Community Profile

~Pine Bluffs~

This small town is the easternmost Wyoming community located on I-80.  In 1868 Pine Bluffs consisted of a tent, a slab shack with a stone chimney and a square shed of canvas-covered poles.  Originally the little town was called Rock Ranch but was later renamed by Union Pacific officials for the Pine trees on the bluffs that overlooked the town.  In 1884 Longhorn cattle herds moved up the Texas Trail, which ran through Pine Bluffs, and soon the little town on the frontier became the largest cattle shipping point on the Union Pacific Railroad. www.pinebluffswy.gov

~Things to see in Pine Bluffs ~

HIGH PLAINS ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG SITE indicating Indian occupation dating back 10,000 years.  Truly a treasure to see is the trash midden (late 1880s to early 1900s), overlaying an excavation of fire hearths, fire-cracked rock, churt flakes and stone tools.  Tee-pee rings (stone circles) are still evident in some locations of the bluffs that overlook the town.  Travelers are welcome to visit the site from Memorial Day thru Labor Day. 

TEXAS TRAIL MUSEUM is dedicated to the early pioneers and Texas Trail.  The museum complex includes a main exhibition hall, frontier doctor’s office exhibit, twin diesel engines used by the Pine Bluffs Lighting Company, organized in September 1909, to provide the town electrical power.   Other attractions include agriculture and transportation building, Union Pacific memorabilia, a U.P. caboose, a school house, church and a boarding house for railroad crews.  Open Tuesday through Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, located at the corner of 3rd and Market Streets, 307-245-3713.  Open by appointment the rest of the year; please call Jackie at 307-245-3775.

HISTORIC PINE BLUFFS HIGH SCHOOL is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its architectural and historical significance.  The most distinctive element of the building is the unique dome over the gymnasium constructed from poured concrete and a bank of skylights that cover the ceiling.  In 1930 geometric shapes and floral designs were hand painted on the concrete beams and lights that encircle the domed ceiling.  Currently the building houses the Eastern Campuses of LCCC (307-245-3595) and it is also used for various recreational and cultural activities and events.   Open year round Monday through Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm, weekends by appointment only; please call Jeanne 307-630-5320 or Jack 307-630-4019.

NATURE TRAILS for those travelers desiring to stretch their legs there is a looping nature trail that begins at the South end of the I-80 state rest area.  The trail is approximately two miles long and it allows a get away from the Interstate into a land of natural grasses, wildflowers and, if you’re lucky, wildlife viewing.  Picnic areas are available at the rest area.

OUR LADY OF PEACE SHRINE is the largest sculpture in Wyoming and the largest Marian Memorial in the United States.  The Shrine, sculpted by Robert Fida, was erected in 1998 and can easily be seen from I-80 standing over 30 feet tall and weighing in excess of 180 tons.  Take old U.S. Highway 30 to Statue Drive on the east side of town.

~Things to do in Pine Bluffs~

LEANING ROCK GOLF COURSE a most unique experience played on prairie grass fairways, tee boxes and greens made of pro green artificial turf, 9 hole par 32.  Open Memorial Day through September, Dawn to Dusk, $5/Person.  307-245-3301

Disc Golf At Leaning Rock ~ The Canyon Course is an eighteen hole par 55 disc golf course with extreme elevation changes located in the Bluffs Recreation Area, 1200 S Beech St. Open from Dawn to Dusk, year round. Fee: Donations.

PINE BLUFFS OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL ~ Open May 29 – August 19, Sunday through Saturday, Open Swim 1p-5p.  307-245-3783

FRIDAY NIGHT RODEO SERIES ~ The Pine Bluffs Rodeo Club puts on the Friday Night Rodeo's that kick off around May 25 and continues most Friday nights through August 3.  The Rodeo features the area’s finest cowboys and cowgirls who compete for money and points.  Admission Price to the Rodeos:  Adults $7  Students $5  Kids 6-12 $3  Geezers $5

PINE BOWL ~ How about rolling a ball down a lane?   3rd & Pine Streets, Open Sunday through Saturday, 307-245-3622

PINE BLUFFS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB RANGE ~  Located on the west side of town on old U.S. Highway 30.

 

~Special Events in Pine Bluffs~ 

For more information about all events contact 307-245-3301 or go to www.pinebluffswy.gov

Pine Bluffs Community Wide Garage Sale ~ First Saturday in June 

Pine Bluffs Trail Days Celebration ~ First weekend in August

Pine Bluffs Longhorn Stampede 5K/1m ~ Saturday during Trail Days

Pine Bluffs Coed Mud Volleyball Tournament ~ Sunday during Trail Days

Christmas at Home Celebration ~ First Monday after Thanksgiving.