Why The National Historic Trails Center Is Closed This Summer

Summer tourism is in full swing, and you can tell by the added number of out-of-state license plates around town. CNFR begins Sunday, bringing thousands of people who fill hotel rooms, pack restaurant seats, and add to the books of the shops, stores, and attractions we have in Casper.

One of the attractions visitors are interested in is the museums and historical features. Fort Caspar, The Nicolaysen Art Museum, Tate Geological Museum, Werner Wildlife Museum, Veterans Memorial Museum, The Science Zone, and Bishop House.

You may've noticed that I didn't mention the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, and that's a big one to leave out, right? The reason I didn't mention it is that it will be closed for the next 45 days. The closure begins today, June 12, and will reopen July 27.

Why would they close in the prime of tourism season? That question has been answered by the National Historic Trails Center Foundation.

This closure is required so the Foundation can fully clean, repair, and restore the exhibits we own, as outlined in the BLM’s May 28, 2026 letter to us.

The foundation's Facebook post mentioned that the letter states: all exhibits owned by the NHTCF are to be fully cleaned and repaired to full functioning condition,” and that the Center must close to ensure public safety during this work.

For the past 3.5 years, the Foundation has been unable to fundraise or accept donations inside the building due to the absence of a formal partnership agreement. During that time, our exhibits have aged, technology has become obsolete, and several experiences, including the beloved Mormon handcart ride, now require major repairs.
The good news is that the BLM has now begun to move forward with the new partnership agreement. Once signed, we can finally resume accepting donations in the center, fundraising, and begin rebuilding the visitor experience our community deserves.
This closure is our chance to restore, repair, and modernize technology for the exhibits that make the Trails Center so special.

That's a really big pill to swallow, and the foundation needs our help raising money to update the Trails Center. There are a few ways you can help.

Options to donate:
1. Deposits can be made at Hilltop Bank to the account for:
National Historic Trails Center Foundation
2. There is a direct PayPal account
3. Donation Link on NHTCF.org
4. By mail: PO BX. 397 Casper, Wyoming 82602
5. By calling the Foundation office to make arrangements at 307-262-7269
6. The National Historic Trails Center will be a part of WyoGives in July
7. Email director@nhtcf.org for a 501c3 donation receipt