Johnson County: Experience Western History and Nature

Johnson County combines the history of the American West with red canyon walls, river landscapes, and diverse trails. Those planning a trip with cultural discoveries and experiences in nature will find a variety of options here for organizing their days. When choosing a vacation apartment or vacation home, it is therefore worth first determining your preferred focus: historic sites, museums, hiking, or fishing.

Western History in Museums and Historic Sites

A prominent connection to the region’s history is the TA Ranch, which was the site of the Johnson County War of 1892. At the TA Ranch National Historic District, a self-guided tour explores the history of the lives of Western settlers in the 19th century. Fort Phil Kearny is also dedicated to the past: visitors can enter the original site through reconstructed palisade walls and explore the extensive grounds.

In Kaycee, the Hoofprints of the Past Museum preserves the history of the town and the American West in historic downtown buildings and through guided tours. The Johnson County War Tour follows the route of the 1892 invaders and stops at the Tisdale and Jones assassination sites. Another museum tour takes visitors to the historic sites of Hole in the Wall, which are associated with outlaws such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Further insights are offered by the Historic Occidental Hotel & Saloon, founded in 1880, with tours of the hotel and saloon in the style of the Old West, as well as by the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. There, gifts from Jim Gatchell’s collection tell the story of his life, including firearms, medical bags, bows and arrows, and clothing. In Kaycee’s Chris LeDoux Park, the “Good Ride Cowboy” monument commemorates the world champion bareback rider and country musician.

River, Canyons, and Trails for Active Days

The Middle Fork of the Powder River runs for 12 miles through the area of the Outlaw Cave Campground, which is considered a high-quality trout fishery. The area is characterized by red rock walls and deep canyons. Notable features include two caves and a corral that outlaws used to store their loot. A red canyon wall is visible in the Middle Fork Powder River area; hunting and fishing opportunities are also available there.

There are various options for hiking. The Hole-in-the-Wall Trail is 3 miles long, begins on state land, and ends on Bureau of Land Management land. The Clear Creek Trail System includes more than 20 miles of mostly interconnected trails. The Wetland Trail runs a little over a mile west of downtown along Clear Creek and offers opportunities for observing birds and wildlife. Rock climbing is possible in Crazy Woman Canyon, while there are angel sites along Joe’s Trail.

The Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area also has its own special appeal: the area covers 7,900 acres and serves as important winter habitat for big game. For driving in the Middle Fork Powder River region, the Bureau of Land Management recommends vehicles with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive. This information is particularly relevant if you want to combine your accommodation with excursions into the landscape.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Desired Travel Experience

Johnson County is well suited to travel plans that deliberately combine history and landscapes. Those who primarily want to visit museums, take guided tours, and see historic sites can make the cultural offerings the central theme of their trip. On other days, the river, wildlife viewing, fishing spots, or longer trail systems offer appealing options. Mountain Meadow Wool adds another attraction with a self-guided tour: visitors can see how raw wool is washed, dried, carded, spun, and hand-dyed. The tour is tied to the store’s opening hours.

When searching for a vacation rental in Johnson County, you should therefore weigh your planned experiences against your desired mobility without combining all the offerings into a single excursion program. This leaves room for a focus on history as well as for days spent in the landscape.

More Destinations for Trip Planning

For additional orientation, you can also compare Buffalo as well as Laramie, Campbell, Sublette, Uinta County, Fremont County, Natrona, and Big Horn.

For the overarching travel overview: Wyoming.