Uinta Realty, Inc. | Evanston Wyoming

Evanston Area Guide

Located in southwestern Wyoming amongst looming mountains, rushing rivers, and sky-scraping plateau flats; Evanston is a railroad settlement and shipping capital turned recreational hotspot and industrial powerhouse. Known for its crisp mountain air, pristine local waters, and endless natural resources, Evanston has quickly become one of the most beloved settlements in Wyoming!

History

The earliest historical records of Uinta County were left thousands of years ago by indigenous peoples in an effort to capture their proud traditions and rich lineages.

The rugged expanse of Wyoming later attracted multitudes of adventurous pioneers seeking better lives after the Louisiana Purchase.

This initial trickle of settlers was eventually transformed into a torrent by the Gold Rush of the nineteenth century, and later fueled further by the advent of catalyzing technologies such as steam boats and coal powered rail cars.

Early arrivals to the area fancied it for its scenic beauty and untapped potential which allowed them to earn their living by hunting, ranching, and driving horses.

The year 1846 saw the first European and American arrivals to the area, employees of the American Fur Company seeking to make a fortune by exporting pelts of the area’s diverse wildlife.

More settlers would arrive by drifting down the Missouri River upon flat-bottomed boats while fishing the deltas dressed in deer skin and beaver pelts.

Evanston is named for James E. Evans, a surveyor for the Union Pacific Railroad who, in the 1860’s, arrived with Harvey Booth after the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1868. These two would later open a saloon catering to the recreational interests of nearby tent towns.

Soon after the railroad connecting Evanston to the East was completed in the mid-1800’s, work was begun on machine shops and private businesses in the surrounding area, giving Evanston stability other temporary settlements did not enjoy.

By the 1880’s, Evanston was the cattle shipping capital of Wyoming, Montana, and Utah.

The area became known for its abundant timber, clean water from the Bear River, and prolific coal mines. Early on, many residents of the township were immigrant railroad workers, giving Evanston a rare diversity and rich historical makeup.

Evanston also became a major stop along early highways connecting southwest Wyoming to both Idaho and Utah. The Lincoln Highway ran through breathtaking canyons east to west from East Service Road to Bear River Drive on Front Street until it eventually became Interstate 80.

Recently, Evanston has enjoyed a booming resurgence due to a major boost in the 1980’s from growing oil industries, as well as natural gas deposits and other major industrial sectors.

Currently, Evanston has become one of the energy industry’s biggest innovators, as it is the site of a large-scale wind farm.

Fossil Country Frontier Museum
This museum focuses on the natural history, culture, and anthropology of both Kemmerer and Diamondville through meticulous collection, preservation, and interpretation. Exhibits include antique furniture, a replica coal mine, fossil specimens, expansive collections of photographs, as well as collections of rugged historical machinery, equipment, and attire. The museum hosts events throughout the year celebrating Lincoln County’s rich history as well as numerous concerts.
400 Pine Avenue
Kemmerer, WY 83101
Phone: (307) 877-6551

Uinta County Museum
This museum features general history exhibits related to Native Americans, the life of pioneers, mining practices, railroad technologies, gambling, Chinese culture, industrial growth, ranch life, educational improvement, commerce, and parlors. Enjoy an extensive collection of artifacts, arrowheads, clothing, costumes, relics, furniture, and pictures from across Wyoming’s rich history in this free public museum.
1020 Front Street, Evanston
Phone: (307) 789-8248
www.uintacounty.com/

Parks and Recreation

Evanston rests beneath the base of the legendary Uinta Mountains amidst semi-arid plains of rolling wilderness. The highly elevated plateau land is fed by major rivers, lush patches of brush interspersed with rolling meadow, and incredible views from atop ancient rock formations.

The Bear River is Evanston’s natural playground, with crystal-clear mountain spring water rushing over ancient, polished river stones. The area offers top-notch tubing, kayaking, fishing, rafting, as well as mountain biking, hiking, and sight-seeing.

The Evanston Parks and Recreation Department oversees the operation and maintenance of public parks, protected spaces, and municipal facilities including golf courses, ice ponds, athletic fields, community centers, and ski areas.

Evanston Wyoming Parks & Recreation Parks & Recreation
Phone: (307) 789-1770
77 County Rd 109
Evanston, WY 82930

Recreation and Fitness Center
Ideal for events or community get-togethers; this public space includes meetings rooms, workout facilities, a pool, patio, and child-care rooms.
275 Saddle Ridge Road
Evanston, WY 82930-5329
Phone: (307) 789-1770

Public Parks
There are presently fifteen public parks within the Evanston area offering open spaces as well as playgrounds, pavilions, walking paths, ponds, athletic fields, and recreational courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball.

BEAR River
The Better Environment and River project is the culmination of the Parks and Recreation Department’s effort to offer better natural and cultural opportunities to the community of Evanston. Walk, jog, bike, hike and bird-watch along the main trail connecting Bear River White Water Park to historic Evanston’s ice ponds, nature tails, fire circles, and animal exhibits.
The three-hundred acre Bear River Park itself offers supreme recreational opportunities including kayaking, rafting, tubing, fishing, paddle-boating, ice-skating, and much more. Bear River Greenway is an excellent place to picnic, hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or sled.
601 Bear River Drive
Evanston, WY 82930-5364
Phone: (307) 789-6540

Anderson
Includes two picnic shelters, picnic tables, barbeque grills, a playground, walking path, and basketball courts.
14th and Summit
Evanston, WY 82930

Aspen
Consists of an open field, picnic tables, a basketball court, and a playground.
Washakie Drive and Johnston Lane
Evanston, WY 82930

Other parks and open spaces include boat ramps, picnic spots, jogging trails, and much more. There are currently public parks at Brookhollow, Brown, Centennial, Hamblin, Ottley, Overthrust Meadows, Railroad, Red Mountain, Schwitzer, Sulphur Creek, Reservoir, Sunset, and Tot Park.

For a complete listing of these sites as well as a brief description, directions, and amenity statement, please refer to http://wy-evanston.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=111

Mountain Art
333 Front St, Evanston, WY

Broken Arrow Archery Range
205 Platts St, Lyman, WY

Lyman Koa Campground
1531 State Hwy 413
Lyman, WY

Attractions and Activities

Thanks to electrifying annual events and festivals, delicious local barbeque and restaurants, and exciting outdoor activities available year-round; there is never any shortage of entertainment and fun in Evanston.


Events such as bull-riding festivals and rodeos occupy the Uinta County fairground as well as visiting fairs, exhibits, shows, and other community events
In addition to the plethora of activities at Bear River Park, the Uinta Mountains also provide adrenaline pumping rock climbing, hiking, trail-riding, hot-air-ballooning, and sight-seeing.
Nearby Rockport State Park hosts live music festivals as well as fishing tournaments, jet-skiing, and camping or receptions to the backdrop of gorgeous southwestern horizons.
Some of the finest skiing in the region can be found at the Powder Mountain Winter Resort or nearby Boulder Mountain Ranch in Oakley, while the Uinta Mountains themselves are known as naturalistic havens for roaming buffalo and elk actively sought by award-winning hunters and nature enthusiasts.

Uinta County Fairgrounds
122 Bear River Drive, Evanston
Phone: (307) 783-0313
www.uintacountyfair.org/

East Canyon Resort
www.eastcanyon.com/
8896 South Highway 65, Morgan, UT
Phone: (801) 359-9030

Diamond X Guest Ranch
1761 Co Road 159, Evanston
Phone: (307) 679-5463

Rockport State Park
8972 N Highway 302, Peoa, UT
Phone: (435) 336-2295
www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/rockport

Powder Ridge Village Resort
6172 N Powder Ridge Rd, Eden, UT
Phone: (801) 745-3722
www.powderridgevillage.com/

Wasatch Outfitters
www.wasatchoutfittersut.com/
5258 Frontier Drive, Morgan, UT
Phone: (801) 540-3733

Powder Mountain Winter Resort
www.powdermountain.net/
Paradise, Utah
Phone: (801) 745-3772

Boulder Mountain Ranch
5550 North Boulderville Road, Oakley, UT
Phone: (435) 783-5819

Events

http://www.evanstonwy.org/index.aspx?nid=141