Area Attractions

 
Rock Springs is an old mining town, established in 1868 as the Union Pacific Railroad pushed on west.  The Union Pacific had been given the rights to the coal along its route, and it immediately opened coal mines near Rock Springs.  Today, the rich underground stores of coal, oil, natural gas, trona, and phosphates continue to be produced.

T here are many historical sites in and around Rock Springs, most focusing on the area's rich energy history but others dealing with the various cultures that have made the area home.  You can even treat the kids (or yourself) to a massive mounted dinosaur at the Western Wyoming College commons.  If you walk downtown, take note of the building at 432 Main.  It was once the butcher shop where employee Robert LeRoy Parker gained the "Butch" portion of his alias Butch Cassidy.

For the outdoor enthusiast you'll find the area rich in water sports, photographic opportunities, hiking, and hunting options.