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Incredible Moments in Goshen County
Nestled along the Nebraska border in southeastern Wyoming, Goshen County is the gateway to the West, where covered wagons once rumbled across the open prairies on the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, and California trails. Today, Goshen County is home to the Oregon Trail Historic Byway and more than 60 historic markers and memorials. Feel at ease as you watch geese soar through clear skies, cattle grazing in pastures, and the sunset against an endless horizon with fields of corn and hay as far as the eye can see.
Start your visit at the Goshen County Visitor Center, and then start collecting incredible moments of your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Stroll the grounds once walked by fur trappers, Native Americans, pioneers, miners, and soldiers during the Western expansion.
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The Army Iron Bridge is the gateway to the Fort Laramie National Historic Site. This bridge was built in 1875 and served as a vital and fortified link between Cheyenne, Fort Laramie, Indian agencies, military outposts, and the goldfields of the Black Hills Dakota region. Situated at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers, the Army Iron Bridge is a peaceful place for your whole family to stretch their legs. Take some time to enjoy the river, and contemplate the many people that used this bridge for safe passage. Follow the 1.6-mile Confluence Trail through the region and gain an immersive look into the landscape and history of the area.
Originally established as a fur trading post in 1834, Fort Laramie National Historic Site eventually became the largest military post on the Northern Plains.
If you are looking for family fun, re-explore Fort Laramie National Historic Site. There are many ways to explore Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Take an audio tour, tour on your own, or take a tour with a park official. While you are there, watch a live reenactment, have the kiddos participate in the Fort Laramie Junior Ranger Program, or sip sarsaparilla and birch beer at 1883 Soldiers Bar (open select days and weekends).
Stroll along historic main streets and stop in mom-and-pop shops along the way.
Stroll along historic main streets and stop at local mom-and-pop shops for the perfect Wyoming souvenir. Find one-of-a-kind gifts in Torrington, such as colorful supplies at Sew Addicting Quilt Shop, or find trendy women's clothing at Farm Girls Boutique, where they have a passion for all things beautiful. Stumble upon a hidden gem at the Old Moose Mercantile, and get into your western style with Home on the Range, where they specialize in unique treasures that give your
wardrobe and home just the right touch
of style. Don't forget your Wyoming gear
from Heartland Embroidery. Vandel
Drug offers a complete pharmacy with
a wide variety of everyday items, and
you can also still find Hallmark products.
Wrap it all up with paper and a bow
from Mel's Country Card & Party!
In The Town Square, you are sure to find
anything. The town Square holds three
businesses: Bear Mountain Beef,
Wagnor's Floral, and Limited Edition,
all coming together to provide
consumers with a new and unique
shopping experience. At Bear Mountain
Beef, they provide their customers with
the best local beef available. Wagnor's
Floral specializes in floral arrangements
and offers plants, candy bouquets, &
gifts. In addition, Limited Edition provides
the highest-end Wyoming and specialty
Liquor.
On your way to the Fort Laramie National
Historic Site, stop by the Torrington
Rock Shop, open for 57 years! The Rock Shop has a fantastic variety of rocks, minerals, crystals, fossils, jade, jewelry, and gifts for everyone. Or in Lingle, grab your quick everyday items at Ty's Pit Stop. They have everything that you might have forgotten! In Fort Laramie, shop home décor at Haystack Hills Trading and stop by the Fort Laramie Frontier Trading Post for antiques and handcrafted regalia. Or head out to Fort Laramie National Historic Site, where they have a Visitors Center that is a history enthusiast's dream! From books to sage, you'll find something for everyone!
Suppose you're heading to Wyoming's Capital or just coming in from the south. Don't forget about the hidden gems in LaGrange. LaGrange is surrounded by ranches where cowboys you'll meet and farms with vast acreages and great strips of wheat. They have contractors, plumbers, guys who dig trenches, realtors, teachers, and mechanics with wrenches. Did you forget to fill up on your way out? Well, LaGrange has you covered. There is always somewhere interesting to go in LaGrange; it is worth the stop!
Do you want a more authentic shopping experience? Visit the local farmers and artisans at Torrington's Weekly Torrington Farmers Market. Every Thursday from July to October, you can stock up on just-picked produce, handmade tortillas, small-batch buttermilk, and flavorful loaves of bread, as well as handcrafted artwork and jewelry from independent regional vendors. Stop by and try a little bit of Goshen County.
Get a first-hand look at Wyoming’s robust ranching industry.
It's no secret that Goshen County is known for its agriculture. At Ellis' Harvest Home, just two miles west of Lingle, let Iittle ones loose in the fresh air as they run through the hay maze, navigate the twists and turns of the corn maze, enjoy the petting zoo, jumping pillow, and find the perfect pumpkin in the pick-your-own pumpkin patch and there are over 20 fun family activities. At Young's Apple Box Orchard, visitors can handpick and eat delicious, locally grown fruit from peach, crabapple, pear, and plum trees.
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Experience the excitement of a bustling cattle auction at the Torrington Livestock Markets. Sit among modern-day cowboys as you watch one of the live auctions and walk the outdoor catwalk above the livestock pens.
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Take in views of dramatic bluffs set against a sprawling reservoir.
With 90 bodies of water—from small creeks to sprawling reservoirs—this is the place to catch crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, perch, catfish, and trout. Get your fishing license before heading out to the waters.
Whether you’re sunbathing on the sandy swim beach, casting a fishing line to reel in walleye and crappie, or enjoying an alfresco lunch in the picnic area, the Hawk Springs State Recreation Area views in Hawk Springs are spectacular.
Trek along the Rawhide Wildlife
Habitat Nature Trail and keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, bald and golden eagles, ring-necked pheasants, beavers, and more than 50 species of songbirds. Explore over 30 walk-in hunting and fishing areas and over 5,600 acres of Wild Habitat Area with over 240 sightings of different species of birds.
Learn the stories of pioneers and early residents.
Learn the stories of pioneers, and early
settlers at the Homesteaders Museum
housed in a historic Union Pacific Depot.
Walk around the grassy grounds to see
vintage train cars, antique farm equipment, a turn-of-the-century homestead shack, and a one-room schoolhouse. See exhibits, photographs, interactive displays, and Goshen County's early settler's artifacts. With seasonal attractions like the Terror Train Escape Room, Afternoon at the Boo-seum, the Polar Express, rotating displays, and historic presentations.
After a day of play, make your way to the former town of Empire, Wyoming.
Just eight miles southeast of Torrington, this long-abandoned municipality offers a glimpse into Wyoming’s first racially self-sufficient, and politically autonomous African American community. Founded in 1908, Empire was a byproduct of the upheaval of the Civil War and the Homestead Act of 1862. Lasting for nearly two decades, Empire, at its peak, played host to nearly 50 free African Americans and boasted its own school, post office, church, and farming community.
Now, people interested in exploring Empire’s history can do so through the Sheep Creek Presbyterian Church cemetery, where you can visit the graves of former residents and pay respects or head to the Homesteaders Museum where there is a historical display.
Stand among picture-perfect rows of grape vines.
Sip your way through award-winning wines and enjoy the scenery at Table Mountain Vineyards in Torrington. For date night, make a reservation for the wine and painting experience at the onsite TMV Art Studios.
If you are looking for a bit of adventure, pick the10,000 grapevines or register for a sip and paint. We hear that the more you drink, the better you paint.
Perfect your golf swing amid verdant landscapes.
Lush greens, towering cottonwood trees and blooming flowers create an outdoor oasis for golfers at Cottonwood at Torrington Golf Course, a public 18-hole golf course in Torrington. Warm up on the driving range and hone your skills on the putting greens, sand bunker and chipping areas before hitting the course.
Top your visit off with a satisfying meal at one of our family-owned restaurants.
From viticulture to livestock and produce, there’s no shortage of premium drinking and dining opportunities in Goshen County. Sip your way through a lineup of red and white award-winning wines and enjoy the scenery at Table Mountain Vineyards outside of Huntley, which grows 12 grape varietals. For the ultimate date night, make a reservation for the wine and painting experience at the onsite TMV Art Studios.
See how agriculture in the region all comes together at one of Goshen’s many family-owned restaurants. Don’t miss a stop in Torrington, where the Bucking Horse Grill serves up mouthwatering steaks, seafood and gourmet burgers piled with toppings. Or, visit The Bread Doctor, which lures folks in with its rich cheesecakes, mousse-filled tarts, freshly baked breads and dense cakes made with seasonal ingredients. Watch the world go by while enjoying a glass of cold locally brewed beer at the Open Barrel Brewing Company, or stop by the newly redone The Emporium Restaurant.
Craving something sweet? Then you’re sure to find your favorite local flavor AJ’s Soda Shop, where visitors can indulge in homemade baked goods, bubble teas, Ice Cream, coffee and soft serve Ice Cream. And for visitors seeking the ultimate picnicking experience, call ahead and order your food for take out. Bring your meal to the edge of town and catch a sunset. With over 300 sunny days annually, Torrington makes for an ideal place to experience the endless horizons of Goshen County.
Witness the past at an active archeological site.
Located near Guernsey, Hell Gap National Historic Landmark
is where you’ll see Paleoindian archeology research in action,
as professional crew and volunteers uncover life on the Plains
from up to 13,000 years ago.
Share a smile with local farmers and artisans at the monthly farmers market.
Meet the makers when you stock up on just-picked produce and freshly made foods—as well as handcrafted artwork and jewelry from independent vendors—at the Torrington Farmers Market, every Thursday on Main Street from June – October.
Go bird hunting amid wide-open grasslands and wetlands.
Enjoy the crisp fall air during pheasant and goose hunting season in southeast Wyoming at Springer/Bump Sullivan Wildlife Management Area near Yoder. Springer/Bump Sullivan is considered by many to be one of the best pheasant and goose hunting areas in the state. Many species of flora and fauna benefit from the managed area, which provides excellent opportunities for wildlife to see or nature experiences native to parts of Goshen County.
Or feel the thrill of target shooting. Bring your friends, family, and your competitive spirit when you head over to Goshen County Sportsmen Club, the largest trap shooting facility in Wyoming. Choose from the outdoor rifle range, pistol range, archery range and skeet fields.