Rawlins Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Rawlins, WY with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and local culture and customs in Rawlins.


Introduction to Rawlins

Located in Southeast Wyoming, Rawlins is a hidden gem that boasts the perfect mix of rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural wonders. The city attracts adventure lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts who love exploring scenic spots like outdoor adventure opportunities, historical landmarks, and iconic museums.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Rawlins, from incredible attractions to do’s and don’ts, so you can plan your trip and get the most out of your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Rawlins

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
    • Carbon County Museum
    • Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum
  • Natural Attractions of Rawlins: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
    • Seminoe State Park
    • Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
    • Rawlins Peak

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Carbon County Museum

The Carbon County Museum is located in downtown Rawlins. It features exhibits on the history of the area, including industry, mining, and ranching.

The museum has an extensive collection of historical artifacts from the local area, including Native American artifacts, 19th-century clothing, antique firearms, and an old printing press.

Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

The Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum is the site of Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, which operated from 1901-1981.

Visitors can take guided tours of the prison and its cells, where infamous prisoners like Butch Cassidy were incarcerated. The museum also houses a gift shop, and visitors can buy authentic replicas of guards’ uniforms and other prison memorabilia.

Natural Attractions of Rawlins: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Seminoe State Park

Seminoe State Park is situated 20 miles north of Rawlins. It has over 20,000-acres of recreational area, which includes a 1800-acre reservoir.

The state park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a variety of activities, including fishing, camping, hiking, birding, and wildlife watching.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest offers more than a million acres of outdoor adventures. It has campgrounds, biking trails, hiking trails, fly-fishing, and off-road opportunities.

Rawlins Peak

Rawlins Peak is one of the, if not the, highest peaks in Wyoming. Hiking enthusiasts will love trekking to the peak of Rawlins Peak to experience the panoramic views of the surrounding plains and mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rawlins

Aspen Trail

The Aspen Trail is a short hike in Rawlins that follows a stream through some beautiful aspen groves.

Continental Divide Trail

The Continental Divide Trail is the United States’ premier long-distance trail. The Wyoming section of the trail passes through Rawlins and the surrounding area, offering some of the country’s most beautiful hiking opportunities.

Best Things to Do in Rawlins: Activities and Tours

  • Rawlins Presents, community theatre performances
  • Rawlins Municipal Golf Course
  • Rawlins Family Recreation Center

Week-Long Itinerary for Rawlins

Day Summary
1 Visit the Carbon County Museum
2 Take a guided tour of the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum
3 Spend a day at Seminoe State Park or Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
4 Explore the city on a bike tour
5 Climb the Rawlins Peak
6 Play a round of golf at the Rawlins Municipal Golf Course
7 Relax at the Rawlins Family Recreation Center

Food and Drink Scene of Rawlins

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheeseburgers and fries at Buck’s Sports Grill
  • Tacos at Montréal Kitchen
  • Rib-eye at Buck’s Steakhouse

Local Beverages

  • Wyoming-brewed beer at Rochelle’s
  • Delicious cocktails and coffee drinks at Cocoa Cafe

Where to Stay in Rawlins: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Holiday Inn Rawlins
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Rawlins

What to Buy in Rawlins: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Western hats and boots from a local Western Wear store like B’s Bunkhouse
  • Handmade pottery at the Carbon County Arts Guild

Local Culture and Customs of Rawlins

  • Wyomingites are proud to be from the Cowboy State.
  • Rodeo is very important to Wyomingites, so try to catch one in the summer.

Best Time to Visit Rawlins

The best time to visit Rawlins is in the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm, and the outdoor activities are abundant. The fall season offers stunning fall foliage. Winter is a great time for skiing enjoyment.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rawlins

Do:

  • Wear layers of clothing since the temperature can change rapidly in Wyoming.
  • Visit a rodeo, get a hat and boots, and experience the true Cowboy State.

Don’t:

  • Don’t underestimate the weather as it can get very cold and snowy in the winter.
  • Don’t forget your camera – Wyoming’s scenery is stunning!

Safety and Health

Safety in Rawlins

Rawlins is overall a safe city for tourists. However, precautions for wildlife and the cold should be made when it comes to visiting the state’s natural areas.

Health in Rawlins

There is a Rawlins hospital, so tourists and locals have access to medical care if needed.

Getting to Rawlins: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rawlins

The closest airport is in Laramie, and it is 86 miles away from Rawlins. Denver is 180 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Rawlins

Greyhound offers service to a station in Rawlins.

Other Options

Go for a scenic drive on the Lincoln Highway or American Byway,

How to Get Around in Rawlins

Rawlins is primarily a driving community. It has several options, such as rental cars, taxis, and Uber.

Where to Go Next from Rawlins: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park

Conclusion

With its mix of natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, Rawlins is an ideal destination for adventure, history, and nature lovers.

Plan your itinerary using this travel guide and discover everything this charming Wyoming city has to offer!