Wyoming is full of places that honor those who have served for our country. If you’d like to learn more about American military history, pay your respects to those who’ve served or been impacted by war or are just looking for some unique and interesting ways to experience Wyoming, visit one of our 8 museums or 10 historic sites focused on military sites. Here are a few to get you started.
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility – Cheyenne
The Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site is located about 30 miles north of Cheyenne, just off of I-25. This unique state historic site is the only accessible peacekeeper missile alert system in the world and played a major role in the Cold War. Stop in for a tour of this facility, which controlled one of the deadliest nuclear weapons in the United States. The facility is open to the public from May through September.
While in Cheyenne, be sure to visit the F.E. Warren AFB Intercontinental Ballistic Missile and Heritage Museum, which is located on F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Their hours vary so be sure to call ahead before visiting. Visitors can see the history of ballistic missiles and the museum from 1867 to the present.
Good Aviation & Veterans Museum – Casper
If you’re more curious about flight, the Good Aviation & Veterans Museum in Casper is your place. This free museum primarily houses planes from WWII and other memorabilia from that time. They ask that you call ahead if you would like a tour through the museum.
While in town you can also visit the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum. This non-typical museum focuses solely on the men and women from Wyoming that have served in our armed forces. They have one of a kind stories and have a full access policy.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site – Fort Laramie
Known for its role in the expansion of the west this fort contains history from the 1800s that still fascinate today. While Fort Laramie National Historic Site began as a small trading fort, it soon became a full military fort that served as a key role in relations with the Northern Plains Native Americans. The fort has self-guided and staff-guided tours. You can also take a virtual tour here.
Heart Mountain Relocation Center – Powell
During WWII, Powell, Wyoming served as a relocation center for Japanese Americans. The Heart Mountain Relocation Center has become a fountain of information around these centers and their effect on Japanese Americans during WWII. The center holds an annual Heart Mountain Pilgrimage that features descendants and former relocation prisoners to share their stories.
National Museum of Military Vehicles – Dubois
Stop in at Dubois to see the National Museum of Military Vehicles. This brand new, 140,000 square foot museum showcases a huge array of military vehicles including tanks, trucks, motorcycles, armament, amphibious vehicles, firearms and more.
Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting- Greybull
Located north of the WYDOT rest area in Greybull, this aviation museum houses some amazing aircraft. Many of their planes are the same models used in WWII by the Navy and later utilized as firebombing planes. This is a great place to stop and walk around during the summer season while traveling through the state.
Fort Bridger State Historic Site – Fort Bridger
Sitting in the southwest region of the state is Fort Bridger State Historic Site. This fort gained its name after famed trapper Jim Bridger. Similar to Fort Laramie, it began as a trading post and holds one of the largest annual mountain man gatherings in the country known as the Fort Bridger Rendezvous. You can find more Wyoming forts and historic sites here.
Interested in more areas honoring the military? If you are driving through Wyoming, you can drive three byways honoring veterans: Purple Heart Trail, Blue Star Memorial Highway and Medal of Honor Highway. You can stop along the way and see 17 informational signs, 10 national register sites, 18 historic monuments and 31 veterans memorials.
