The Top Choices Offer Cross-Country Skiing, a Mineral Hot Spring, and a Bird Wintering Area.

Bear River State Park

Located in the extreme southwestern portion of Wyoming, within the city limits of Evanston, Bear River State Park features abundant wildlife, including protected herds of bison and elk. Hiking and skiing trails, picnic shelters and a lazy river all combine to make this park a unique experience.

Be sure and stop by and visit the Travel Information Center and take the time to walk the Volksmarch and the paved and gravel nature trails. The park is for day use only and is connected to Evanston?s Bear River Project.
For winter use, the park provides 3 miles of foot trail that includes 1.3 miles of asphalt surfaced trail and an arched footbridge that crosses the Bear River to another 1.7 miles of packed gravel trails on the west side the river. These trails double as cross-country ski trails during the winter season. Evanston's Parks and Recreation Department and Bear River State Park staff combine forces to provide and maintain cross-country ski trails as an excellent way to dump the "winter blues."

Keyhole State Park

Located on the western edge of the famed Black Hills (between Sundance and Moorcroft), Keyhole State Park is within sight of Devils Tower National Monument. Park offers excellent fishing for walleye, catfish, small mouth bass and northern pike. Keyhole is also a mecca for both resident and migrating birds, with more than 225 species observed within a mile of park boundaries.

Winter birds that are commonly observed at the park include Bald Eagles, Red and White-Breasted Nuthatches and Red Crossbills.
During the the winter season, Keyhole also provides opportunities for ice fishing, and, weather permitting, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Hot Springs State Park

Located in Thermopolis off Highway 20, Hot Springs State Park is an exceptional destination in the middle of the state. Visitors can get a close look at Wyoming?s state park bison herd, and the travertine formations that highlight the abundant geothermal features.
In 1896 a treaty was signed with the Shoshone and the Arapaho which gave the public use of the largest mineral hot springs in the world. Visitors to the park may soak in the hot mineral water from "the Big Springs" (Bah Guewana) free of charge at the State Bath House, which is open year-round. Commercial concessionaires provide swimming, hotels and restaurants.

Return to Best of the Best Winter State Parks page
Cross-country skiing at Bear River State Park - courtesy of Wyoming State Parks & Historic Sites The Top Choices Offer Cross-Country Skiing, a Mineral Hot Spring, and a Bird Wintering Area.

Bear River State Park

Located in the extreme southwestern portion of Wyoming, within the city limits of Evanston, Bear River State Park features abundant wildlife, including protected herds of bison and elk. Hiking and skiing trails, picnic shelters and a lazy river all combine to make this park a unique experience. Be sure and stop by and visit the Travel Information Center and take the time to walk the Volksmarch and the paved and gravel nature trails. The park is for day use only and is connected to Evanston?s Bear River Project.
For winter use, the park provides 3 miles of foot trail that includes 1.3 miles of asphalt surfaced trail and an arched footbridge that crosses the Bear River to another 1.7 miles of packed gravel trails on the west side the river. These trails double as cross-country ski trails during the winter season. Evanston's Parks and Recreation Department and Bear River State Park staff combine forces to provide and maintain cross-country ski trails as an excellent way to dump the "winter blues."

Keyhole State Park

Located on the western edge of the famed Black Hills (between Sundance and Moorcroft), Keyhole State Park is within sight of Devils Tower National Monument. Park offers excellent fishing for walleye, catfish, small mouth bass and northern pike. Keyhole is also a mecca for both resident and migrating birds, with more than 225 species observed within a mile of park boundaries. Winter birds that are commonly observed at the park include Bald Eagles, Red and White-Breasted Nuthatches and Red Crossbills.
During the the winter season, Keyhole also provides opportunities for ice fishing, and, weather permitting, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Hot Springs State Park

Located in Thermopolis off Highway 20, Hot Springs State Park is an exceptional destination in the middle of the state. Visitors can get a close look at Wyoming?s state park bison herd, and the travertine formations that highlight the abundant geothermal features.
In 1896 a treaty was signed with the Shoshone and the Arapaho which gave the public use of the largest mineral hot springs in the world. Visitors to the park may soak in the hot mineral water from "the Big Springs" (Bah Guewana) free of charge at the State Bath House, which is open year-round. Commercial concessionaires provide swimming, hotels and restaurants.

Return to Best of the Best Winter State Parks page