South Pass City

Step back into the boom-bust era of gold mining in South Pass City, Wyoming.

This historic gold mining town is also home to South Pass City State Historic Site, which boasts 24 historic structures, more than 30 period room exhibits, a visitors’ center, picnic areas and nature trails. Located just north of the historic Oregon Trail, South Pass City was established in 1867 as part of a gold mining boom. If you want to explore mines in Wyoming, this is the place to go. Tour the Carissa Gold Mine to see where miners labored and try your hand at panning for gold. Plan your trip in July to experience Gold Rush Days, a two-day event featuring drilling demonstrations, prospecting, nightly concerts and more to celebrate the area’s rich mining history. While in town, pay homage to the role South Pass City played in the women’s suffrage movement. One of the town’s representatives introduced the women’s suffrage bill, which was passed and signed in 1869 to make Wyoming the first state to guarantee women their inherent right to vote and hold office. Shortly after, Esther Hobart Morris was appointed the town’s justice of the peace, becoming the nation’s first female judge.