National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a 11000sqft interpretive center about several of the National Historic Trails, and is located northwest of Casper, Wyoming on Interstate 25. It is operated through a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Casper, and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The center offers interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, and special events.
The idea for an interpretive center in Casper began with the creation of a small trails committee; eventually this committee became the non-profit, National Historic Trails Center Foundation . In 1992 the Bureau of Land Management joined with the NHTCF to work on the project, committing to pay half of the $10 million estimated cost. The City of Casper donated 10 acres of land for the center's site.
In 1994, voters in Casper passed the Optional One Cent Tax, which helped to fund construction of the center's exhibits. The Wyoming State Legislature also passed a bill to help fund the center that same year. By 1997 plans for the center were complete, and a bill, to support construction and operating costs, passed both houses of congress and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
The groundbreaking for construction took place on June 21, 1999 and the center officially opened August 9, 2002.
The center contains several permanent exhibits, and hosts temporary, traveling, exhibits as well.
Permanent Exhibits include: The Oregon TrailThe Mormon Pioneer TrailThe California TrailThe Pony Express Trail
An entrance fee is required for admission into the center.