Ayres Natural Bridge Park facts for kids
Ayres Natural Bridge Park is a special place in Wyoming. It's a county park located in Converse County, between the towns of Glenrock and Douglas. The park covers about 150 acres. It's named after a unique rock formation called Ayres Natural Bridge. The Ayres family, who owned the land as part of their ranch, generously donated it to create this park.
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What is Ayres Natural Bridge?
Ayres Natural Bridge is a stunning rock arch. It was formed over millions of years by LaPrele Creek. This creek slowly wore away a solid rock wall. Eventually, the water carved a natural opening. The creek then changed its path and flowed through this opening.
How the Bridge Was Formed
The constant flow of LaPrele Creek created this amazing arch. The bridge is about 30 feet (10 meters) high. It is also about 50 feet (15 meters) wide. This natural arch is made from strong sandstone. It's a great example of how nature can shape the land.
A Historic Landmark
The Natural Bridge is located about a mile (2 kilometers) south of the famous Oregon Trail. Many pioneers traveling west often visited this site. It was considered one of Wyoming's first tourist attractions.
Early Visitors and Descriptions
In 1843, a pioneer saw the bridge and wrote about it. They described it as "a natural bridge of solid rock, over a rapid torrent." They also said the arch looked "regular as tho' shaped by art." This shows how impressive the bridge was even back then.
Visiting Ayres Natural Bridge Park
The park is free for everyone to visit. It offers a great outdoor experience for families and friends.
Park Facilities and Rules
There is a small campground available for visitors. You can also find open picnic areas. There are covered tables too, perfect for a meal outdoors. The park is open from April 15 through October 15. It welcomes visitors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Campers who are registered can stay overnight. Please remember that no pets are allowed in the park.
The Old Power House
Near the park entrance, you can see an old power house. It's a gray concrete building from the early 1900s. The North Platte Irrigation Company built it. Their plan was to use it to pump water from the North Platte River for irrigation. However, the company went out of business before the project was finished. This building is still preserved today.
