Remove Ads
3.8
10 votes

Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site

I-80, Exit 228, Rawlins, Wyoming 82334 USA

Free
Free to Visit
Closed Now
Opens Tue 9a
  • Independent
  • Public
    Restrooms
Add to Trip
Remove Ads

“A fascinating historical spot”

Fort Fred Steele State Historic site is about 13 miles east of Rawlins, Wyoming and 1.25 miles north of Ft. Steele Rest Area just off of Interstate 80, exit 228. Established on June 20, 1868 by Colonel Richard I. Dodge, who selected this site on the west bank of the North Platte River, and named the fort for Major General Frederick Steele, 20th U.S. Infantry, a Civil War hero. Fort Fred Steele was occupied until August 7, 1886 by soldiers who were sent by the U.S. Government to guard the construction of the transcontinental railroad against attack from Indians. This frontier Army post has a fascinating history interlacing transportation with the military and the growth of the local industries that transformed this part of Wyoming. A variety of stories are told showing how Fort Steele’s significance extends far beyond the boundaries of the Fort. These include stories about: the military’s role in shaping the local area and helping a nation grow, the transcontinental railroad, the Lincoln Highway, major industries of the time, and a number of early Wyoming and U.S. military personalities.

Read More >
Add Review
Thanks!
Your Rating
1
2
3
4
5

Reviewed by
nikkolya

  • 8 Reviews
  • 8 Helpful
August 02, 2014
Rated 4.0

Very interesting place to catch a glipse of an important time in American history. The main site itself isn't very large and I managed to wander through it on my own in less than a half an hour (I would imagine that there are caretakers that can tell you more about the place, but I just looked around on my own). I found it to be fascinating, but I would really only recommend it to anyone who has a deep interest of American military/railroad history as it is otherwise pretty obscure. But, if you aren't in a hurry and need to stretch your legs, take a moment to learn about what the life of a soldier in the middle of nowhere was like back in the days of "Cowboys and Indians".

4 people found this review helpful
  • 22 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
June 14, 2022
Rated 5.0

I wish it wasn’t so cold and windy when we visit. We speed walked thru the ruins but stopped and spent time in the buildings to warm up. My husband and I love to visit historical sites so it was sad that we couldn’t spend more time. There is a walking tour brochure in the tender’s house.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Tamjoazoc

  • 2 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
March 27, 2017
Rated

Not much there but interesting to be in a place with that much history that has not been made into a tourist trap. There is a Car / Truck Rest Stop right next to it where I spent the night. It was nice, quiet and convenient. I would stop there again if in the area.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
GraceMThomas

  • 1 Review
  • 1 Helpful
September 13, 2016
Rated

I lived there in 1979

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
margie63

  • 6 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
July 23, 2015
Rated 1.0

Exit 228 off route 80. About 7 miles east of Sinclair. Do not follow navigation thru road trippers site.
This is a nice place to stretch your legs to break up a long trip. I am disappointed in what is there. It is a beautiful spot along the river and the train tracks. That was the only good part about the stop it is true about the historical importance of this time. . But without the actual official description seen on this site I would not have understood the significance of this historical site. The plaques were not informative enough to give me full understanding. I would only stop if you want to get out and take a little walk. There is no food or gas nearby.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
johnna.hinnrichs

  • 4 Reviews
  • 5 Helpful
June 07, 2014
Rated

Great historical site to visit. Lots of history at this site. Grounds hosts were very friendly and informative, of the site and the area.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
lhoward14638

  • 4 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
April 03, 2023
Rated

Only open Memorial Day thru Labor Day

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
BillyMalady

  • 25 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
June 07, 2016
Rated 2.0

Unless you are driving by this then don't bother. Wish I had that time back. It's a open field with some old foundations.

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
Boo1974

  • 13 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
June 04, 2016
Rated 3.0

Nice to get out and stretch legs, but not a lot to see.
Elementary age kids rated it 2 stars.

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
TraciMarcero

  • 25 Reviews
  • 9 Helpful
May 09, 2016
Rated 4.0

Neat place to stop if you are passing by. We found a lot of old pottery among the ruins.

Was this helpful?

Be the first to add a review to the Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site.

Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site

I-80, Exit 228
Rawlins, Wyoming
82334 USA
Remove Ads

Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Problem with this listing? Let us know.

Has RV parking changed? Let us know.

Remove Ads
  • Check
    Parking
  • Unknown
    Pets Allowed
  • Check
    Restrooms
  • Unknown
    Wifi
  • Unknown
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown
    Credit Cards Accepted
See More Details (10)

Parking

Remove Ads

Nearby Hotels

Rawlins, Wyoming
FastBook
$$

Click to discover a
great deal!

Rawlins, Wyoming
Rawlins, Wyoming
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Saratoga, Wyoming
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Rawlins, Wyoming
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Remove Ads

Related Trip Guides

  • Trip Guide

The top things to do on an I-80 road trip

  • 35 Places
  • 53:41
  • 3,194 mi
  • Trip Guide

The ultimate guide to Yellowstone National Park

  • 19 Places
  • 02:35
  • 80 mi
  • Trip Guide

The top things to do on a U.S. Route 20 road trip

  • 23 Places
  • 60:25
  • 3,576 mi
Remove Ads
567007