Once called Grand Encampment by French-Canadian trappers who rendezvoused along the Encampment River, this small town has a rich history. In 1897, copper was discovered in the Sierra Madre Mountains just above this quiet settlement, and soon hundreds flocked to the area to get their share of the mined riches. A smelter was built along the river, and an incredible (for its time) tramway was built. This tram ran for sixteen miles from the mining site in the mountains down to the smelter. The tram could carry almost a thousand tons of ore a day! Part of this tram is now on display at the Encampment Museum, which is a must see when visiting here. Other wonderful displays (including the infamous two-story outhouse!) are set up there, and volunteers offer tourists a wealth of information on the area’s history.
Encampment has a population of approximately 500 year-round residents. It rests at the base of the Sierra Madres, and is the gateway to the Medicine Bow Forest on the south end of the county. The Grand Encampment Opera Hall is over one hundred years old. Melodramas are still performed there at least twice a year by the Grand Encampment Opera Company and are highly entertaining for the whole family. One performance is held during the Wood Choppers Jamboree and Rodeo. This event is held every year on Father's Day weekend in June, and is located at the Encampment Rodeo Grounds. In addition to the melodrama, visitors will enjoy wood chopping events and a rodeo.Encampment has plenty of recreational opportunities available in or around this scenic western town. In the summer camping, ATV Riding, canoeing, fishing, rafting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding and kayaking are among the favorite out door activities among the locals. In the autumn hunting is the activity of choice. Winter provides recreational opportunities like cross county skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
Grand Encampment Museum
The Grand Encampment Museum (GEM), located in Encampment, Wyoming, preserves history with its collection of over a dozen historical buildings filled with artifacts representing the timber, mining, and agricultural history of the Encampment valley. Includes a research library.
Hours of Operation: Seasonal Dates: May 27 - October 10th
Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free Admission 307-327-5308
The Sheep Shed Studio
Encampment is home of the Academy of Spinster’s a learning institution for the fiber arts. Learn carding, spinning on wheels and spindles, fleece weaving, triangle loom weaving, and natural dyeing. Onsite lodging is available. Visit Website
Take the Tour of Historic Houses in Grand Encampment
Pick up a Historic House Tour brochure from the Grand Encampment Museum or the Carbon County Visitors Center in nearby Riverside and take the tour. There are 20 historical houses on this tour including The Henry House former home of the 1901 Mayor of Encampment and the Kuntzman House which was the first Encampment home to boast an indoor toilet.
Battle Highway
The Battle Highway along Wyoming’s Highway 70 stretches across the Sierra Madre Mountains from Encampment to Baggs. The scenic highway is open Memorial Day through October. Historic sites along the way include Battle ghost town and the Edison Monument commemorating the place where, while fishing on Battle Lake, Thomas Edison got the idea for the first light-bulb filament. Battle Pass, on the Continental Divide, provides a sweeping view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Traffic on the highway is light and wide shoulders make this an excellent bicycle route as well.
Hunting, Fishing & Camping
Camping is available in the Sierra Madre Mountains to the West and the Snowy Range to the East. Hike to many alpine lakes or hunt with one of experienced outfitters.
Rafting
Rafting is a popular activity on both the North Platte River and the Encampment River. There are 12 + river accesses in the Encampment/Riverside area. Bring your own gear or let our knowledgeable river runners do all the work. Scenic and whitewater rafting available in the area.
Farmer’s Market
Call for information on the Farmer's Market (307) 327-5119
The Willis House is a two-story modified American Four Square style house built in 1908. It is the only two-story masonry clad residential building in the town of Encampment. The house was built by Mrs. Lydia M. Willis to be a deluxe house of prostitution and the headquarters of the Willis business empire. Mrs. Willis never finished the inside of the house. 
