Summary
It was established in 1868 and served as an important military post during the Indian Wars. Today, the fort is well-preserved and offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
There are several good reasons to visit Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site. Visitors can explore the fort's buildings, which have been restored to their original condition, and learn about the history of the site through exhibits and interpretive programs. The site also offers camping and picnicking facilities, making it a great place to spend a day or a weekend.
Specific points of interest at the site include the officers' quarters, the guardhouse, and the hospital. There is also a museum that houses artifacts from the fort's history, including weapons, uniforms, and photographs.
Interesting facts about Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site include its role in the development of the Transcontinental Railroad, which passed through the area in the late 1800s. The fort also served as a base for troops during the Spanish-American War and World War I.
The best time of year to visit Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the site is open for tours and activities. However, the site is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.
Overall, Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone interested in learning about Wyoming's past. Its well-preserved buildings, exhibits, and interpretive programs make it a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Dugway Campsite 1
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Dugway Campsite 2
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Dugway Campsite 3
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Dugway Campground
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Dugway Campsite 5
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Dugway Campsite 4
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