Fort Bridger was an actual civilian fort at one time until it was taken over by the military. The actual stockade was auctioned off in the past but volunteers have built a replica. There are other buildings that are replicas but plenty of actual buildings from when it was a working fort. The one building, in the stockade, that I believe was original had many artifacts from the fort as well as others from that period. It was eye-opening to see how much work the people of that day had to do just living day-to-day.The Victorian-styled house built for the Commanding Officer was surprisingly large and nice for the time period and location -- and for the fact it was used for only a few years. (And we thought the government only started to waste money in more modern times!!) Even the junior officers' housing was more spacious than what I would have expected. Other housing was as small as expected. Be prepared to do some walking because the buildings are spread out over a large area.It's well worth the time if you like historical or military type places. It could be seen in about an hour if you are not interested in looking at everything. We could have spent 3-4 hours if we would have had time.
Well worth searching this out if in the area. Very close to I-80. Very well done historic park with some buildings open and furnished with period things. A couple of the places even have people to answer questions. Worth the price of admission. Besides nice bathrooms they also have a covered area to picnic so take a lunch like we did.
We stumbled across this lovely attraction by chance. The site has been lovingly care for and the staff were very approachable and knowledgable. As Brits abroad, we only knew a little of the history of the area and we came away with a far greater understanding and respect for the pioneers/people who travelled through and worked in this fascinating landscape. I urge you to visit this lovely museum and venue, it deserves your attention, as do the dedicated staff.
Labor Day Weekend hosts the annual Rendezvous, a celebration of the Fur Trade Rendezvous Era that occurred in the Rocky Mountains between 1825-1840. Dozens of traders tents are set up on the grassy fields, hundreds of teepees and lean-tos are set up for the hundreds of traditionally dressed participants. There are childrens games, native american dancing and great food. We've made it a tradition and my kids love it. Adults who love history will love the preserved buildings that are open year round.
We stopped at Fort Bridger, toured all of the original buildings, then toured the reconstructed Fort Bridger, found all of the history, very interesting.
On Hwy 80 a great stop is good to know about. I decided to stop at Ft. Bridger since I like history. I wasn't disappointed. There were reenactors in at least two locations who were very well informed and easy to talk with. The replica of the original Ft. Bridger trading post also had items for sale, so it felt like you had stepped back in time to be part of the action. There is a huge museum with a 30-minute film, many displays, interactive computer displays and maps. I am very glad i stopped.
We must have been the only visitors but the preservation of this once important fort on there Oregon trail is very well done. there is a lot to interest both those who want to understand the history of the period as well as things of interest for children (part perhaps for those dreaded teenagers). The barracks and houses are worth spending time over and the audiovisual presentations about the relationship with the indigenous people worth watching From here its worth taking through circular route through Flaming Gorge - only refreshment stop is Red canyon tourist centre, but that has spectacular views.There was no restaurant/ cafeteria inside Fort Bridger but just outside the entrance is a small shop which does drinks and hot snacks
We've never been the type drawn to Civil War reenactments and such activities, but when we saw this Labor Day event occurred when we were in the area, we decided to give an hour or so to check it out. It was like a step back into the times of Lewis and Clark, complete with beaver trapping lessons, hand-tooled implements, and more fur than I have ever seen.........ever!It would have been great with the temperature at 80 degrees instead of 95, but it didn't stifle the enthusiasm of the participants. Traditional clothing was everywhere, ranging from the leathers of the trappers and beaded dress of the native dancers, to the hoop skirts and parasols of the fine ladies from back east. There were demonstrations of traditional skills, fun events like a frying pan toss, and lots of kids running around with toy guns and wooden knives having good, innocent fun that would be politically incorrect in another setting. Food was everywhere. Tacos, chili, bison burgers, and other traditional favorites, along with the basic burgers, hot dogs, and fries. There was a long line for Bison Brew and other beverages. Not sure if they were alcohol. If you're not offended by tent after tent of fur pelts, and are not unnerved by gun toting mountain men at every turn, I'd suggest this event. The inventive implements of the era and the skilled craftsmanship and beauty of the handmade garments was enough to make it a hit for me.
We planned to stay in Evanston overnight, and went out to Ft. Bridger for something to do. I was so glad we went. They have presented the remaining structures very well, and for the areas where the structures were no longer there, they have placards explaining what the area was used for. The people were helpful and knowledgeable.We happened to be there on Labor Day weekend during the Mountain Man Rendezvous, and it was fabulous! So many tents and teepees, and most of the people were dressed in period dress, even the visitors! There were kids games, competitions, etc. Can't wait to go again. Although Saturday afternoon and Sunday (we were told) are crazy busy with people there. We went early Saturday morning and stayed until noon-ish.
It is hard to imagine a summer going by without a visit to Fort Bridger. It is especially fun on Labor Day weekend for the rendezvous, but any day is great. There is a lot to learn, but it is also fun just to wander building to building and picture yourself in the setting.