(Encampment WY)
A wonderful find was the Grand Encampment Museum, with exhibits of historic artifacts, photographs, and displays. Also, a gift shop, research library, and re-created town square. Events during the summer season included Woodchoppers Jamboree, Cowboy Poet Gathering, Quilters Meet, Mountain Man Rendezvous, and Living History Day.
Grand Encampment Museum
I was there on Living History Day when guides, dressed in period clothes, showed each building and explained their history. Some demonstrated period skills like printing press, rope making, spinning yarn, and weaving. There was part of an aerial tramway, for moving ore from the mountains to the smelter, which was the longest in the world when it operated.
Tramway
Log cabins
Original buildings were moved onto the grounds and included a Forest Ranger cabin, school house, saloon, bakery/ice cream parlor where I got an ice cream cone, print shop, livery, blacksmith shop, stagecoach station, cabins, a 2-story outhouse, and a fire-watch tower which you could climb.
Cabin interior
Livery & fire-watch tower
The Interpretive Center had displays of period furnishings, clothing, tools, guns, and native history. It also held a research library and giftshop with some local artwork.
2-story Outhouse
Saddle & tack display
I really enjoyed it, and went back several times. For such a small town, this history museum was a real GEM. If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss it!
Camp: Grand Encampment Grounds free drycamp
Scene: Museum, cabins, tram, historic artifacts
Looks like a very interesting place. I can see many paintings probably popped up in your mind! ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie
I was impressed by the variety and how well it was presented. They even had docents that took you around and explained things. All for free!
I wanted to let you know I really like your reports of the places you are finding in your travels. Thank you.
I appreciate that Barney. Glad you find them useful. Now go have too much fun!
How wild, Gary and I went through this area before landing up by the Tetons! Thanks for sharing!
Glad the posts brought back good memories. It’s a beautiful area to roam around in.
Really surprised to find this webpage! I was stationed in Encampment with the Air Force in 1955-57! Spent a lot of time at the ‘Cowboy Bar’ helped the local ranchers brand their cattle, and did some haying. Fond memories of my time in Encampment.
Sounds like you did a lot there. I too enjoyed my visit.