National Historic Trails Interpretive Center 35

A History Lover’s Itinerary for America's 250th in Casper, Wyoming

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and there’s no better place to celebrate the history of America than in the wild west state of Wyoming. The heart of Wyoming, Casper has four historic trails that run through the city, inviting visitors to take an immersive walk through the history of not only the U.S., but the settling of the West.

While you can visit anytime of year and take a deep dive into what makes Casper the destination it is today, here is a two-day itinerary perfectly designed to ring in the Semiquincentennial of America over the Fourth of July in 2026.

Here are a few places and events to put on your radar for July 3 and 4.

Day One: July 3, 2026

With most of the official celebrations and festivities happening on the Fourth of July, today is all about getting out and exploring the various historical highlights and points of interest around Casper, Wyoming.

Start the day at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC). This free-to-visit Trails Center overlooks the city of Casper, with sweeping views of Casper Mountain as well. The Trails Center is a great place to start your historical deep dive, as it provides an in-depth and hands-on overview of the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail and California Trail, as well as the Pony Express and the Indigenous nations that traveled through this area for thousands of years. Be sure to take your time and explore the galleries (and watch the films if you have time), as this will provide you with a strong foundation and understanding of what you’ll see later today.

Insider tip: pick up lunch to go in Casper for your afternoon adventures. We recommend sandwiches from Grant Street Grocery or Steamboat Deli, or salads and gyros from Sweet Zoey Mediterranean Restaurant.

After the NHTIC, head west to Independence Rock. A one-hour drive from Casper will have you at this national landmark and state historic site. This was a landmark for the early pioneers who traveled through Wyoming, as well as visitors driving Wyoming Highway 220. The rock itself is 136 feet high and today’s visitors are able to walk all the way around it - as well as on it - to see the carvings left by tribal nations and pioneers.

Good to know: while the rock houses signatures of the past, no carvings or markings are allowed on it today. Be sure to tread lightly and be respectful.

Ten miles southwest of Independence Rock will take you to Martin’s Cove, an important stop on the Mormon Trail. This was where a handcart company that left too late in the season became trapped in a blizzard and took shelter. With limited provisions and terrible weather, about 150 early pioneers perished here, while the rest were successfully rescued by groups from Salt Lake City who set out to find them.

Martin’s Cove is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and has a visitor center, monuments, trail and more. Today’s visitors can pull handcarts at Martin’s Cove in the same way as the pioneers who traveled through here over 150 years ago.

Good to know: the rescue efforts went from October to December of 1856, with 200 wagons being sent to help pioneers making their way to Salt Lake City.

After exploring the trail - keep in mind you are driving across parts of it on your route - on your own, consider booking a Dutch oven dinner and wagon trek with Historic Trails West. Set out on the Oregon Trail in a pioneer-style covered wagon with Morris Carter and his crew as you get a firsthand look at the ruts on the trails. Historic Trails West has various treks, including two-hour options, a Dutch oven lunch or dinner trek, Pony Express ride, an overnight on the trail and multiday adventures.

Day Two: July 4, 2026

Today is officially America’s 250th anniversary! And there’s no better place or way to celebrate than by being in Casper, Wyoming. There are a variety of events, things to do and patriotic experiences taking place today (check out our events calendar).

Start the day at the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival. Held in downtown, be sure to swing by and register early. Kick the day off with the pancake breakfast, followed by adding your own spin to artwork that will help celebrate the upcoming fair and rodeo. This is a great way to experience downtown Casper and its historic buildings, local community and points of interest.

After adding your own flare to the city’s sidewalks in downtown, head to the right-next-door community of Mills for the opening of the new Service & Sacrifice Park. The park has been reimagined to honor veterans and service members from Wyoming, with signage, information, seating and green space.

Insider tip: learn more about Wyoming’s veterans at the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum. This museum recently underwent a major remodel and is newly reopened and ready to welcome visitors.

Want more history? Swing by the Fort Caspar Museum. A reconstructed military post from 1865, Fort Caspar shares the history of the area, from historic trails to the frontier army and the oil industry in central Wyoming.

End Independence Day at the Ford Wyoming Center for their Independence Day 250 celebration. Festivities include a fireworks display, drone displays and more.

Good to know: Casper and Natrona County have an array of lodging options and hotel accommodations, from flagship hotels to riverfront cabins.

Ready to plan your trip? Order our free 2026 Destination Guide, check out our calendar of events and sign up for our monthly newsletters here.

Book Your Stay

View All 250th Celebration Events

Author

Visit Casper

Travel Advocates

Officially, Visit Casper is a joint powers board, and our mission is to bring visitors to Natrona County in support of our local economy and quality of life.

Related