Guernsey State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guernsey State Park |
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| Location | Platte County, Wyoming, United States |
| Area | 8,631 acres (3,493 ha) |
| Elevation | 4,423 ft (1,348 m) |
| Established | 1934 |
| Administered by | Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails |
| Designation | Wyoming state park |
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Lake Guernsey State Park
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Guernsey State Park Museum
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| Area | 3,760 acres (original) 8,602 acres (increase) |
| Built | 1934-39 |
| Architect | Roland Pray (original) S. R. Deboer; Richard G. Redell (expanded) |
| Architectural style | National Park Service Rustic, Bungalow/Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004051 (original) 97001260 (increase) |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | August 26, 1980 (original) September 25, 1997 (increase) |
| Designated NHLD | September 25, 1997 |
Guernsey State Park is a super cool place for outdoor fun in Platte County, Wyoming. It's built around the Guernsey Reservoir, which is a big lake created by blocking the North Platte River. The park is located about one mile northwest of the town of Guernsey.
This amazing state park offers lots of things to do, like camping, boating, and hiking. It also has some really special buildings and structures. These were built a long time ago by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The Wyoming Division of State Parks and Historic Sites helps manage the park for the United States Bureau of Reclamation.
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Park History: How Guernsey State Park Began
The story of Guernsey State Park started with the building of the Guernsey Dam. Construction on the dam began in 1925 and was finished in 1927. This dam created the large reservoir that is now the center of the park.
Between 1934 and 1939, a special group of workers helped create the park. These workers were part of the Civilian Conservation Corps, often called the CCC. They built many of the recreational areas and buildings you see in the park today. In 1957, the state of Wyoming took over managing the park.
Guernsey State Park: A National Historic Landmark
Guernsey State Park is also known as a National Historic Landmark District. It received this special title in 1997 because of its unique design and how it was built. The park's design was a team effort between the National Park Service and the Bureau of Reclamation.
The CCC crews built all the important structures and facilities. This historic area includes many old buildings, sites, and structures that tell the story of its past.
What to See: Features of Guernsey State Park
Guernsey State Park has a museum where you can learn all about the CCC. You can also discover the natural history of the area and its cultural past. It's a great place to understand how the park came to be.
Historic Trails and Landmarks
The park is home to a separate National Historic Landmark called the Oregon Trail Ruts. These are actual grooves left in the ground by wagons traveling on the historic Oregon Trail. It's like stepping back in time!
Another important spot is Register Cliff, which is about two miles southeast of the park. This cliff is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail carved their names into the cliff as they passed by.
Fun Things to Do: Activities and Amenities
Guernsey State Park is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. There are seven different campgrounds where you can set up your tent or park your RV. The park also has three boat ramps, making it easy to get your boat onto the water.
Fishing at Guernsey Reservoir
If you love fishing, Guernsey Reservoir is a great spot. You can catch fish like walleye, yellow perch, and channel catfish. The number of fish can change because the reservoir's water level is lowered twice a year. This process is called a "draw-down."
