This article was created in partnership withĀ Platte County Chamber of Commerce.
If you imagine your family road trip to Wyoming including warm, welcoming locals, cool water to play in, and some superfluous stops you can brag about on Instagram,Ā Platte CountyĀ is where you need to point the car. Start on the southern end of the region and work your way north.
Day 1: Chugwater & Wheatland
As you drive north from the Wyoming state border on I-25, the first town youāll reach isĀ Chugwater. You know those little chili packets you buy when youāre trying to impress the kids with your chili skills but youāre short on time? They come from this Wyoming town. Five ranch families foundedĀ Chugwater ChiliĀ in 1986, and now you can buy the packets around the world and get a free sample in their hometown anytime.
After the savory treat, take the kids for a sweet treat atĀ Wyomingās oldest operating soda fountain, which still serves old-fashioned shakes and malts. Theyāll love it and wonāt even make you feel old for the nostalgia youāre feeling right now.
Explore town a bit, maybe even pick up a souvenir or two by local artisans, then pile back into the car.
From Chugwater, you will drive just 25 miles north on I-25 toĀ Wheatland, located in the heart of Platte County. This is where youāll spend the rest of your day and the night.
Wheatland was founded not on wheat, but on water. This essential resource created ranching and recreation economic foundations for the community. Those currents continue to run strong in Wheatland. Start by wandering through the vibrant, historical downtown and check out their mural project to get a sense of this history. Pick up some Western knowledge and souvenirs, then head out of town for an evening on the lake.
Drive the 20 minutes toĀ Grayrocks ReservoirĀ to watch the sunset from the shores. There are plenty of access points where you can settle in with a picnic blanket, some snacks, and a camera. Keep a sharp eye out for birds of all kinds.
When youāve had your fill of beautiful, peaceful spaces, grab a delicious meal in town atĀ Windy Peaks Brewery and Steakhouse, then fall into bed.
Day 2: Guernsey, Hartville, and Guersey State Park
Rise bright and early and pick up a scone or breakfast burrito at the Wandering Hermit. Schedule a little extra time to browse the bookstore before heading out on todayās adventure. After all, you may need something new to read next to the next lake youāre headed to.
This time, youāll continue north toĀ GuernseyĀ andĀ Hartville. Youāll reach Guernsey first, but the neighboring communities lie only 8 miles apart and share access to Guernsey State Park, where your dayās adventure awaits.
Guernsey sits directly on the Oregon Trail. In fact, before it was a town, it was known as āthe emigrantsā washtub,ā because this is where pioneers gathered to bathe and wash clothes. Consider this experience on your way to visit Register Cliff, where emigrants etched their names as they made their way west on the iconic Oregon Trail. If you and the kids want to learn more about this remarkable part of American history on your family vacation, your first stop in the Guernsey State Park must be theĀ Guernsey Museum.
When your kids are itching to run, step outside the museum and set them loose. Whether youāre there to fish, read your book on the shore, mountain bike, boat, or hike, you and your family will find vast and dramatic vistas at every turn. Settle in and enjoy.
At dayās end, let your heart guide youāstraight toĀ Hartville. Once a booming mining town complete with shootouts in the main street, this ābedroom communityā for Guernsey State Park visitors now has two operating businesses. The first is the post office, where you can get a special Valentineās Day stamp.Ā The second is theĀ Minerās and Stockmenās Steakhouse & Spirits, where youāll have dinner. This is Wyomingās oldest bar, and to this day it serves some of the best steaks in the state, if not the country.
Overnight in Guernsey. Try not to think about the fact that tomorrow is your last day of feeling swept away in Platte County, Wyoming.
Day 3: Glendo State Park
The stop on this family vacation in Platte County will take you toĀ Glendo State Park, one of the stateās most remarkable bodies of water.
In Glendo, youāll once again encounter the Oregon Trail, as well as a town that was once one of the first telegraph stations on the Overland Stage Express. Today, Glendoās biggest draw is the state park. The lake is known across the state for its water sports and record-setting fish. The beautiful body of water is surrounded by more than 40 miles of non-motorized trails. Soak up this reservoir from boat, shore, or trail.
When itās finally time to get off the lake, grab a bite to eat at theĀ Old Western Saloon & Steakhouse.Ā Be sure to linger over your meal and savor your family vacation to and through Platte County.
