Founded in 1868, Rawlins sat perched on the Union Pacific Railroad line as a major stop along the Transcontinental Railroad route. In its heyday, Rawlins was home to the Wyoming Frontier Prison which housed some of the most notorious outlaws, including Big Nose George and Butch Cassidy. History buffs can visit the prison-turned-museum and take guided tours and listen to stories about the legends that graced its cells, including a popular ghost tour.
The downtown core of Rawlins blends the Old Wild West with modern-day culture and cuisine among the numerous boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries. The downtown core consists of plenty of historical buildings, including the H. Larson Hardware Store, the Fox Theater, France Memorial Presbyterian Church and many others.
If you’re looking to experience the great outdoors, a round at the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course, offers 18 holes of pristine greens, jaw-dropping scenery and plenty of wildlife. There’s also the Rawlins Outdoor Shooting Complex that offers 10 pistol bays, skeet shooting, archery and 3D targets. You may also want to enjoy a rest along the shores of the Seminoe Reservoir at the Seminoe State Park. Here you can also kayak, hike, bike or ride a horse along the many trails, try your hand at geocaching, and much more.
