Wyoming’s Converse County hides two compelling travel
destinations steeped in history: Camp Douglas and Fort Fetterman—each
offering a unique glimpse into the Old West and the upheavals of World War II.
Camp Douglas (Douglas, WY)
From 1943 to 1946, Camp Douglas was Wyoming’s main
World War II POW site—sprawling over a square mile with 180 structures, housing
up to 2,000 Italian and 3,000 German prisoners alongside 500 U.S. personnel. Today,
only the Officers’ Club remains, now a state historic site open seasonally
(June–early September).
Highlights:
- Striking
Italian murals: POWs painted Western scenes—cowboys, wagon trains,
geysers—based on pop culture, now preserved on Celotex walls.
- Living
history: Exhibits recount prisoner labor in local agriculture and camp
life under enhanced security after a Nazi officer’s attic escape.
- On-site
amenities: Picnic area, restrooms, interpretive displays, and a small
museum.
Travel Tips:
- Visit
on Friday or Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day for guided
tours.
- Call
ahead (307‑358‑9288) or check the Wyoming Parks site for schedule updates.
- Don’t
miss the downtown Wyoming Pioneer Museum, which fits perfectly into
a history-themed day.
Fort Fetterman (11 miles NW of Douglas)
Originally built in 1867 atop a bluff above the North
Platte River, Fort Fetterman served as a military supply base and launching
point for key campaigns during the Indian Wars. It was abandoned in 1882 after
the Army relocated; today, it’s a State Historic Site open Memorial
Day–Labor Day.
Highlights:
- Restored
buildings: Explore the officer’s quarters and ordnance warehouse, now
housing artifacts and dioramas.
- Foundations
trail: Walk among marked ruins and follow an interpretive trail to a viewing
gazebo overlooking the North Platte.
- Picnic
& events: On‑site picnic areas, geocaching, a gift shop, and
special events like "Ft. Fetterman Days" on July 4—complete
with pony‑express reenactments, ice cream, wagon rides, and a flag‑raising
ceremony.
Travel Tips:
- Go scenic: Take WY‑95N from Glenrock to avoid I‑25 and enjoy river valley views.
- Plan your visit early or late in the day—it gets hot, and water is wise to carry.
- Call ahead for guided tours and cemetery walks.
- Both sites open seasonally—plan between late May and early September.
- Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and layers (wind can be intense).
- Check site phone (307‑358‑9288) or Wyoming State Parks for updates.
- Combine with Douglas’s historic downtown and rail‑era hotels to round out your visit.
Double dip into the past—from WWII POW artistry to frontier
military outposts—and enjoy a day rich in Wyoming’s layered legacy. Let Wild
West Curations help you design a journey that brings you face-to-face with history—crafted
with care and respect.
*Pictures taken and owned by Becky Taylor*
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