Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Wyoming? These are the ones:
1Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Cody, WYThe Buffalo Bill Center of the West, located in Cody, Wyoming, is a museum named after William Frederick Cody, who is more commonly known as Buffalo Bill. This museum was formerly known as the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and was established to preserve the legacy and vision of Buffalo Bill. 2Cheyenne Depot Museum
Cheyenne, WYThe Cheyenne Union Pacific Railroad Depot, which now serves as a railway museum, was constructed between the years 1886 and 1887. This historic building was built from sandstone blocks sourced from Fort Collins, Colorado. Its location directly across the street from the Wyoming State Capitol signifies its historical importance in the city and state. 3Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
Laramie, WYThe Wyoming Territorial Prison, located near Laramie, Wyoming, is a historic site with a rich past. Constructed in 1872, it stands as one of the oldest buildings in the state. This former federal government prison offers a glimpse into the history of Wyoming and the American justice system. 4Trail End State Historic Site
Sheridan, WYTrail End, also known as the John B. Kendrick Mansion, is a historic home located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan, Wyoming. This historic site was once the residence of Wyoming governor and U.S. Senator John B. Kendrick. It stands as a testament to the prosperity of Wyoming cattlemen in the early 20th century and offers a glimpse into the life of one of the state's most influential figures. 5Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Fort Laramie, WYFort Laramie is historically significant for its association with two major treaties signed with prairie Native American tribes. The first treaty was signed in 1851 and the second in 1868. These treaties played a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes during that period. 6Guernsey State Park
Guernsey, WYGuernsey State Park is situated just a short 2 kilometers northwest of the town of Guernsey in Platte County, Wyoming. This makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area, offering a convenient and quick trip to the park from the town center. 7National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
Casper, WYThe National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC) is a significant interpretive center that spans 11,000 square feet. It is dedicated to several of the National Historic Trails and is conveniently located northwest of Casper, Wyoming on Interstate 25. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists traveling through the area. 8Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum
Rawlins, WYThe Wyoming State Penitentiary, located in Rawlins, Carbon County, Wyoming, is a historic prison that has been in operation since 1901. It is a significant part of the state's history and offers a unique insight into the evolution of the penal system in Wyoming. 9Madison Information Station
Yellowstone National Park, WYThe Madison Museum is a part of the trailside museums in Yellowstone National Park. It was designed by the architect Herbert Maier in a style that is now recognized as National Park Service Rustic. This style is characterized by its use of natural materials and its harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. The museum is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the early 20th century and offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the park. 10Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum
Yellowstone National Park, WYThe Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum is a tourist office situated in Park County, Wyoming. It is a part of the Yellowstone National Park and was built in 1931 in the rustic style of the National Park Service. Initially, it was designed to serve as a trailside museum. 11National Museum of Military Vehicles
Dubois, WYThe National Museum of Military Vehicles, located in Dubois, Wyoming, is a relatively new addition to the world of military history museums, having been established in 2020. The museum offers a comprehensive look into the history of military vehicles, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts and military vehicle aficionados alike. 12Fort Caspar Museum
Casper, WYEstablished in 1859, Fort Caspar was initially a trading post and toll bridge on the Oregon Trail, situated along the banks of the North Platte River. The Army later took over the post, renaming it Platte Bridge Station. Its primary purpose was to safeguard emigrants and the telegraph line from raids by the Lakota and Cheyenne. This site offers visitors an understanding of the strategic importance of this location during the westward expansion of the United States. 13Stagecoach Museum
Lusk, WYDevoted to one of the Western coach lines. Features plenty of intriguing artefacts from the old days. 14Museum of the Mountain Man
Pinedale, WYThe Museum of the Mountain Man is situated in Pinedale, Wyoming, in the United States. This location is a significant part of the museum's identity, as it is in the region that was extensively explored by the mountain men in the 19th century. The museum's location provides a direct connection to the history it showcases, making it a unique destination for those interested in this period of American history. 15Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility
Cheyenne, WYThe Quebec-One Missile Alert Facility, also known as Quebec-01 or Q-01, is a significant historical site located 30 miles north of Cheyenne, Wyoming, near Chugwater. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Cold War history in the United States. 16Weston County Museum District
Newcastle, WYThe Wyoming Army National Guard Cavalry Stable, located in Newcastle, Wyoming, is a significant historical site. Constructed between 1933 and 1936, it was originally built to house the horses of the Wyoming National Guard. Today, it stands as the last National Guard cavalry stable in Wyoming, offering a unique glimpse into the state's military history. 17First National Bank Museum
Meeteetse, WYThe First National Bank of Meeteetse, also known as the Bank Museum and the Old Bank Building, is a historic building that was constructed in 1901. It was originally built for Hogg, Cheesman, McDonald and Company Bankers. This building holds a significant place in the history of Meeteetse, Wyoming, and offers a glimpse into the past for those interested in the region's banking history. 18J.C. Penney House
Kemmerer, WYThe J. C. Penney House in Kemmerer, Wyoming, is a significant historical site as it was the residence of James Cash Penney, the founder of the J. C. Penney department stores. This was his home during the period of 1904-1909, a crucial time when he was developing his successful formula for a dry goods store. 19Hanna Basin Museum
Hanna, WYThe Hanna Basin Museum, originally known as the Hanna Community Hall and Linden Hall, has a rich history dating back to 1890. It was initially built as a saloon by John Linden to cater to the coal miners in Hanna, Wyoming. This historical context provides a unique backdrop to the museum's current exhibits and collections. 20Wyoming State Museum
Cheyenne, WYThe Wyoming State Museum, located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is a state-run institution that was established in 1895. This museum is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the state, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. 21Laramie Plains Museum
Laramie, WYThe Laramie Plains Museum, originally known as the Ivinson Mansion, was constructed in 1892 by Jane and Edward Ivinson. This historic building, located in Laramie, Wyoming, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the late 19th century. The mansion was designed by Walter E. Ware, a renowned architect from Salt Lake City, and built by local contractor Frank Cook. Upon its completion, the mansion was considered the most significant residence in Laramie. 22Texas Trail Museum
Pine Bluffs, WYThe Texas Trail Museum is dedicated to preserving and restoring the heritage of the Frontier crossroads area. Through its various displays and educational programs, the museum provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the region's history and culture. 23Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum
Buffalo, WYThe Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, located in Buffalo, Wyoming, is a museum dedicated to the American West. It is housed in a historic Carnegie Library building that was built in 1909. This unique setting adds to the charm and historical significance of the museum, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the history of the American West. 24Fort Bridger State Historic Site
Fort Bridger, WYFort Bridger, located in Uinta County, Wyoming, was initially established in 1842 as a fur trading outpost. It was situated on the Blacks Fork of the Green River. This 19th-century outpost played a significant role in the fur trade during that period. 25Jackson Hole History Museum
Jackson, WYJackson Hole History Museum run by the nonprofit History Jackson Hole (formerly the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum) tells the stories of Jackson Hole that connect people to the history of this valley and region. Explore 11,000+ years of human history in Jackson Hole with an interactive M 26Homesteaders Museum
Torrington, WYThe Homesteaders Museum, located in the depot and adjacent buildings, is a repository of county and area railroad history. It features a display of homesteading items and local memorabilia from the first settlement in 1834 up to 1976, when homesteading ended. Visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the area through these exhibits. 27Fort Phil Kearny
Story, WYToday, the Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, maintained by the State of Wyoming, includes the fort itself and the nearby Fetterman and Wagon Box battle sites. These sites offer a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to learn about the historical events that took place there during the Indian Wars.- 28
Museum of the American West
Lander, WY - 29
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Cheyenne, WYThe Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, founded in 1978, is situated in Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States. This museum is a significant cultural institution that provides a deep dive into the history and culture of the American West, the state of Wyoming, and the city of Cheyenne. - 30
Carbon County Museum
Rawlins, WY - 31
The Dubois Museum
Dubois, WYThe Dubois Museum, spanning an area of 3,850 square feet, is situated in the town of Dubois, Wyoming. It is conveniently located on U.S. Route 26, which is part of the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway. This location not only makes it easily accessible for visitors but also offers a scenic route for those traveling to the museum. - 32
Nelson Museum of the West
Cheyenne, WYTouches upon everything Western - from the animals through the horse saddles to the Native American artefacts. Wyoming in a nutshell. - 33
Wyoming National Guard Museum
Cheyenne, WY - 34
Yellowstone Art & Photography Center
Yellowstone National Park, WY - 35
Sommers Homestead Living History Museum
Pinedale, WY - 36
Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum
Ten Sleep, WYDevoted to the pioneer days of the West - right where it happened. This town used to be a stop on an Indian trade route. - 37
Laramie Railroad Depot
Laramie, WY - 38
Grand Encampment Museum
Encampment, WYDevoted to the industrial history of this valley. The different restored buildings are an intriguing sight. - 39
Sheridan County Museum
Sheridan, WY - 40
Bozeman Trail Museum
Big Horn, WY - 41
Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation
Ralston, WYThe site of the Heart Mountain War Relocation Center is considered to be the best preserved of the ten incarceration centers constructed during World War II. The street grid and numerous foundations are still visible, providing a tangible link to the past. Four of the original barracks survive in place, and a number of others, sold and moved after the war, have been identified in surrounding counties and may one day be returned to their original locations. - 42
Doc Culleton Interpretive Center - Grand Encampment Museum
Encampment, WY - 43
Salt Creek Museum
Midwest, WYDedicated to the history of the local oilfields and mainly, to the lives of the locals back in their heyday.