil portraits to give visitors a realistic experience and sense of the challenges these 19th-century settlers endured. It was quite amazing. We will definitely pay another visit the next time we drive this route.

For a small museum, this has exceptional information and displays. You can actually pull and handcart! The exhibits are life-like and you leave the museum feeling like a pioneer and understanding the lifestyle of the trails. Exceptional museum!

We are visiting some friends, and we stopped here. This attraction is free! It has something for every age, there is even hand on displays for children. It is worth the stop!

I thought I knew some about the western migrations in the 1800’s...not really. What a remarkable interpretive setting. A bonus was an art exhibit of paintings by an artist who took written histories of participants and represented them in beautiful paintings. WELL worth several hours of your time, even better with school age children. One simply cannot comprehend the trials and tribulations (and death) of those who made or attempted the journey.

I love stopping at visitors centers in each new place I visit. This place was amazing. We stopped just to get hotel recommendations but came back the next day and spent over an hour going through the Center. Actually thought it as good as the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody Wyoming. Everyone should go see this Center.

The interpretive center sits a hill providing a wonderful view of the landscape. The building is beautiful and the washrooms are very clean. The staff was helpful in providing information to sites throughout the state and provied a nifty coupon book. While the inforamtion is interesting, the highlight was the simulated wagon ride across the river!

This museum actually give you an interactive experience of the "pioneer trails" that many took from the east to the west. There is even a interactive map of the westward ho trails that ran thru Wyoming & the routes taken. Highly significant information for anyone visiting the state & may even change your route so you can actually see the wagon wheel ruts & the signatures of the pioneer southeast of the museum. And those wagon ruts are awesome: maybe the most impressive remnant of westward expansion. I am amazed every time I visit them ...

This is a wonderful place to visit. The have a panoramic theater where you feel like your right there when viewing and a whole bunch of interactive exhibits. The little ones really liked it.

On a quick trip through Casper Wyoming e decided to stop for a quick visit. Our quick visit was over 2 hours WOW what a great center. Information is amazing and those that work there are so informative. We loved our visit so much interesting information.

This is a gem of a museum - very easy to learn and come to understand the migration paths of people across America: how the trails came to be found, the impact on the native peoples and the lands, the difficulties the travelers faced and more. A very informative stop.

Lots of great stories and information on the settlement of the west. No strong ideology was implied in the stories. Very friendly and helpful docents. I learned that there is no such animal as an Ox! First class exhibits.

We were looking for something to take up a few hours before heading to our next destination and stumbled on this as we were leaving the hotel. Really interesting and informative. So glad we found it.

The staff was very attentive and nice. We got at the museum just in time to see the
movie which also had life size replicas if the events. The replicas were awesome.

They had a few cool exhibits. One of them was one where you ride in a wagon across the river. It was interesting.

I would have preferred a guided tour. I don’t like self guided tours. So my rating is only a 3—because I would like a tour guide.

If your interested this is a little about me: a little background about my background with exhibits. I’m in my 50s and was travelling with my husband on a business trip and there was a tour of a historical mansion in the town. They had a guided tour. The tour guide was very professional, funny, and interesting. It was perfect for me. I like guided tours.

Additionally, with this exhibit I am homeschooling my 7th grade granddaughter. She is ADHD, so keeping her entertained is a little difficult.

We had a couple of hours to kill, decided to visit this center, it was fun, and the staff was fabulous. Very friendly, very informative, seem to be knowledgable and enjoy talking about their display. Well worth the visit

Spent about 90 minutes here - was a good summary of the life on the Oregon, Mormon and other historic trails along with the Pony Express. Was very quiet - only a small handful of visitors. If you are interested in US history it is worth a short visit.

We visited this museum with our children whilst visiting Casper. The interactive displays including the wagon rides for the kids were great. Very informative and highly recommended!

The other reviews talk about what a great place this is, they're right! It's educational and interesting. The folks running the place a super friendly, and there are lots of interactive exhibits. It sits up on a hill with a sweeping view of town, and you're liking to see antelope on or near the grounds. Don't miss it, it's FREE.

For travelers looking for a comprehensive presentation about the trails that settlers used to cross Wyoming, this center is a "must see" while in Casper. The displays capture the challenges faced by settlers, and makes one really appreciate the determination they had to head west. The hands-on exhibits involve visitors while teaching about the past. A great value, especially considering it was free of charge.

It is a museum that talks about all the trails that came from the east to the west. There were a number of fun exhibits, like one where you get into a replica of a covered wagon and there is a film projected so that you feel as though you’re being pulled by cows across a river. It was very bumpy and fun. There was also a stagecoach that you get in and go for a ride while a movie is projected so that as you look out the window you see the world passing by. It made me a bit motion sick. The main big room with all the lifesize people with the film was broken so we didn't get to watch that. But still, a pretty good museum!

This is a great Interpretive Center! You can actually climb into the back of a covered wagon and they have simulated a crossing over the river. You feel the bumps and rocks, you see the oxen tails move and the water. Perfect way to show what it would have really felt like crossing over the Platte River. You can also climb aboard a stage coach and get that experience. Be sure to step outside and look at the painted buffalo! AMAZING!!! Don't miss this educational stop!!

What an unexpectedly wonderful place! They really know how to make the history come alive. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly. The surrounding landscaping is gorgeous and the building itself is unique.

We enjoyed our hour or so here very much. The exhibits were varied and informative. The maps were especially well done. There is no charge to visit.

It's a good overview of western emigration in the mid 1800s. Allow about an hour and a half, we had an hour and I felt rushed.

Love this place. It's filled with history of Wyoming and hands on interpretative displays. You definitely don't want to rush through - allow a couple hours, if possible. This is free, donations accepted and a wonderful gift shop too.

Four different treks west went through Casper, WY, and the Interpretive Center examines each of them. Each trip took place at different times, with different destinations, and different technology. Very interesting and well presented. Even better? It's a free exhibit. The view of Casper from the Interpretive Center is beautiful!

This is a must-see museum! It is full of interesting exhibits about travel across the United States. Entry is free. You can get a guided tour if you call ahead. The exhibits don’t change, so for locals a few times might be plenty; however, they offer education talks.

The BLM hit it out of the park with this one. This is a great interpretive center for all ages. It covers California, Oregon and Mormon Trails. Also covers trappers and traders of early days, the pony express and introduction of the railroad. Displays are interactive. Very worthwhile place to visit.

We enjoyed the free museum with the videos on the movement of the people migrating out west and the impact to the life the Indians in that area.

As we were stopping overnight in Casper en route to Denver we had already planned to visit this centre. What I thought would be an interesting and informative hour or so turned out to be so much more. The centre is so well laid out and you question and learn so much at each and every exhibit. The staff are super knowledgeable and on hand to answer any questions. Make sure you start by watching the 18 minute video at the start and be sure to do the river crossing in the wagon. It makes you wonder why they all set out on that arduous 6 month journey. If you are passing through Casper make sure you come off at the junction and go. It is so good 😊

I took a three year old through the Center. The wagon trip and interactive exhibits are very well done. There is a lot of information available. The have talks occasionally and the ones I have been to have been informative. They have a gift shop as well for visitors to Casper.

Excellent exhibits and the staff were knowledgeable and helpful. Clean restrooms and facility. Film was interesting

I put excellent because I didn't want to alter their ratings because of them being closed. They are closed for Covid. Very disappointing but understandable.

One of the best museums I've been to. Informative, interactive, and thorough exhibits. Knowledgeable friendly and enthusiastic volunteers and staff.

Learned a bunch.

And it is FREE

Amazing and interactive museum. At the time of writing, this museum was free. Very friendly and knowledgeable volunteer introduced us to the museum. There was a perfect balance of reading, multimedia, artifacts, and interactive displays. Even as adults, we enjoyed trying to pull the handcart and riding the river crossing simulator. There was a great short documentary that utilized both multiple
screens as well as life-sized displays. Definitely, worth seeing.

This was a very worthwhile experience. Super clean newer building. Full of rich, interesting history about the early pioneers including the pony express. Staff were extremely knowledgeable especially a local gentleman who kindly offered us many extra tidbits and offered us a wagon ride across a virtual river! What a great time we had.

I was afraid this would be a static/boring museum- I was pleasantly surprised and ended up spending over two hours. The curators were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful! Wonderful museum!!!

We went during Pioneer days in June it was fun. They had reactors and homemade butter, you get to load a handicraft and walk with it to experience what it was like and my son got to throw a hatchet at a log, safely of course, and the outside stuff was free and the museum it's self is not that expensive. I recommend going great way to spend the day!

I went to school in Oregon, where we did a lot of Oregon trail studies in elementary school. I thought I would find the Museum to be a bunch of boring exhibits.

I found the museum very interesting. They had worked hard to make all the exhibits link to a real persons experiences.

I would recommend at least two hours at the Museum.

Not only is this a hands-on museum replete with enough displays to keep a pack of kids interested for a long time, but it boasts one of Natrona County's the finest views from its southern rampart. One warning: if you have the slightest tendency toward getting motion sick, beware the ox cart simulation! It is so realistic that I was queasy for forty-five minutes after disembarking. God bless those pioneers who were sturdy enough to traverse the West without Dramamine.

As a historian, I like to visit museums that I haven't been to, and I'm very glad we went to this one! We were greeted at the door by a staff member, who gave us a quick run down on what we would see, and then escorted us to the main area where we watched and informative 18 minute video, surrounded by beautiful dioramas. The museum is very interactive, and is great for anyone who is interested in Westward Expansion.

My wife, two young sons, and I visited the NHTIC in September 2016. We paid $6 each for my wife and I and the kids were free. TIP: National Parks Annual Passes and Senior Passes (and all other NPS passes) are honored and can be purchased here. Extensive displays on the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express Trails include information about not only the hardships of making the journeys, but also background information on what they were leaving, why they were leaving it, what they were headed to, and why they were headed there. Each trail also showed a timeline of its use relative to the other trails being traveled. There were many interactive exhibits such as fording the North Platte River in a covered wagon, pushing a Mormon hand cart, wheel ticks the Mormons used to chart and measure distances, and many more. Other trails including the Nez Perce, and Bozeman trails are discussed as well. The displays and trail activity all conclude with the invention/completion of the transcontinental railroad. In the center of the interpretive center is a theater with dioramas of all the trails users. This area is accompanied with a short film. Outside of the center is a great view overlooking the City of Casper. I would recommend anyone traveling through Casper to stop and visit the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.

Great museum to learn about our past and how our fellow Americans made their way around the country way back when. The 15 minute movie was quite enlightening and enjoyable.

Great place to get a feel for what a lot of our ancestors endured during westward expansion on the old historic trails-Oregon, California, Pony Express, and Mormon. Loads of information, static displays, realistic video with surround sound to let you get a sample experience. Knowledgeable staff and student docents. Highly recommend a visit!

This is not just a County or State museum. This is a NATIONAL center.

They spared no expense in creating an outstanding historical and educational account of the pioneers, Mormon Trail, Oregon Trail and Pony Express.

Lots of interactive and visual displays: we watched two very well made short films reenacting the past, rode a simulated wagon crossing the Platte river, rode a closed carriage along the Gold rush trail...

Very modern and creative exhibits which, even though we were info overloaded, still found it fun and interesting - so much so that we returned the next day -- yes we visited 2 days in a row! The staff are friendly and helpful. Lots of free maps for regional travelers. The BLM staff also shared about great camping and fishing spots where we were heading next.

My 14 and 12 year old were fascinated and enjoyed the junior programs that kept them on their toes. Special thanks to Stacey who explained and answered a lot of our questions!

The bathrooms were clean and the building was nice and warm (very cold outside during an Oct winter storm). Even if you do not have hours to spend, you wont regret stopping for the panoramic views. Outside, interpretive displays along a short walking trail and lots of resident Pronghorns await. If you have time, check out the Ford WY center across the way - they often have shows and some events are free! Don't miss this one!

The visual displays and the videos were amazing. It really gave you the full experience of what hardships occurred.

yes, must see, make sure you have an hour. great information including Oregon trail info. kids will love it. cleaned onstantly. check opening times. MeuterMedia

I really enjoyed my visit! At one point I cried in a good way. Made me miss my hometown. I was amazed that they had facts about Chief Washakie and how the Arapahoe, Shoshoni and Lakota came to be, made me very happy. It was also very fun to interact with some of the things. I really enjoyed my visit!!

Amazing displays, artifacts and movie about the settlers who traveled through Casper. This was a major migration and before the railroad was daunting. Welll worth the 1 1/2 hours abs great for kids.
Staff was super friendly and gift shop was small, but had unique crafts and gifts.
Can't believe it was free and made us think about how tough it was for the settlers who made their way West. No food or snack bar, plenty of parking, easy to find and get back in the road.

Added to our visit very nice touch. It's so fun to ad d place like this to out organ trail adventure We only get to go through a day or two at a time so it's going to take. Awhile

Casper is probably somewhere you've stopped on the way to somewhere else, rather than a destination itself. This center makes it worth the stop. Whether you're American or not, this will give you a good feeling for the Westward Movement, its good and its bad, and certainly its difficulties. It's designed to keep kids interested without talking down to adults. It's wonderful that it's no charge, but you'll find yourself inspired to drop just a couple of dollars in the donation box to keep something like this available to all. Plan to spend a minimum of an hour.

As all the previous reviews indicate this is a really great “interpretive center”. There’s a ton of history packed in this place. There’s plenty to see and do for people of all ages.

It’s great for families as there’s plenty of hands on things to do and they do open pretty early for those of you with little early risers. Oh and it’s free!

really enjoyed this place. ive been interested in the trails west for a long time, so it was great to learn more and be absorbed in it all. really interesting. I think that the photos don't do it justice. the interactive displays help, and are suitable for all different ages. there is also a mixture of quotes from the real people of those times which is great. loved the wagon river crossing. the building is modern and I liked how it all had meanings and representations and the shop is well stocked with lots of things I wanted to buy.

This museum gives a very good overview of the American migration westward in the mid 1800's. Definitely worth seeing as you pass through central Wyoming.

My husband and I spent about 1.5 hours visiting this museum. There are many interactive exhibits that help paint a picture of what it was like to travel on one of the four trails that crossed through this part of Wyoming. The short movie was informative and the volunteers were helpful. I think it’s a great place to bring kids to learn about westward expansion.

This place is amazing - so much information and history that I didn't know. Learned so much about the pioneers - the interactive exhibits were great - even went the next day to see the Oregon Trail wagon ruts in Guernsey, Wyoming. The staff was great and extremely friendly! And free to boot!

First of all, the location is dramatic—on a hilltop, but nestled into the ground so not super obtrusive. Roadworks are happening all around the museum, so you will have to override your GPS to get there, or call the museum for specific directions the day you visit. The center is divided into sections devoted to each trail—Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express. Most of what is known about the trails comes from the journals of people who travelled, and that is the focus of the exhibits. One of the docents is a member of the LDS church, so as we asked her more questions, she shared a lot about the experiences of those on the Mormon trail. Our interaction with her was a great positive about our visit. Most fascinating was the machine that counted the number of revolutions of the wagon wheel so the travelers would know how far they had travelled during the day. And finally, cemented the importance of the Pony Express to the telegraph system to the ultimate joining of the east and west rail lines and effect on communication and migration across the country.

Plenty to see here,lots of historical artefacts and very helpful and informative staff,lots of old and authentic wagons.

This free museum beautifully tells the story about the different trails that passed through this area with people migrating across the country in the 1800s. It covers the Oregon, California, Morman trails and the Pony Express. There is a moving multimedia presentation, sections about each trail and stories about the people. Almost half million people used these trails. There are videos, artifacts, pictures, stories. The museum is closed on Monday and opens at 8 AM on other days. This striking museum sits high on a hill with great views of the valley where the trails were.

This historical trails center is fabulous for any age with a lot of interactive exhibits and knowledgeable people. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy.

We were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the Center. The covered wagon exhibit crossing the water was especially incredible. I was waiting for water to splash on my face! Include this in your Casper plans.

This museum takes at least an hour, but allow more time than that as there are several interactive displays. Most of the displays are set up in such a way that kids will be engaged. The cost is negeligable (adult $6.00) and children/senior adults are less.

This was a great center! I went with another adult and a 3,5,6, and 7 year old. We all enjoyed it immensely.

We homeschool and were able to count this as a full day of school since we were there over 4 hours.

I appreciates the art galleries as well as the many things available for children. My kids still talk about their wagon ride and trip on the Pony Express.

The perspectives of both the pioneers and the Native Americans were shown in a respectful way. The presentation video in the center of the building is definitely worth it!

I loved this museum. It had something about each of the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express trails . I loved the simulated crossing the river in a wagon. Explained the first odometer. And how this all came to an end with the telegraph and transcontinental railroad.

Excellent museum that follows how the Native Americans created trails that were later used on the way to Salt Lake, Oregon and for the gold rush.

We love coming to the Historic Trails Center. My kids love the wagon rides and the hand cart. The passport to adventure keeps up coming back and learning something new every summer.

You get the feel of how difficult it was to cross the US by wagon train. This place is great for kids and adults. The outside of the building is hidden in the hillside but follow the signs to the entrance for a great view of the town.

This is the best museum about westward expansion I have ever visited, and I have visited a lot of them..Sections for the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, California Trail, and Pony Express Trail Lots of visuals and hands on activities. Planned for a quick rest stop on our RV westward road trip but stayed about an hour and a half. Could have stayed longer if we weren't on somewhat of a schedule. And it is FREE. Highly recommend.

If you have the time and are interested in history, do not miss this exhibit. There were no other visitors present during our visit, so we had the place to ourselves (and some contractors). This is a really well presented, concise story of the opening of the West. What a tale and so complete. What makes it even more interesting is that most of the trails passed just below the center. There were a couple of "rides" that, although they didn't move forward, there was certainly the sense that you were in one of the wagons traveling along the trail, fording the river, etc. Really well done and the staff were so nice!

Brought our 5 children (6yr-12yr) for a visit March 2021. Elementary schools in WY study the Oregon trail in 4th grade so especially interesting for that age group. Would highly recommend. Free. Volunteer helpful and knowledgeable. Should be a first stop if planning to visit other trail sites in area.

The stunning realistic displays brought history to life for us. The interactive displays are sure to please adults and children alike. The show was spectacular. We learned a great deal about the westward migration from this wonderful museum. The bookstore has a great variety of materials for children and adults. A +++

Visited here in late September. Had been here when it opened in 2002. Free parking in lot. Lots of great exhibits and a good film you should see when you first get there. Can learn a lot about the various trails going west. Plenty to read and learn; babies and toddlers best left at home. Heard some screaming and crying, probably out of boredom. Some interesting books in the gift shop. Bought 2 to read as a follow up to our visit. Highly recommend a visit here. One of the gems of Casper.

A little limited, but very well done. Interactive exhibits and a steady agenda of enactors, speakers and presentations. Very rich with information and visuals. Great setting, but a bit of a maze to park and get to the entrance.

Give a little time to get into the details and it's worth a half day!

Three historic migratory routes all convene in one place, Casper, and the Center does a good job of telling their story. Interactive exhibits, film mixed with displays, it's nicely done. I've visited it before but still enjoy coming when I am in town.

I really wasn't sure what to expect here, but it ended up being an excellent way to begin exploring the area with a first rate museum covering the wagon train pioneer history, all the routes that began here, the different people involved and just what it took to get across the nation alive. The museum has the typical artifacts and displays, but adds some interactive displays that are unusual and effective, both for kids and adults. We loved the diorama and it's sound and light program which takes about 15 minutes and uses some special effects and film to really flesh out the pioneer experience. We also tried out riding in a covered wagon as it forged the Lower Platte, a fun and interesting idea that was really great, even for a couple in our 50s and a 19-year-old son. When a staffer comes around and encourages you to try these things, just say yes. There's another one where you ride in a stage coach which we didn't get around to, but also looked fun. There's plenty of serious history here, fascinating stories, actually with both the settlers and native American points of view expressed and explained. I really enjoyed this place; we all did!

First it's free!! And it is top notch and lots of hands on exhibits. Be sure to see the video. Awesome museum.

This is a must see for families! It is FREE, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Lots of interactive exhibits. So glad we stopped on our long journey..it was well worth it!

We read about this place in the AAA Guidebook and had to stop.

We sat and watched the informational movie before touring the exhibits. There is so much to see from the displays of the westward expansion. They highlight the Oregon Trail, the Morman Trail, the California gold rush, the pony express and the transcontinental railroad. There are also several fantastic bronze pieces to admire.

This place is definitely worth the stop for young and old.

Having two children explain how the Indians used every part of the buffalo, and even had bones and hides for people to touch.

We went and had a great time, one of the projectors was broke so it was free. They had really good displays and a treadmill that told how fast you had to walk with your cart to beat the winter snow.

The Center is OPEN. They are now on summer hours, open 7 days a week from 8AM to 5PM until Labor Day. They have a summer schedule filled with Trail Treks, special guest speakers, and of course historical themed events. Their number is (307) 261-7700.

Great quick history lesson of the area. Hands on activities great for kids. Museum made even better now that it's free!

The Historic Trails Center has something for all ages. From the hands-on activities to the theater presentation of traveling West from St. Louis . There are also many displays showing the trails West and the encounters of those brave souls who left everything, including their homes, and moved West in search of a new life.

We visit sporadically, new exhibits every few months. Several dynamic and interactive exhibits.
I always learn something new. I’m a native New Yorker and grew up in museums.

Great history. Study in depth or a few highlights, whatever your pleasure, something of interest for everyone

We were welcomed by a staff member the moment we walked in. Everyone there was eager to share their knowledge and give helpful information. A great place to get a glimpse into the history of Casper and the surrounding areas.

What a find ... great exhibits, informative video, helpful staff and a participatory wagon wheel, covered wagon, experience over precarious plains and rivers. We highly recommended this so well planned center which explores the Oregon, Mormon, California, Pony Express plus other trails.

Not hard to find and the museum has a gorgeous view of the town and Casper Mountain. Place is free of charge. Very educational & informative. Great place to take the whole family!

Excellent information presented in a fun way. Helps you realize what life as a pioneer was. Catch the 18 minute movie, try you strength at the hand cart and experience the simulator wagon ride.

This is such a fabulous place to spend the day while learning about the life of pioneers and those seeking fortune, religious freedom, or just a better life. The many interactive exhibits make the place fun and interesting for all ages. My 7-yr-old daughter can’t get enough of the river crossing! Don’t miss this great gem!

It is the best show in museum i saw on the imigration to the west. A beautiful excebition and aimed to all the family. It is also free of charge.

This is a wonderful museum. And it’s free. So well done, interesting and interactive. Staff was awesome.

Definitely worth taking the time to go!

This is a wonderful museum for anyone who likes American history. It is very well organized with interesting and interactive displays! Don't miss the wagon trip across the river! In addition, the views of Casper and the mountains are gorgeous!

Much more interesting than expected, so it is something that we were glad to stop in and visit.

We learned a lot about the tens of thousands of settlers who traveled west. The hardships they encountered in six months on the 2,000 mile trail were amazing to read about. We come to respect more about both sides of the story -- including that of the Native Americans and how their land was taken.

We have been to Interactive Museums before and felt they were really geared for kids but not so much for adults. This is different. We so enjoyed the movie/slide presentation in the round. Be sure and get in to Ford the Platte River-it was really interesting and taught you why people walked! There is lots to read if you wish to spend hours but really held our interest with many adult geared interactive displays. WELL DONE to the designers of this museum. We will recommend our friends not miss this place.

I went here with my kids ages 7 and 10. We spent about an hour exploring the museum, watching the movie, enjoying the wagon ride simulations and reading all about the different trails that converged in Casper. I would say this is a great place to stop if you have elementary aged kiddos or are interested in American history.

The opening display/tutorial helped explain the going west experience. Displays were very well designed for all ages. The staff were very helpful in answering all questions.

Plan to take some time to visit this center as it is very well organized with lots of info. The interpretative displays and storyline make this a must see if driving through Casper (especially as it is within easy reach of the Interstate). The staff was very helpful and willing to answer questions. All very well done! Fantastic for kids and adults alike!

Very nice display of history that also provides interactive experiences. Learn all about the challenges faced by the emigrants on the Oregon trail. Friendly staff and no charge to view the exhibits.

After driving for around four hours, I decided it was time for a break. So pulling off the highway in Casper, I saw a sign for this site. My AAA tour guide book recommended this stop as a "GEM," and it truly was (TA reviewers also confirmed this rating!) This informative and free museum was small enough to enjoy in less than two hours and still learn a great deal. The introductory film that highlights the 5 to 7 years when the trails, pony express, and expansion west were at its height was truly packed with historical insight and information. Definitely, this stop was an unexpected highlight of my day's drive.

This is a beautiful museum! Before you enter the building, theirs a panoramic view of Casper mountain. I couldn't help but stop and look at the view. Crisp cool air just took my breath away. The museum is free! Theirs an 18 minute video that is worth watching depicting the lives of the people who headed out west on the Oregon Trail. There are a lot of exhibits and informations in this beautiful museum. Definitely worth stopping by!

Enjoyed the trip of 7 miles in a covered wagon. The trail was very authentic with narrow paths, great wagon driver and horses that were incredible. Slept in a real tepee under the Wyoming stars next to the North Platt River. The guide, Ben, knows his history and Jackie knows her cooking. Great experience!

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, is an 11,000-square-foot facility that commemorates Native American history, early explorers and the travel corridor of the Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express trails as well as the Bridger and Bozeman trails through hands-on interactive exhibits in seven galleries and an 18-minute multi-media programming. Located at 1501 North Poplar Street, overlooking the North Platte River, the museum was established in 2002. It also is home to the new VisitCasper Welcome Center and Scenic Overlook. A visit to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a lesson in connectivity--a connection to the past, present and future. It goes beyond traditional lessons of facts, dates and places. Instead, history comes alive with the human story of the pursuit of liberty, freedom and a better life. In the 1800s, hundreds of thousands of Americans passed through this area on their way to California and Oregon. Crawl inside the Conestoga Wagon Ride to attempt to cross the North Platte River. Try hard at pulling the Mormon Handcart. Send a message through the simulated Pony Express. Watch Footsteps to the Past, the museum's acclaimed video based on pioneers' dairy entries. And learn about Casper's other historic sites, including Independence Rock, Bishop House, Sun Ranch, Fort Casper and Martin's Cove. The center is located northwest of Casper off I-25 north of Exit 189 or east of Exit 190.

I was reminded of John Cleese's character Basil Fawlty's instruction to staff "Don't mention the war." Other than avoiding the important issue of the conflicts involved in the great westward migration, this is an excellent museum. The layout of the building on the edge of a hill overlooking the river is striking. Certainly worth a visit.

The National Historic Trails Center is a fantastic place to learn more about the pioneers who crossed the Great Plains, the hardships they faced and beauty they witnessed. The exhibits appeal to all ages. I highly recommend an hour at this Center.

A superb facility...exhibits capture the history, challenges & raw courage of the Indians, pioneers heading West, and the rigors of the trail. Many fine interactive aspects for kids & adults, some better than Smithsonian's in Washington, DC... Loved it!

Unfortunately we only found this place an hour before closing.A super place for all ages.So much to see & do.We could have spent a good half day here.Helpful staff & very modern venue

Don't miss the wagon ride! Expect to spend a couple of entertaining hours, and at the end you'll probably also want to spend some cash at the souvenir shop, which has a very nice variety of unusual items available. The stting is beautiful as it it situated on a hill-side offering views of Casper Mountain. Picnic on the patio anyone?