La Barge WyomingATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near La Barge, Wyoming.
1. Names Hill State Historic Site
HISTORIC OREGON TRAIL LANDMARK
Names Hill State Historic Site is a notable location along the Oregon-California Trail where emigrants carved their names into the soft limestone after crossing the Green River. The site includes a monument and interpretive signs that help visitors understand the historical significance of the area. Mountain Men inscriptions at Names Hill date back to 1822, and thousands of emigrants passed through this very spot during their westward journey.
2. La Barge Bluffs Petroglyphs
ANCIENT ROCK ART DISPLAY
The La Barge Bluffs Petroglyph site consists of nine panels of some of the richest and most expressive rock art in western North America. The rock art occurs on flat, west-facing sandstone surfaces located just above an overflow channel of the Green River, covering 215 meters along the riverbank. The site showcases realistic narrative scenes from the Late Biographic period and provides valuable information about Native American artistic traditions.
3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
LOCAL RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in La Barge is one of the town's notable religious landmarks. The church serves as an important gathering place for the local Mormon community. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and learn about the religious heritage that has influenced the development of many Wyoming communities.
4. La Barge Church
COMMUNITY WORSHIP CENTER
La Barge Church is a welcoming place of worship that serves the local community. The church offers regular services and community events for residents and visitors alike. Its presence reflects the important role that faith communities have played in small Wyoming towns throughout their history.
5. Green River Crossing
HISTORIC RIVER FORD
Green River Crossing near La Barge marks a historic ford where Oregon Trail emigrants would cross the formidable Green River. After traversing 40 miles of waterless desert, pioneers would reach this crucial river crossing on their journey westward. Today, visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of the river while contemplating the challenges faced by 19th-century travelers.
6. Fort Bridger State Historic Site
FRONTIER TRADING POST
Fort Bridger State Historic Site preserves a 19th-century trading post established by mountain man Jim Bridger in 1843. The site features reconstructed historical buildings, a museum, and interpretive programs that bring the frontier era to life. Fort Bridger served as an important supply point for emigrants traveling west on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.
7. Fossil Butte National Monument
ANCIENT FOSSIL BEDS
Fossil Butte National Monument preserves the best paleontological record of Cenozoic aquatic communities in North America. The monument features thousands of exquisitely preserved fossil fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals from the Eocene Epoch. Visitors can explore the visitor center's exhibits and follow trails to view the fossil-rich limestone buttes that have yielded some of the world's most complete and well-preserved fossils.
8. JJ's Bar & Grill
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
JJ's Bar & Grill serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors in La Barge. The establishment offers hearty American fare including burgers, steaks, and traditional pub food in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. JJ's represents the kind of authentic small-town dining experience that characterizes Wyoming's rural communities.
9. La Barge Mercantile
GENERAL STORE ESSENTIALS
La Barge Mercantile provides essential goods and services to residents and travelers passing through this small Wyoming town. The store stocks groceries, hardware, and other necessities that might be needed by those living in or visiting this remote area. As one of the few retail establishments in La Barge, the Mercantile serves as both a practical resource and a community hub.
10. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
RIVER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 27,230 acres along the Green River, providing critical habitat for diverse wildlife in southwest Wyoming. The refuge offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, photography, and environmental education. Visitors may spot moose, pronghorn, eagles, and numerous migratory birds while exploring this protected riparian ecosystem.
11. Oyster Ridge Music Festival
ANNUAL MUSIC CELEBRATION
The Oyster Ridge Music Festival is Wyoming's premier free music festival, held annually in Triangle Park in Kemmerer. The festival features an impressive lineup of bluegrass, folk, and Americana musicians performing over multiple days each summer. This family-friendly event draws visitors from across the region who come to enjoy outstanding live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
12. JC Penney Mother Store
RETAIL HISTORY LANDMARK
The JC Penney Mother Store in Kemmerer is the original location of the famous retail chain, opened by James Cash Penney in 1902. The historic store continues to operate today, offering visitors a glimpse into American retail history while still functioning as a modern department store. The site includes a museum with artifacts from the company's early days and information about its founder's business philosophy.
13. Hamsfork Campground
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Hamsfork Campground provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts near the Hamsfork River in southwest Wyoming. The campground offers fishing access, hiking opportunities, and well-maintained sites for tents and RVs in a picturesque natural setting. Visitors appreciate the campground's proximity to local attractions while still providing a sense of wilderness and solitude.
14. Fossil Basin Promotion Board
REGIONAL TOURISM CENTER
The Fossil Basin Promotion Board serves as the primary tourism information center for visitors exploring the Fossil Basin region of Wyoming. The center provides maps, brochures, and expert advice on local attractions, dining options, and recreational opportunities throughout the area. Visitors can obtain valuable insights about fossil hunting, historical sites, outdoor activities, and other experiences available in this unique corner of Wyoming.
15. Green River Drift Trail
HISTORIC CATTLE DRIVE ROUTE
The Green River Drift Trail is a historic cattle drive route that has been in continuous use since the 1890s, making it one of America's oldest livestock drives. The trail stretches approximately 70 miles from desert winter grazing lands near La Barge to summer pastures in the mountains. This working landscape represents an important piece of Wyoming's ranching heritage and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.