History & Culture
In Platte County, you can walk in the footsteps of early pioneers in the morning, and settle back into modern convenience that night.
If you remember playing “The Oregon Trail,” you’ll get a thrill out of visiting the very trails that thousands of covered wagons rumbled across—and seeing firsthand the ruts their wheels left behind. No fording the river required!
And of course, no trip through Platte County history is complete without a stop at Register Cliff, Wyoming’s own living Facebook predecessor.
Historic Sites
Million-Dollar Biffy
Don’t miss the most historic bathroom in the county, located in Guernsey State Park.
Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site
Home to some of the most spectacular wagon ruts remaining along the entire length of the Oregon-California Trail, just a short walk from the site’s parking area.
Register Cliff State Historic Site
A welcome landmark for pioneers along the California, Oregon and Mormon Trails, these historic sandstone cliffs hold names, dates, and messages dating as far back as 1829.
Museums
Glendo Museum
Call (307)-735-4242 for current business hours
Home to a veritable trove of historic treasures, including an extensive fossil collection, a pictorial history of the construction of Glendo Dam, and hand-forged relics from the Twin Springs blacksmith shop, burned during the Battle of Horseshoe Creek.
Guernsey State Park Visitor Center & Museum
Open from May 1 – September 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Faithfully maintained and presented as it was originally designed more than 80 years ago, with information on Guernsey’s own Oregon Trail ruts and historic Register Cliff.
Hartville Museum and Community Center
Open by appointment; call (307) 836-2288
Formerly a schoolhouse, this repurposed building now houses many historic items from the town’s colorful history.
Laramie Peak Museum
Open May-September, this one-of-a-kind site includes an authentic recreation of Wheatland’s first schoolhouse, along with an abundance of artifacts from Platte County’s earliest settlers.