independence rock state historic site

Earlier in the day, our small intrepid group had visited Chimney Rock, followed by Scotts Bluff. We had an fun drive from Casper, WY travelling toward Rawlins, WY via Independence Rock and Devil's Gate. We flew down the road and enjoyed the scenery immensely and out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of Independence Rock. Wow. There was just a small road sign saying here it is - we almost passed right by.We pulled into the parking lot and noticed that we were the only living humans as far as the eye could see, and believe me, one can see a pretty darn far distance in this locale. So, the visitor center was closed which was no problem, since we are not real big fans of that kind of stuff. The area surrounding the rock was fenced off, and we did not tempt fate and climb over for a close up look. Where we were was good enough.I just sat and blocked out all the surrounding man made structures and focused on the rock and adjacent features. I could see Tom Fitzpatrick, Jim Bridger, Joe Meek, Kit Carson, Louis Charbonneau, Bill Sublette, Joe Black and Joe Walker and other trappers sitting around a campfire, drinking whiskey and swamping tall tales about their times trapping the rivers, or the fun at last years rendezvous along the Green River. And look, there is Sir William Drummond Stewart with his artist Alfred Jacob Miller making a water color drawing of the scene. The first white woman Narcissa Whitman and her husband Dr. Marcus Whitman also passed through this area. Not to mention all the pioneers travelling west to Oregon. This was the halfway point.Forget about all the modern structures when you visit. Sit down and concentrate...you can feel the history.

This is a GREAT rest-stop in Wyoming! It would be hard to find a better place to stretch your legs and your mind and spirit. Be sure to read the signs and take a brief hike up onto the rock. It is a great feeling to read the names carved into this rock 160 years ago and think about it's place in history! (And they have a free RV cleanout/dump!)

Interesting, especially for those interested in the western expansion of our nation. Very worth the stop.

It's an interesting bit of history and nice place to stretch your legs. They have bathrooms there. There is a bit of interpretive signing and a sidewalk to walk to the rock and a trail around. You can still climb on the rock.

We just stopped here to stretch our legs and walked way with some beautiful photos and a history lesson about the Oregon Trail. There are walking and hiking options for anyone who has the time and inclination. But just reading about the history here was very entertaining. We were not terribly impressed with WY except for this stop at Independence Rock.

We pulled into this place just as a Rest Stop, then to find out that it was also a historic Site. We walked to the rock, then climbed to the top. It was a fun Photo Op and a great place to stretch those muscles for the long car ride through Wyoming. The Full on Mormon Historic site is just south of this Rock, but that wasn't for us as they have their Missionaries there preaching their shade of Religion.

We love Western history. I was thrilled to visit Independence Rock but little did I know that my husband and 5- and 7-year-old boys would start hiking up the rock the minute I had my back turned. It was the most frightening 10 minutes of my life waiting for my two little guys to get back down unscathed. And it was worth every minute of the fright to see how excited they were that they were able to hike to the top of the rock and get back down in one piece. And they were impressed with the "graffiti" (pioneer inscriptions) at the top, too! A must see for Western history buffs.

We visit this site on our way along the Oregon trail, and found it interesting and alot of fun. The boys and I climbed to the top and looked at carvings of names on the top as well as sides. The view on top was great and you could see the path of the trail coming and going. The exhibits at the site were nice and informative. You do have to watch for Prairie Rattlesnakes in the grass, but they are not aggressive and the walkways are wide and safe. There is a rest area associated with the site with bathrooms and plenty of parking for cars, RVs and trucks. The Covered Wagon is really neat and helps bring the history to life.

While maintained as a Wyoming state rest stop, with typical bathroom facilities, and some shaded areas with picknic tables. And of course the rock there is nothing else there. Bring whatever you need with, sunblock, and bug spray a must in the summer months our recent trip it was 98 degrees F. The carvings themselfs are interesting, some very faded, and quite a hike if you go all the way around, or on top.

Moved to wyoming a while ago and never saw the rock so deceided to take a ride out to check it out , the kids thought it was cool climbed up all over it an they saw the names carved on it from pioneers traveling back in the day

Was interesting to take pictures of 50 cultists who's ancestors died near there, dressed in 1800's clothing climbing to the top of the rock today. (3 bus tour) I'd not expect that on your visit. Having lived many winters in the Rocky Mountains, I "get" the story of it being a landmark of "get past here by July 4" or increase your risk of dying before you get over the Rockies going west. Worth a short stop.

My daughter wasn't so sure about stopping to see a rock. She changed her mind once we did stop here. It's a part of American and the Oregon Trail and something that meant so much to those weary travelers.It's also nice to have a rest area with something meaningful to explore and learn about while stretching legs from long car rides!

We went way out of out way to go here. This is a true Place in American history. Not some made up living history attraction but a place that stands on its own merit. If it does not take your breath away you need to re take American History.

The rock is really nothing too spectacular but after hours of driving it was a great walk around the rock to stretch the legs. I also spent about 20 minutes photographing the rabbits. They're very approachable and easy to find.

Interesting part of our history. Hard to imagine walking across these vaste stretches of open country even today much less doing it back in the 1800's with only what you could carry in a wagon. Seeing this place really makes one think about how hard it must have been and truly amazing that so many managed to make the trip and survive.