National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The NHTC is a public and private partnership between the Bureau of Land Management and the NHTC Foundation a 501c3 created to promote and preserve the heritage surrounding the pathways to the West. The Center is dedicated to providing educational programs to increase public awareness to the historical trails and to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of visitors and residents. We are VERY family friendly; and have something to entertain any age. FREE ADMISSION OPEN seven days a week We host school classes/groups/ and tours. (call in advance please) Digital learning classroom with a Ranger and so much More! Call for details.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Luann MPecatonica, Illinois430 contributionsMake time for this movie and the exhibits.I was interested in how this museum took the four trails---Oregon, Mormon, California Gold Trail, and Pony Express, and made sense of how many people went, what time of year they needed to start, and trials that they faced on the trail. Displays are excellent as is the movie. This is a great stop.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 17, 2023
- Mark JPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania41 contributionsGreat museum and a great viewFascinating place to learn about the western expansion of European settlers into the western territories. Well worth the time. The museum sits on a bluff and has beautiful views over Casper and the surrounding mountains.Visited October 2023Traveled on businessWritten December 6, 2023
- Erika S4 contributionsGreat place to learn about the western expansionI have loved the old West since I first read the little house on the prairie series, and this place brings it to life. They have great interactive displays and give a lot of information about how the West was settled. I think everyone should learn about how America became what it is todayVisited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 28, 2024
- Texasmom04366 contributionsDon't miss this great hands on museum experience!Wow! Such an incredibly well done museum. I love that so much of it is hands on learning. Even if someone doesn't usually like museums or history, this is so well presented that it is fun. Several excellent videos explaining different historical points. Very kid friendly. Too much to absorb it all in one visit, so we will be back. And it's FREE!Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 2, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
559 reviews
Excellent
474
Very good
74
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
FrontierJ
Manitou Springs, CO499 contributions
Apr 2021
Told a friend of mine that she had to see this Museum even though I had been there a couple of years ago. It is a wonderful experience and now that we all stayed home for a year, due to Covid, it is great to get out now that we are vaccinated. Do not miss "Crossing a River in a Covered Wagon exhibit" This is just a terrific and exciting Museum even a second time. There is so much to read and enjoy! They are open on their Winter Hours until Memorial Weekend 9-4:30PM.
Written April 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eatlocal1ofakind
Minneapolis, MN742 contributions
Sep 2020
This is a must do if you are passing through Casper. The museum tells the story of the four major western movements that passed through Casper across the Platte heading west in the 19th century. Start your visit with the movie to set the story for you. The exhibits are notable inn that they are easy to read and practice word economy. No need to stand 10 minutes in front of each exhibit to read. It is all very well done.
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy T
Salt Lake City, UT13 contributions
Jun 2021
Probably the best museum for kids I have ever been to. After a long day traveling we were worried a museum might be a mistake, but not this one. It was a highlight of the whole trip across the country. Several interactive exhibits kept the kids enthralled and after 2 hours they still didn’t want to leave. Very interesting for adults as well.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen Q
Philadelphia, PA12 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Cant believe this museum is free!? What a great way for kids and adults to learn about the trials and tribulations of the Emigrants of the Past who dared to go out West. Thought the Native American perspective was accurately portrayed rather than muted. A must stop if your making the drive through Wyoming.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber H
St. Petersburg, FL59 contributions
May 2023 • Family
This was one of the best museums we have ever explored as a family! We went with two teenagers and a toddler, and each and every child was engaged. I can’t believe this museum does not charge admission. We would highly recommend any individual, couple, or family to visit if you are in the Casper area.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff7520
Castle Rock, CO368 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We really enjoyed this museum as a stop on our drive through Wyoming and highly recommend it. My 10-year-old did the tablet quiz and learned a great deal. The museum is interactive and well put together.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan J
29 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This site offers a wealth of information regarding the historic Oregon/California/Mormon trails that went through the area. The location features exceptional animations, hands on exhibits, and written displays detailing the trails that led to western American expansion. Anyone interested in the history of the area or the early pioneer settlers journey across the nation would greatly enjoy this location. Allow yourself at least 2 hours to properly enjoy.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol
16 contributions
Jun 2021
This is the best museum about westward expansion I have ever visited, and I have visited a lot of them..Sections for the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, California Trail, and Pony Express Trail Lots of visuals and hands on activities. Planned for a quick rest stop on our RV westward road trip but stayed about an hour and a half. Could have stayed longer if we weren't on somewhat of a schedule. And it is FREE. Highly recommend.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura G
South Weber, UT30 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Amazing and interactive museum. At the time of writing, this museum was free. Very friendly and knowledgeable volunteer introduced us to the museum. There was a perfect balance of reading, multimedia, artifacts, and interactive displays. Even as adults, we enjoyed trying to pull the handcart and riding the river crossing simulator. There was a great short documentary that utilized both multiple
screens as well as life-sized displays. Definitely, worth seeing.
screens as well as life-sized displays. Definitely, worth seeing.
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan39
Manhattan, Kansas17 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
This is a must see! The museum is very well organized, in chronological order with an excellent flow. It starts with a nice 17 minute film that lets you experience the trials and tribulations of life on the trail. The museum takes you through the Oregon trail then the Mormon Trail, California trail and Pony Express. There are lots of interactive maps. There is a chance to get into a covered wagon to experience the crossing of the North Platte river. Great for all ages and it is FREE!
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This would be a stop along a 9 hr drive. So I will not have much time. Is the stop still worth it?
Written March 5, 2017
Yes, this is a worthwhile stop, and conveniently located minutes from I25, 20/26 and 220.
Written March 13, 2017
hello,do you think this center is a good choice to discover part of american history for children who don't speak English ?
thank you
Written June 18, 2016
any differences in Casper center and Baker city site? What are they if any?
Written May 27, 2016
I am not familiar with the Baker site but assume its in Baker City Oregon? The Casper Historic Trails Center is unique in that it show cases the several main East-West immigrant routes that went through the Casper area in the 1800s. If the Baker site is in Oregon, you probably only get the end of the Oregon Trail. The Historic Trails Center also features an excellent display, visual and interactive of display of Plains Indian life and their impact on the area. Check their web site for specifics. Hope this helps.
Written May 28, 2016
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