Building the railroad was time-consuming, hard work. Both Douglas and Glenrock, Converse County's two main communities, were established along the railroad tracks. Several historic homes in the area have ties to the rail. By obtaining a copy of the historic walking tours for the area, travelers can see these buildings. The walking tours are available at the Railroad Museum and Visitor Center and at the Wyoming Pioneer Museum, located in Douglas on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds.
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All aboard for a day of trains in Douglas, Wyo.
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The Douglas Railroad Museum and Visitor Center, located in the heart of historic Douglas, Wyoming, offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Visitors at the museum can do far more than look at trains, but truly experience the era in history when a great deal of travel happened via the rail. The "iron horse" first made its way into territorial Wyoming in 1867, arriving in Douglas in 1886.
Upon the railroad's arrival in Douglas, a train depot was built to accommodate travelers, ticket sales and railroad business. The building's foundation is fittingly supported on a foundation built from railroad ties. From 1886 into the 1950s the building served as a Depot, a point of departure and arrival via the train. From the 1950s into the 1970s the building was used for railroad storage. Over time, the historic building fell into disrepair. In the 1990s, after being acquired by the City of Douglas, the building was meticulously restored. In 2018, in an effort to preserve and share Douglas' railroad history, the building became the Douglas Railroad Museum. Relics and documents from railroad history are on display in the building.
As you plan your 2019 Vacation, consider hopping aboard the trains at the heart of Douglas, Wyoming. Downtown you'll find a historic movie theater, bowling, a brewery, boutique shopping and at least two restaurants that serve us a train-themed lunch. If you have questions about your excursion, drop us a line via the contact information below.
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On the lawn surrounding the depot is a steam locomotive and a collection of rail cars. CB&Q #5633 was one of the last steam locomotives built and was constructed 136 years after the original steam engine was built in England. In its heyday the engine would roar down the tracks at 100 miles per hour while pulling thousands of tons behind it. When the engine was retired in 1962 it had rolled more than a million miles!
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The Dining Car, CB&Q #196
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Many of the rail cars are open to visitors, enabling guests to see just what it would have been like to travel via the rail. The dining car, CB&Q #196, is among the heaviest of railcars. This particular dining car spent most of its working years running between Chicago and Minneapolis, but reportedly traveled through Douglas during the 1950s. When use of the cars declined, many dining cars became roadside diners. Visitors inside the car are often surprised by how fancy it seems.
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Visitors at the Douglas Railroad Museum are welcomed aboard many of the historic rail cars. The historic dining car (left) is among the multiple cars that are accessible.
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Railroad sleeping cars, like GN #1182 on display in Douglas, were not a good means of travel for those who tend to be claustrophobic. Small sleeping rooms are accessed via a narrow hallway. Most of life's needs were provided in the room, short dining. Hungry guests would have to make their way to the dining car.
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Douglas' day coach - C&NW #1886 - is one of the favorites at the museum. With a feel of historic elegance, the car was first put into use in 1884. This car traveled what was called the "Cowboy Line" of the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley stretching from Nebraska into what was then Wyoming Territory. The coach was intended for one-day trips, but travel often took longer. The coach would seat 72 adults at two per seat. With multiple coaches per train, the population of a train could often exceed the size of the tiny hamlets through which it passed!
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Don't miss the caboose, CB&Q #14140. Built in 1885, the caboose once housed the working men of the train including the brakeman, flagman and the conductor, a man then responsible for everything from ticket sales to mail bag retrieval. CB&Q #14140 was retired from service in 1912, but today plays an important role as a favorite train car among children visiting the Railroad Museum!
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For more rail history, trek to Glenrock
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1911 train bridge is part of Glenrock's community path
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If you enjoy rail history, you won't want to miss the 1911 train bridge that stands at the entryway to Deer Creek Park in the heart of Glenrock.
Vehicles entering the park pull beneath the historic bridge that was built by American Bridge Company of New York.
Pedestrians and bicyclers can cross the bridge that is part of Glenrock's "rails to trails" pathway. The pathway follows the historic route of the Chicago North Western Railroad.
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Trains are part of modern day Converse County
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Coal trains haul coal from the Powder River Basin
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Mile-long coal trains can be seen traveling to and from the coal rich Powder River Basin, located north of Douglas. Train enthusiasts who wish to see the trains can enjoy lunch at Penny's Diner, located in Bill, Wyoming.
Triple tracks make their way through Lost Springs, Wyoming along Highway 18 between Interstate 25 and Lusk, Wyoming to the north.
Observers are reminded to view the trains from a distance and to stay out of the railroad right of way.
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Make plans to be in Converse County in 2019
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Our 2019 calendar is still taking shape, but you're invited to follow along for events and information. We promise, there is some really great stuff in the works!
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Reserve your 2019 Activity Guide
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We will mail it right to you!
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We are putting the finishing touches on our 2019 Activity Guide. When it's done, we would happily mail you a copy.
Email us and include your name and address. If you have questions about our area, please ask.
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Ayers Natural Bridge, left, is one of the more popular destinations in Converse County. Mark Cooper photograph
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