An itinerary for TAP Dance 2025

Carbon County, Wyoming, is a land where the spirit of the Old West endures amidst dramatic and diverse landscapes. From the high desert plains surrounding Rawlins to the towering peaks of the Snowy Range and the serene Platte River Valley near Saratoga, you'll discover a region steeped in history. Explore former frontier prisons and museums that echo tales of pioneers, railroad expansion, and the boom-and-bust cycles of mining and ranching. Imagine traversing the same trails as early settlers and experiencing the rugged beauty that drew them to this sometimes-challenging but always captivating corner of Wyoming. Come and uncover the stories etched into this remarkable part of the Cowboy State.

 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Wyoming Frontier Prison • Carbon County Museum • Buck’s Sports Grill • Michael’s “Big City” Steakhouse • Saratoga National Fish Hatchery • Hen & Harvest • Saratoga Museum • Saratoga’s Bridge Street • Snowy Mountain Pub & Brewery • Saratoga Sandwich Company • Grand Encampment Museum • Bear Trap Café & Bar • Lake Marie • Lake Marie Trail • Historic Wolf Hotel and Saloon • Medicine Bow Museum • Owen Wister Cabin and Monument • Virginian Hotel's Eating House and Saloon • The Virginian

DAY 1 - DIGGING UP THE PAST IN RAWLINS: PRISONS, PIONEERS, AND MORE

Begin your group’s exploration of Carbon County in Rawlins, a town that serves as a fascinating crossroads of Wyoming's history and the rugged beauty of the high desert. Our morning will be dedicated to the Wyoming Frontier Prison. Plan for a comprehensive guided tour that will take your group behind the imposing walls of this former state penitentiary. Walk through the cell blocks, the mess hall, and even the gas chamber, hearing firsthand accounts and intriguing stories of the inmates and the daily life within the prison. Allow ample time to absorb the atmosphere and the weight of its history. (Group rates are available; if a Haunted Night Tour sounds exciting, the Wyoming Frontier Prison is now offering a special for groups. Book a Haunted Night Tour for 15+ for $15 per person.)

For lunch, immerse the group in the local culinary scene at a classic Rawlins diner. Consider Buck's Sports Grill, a popular spot where you can fuel up with hearty American fare like burgers and sandwiches, providing a taste of local flavor.

In the afternoon, delve deeper into the broader history of the region at the Carbon County Museum. This museum offers a comprehensive look at the forces that shaped Carbon County, from the earliest Native American inhabitants and the arrival of pioneering settlers to the transformative impact of the transcontinental railroad and the subsequent booms in mining and ranching. Explore the diverse exhibits and artifacts that bring these stories to life. Be sure to inquire about any special collections or ongoing exhibits that might further pique your interest.

DAY 2 - PLATTE VALLEY PARADISE: SOAKING UP SARATOGA'S CHARM

After departing Rawlins, travel to Saratoga. Upon arrival, check into the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort. This resort offers various amenities that are well-suited for a large group, including hot springs pools, a spa, and dining options. Allow time for the group to settle in and explore the resort's facilities.

As lunchtime approaches, immerse your group in the local culinary scene by enjoying a meal at Hen & Harvest in Saratoga. This establishment offers a different vibe and menu, providing a taste of Saratoga's local flavors and a focus on fresh ingredients. Enjoy a satisfying lunch in this charming setting with picturesque windows looking over the Platte River.

A visit to the Saratoga Museum will provide valuable context to the area's history, showcasing exhibits that detail the development of the Platte Valley, from its early inhabitants and ranching traditions to the arrival of the railroad and the growth of the community. The museum is home to one of Wyoming's largest and best gem and mineral displays. This impressive collection includes a significant exhibit of Wyoming jade with hundreds of specimens, showcasing the state's geological wealth.

Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Bridge Street, the town's main thoroughfare, and browse the collection of local shops. Here, your group might discover unique Wyoming crafts, regional artwork, or charming souvenirs to remember their visit. Consider a visit to the Saratoga National Fish Hatchery to learn about trout cultivation and the importance of fishing in the state.

As evening descends, enjoy dinner at The Snowy Mountain Pub & Brewery one of Wyoming's oldest breweries, brewing their own craft beers on-site. This restaurant offers wide-ranging menu with "pub eats" and American cuisine; options like burgers, sandwiches, BBQ ribs are sure to please. (Is your group 15 people or less? Opt for the Chef’s Table in the Brewhouse) Overnight: Saratoga

DAY 3 - FROM TRAMWAYS TO TREELINES: EXPLORING CARBON COUNTY'S PAST & PRESENT

Begin your day with a convenient and tasty grab-and-go breakfast from Saratoga Sandwich Company. Arrange for a pre-order of sandwiches, pastries, fruit, and drinks that can be easily distributed and enjoyed on the bus as you depart Saratoga for the journey south towards Encampment and Riverside

Arrive at the Grand Encampment Museum. This museum offers a captivating experience that transports visitors back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when the Encampment River Valley was a bustling hub of mining, timber, and agriculture. Often referred to as the "GEM" of Southern Wyoming, the museum is much more than just a building; it's an open-air complex featuring over a dozen historic buildings that have been carefully preserved and relocated to the site.

Lunch is at the Bear Trap Cafe & Bar. This local establishment offers a casual dining experience with a menu featuring classic American fare, providing a satisfying midday meal for the group before continuing their exploration of the area. The cafe's atmosphere offers a taste of the local community.

Embark on a scenic drive to Lake Marie. This drive offers beautiful views, and Lake Marie is a picturesque destination. The Lake Marie Trail offers an accessible paved walking path that is generally suitable for individuals with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs. Spend some time enjoying the lake and its surroundings before beginning the return journey.

Enjoy a group dinner at the Historic Wolf Hotel and Saloon in Saratoga. This historic establishment, dating back to 1893, offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored setting. Their dining room provides a more refined atmosphere with a menu featuring divine steaks. Overnight: Saratoga

DAY 4 - MEDICINE BOW MOMENTS: HISTORY, BOOKS, AND BITES

Depart from Saratoga and travel east towards Medicine Bow (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Upon arrival in Medicine Bow, your first stop will be the Medicine Bow Museum, located in the historic Union Pacific Railroad depot. Allow time for the group to also view the Owen Wister Cabin and Monument, commemorating the author of "The Virginian," located nearby. (Please note: The Dinosaur Fossil Cabin is planned to be relocated to the grounds of the Medicine Bow Museum in the future.)

Enjoy lunch at the Virginian Hotel's Eating House and Saloon offers a historic setting for a meal. The menu offers delicious and hearty meals of steaks, burgers, and sandwiches.

The Virginian Hotel in Medicine Bow is a historic landmark dating back to 1902, named after Owen Wister's famous novel, "The Virginian," which helped solidify the myth of the American cowboy. It offers a unique glimpse into the past with its preserved architecture and Western charm. Your group can walk through and observe on a "self-guided tour."