After leaving the area that would become Nebraska the trail continued into the future state of Wyoming. There are numerous Oregon Trail landmarks located along the trail including Independence Rock, south of Casper, Wyoming and Soda Springs in the area where Idaho is today.
Casper was a central hub and the main point of convergence for many of the westward trails during the 19th century. The history of the city is filled with the stories of hundreds of thousands of settlers who passed through the area. Today, Casper offers visitors a booming downtown with some of Wyoming’s finest restaurants and craft drinks, boutique shopping and a thriving live entertainment scene, all surrounded by the beauty of mountain forests, abundant waterways and spectacular trails.
Influencer Beau Johnston explored Casper and met with Modern Pioneer Amber Pollock of Backwards Distilling Company. He also toured the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. Read about his whole visit here.
Influencer Victoria Haight explored Casper. Her trip included a tour of the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, cooling off at the David Street Station Spray Park and visiting Independence Rock. Read about her whole visit here.
Known as the “Oregon Trail Oasis” because of the abundance of water and springs in the area, Soda Springs was an important landmark for settlers on the trail. Many pioneers wrote about the carbonated water natural springs in their journals. Visitors to Hooper Springs Park can still sample the water, just like the pioneers did 175 years ago. Soda Springs is also home to the only captive geyser in the world.
Influencer Brandi Walker explored Soda Springs and met with Modern Pioneer Robert Lau, owner of Caribou Jacks Trading Company and BBQ. Her trip also included touring Oregon Trail sites, visiting the geyser and springs around town and staying at the historic Enders Hotel. Read about her whole trip here.
