Lander, Wyoming

I am spending tonight and most of tomorrow in Lander, Wyoming. My husband is taking a class so I left the house, the kids, my mother and her new husband, the whole elk hunting thing, the cat, my new part-time job working on the wonderful Wyoming Newspaper Project...and I came to Lander.

I met a very nice lady (Judi) here at the hotel where we are staying. She is Methodist (I add that just to add a detail I learned about her. Don't read anything into it just because I don't usually add religion after someone's name that I just met...) and she told me about a Methodist turkey dinner/fundraiser that is tomorrow, starts at 11am. There is also an art show in town that looks great. So, I will take a few snapshots and post after what I think will be a lovely trip.

I may run over to Riverton as well and see Jake Korrell, if he is around. He is this ancient (!) living trapper, my boys are thrilled to know that on our last trip to Riverton they met the oldest living trapper. I took some great pictures and then LOST MY CAMERA. Such a bummer because Jake, and his dog, were so good to my kids. We bought a bunch of stuff from him. I want to go see if his new Wind River Heritage Center is up and going...

Wind River Heritage Center

The Wind River Heritage Center is located in Riverton, Wyoming. Despite it's big name, it is a tiny little place packed with animals killed and mounted by a local trapper. It is very interesting, my children loved it.

Someone (s) has (have) spent some time and money making the WRHC "sound" in brochures a little more than it is, but that's ok! That's what having "vision" is all about. There is a little area when you walk in with some glass cases that have some items for sale, the "gift shop" if you will. Some bead work in the form of earrings and belt buckles that friendly desk help Donna said were made by people on the Indian Reservation was available for purchase. I didn't see any artisans names or profiles (a little artist sheet with photograph with each item to purchase or something) and that would have definitely made me more inclined to buy a handmade item or two.

Free to get in but modest donations are encouraged. We purchased two books and will definitely go back when we return to Riverton in the near future.

We found the WRHC when we asked two different Riverton citizens the same question, "If you recommended one spot for visitors to see in Riverton, what would it be?" Both the lady under 30 an the man over 50 said, "the trapper museum" which turned out to be the Wind River Heritage Center.