An hour west of Casper, WY is Independence Rock. This notable landmark is where the emigrants wanted to be by July 4, in order to be more assured of making it over the mountains before the winter snows set in. A couple other note-worthy nearby landmarks include Devils Gate, a few miles west of Independence Rock and another 20 minutes further west is Split Rock.
In Casper, visit the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center which provides information on the lives and times of the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express National Historic Trails, the Bozeman and Bridger Trails, as well as Native American history. The presentations are state-of-the-art interactive exhibits in a uniquely designed structure, with building materials actually being a part of the displays. There are also other museums in the town and the reconstructed site of Fort Casper near the Mormon Ferry, a river crossing used by the Mormons in their trek west.
