What’s happening at the Trails Center: May 20-21

Organization:

BLM Wyoming

BLM Office:

High Plains District Office

Media Contact:

CASPER, Wyo. – Get ready for a summer full of fun and engaging weekend programs at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. The Trails Center will kick off its packed summer schedule on May 20 and 21 with an 1850s living history event.

May 20 and 21 – all day: 1850s Living History

The Trails Center welcomes local re-enactment group, the Platte Bridge Company, and other special guests for a mid-1800s living history weekend. At 10 a.m., transport back to the days of mountain men with a fur trade program. Then at 1 p.m., journey to a military encampment as pioneers are escorted across the Wyoming plains. Re-enactors will showcase a special period dance at 3 p.m. to top off the day. Fun and games will occur throughout the day until 5 p.m. with performances showcasing pioneer women along the trails, including Dutch-oven cooking and homesteading.

Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m.: Youth History Club – Pioneer Sun Dyeing

Young historians will harness the power of the sun to dye natural fiber during this month’s History Club. Kids will first learn how pioneers added color to their homespun projects and then use that knowledge to create an embroidered handkerchief for dyeing. Natural materials found in the kitchen and backyard will create a rainbow of colors for the project. Every student will take home a dye jar to continue their projects at home.

History Club is geared for 2nd – 5th graders but is open to every age. Chaperones are required to stay on-site during the activity and are also invited to participate. Space and materials for this program are limited and early registration is encouraged. To register, email Stacey Moore at samoore@blm.gov or call 307-261-7780.

Events Schedule

  • May 20 at 11 a.m.: Youth History Club – Pioneer Sun Dyeing
  • May 20 and 21 – all day: 1850s Living History Event
    • 10 a.m. – Fur Trade Program
    • 1 p.m. – Military Drills and Maneuvers
    • 3 p.m. – Period Dance Performance
    • All Day – Dutch-oven Cooking, Homesteading and Pioneer Encampments

Want to stay in the know on the Trails Center’s summer programs? Visit the Trails Center’s website at https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/national-historic-trails-interpretive-center or follow BLM Wyoming on Facebook or Twitter. For more information, call the Trails Center at 307-261-7700.

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
1501 N Poplar St., Casper, WY 82601.

Admission is Free


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.