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, the dig site is truly a treasure to see with it's layers of 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 ~ Dedicated to the early pioneers and the 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 Wednesday through Sunday 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 ~ Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic high school is 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 is used for various recreational and cultural activities and events and also houses some independent locally owned businesses. Open year round, 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 ~ This 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, $10/Person. 307-245-3301 Cash or Check payment can be made at the Pine Bluffs Municipal Building, 215 Main Street, drop box located streetside or in the alley.
DISC GOLF AT LEANING ROCK ~ There are three disc golf courses located at Leaning Rock in the Bluffs Recreation Area, 1200 S Beech Street.
Pine Cone Course - 10-hole, par 32 beginner course that is very family friendly and easily traversed by foot or cart. Prairie Course - 8-hole, par 61 intermediate course with slight elevation changes. Canyon Course - 18-hole, par 56 advanced course with multiple extreme elevation changes, a challenging course with beautiful scenery. Courses are open from Dawn to Dusk, year round. Fee: (Donation drop box located at the Pine Bluffs Municipal Building, 215 Main Street, streetside or in the alley).
PINE BLUFFS OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL ~ End of May - Mid August, Sunday through Saturday, Open Swim 1p-5p. 307-245-3783
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 YEARLY EVENTS IN PINE BLUFFS~
For more information about all events contact 307-245-3301 or go to www.pinebluffswy.gov
Soup Contest & Pick a Movie Night ~ First Friday in February
Youth Basketball Tournament ~ Second full weekend in March
Spring Fling Vendor Fair ~ March or April
National Take a Walk in the Park Day ~ March
Adult Recess Night ~ First Friday in April
Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration - April
Pine Bluffs Community Wide Garage Sale ~ First Saturday in June
Youth Bicycle Rodeo ~ First Thursday in June
Pine Bluffs Trail Days Celebration ~ First full weekend in August
Pine Bluffs Longhorn Stampede 5K/1m ~ Saturday of Trail Days
Pine Bluffs Coed Mud Volleyball Tournament ~ Sunday of Trail Days
End of the Trail Kite Festival ~ Last Saturday in September
Pine Bluffs Fall Festival ~ First Saturday in October
Pine Bluffs Trunk or Treat ~ Halloween
Texas Trail Market Movie Night - Third Thursday in November
Christmas at Home Celebration ~ First Monday in December