Experiences
Explore the many adventure activities open to you here at Rawlins, Wyoming. You’ll find something for every season of the year, and visitors of every age and fitness level.
THINGS TO DO
Built around the turn of the century from sandstone milled in the county, the prison housed criminals until the new state prisons were built in 1981. On the National Register of Historic Places, the prison hosts a variety of actives and events with tours available from June through Labor Day weekend.
The Carbon County Museum houses an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts including boots, an ashtray and everyday items crafted from the anatomy of notorious outlaw Big Nose George.
A Nationally designed historic district, downtown Rawlins is rich in 19th century architecture. Named for General John A. Rawlins, who commanded an expedition through the area, Rawlins traces its origins to the late 1860's and the early history of the Union Pacific Railroad. A 60- 90 minute historic walking tour provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Rawlins' colorful past. Walking Tour guides can be picked up at the murals.
Built at the end of the 19th century, it was given as a gift to the City of Rawlins and then refurbished at the end of the 20th century. There are now meeting rooms and a kitchen designed to accommodate small to medium sized groups.
Rochelle Ranch Golf Course is 18 holes of outdoor scenery at its best. This prairie golf course has a restaurant, bar, driving range and on-site golf pro. Great views and a good chance of seeing wildlife right on the course make these adventurous golfers dream. The course is 7,925 yards in total and borders lakes and wetlands. The rates are reasonable, and the atmosphere is casual. This course open around April 1 each year.
The range offers 10 Pistol bays with various targets, rifle ranges for short range shooting and long-range shooting, skeet, trap, 5-stand and archery with a shooting stand and 3 D targets. Open to the public.
HIKES AND DAY TOURS
Encompassing Sinclair and its fine museum, Seminoe State Park with great boating, fishing, water sports opportunities, and sand dunes. The Miracle Mile blue-ribbon trout stream, Independence Rock, Devil's Gate, the Mormon Handcart Visitor's Center, the Great Divide Basin, the Red Desert and Rawlins. Along the way you'll encounter portions of the Oregon and Mormon Trails.
Starting west of Rawlins to Creston Junction, south across the Overland Trail, the scenic and historic Little Snake River Valley, the community of Baggs, the Savery Museum, Aspen Alley and its impressive aspen forest, the Sierra Madre country and Battle Lake (where Thomas Edison found inspiration for the filament), Encampment and Riverside and the fine Grand Encampment Museum and mining town. You'll finish in beautiful Saratoga, stop by the Fort Steele Historic Site, and finish back in Rawlins.
In the summertime, passing through Saratoga and along the North Platte River, and heading up past Ryan Park, into the high Snowy Range with beautiful Lake Marie and the Libby Flats observation site. Laramie, the dinosaur graveyard at Como Bluffs, Medicine Bow, and the historic Virginian Hotel (where Owen Wister sited the first western novel, "The Virginian"), the Shirley Basin, the wind farm at Arlington, and Hanna, with its monument to fallen miners.
STAY AND PLAY
GOING NORTH WILL SURPRISE YOU
Spend a few hours walking to and from Martin's Cove and know how a pioneer really felt, or visit Independence Rock, or perhaps drive to the almost ghost town of Jeffery City, all while passing Lamont, population 3.
STEP BACK IN TIME
Visit the Frontier Prison opened in 1901 or the Carbon County Museum. Drive through Rawlins' Historic District and view the Ferris Mansion or visit historic Fort Street.
SEE THE SIGHTS OFF
I-80
Photograph herds of elk, deer, antelope, wild turkeys, and wild horses. Take a spectacular drive through the Snowy Mountain Range, the Outlaw Trail Loop, or the Oregon and Mormon Trail Loops, or visit Aspen Alley.
HUNT THE RED DESERT
You will find antelope, deer, or even shark teeth. The spectacular rock specimens can add to your collection.
FISHING
Some of the best Walleye fishing in the West. Fish Seminoe Reservoir, the Miracle Mile, the North Platte River, or the little streams south of Rawlins.
HOT SPRINGS
Soak in the Saratoga Hot Springs or visit the Grand Encampment or Saratoga Museum.
PARKS
TULLY PARK
ROB ROY PARK
TO EAT
Cappy's
West End Cafe
Turnbuckle Tavern
Micheal's Big City Steakhouse
Mukwano Coffee
Aspen House
Angos
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse
Buck's Sports Grill
Shogunz Pizzeria
Rose's Lariat
Daylight Donuts/
Yellowstone Ice Cream
La Abuelita
The Grindz
Whiskey Gap
Anna Lope Cafe
Taco Johns
Deb B's Family Espresso
Subway
McDonald's
Taco Bell
Burger King
Penny's Diner
Cactus Jacks
Pizza Hut
Dominos
Su Casa Cafe
