Phone: 307-837-2221

https://www.nps.gov/fola/index.htm 

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is home to "the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains". The Fort was originally a private fur trading fort, then it was sold to the military until it was left abandoned in 1890. During the western expansion period, Fort Laramie stood tall. It is now a museum and national park, serving as a reminder of the history for the town.

The park grounds are open from dawn until dusk every day of the year. Some historic buildings may be closed in winter. Post trader store and cavalry barracks are open daily - weather permitting. 

https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/grave-mary-homsley 

Mary Homsley, a mother on the Oregon Trail, passed away of the measles at 28 years old. This landmark has been her home since her passing in 1852. According to WYOHistory.org, Mary set on the Oregon Trail with her parents (Jacob and Sarah), husband (Benjamin), their three children (two daughters and a baby son), and ten of her siblings. Mary and many others on the wagon train passed on their journey. At least five members of the party was lost on the trail. Mary's husband and two daughters survived the trip. To honor her final wishes, Benjamin raised their daughters himself and never remarried.

The Army Iron Bridge was built in 1875 as a way to travel between the bigger towns in the area. The bridge was beneficial to the military, miners, merchants, stagecoaches, pioneers, and many more groups. The river running underneath was known as dangerous to travelers. According to the sign, The river underneath made the area untravellable for many months out of the year. Despite the implementation of ferries, the river continued to claim lives. After the Fort Laramie Treaty was signed in 1868, it was important that large provisions could be transported to the new native agencies. A Wyoming Congressman wanted to ensure that the route that led to his city would be most easily accessible so convinced Congress to have the bridge built. This came to be extremely beneficial as shortly after, the goldrush would begin shortly after. Although the bridge helped miners to their destination, it also cause a violation of the aforementioned treaty and warfare began. The bridge would then be used to transport supplies and troops.

The Native Garden, just across from Memorial Park, contains a walk path lined with plants native to this area. During the spring/summer seasons, the plants bloom and shed a spectrum of color through the area. Along the walk path, all of the plants have their own plaque and are labeled with information about them. There are benches, a couple of old historical wagons, and the last of the story walk in the area for maximum interest.

The greenhouse is used by the local preschoolers to grow a variety of plants. In the middle, grows a small tree. Over the summer the greenhouse is alive with so many plants. For this reason, the greenhouse is open to the public. It is highly recommended to at least go take a look.

Fort Laramie's City (South) Park is geared more towards families with younger children. The play equipment is better suited toward toddler aged children. This park also has public bathrooms, picnic tables (with the option of shade), grills, and even dry camping. Located on the quieter side of town, it is the perfect place for a family outing.