Wyoming State Parks is pleased to offer more than 60 public programs and events across northwest Wyoming during the remainder of the year. Activities will occur at five scenic and culturally significant sites, including Boysen State Park, Buffalo Bill State Park, Hot Springs State Park, Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site, and Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. These parks and historic sites collaborate as part of Wyoming State Parks’ Big Horn District to offer diverse regional events, engaging interpretive and recreation programs, and shared visitor services. Each site showcases its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the rich offerings of the area.
Several programs this summer will feature live creatures, including the Wyoming State Parks Ambassador Ferrets, which will visit Boysen and Hot Springs on August 30 and Boysen again on September 13 for an educational program. The Wyoming State Parks Ambassador Snakes, consisting of a wandering garter snake and a western hognose, will be at Boysen and Hot Springs on July 26. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West will present a live raptor program featuring several birds of prey at Buffalo Bill on September 6. A monarch butterfly program will also showcase live caterpillars, chrysalises, or butterflies, depending on their current life cycle stage, at Hot Springs and Medicine Lodge on September 20.
One of the highlights of this year’s programs is the introduction of Junior Ranger Camps. These camps will take place at Boysen, Buffalo Bill, Hot Springs, and Medicine Lodge State Parks, promoting the new Junior Ranger Books available at all five sites. Young visitors aged 8-12 are encouraged to participate, and registration is required at here.
Popular women-focused programs are returning this summer, including guided hikes at Hot Springs on June 26 and Boysen on July 31. A first-ever women’s weekend campout at Buffalo Bill is scheduled for August 22-24, along with a collaborative campout at Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) from July 18-20 for individuals who have previously attended a women’s campout weekend organized by Wyoming State Parks. Applications for the GTNP campout are open until May 10, with limited space, and can be submitted here.
For creative visitors, several sites will host Paint in the Park events, including Buffalo Bill on June 13, Hot Springs on June 14, and Medicine Lodge on August 31. These low-pressure painting events provide supplies and opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the landscapes. The popular Plein Air in the Park returns to Hot Springs this year, while a Sidewalk Chalk Competition will occur on June 28. Registration is available here.
Other notable events include a Free Fishing Day at Boysen on June 7, raising awareness about aquatic invasive species. Staff from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will facilitate educational activities and fishing for young visitors, with the first 50 children ages 12 years and younger receiving a free fishing pole. Visitors can also participate in kayaking and paddleboarding at Boysen and Hot Springs this summer, with programs such as Paddle in the Park, Sunset Paddle, and paddling activities during Discovery Days.
For more information about upcoming events and programs, please visit the following links:
- Boysen State Park – wyoparks.info/boysen
- Buffalo Bill State Park – wyoparks.info/buffalobill
- Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site – wyoparks.info/hotsprings
- Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site – wyoparks.info/medicinelodge