Parks & Places

Ayres Natural Bridge

No pets are allowed in the park because of health and safety issues. Located smack dab in between Douglas and Glenrock is Ayres Natural Bridge. This massive 150 acre solid rock arch is a perfect peaceful place for picnicking.

The Oregon Trail passed through this area, and it was a haven for white settlers passing through Wyoming. Legend has it that an Indian was struck by lightning and killed while atop the bridge. After that, Native Americans would not ever go near the bridge or its surroundings. The Natural Bridge was often visited by emigrants. It was, perhaps, Wyoming's first tourist attraction. An 1843 pioneer described it as, "a natural bridge of solid rock, over a rapid torrent, the arch being regular as tho' shaped by art" The stream, originally known as Bridge Creek, is now called LaPrele Creek and flows through a beautiful public park surrounding the Bridge.
Ayres Natural Bridge with Running Water

Contact & Location

Call 307-358-3532 for any questions and the bridge is open April through October 15th. Ayres Natural Bridge Park is located 11 miles west of Douglas, Wyoming on I-25, Exit 151 (Natural Bridge Exit), then 5 miles south on County Road 13. It is one of the few natural bridges that still has water running under it. It is in a very nice little county park .  Click here to go to the Facilities page, and select the shelter you wish to make your reservation at.

Limited camping sites are available as well.  These are on a first come, first served basis.

Converse County Park (Box Elder Canyon)

The county park, located about 10 miles south of Glenrock, measures about 2,100 acres and is roughly bisected by the deep, rugged canyon carved by Box Elder Creek. The park, directly east of the Duncan Ranch open space area, is accessed via Wyoming State Highway 90 and County Road 17.  

The potential of a non-motorized trail system in Converse County Park, which includes Box Elder Canyon, is the subject of a planning study authorized by the Converse County Commission in August 2022.  For more information on this plan, upcoming public meetings or for input please see visit the website Converse County Park Trails Plan

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Esterbrook

Located just outside of Douglas is Esterbrook, which is home to many residents as well as year round visitors. Here you will find hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and camping.

Esterbrook also has a rustic log church available for weddings, if you are planning on tying the knot anytime soon. This chapel has already been a birth place to many happy marriages.
Esterbrook Rustic Log Church
Contact Jackie Bertram at 307-351-1165 or write to 79 Ponderosa Road, Douglas, WY 82633 for any information. Alternate phone number contact during the winter months is 541-953-6818 or call Kirby Kudlak at 307-351-4792.

Fort Fetterman

This old army outpost constructed in the 1800s, is located 8 miles northwest of Douglas on State Highway 93. Currently restored, it is now the home to Fort Fetterman Day's which show cases authentic mountain men, black powder rifle enthusiasts and cavalry dress!=.

Glendo State Park

Located southeast of Douglas off Interstate 25, the park has 12,500 acres of land and clear waters for boaters, fishermen, skiers and swimmers! A full use marina and miles of sandy beach surround Glendo Lake for your recreational pleasure.

Laramie Peak

Located in the vast Medicine Bow National Forest in southern Converse County, Laramie Peak reaches just above 10,000 from sea level. This landmark has been home to explorers since the 1800s.

Medicine Bow National Forest

Medicine Bow National Forest provides camping, fishing, hiking and backpacking! It also offers a glimpse at wildlife such as elk, antelope, deer, and small game that abundantly populate the area.