Fort Bridger State Historic Site

Visit this 19th-century fur trading outpost.

Fort Bridger State Historic Site is located off I-80 (exit 34), east of Evanston, Wyoming. Jim Bridger and Louis Vasquez established the fort in 1843, and it was used as a pit stop for wagon repairs, supplies, and a much-needed rest for weary travelers. Today, it features historic structures and other remnants from five different eras of groups that ran the trading post. Visitors will learn about the trails that came through the fort including the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, the Mormon Pioneer Trail, the Pony Express Trail, the Overland Trail, the Cherokee Trail, and the Lincoln Highway.

The museum is inside what used to be the infantry barracks and later the milk barn. You can check out several exhibits depicting the five different eras of the fort. The museum also has a video room, research library, two gift shops, and a kid's corral play area. This historic site encompasses 37 acres with 27 historic buildings, four replica buildings, and six newer buildings. Other places on the property include Groshon Creek, aspen groves, and historic pines from the military era. There are also several archaeological digs being conducted in the region. You can easily spend several hours here, so plan to bring food and eat at the picnic shelter, which has over two dozen tables and five grills.