If you are fascinated by life in the Old West, then South Pass City is a vacationdestination that you don’t want to overlook. A trip to the South Pass City - Atlantic City area of Wyoming is almost like taking a trip back in time to an era of rough miners, and shifty eyed outlaws.
South Pass City is located on the southeastern edge of the Wind River Mountains, about 30 miles south of Lander Wyoming. To reach South Pass City you have to turn off Highway 28, and drive about 2 or 3 miles on a gravel road, though the road is very well maintained. The signs for the turn off to South Pass City are very well marked on Wyoming State Highway 28.
South Pass City is located on the southeastern edge of the Wind River Mountains, about 30 miles south of Lander Wyoming. To reach South Pass City you have to turn off Highway 28, and drive about 2 or 3 miles on a gravel road, though the road is very well maintained. The signs for the turn off to South Pass City are very well marked on Wyoming State Highway 28.
There are several dirt roads in the area that lead to deserted, or nearly deserted ghost towns left over from the gold rush era, but South Pass City has been restored to its former glory. This ghost town is a great place to take the family if you’d like to see how they lived during the rough and rowdy days of the Old West.
In South Pass City you can stroll down the historic Main Street, and visit the many exhibits inside the buildings. No motorized vehicles are permitted inside
the town of South Pass, but don’t be too surprised if you come across a few cowboys on horses.In 1886, the town consisted of about 250 buildings and was quite the little city in its heyday. Today, only 23 of those buildings remain, but it is enough to give you a good glimpse of what the town must have been like.
South Pass City Wyoming has its share of wild tales, from stagecoach robberies to the town being attacked and burned by the Cheyenne Indians. In fact, it is believed that the infamous Calamity Jane once resided in South Pass City.
During the gold rush era, the town’s saloons and hotels were full, and everyone was sure the next big strike would happen any day.
Though South Pass City is a ghost town, it’s not entirely dead. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to shop in the Smith-Sherlock General Store, and maybe buy a Western Cookbook, or an old fashioned stick of candy. The Miner’s Exchange Saloon is also still open for business; here you can drink some sarsaparilla, and enjoy a game of billiards if you have a mind to. If you care to visit Boot Hill, it is just a short walk from town, and features the graves of South Pass City’s 19th century residents
The best time to visit South Pass City is during their Gold Rush Days, which usually takes place in July. This even features an abundance of fun activities for the whole family, including a vintage baseball tournament, and various other games, as well as competitions. There is also music, refreshments, and nearly everyone in town is dressed in period clothing. During Gold Rush Days, you will also have an opportunity to pan for gold, and learn all about the local gold mines.
If you are a nature lover, you’ll really enjoy the many hiking trails and wildlife of the area, but beware, this is the Old West, and there are grizzlies and rattlesnakes in the area. Recreation includes hiking, fishing, hunting and bike riding. The Wind River Mountains are close enough for a short day trip to one of the many lakes located in the Wind River Range.
Additional ghost town in the area include Miner’s Delight; this town has been completely deserted with a few buildings still standing. It is necessary to park your car near the old cemetery, and walk down a dirt road to get to the town.Atlantic City still has a few people in residence, but the town is much like it was a hundred years ago. The original saloon is still in operation, and they serve some delicious grilled food.
Lodging is scant in the area, but there are a few options. In Atlantic City there is the Miner’s Delight Bed & Breakfast. At the Miner’s Delight you’ll have the choice of staying in a 100-year-old hotel, or one of the five log cabins. This Bed & Breakfast features an old saloon, as well as breakfast that includes, pioneer sourdough bread in the old hotel dining room.
There are also two campgrounds in the area; both are operated by the BLM. The Atlantic City Campground, and the Atlantic Gulch Campground. Neither of these campgrounds have RV hookups, but there is some water available. There are RV Parks closer to Lander, if you don’t mind making the drive between the South Pass City area and Lander.
I have visited many different ghost towns in the American West, and I would have to rate those in the South Pass City area as some of the best.
