From flowery springs to snow-kissed winters, visitors flock to Wyoming in hopes of glimpsing a view of wildlife. Often, visitors leave satisfied by scenes of pronghorns prancing through prairies or of bears nibbling on berries.
For something a little different, visitors spend time in Douglas, Wyoming, learning about the noteworthy jackalope. First created in 1934, Ralph and Doug Herrick combined a jackrabbit and a deer’s antlers to piece together this one-of-a-kind creature.
Today, the Herrick’s creation gains interest from visitors both near and far on its mounted displayed in the Wyoming Pioneer Museum. Because of the jackalope’s creation in Douglas, the city is now known as “Jackalope City.”
Photo created by Charles Lammers
During Wyoming’s 100th anniversary of statehood in 1990, Douglas residents dedicated Jackalope Square to the city’s center. An eight-foot jackalope stands guard over the area’s gazebo and lawn.
In Jackalope Square, wonderful annual activities like Jackalope Big Summer Block Party and Jackalope Square Farmers Market occur.
Visitors in the Douglas community are encouraged to visit Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center to attain a jackalope hunting license. Stipulations including the day visitors may hunt, June 31, are outlined in the license.
Photo taken at Terry Bison Ranch
Those lucky enough to encounter a jackalope on their next visit to Douglas should be sure to share their experience on social media using #JackalopeCity.
Visitors should also keep their eyes out around the state as jackalopes have hopped their way into locations like Terry Bison Ranch and Country Store and Jackalope Museum.
For more information regarding jackalope, be sure to visit Converse County’s informative website.
