If you’re driving across southern Wyoming on I‑80, you might be tempted to blow right past
. But don’t. This little town in
has a surprising mix of Wild West history, wide‑open spaces, and quiet, small‑town charm.
Whether you’re on a cross‑country road trip, camping with the family, or just looking for an off‑the‑beaten‑path weekend, Rawlins makes a great base. Here are
that are worth pulling off the highway for.
1. Tour the Wyoming Frontier Prison
If you only do one thing in Rawlins, make it the
Wyoming Frontier Prison, also called the
Old Pen. It’s one of the town’s most popular attractions, and for good reason.
This former state prison operated from 1901 to 1981, and today it’s a museum packed with stories. You can:
- Walk through the old cell blocks and see where inmates actually lived
- Step into solitary confinement and feel just how tight that space is
- Learn about escape attempts, executions, and everyday life inside the walls
- Take a guided tour with local guides who know all the eerie details
Some people say it’s haunted. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s a powerful look at early Wyoming history.
Tip: Tours are usually offered seasonally, especially in summer. If you’re visiting in spring or fall, it’s smart to check hours ahead of time.
2. Stroll Downtown Rawlins and Hunt for Murals
Rawlins has a small but surprisingly colorful downtown. If you’ve been driving for hours, it feels good to park the car and stretch your legs on historic streets.
Things to look for:
- Street murals that celebrate Wyoming’s railroad and ranching history
- Brick storefronts and old signs that feel straight out of a Western movie
- Local shops with gifts, artwork, and outdoor gear
- Cafés and diners where you can grab a burger, pie, or a hot cup of coffee
It’s not a huge downtown, which is actually nice. You can see a lot in less than an hour, then stop in for lunch or a drink.
Travel idea: If you’re doing a road trip across Wyoming, downtown Rawlins makes a good “leg stretch” stop between Laramie and Rock Springs.
3. Step Back in Time at the Carbon County Museum
Want to understand the area beyond the highway? Head to the
Carbon County Museum in Rawlins. It’s free or low‑cost, family‑friendly, and easy to explore in under an hour.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Exhibits on early ranching and homesteading
- Stories of Native American history in southern Wyoming
- Railroad artifacts from the days when trains ruled this region
- Local photographs that show how Rawlins has changed over the years
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a good indoor option on a windy or cold day. For adults, it fills in the story behind the wide‑open landscapes you’re driving through.
4. Explore Seminoe State Park and Seminoe Reservoir
Ready to get off the pavement? About an hour northeast of Rawlins, you’ll find
Seminoe State Park, one of the real outdoor gems in Carbon County.
The drive itself is part of the adventure. You’ll pass rolling hills, ranches, and big skies. Once you reach Seminoe Reservoir, you can:
- Camp in developed campgrounds near the water
- Fish for walleye, trout, and wiper
- Swim or paddle in the reservoir when the weather’s warm
- Hike short trails with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains
The landscape here feels rugged and remote, which is a big part of its charm. You’re still close enough to Rawlins to use it as a home base, but it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere—in a good way.
Note: Some roads into the park are gravel. Check conditions if you’re in a low‑clearance car or visiting early in the season.
5. Drive the Seminoe–Alcova Backcountry Byway
If you love scenic drives, the
Seminoe–Alcova Backcountry Byway is worth adding to your Rawlins itinerary. It connects Seminoe State Park with the Alcova area north of
Sinclair and offers big views with very little traffic.
Along the way you’ll see:
- Red rock canyons and rolling sagebrush hills
- Views of Seminoe Mountains and the North Platte River
- Wildlife like pronghorn, deer, and birds of prey
This is a great drive if you’re into photography, bird‑watching, or just the quiet of wide‑open country. Think of it as Wyoming’s version of a scenic country road, stretching for miles with hardly anyone else on it.
Travel tip: Fuel up in Rawlins or Sinclair, bring water and snacks, and make sure your spare tire is in good shape. Cell service can be spotty.
6. Walk the Rawlins Uplift Trails and Enjoy Wide‑Open Views
You don’t have to go far from town to get into nature. Around Rawlins, you’ll find short trails and dirt roads that climb into the hills and give you big Wyoming views without a long drive.
Popular options vary, but look for:
- Local hiking areas just outside town in the Rawlins Uplift
- Short walks that overlook Rawlins and the surrounding plains
- Sunset spots where you can watch the sky change colors for miles
If you’ve been cramped in a car all day, even a 30‑minute walk on a dirt path can feel amazing. The air is crisp, the horizon is wide, and the silence is something you don’t get in big cities.
Safety note: At this elevation, the sun is strong. Pack water, sunscreen, and a hat, even for short hikes.
7. Visit the Town of Sinclair and Its Historic Architecture
Just a short drive east of Rawlins (about 7 miles), the small town of
Sinclair has a very different vibe. Originally built as a company town for an oil refinery, it has a neat historic district that feels almost like a movie set.
Things to see in Sinclair:
- Spanish‑style buildings with red tile roofs and arches
- The historic town hall and public spaces
- Quiet residential streets that are fun for a slow drive or walk
This is a quick side trip, but it shows another side of Carbon County’s history—energy, industry, and how small communities grew around them.
8. Drive a Stretch of the Historic Lincoln Highway
Rawlins sits along the route of the old
Lincoln Highway, one of the earliest transcontinental highways across the United States. Long before modern I‑80, this was how people drove from the Midwest to the West Coast.
Even today, you can still follow parts of the historic route near Rawlins and Carbon County.
Why it’s fun:
- You’re literally driving on a piece of American road‑trip history
- You can look for old markers, signs, and roadside remnants
- It makes a regular highway drive feel more like an adventure
If you’re a fan of classic Americana, this is a simple way to turn “just passing through” into a story you’ll remember.
9. Fish, Float, or Relax Along the North Platte River
The
North Platte River runs through parts of Carbon County and is a favorite spot for anglers and river lovers. Depending on water levels and access, you can:
- Fish for trout in different stretches of the river
- Join a guided fishing trip for local know‑how
- Enjoy a riverside picnic in certain access areas
The river feels like a green ribbon cutting through open country. On a calm evening with little wind, it’s one of the most peaceful places you can find in southern Wyoming.
Tip: Regulations and river conditions change, so check local fishing rules and access points before you go.
10. Stargaze Under Big Wyoming Skies
One of the most underrated things to do near Rawlins doesn’t cost a dime:
look up at the night sky.
Because Carbon County is so rural and spread out, there’s very little light pollution. On a clear night, you can see:
- The Milky Way stretching like a pale cloud across the sky
- More stars than you ever see near big cities
- Shooting stars if you give yourself a little time
You don’t need a telescope. Just drive a few minutes out of town, pull into a safe turnout or campground, let your eyes adjust for 15–20 minutes, and enjoy the show.
If you’re traveling with kids, this can be one of the most memorable parts of your Rawlins trip.
Planning Your Trip to Rawlins, Wyoming
Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your visit:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall is usually most comfortable. Winters can be windy, cold, and snowy.
- What to pack: Layers (it can be chilly at night even in summer), a windbreaker, sunscreen, water bottles, and sturdy shoes.
- Where to stay: Rawlins has a mix of hotels, motels, and campgrounds. Many travelers overnight here while driving I‑80.
- Driving tips: Distances can be long and services limited. Keep gas in the tank and snacks in the car, especially if you explore backroads.
Rawlins might look like “just another exit” at first glance, but if you slow down a bit, you’ll find history, views, and quiet that are hard to come by in more crowded places.
Share Your Rawlins Experience
Have you visited
Rawlins or Carbon County, Wyoming? Did you tour the Old Pen, camp at Seminoe, or discover a favorite local diner?
I’d love to hear about it:
- What was your favorite thing to do near Rawlins?
- Any hidden gems I should add to a future guide?
- Are you planning a trip along I‑80 and thinking about stopping here?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s swap ideas. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a Wyoming road trip—Rawlins just might become their favorite unexpected stop.
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