Carbon County owes much of its early history to the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad gave names to unnamed places as it laid tracks westward over the Rocky Mountains that would eventually become the Trans-Continental Railroad. Well ahead of those tracks were Army surveyors laying out the route and marking the waterholes the great steam-locomotives would need to fill their empty tanks.
When General Grenville Dodge’s crew discovered a clear alkali-free spring, General John A. Rawlins made the comment, “If anything is ever named after me, I hope it will be a spring of water.” Shortly after that Dodge named this tiny oasis Rawlins Springs. In time, that oasis became a division point for the railroad, and the division point eventually became a town. Somewhere along the way, the town of Rawlins Springs became simply Rawlins.
Rawlins, Wyoming is a vibrant community with plenty to do & see.
Rawlins has much to offer visitors. Stop by one of our historic sites such as the notorious Frontier Prison or the Carbon County Museum. Take a trek downtown for shopping, dining, drinks and more. While you are downtown consider taking the downtown mural tour. This downtown educational walking tour celebrates the history of Carbon County through murals created by local artists. You will also want to check out the local events like SummerFest & the Carbon County Fair & Rodeo.
FRONTIER PRISON Built around the turn of the century from sandstone milled in the county, the prison housed criminals until the new state prison was built in 1981. On the National Register of Historic Places, the prison hosts a variety of activities and events with tours available from June through Labor Day weekend. Visit Website
CARBON COUNTY MUSEUM The Carbon County Museum houses an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts including boots, an ashtray and everyday items crafted from the anatomy of notorious outlaw Big Nose George. Visit Website
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN RAWLINS A nationally designated historic district, downtown Rawlins is rich in 19th century architecture. Named for General John A. Rawlins, who commanded an expedition through the area, Rawlins traces its origins to the late 1860's and the early history of the Union Pacific Railroad. A 60 – 90 minute historic walking tour provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Rawlins' colorful past. Walking Tour guides can be picked up at the murals or click here for to download PDF version.
RAWLINS RECREATION CENTER This modern recreation center offers a host of indoor activities including three full-size basketball courts, a walking track, racquetball, handball courts, and a full indoor shooting range.
Phone: 307-324-7529
WEBSITE
Old Union Pacific Train Depot Located at 400 West Front Street in Rawlins. Built at the end of the 19th century, it was given as a gift to the City of Rawlins and then refurbished at the end of the 20th century. There are now meeting rooms and a kitchen designed to accommodate small to medium sized groups.
Rochelle Ranch Golf Course Golfing at Rochelle Ranch Golf Course is 18 holes of outdoor scenery at its best. This prairie golf course has a restaurant, bar, driving range and on-site golf pro. Great views and a good chance of seeing wildlife right on the course make this an adventurous golfers dream. The course is 7,925 yard in total and borders lakes and wetlands. The rates are reasonable and the atmosphere is casual. This course open around April 1 each year.
Phone: 307-324-7121
WEBSITE
Rawlins Outdoor Shooting Complex The range offers 10 Pistol bays with various targets, rifle ranges for short range shooting and long range shooting, skeet, trap, 5-stand and archery with a shooting stand and 3 D targets. Open to the public.
Phone: 307-710-0148
WEBSITE
