Art of The West Weekend Tour
in Wind River Country, Wyoming
Day One
Lander is known as the Bronze City for the great number of monumental bronze works that adorn the town’s streets. Eagle Bronze Art Foundry, a local business, produces world-class art and sculpture for some of the most famous artists and collectors. Located just southeast of Lander, off US287 in the Industrial Park (130 Poppy Street), the foundry offers tours of its facility and explains the complex process. Please call in advance to schedule 307-332-5436.
The Lander Art Center (224 Main Street) presents many exciting exhibits in their 2,500 square foot gallery and classroom. Stop by to see what’s new this month.
You’ll enjoy some of nature’s original art if you take a drive through Sinks Canyon State Park on Highway 131 (Sinks Canyon Road) just 6 miles south of town. Later in the day you can head north to Wyoming’s newest Scenic Byway in the Wind River Canyon, located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Take Wyoming Highway 789 north to Riverton then US Highway 26 to Shoshoni where you’ll turn onto US Highway 20. This Scenic Byway drive offers travelers 34 miles of dramatic canyon views, 2000-foot cliffs, geologic field exploration opportunities, abundant wild life, float trips, canyon fishing, boat launching and state park facilities.
On your way back to Lander, stop in Riverton, where you can view the Central Wyoming College Arts Center Gallery show located at the theatre (2660 Peck Ave.) These exhibits change often so there’s always something new to enjoy.
Day Two
Today you’ll head out to Dubois, nicknamed the “Valley of the Warm Winds” on US Hwy. 287. As you drive through Fort Washakie on the Wind River Indian Reservation, visit Ancient Ways (156 Old Wind River Hwy.) and Gallery of the Wind (14631 US Hwy 287) where you can see and purchase authentic Native American artwork made by local artists on the Wind River Indian Reservation in central Wyoming.
Continue north on US Hwy. 287, turning left on US Hwy. 26/287 to Dubois. First settled about 1866, this town has a history typical of the Old West. Many legendary hunters, trappers and explorers such as Kit Carson, Jim Bridger and Butch Cassidy passed through this area. You can view an extensive collection of accumulated art thro>ugh 57 years of national art shows at The Headwaters Art and Conference Center (20 Stalnaker St.). You’ll find works by the featured local artist plus, the center also houses art by Joe and Mary Back. And don’t forget to shop in the many western-styled stores as well as art galleries. Stop by the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center (907 W. Ramshorn St.) to learn more about the bighorn sheep of Whiskey Mountain with their hands-on exhibit. The Dubois Museum (909 W. Ramshorn St.) another must-see, houses artifacts from Native Americans, early white settlers and the tie hack industry.
