Gathering the Tribes: The Cheyennes come together after Sand Creek
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Buffalo Bill Historical Center
No one who comes to Cody should miss the Buffalo Bill Historical Center at the west end of Sheridan Avenue on the way to Yellowstone Park. The center includes five museums rich in both Wyoming history and western history. These sections are: Buffalo Bill, Natural History and the Greater Yellowstone area, Plains Indians, Western Art, and Firearms. The BBHC is open all year but hours vary with the seasons. Visit www.bbhc.org for details including standard and special exhibits.
Connor Battlefield
From Interstate 90, take Exit 9 and head west on U.S. Highway 14 into Ranchester, Wyo., and follow the signs to arrive at Connor Battlefield State Historic Site. The grounds are open year-round 24 hours daily as weather permits. Facilities include a campground, fishing and picnic areas, and a playground, with drinking water and restrooms. The campground is open from May 1-Sept. 30. Vehicle access is prohibited when the campground is closed. This site is handicapped accessible.
For information on camping fees and guided bus tours, call the Fort Phil Kearny Office at (307) 684-7629.
Fetterman Battlefield
The Fetterman Battlefield is located 20 miles south of Sheridan, Wyo. From Interstate 90, take Exit 44 and follow signs. This is a satellite site of Fort Phil Kearny, and it and the Wagon Box Fight site are both within five miles of the visitor center.
The grounds are open year-round as weather permits. The Fort Phil Kearny visitor center is open daily all day April 1-November 30 and afternoons during winter months. Facilities include a museum, gift shop and picnic areas. Self-guided tours of the trails and viewing area enrich the experience. Restrooms and drinking water are available. Camping is not allowed. Artifacts must not be removed, and the use of metal detectors and discharging of firearms is prohibited. Pets must be kept on leashes.
For more information on hours and fees contact the Fort Phil Kearny Office at (307) 684-7629.
Fort Fetterman
Fort Fetterman is located north of Douglas, Wyo. From Interstate 25, take Exit 140 to state Highway 93 and travel northwest about eight miles; the fort is on a hill on the right, shortly before the highway crosses the North Platte River.
The site is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the visitor center and ordnance building are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grounds are open during daylight hours. Visitors may walk among the foundations of the old fort, follow the interpretive trail to a gazebo overlooking the river and the site of Gen. Crook’s camp. The site is handicapped accessible. Facilities also include picnic and camping areas. Fetterman Days, an annual celebration, is held in early summer. The site is closed during the winter.
For more information on fees, etc., contact the Pioneer Museum in Douglas at 307-358-9288.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
The Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located near the town of Fort Laramie, Wyo. From Interstate 25, take Exit 92 to U.S. Highway 26 and head east 28 miles. Turn right on state Highway 160 and travel three miles.
The grounds are open year-round as weather permits. The visitor center and museum are open daily, with extended hours during the summer months. The site is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Summer visitors can interact with costumed interpreters. Audio tours are also available to rent for a nominal fee. Facilities include a bookstore, interpretative trails and restrooms. The park entrance, visitor center and grounds are handicapped accessible. Many of the structures are partially accessible.
For information on hours, fees and more, contact the Fort Laramie Park Headquarters at (307) 837-2221.
Fort Phil Kearny
Fort Phil Kearny is located 20 miles south of Sheridan. From Interstate 90, take Exit 44 and follow signs. The fort is about two miles southwest of the exit.
Facilities include a visitor center, museum, gift shop, restrooms, drinking water and picnic areas, trails and viewing area. Tours are self-guided. Additional restrooms and a picnic area are located at the Wagon Box Fight site. The sites are handicapped accessible. Camping, artifact removal and metal detectors not allowed.
Admission prices, other fees and hours of operation are available at http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Permits/Index.aspx. For more information, call the Fort Phil Kearny office, (307) 684-7629.
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