Wind River Indian Reservation

Sponsored by The Wind River Visitors Council

• Location: Wyoming
• Travel Type: Driving
• Trip Time: 2 hours
• Language:

Welcome to the Wind River Indian Reservation. This is Indian Country. That's what Native Americans call the last areas controlled by Indian nations who once ranged far and wide across America.

On this tour, you will hear stories about the history and present-day Wind River Indian Reservation. It is the seventh-largest reservation in the U.S. and home to four thousand Eastern Shoshone and nine thousand Northern Arapahos.

You will learn how the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho are two distinct cultures that once lived far apart and spoke different languages. Today, both groups are reviving languages and cultural and spiritual practices that used to be repressed or even outlawed by the U.S. government.

The reservation is home to two very famous historical Shoshone figures – Sacajawea and Chief Washakie. Listen to stories about them as you visit locations important to their lives, deaths, and legends.

Learn about the surrounding landscape such as the Popo Agie River--how it gets its name, and archaeological sites that dot its shore, the iconic Crowheart Butte, and the majestic Wind River Mountains. As you drive through these lands, enjoy the many sights and sounds of the wonderful and unique warm valley.

The route follows Highway 287 and 26. It passes through the communities of Fort Washakie, Riverton, Ethete, and Lander.

This tour also includes practical information for recreating on the Wind River Indian Reservation. If you want to stop and relax at Ray Lake, make sure you get a tribal fishing permit from Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes Fish and Game. You can also pick one up at Hines General Store in downtown Fort Washakie.

Tour Sponsors
This tour is presented by:
-The students at Fort Washakie High School with the support of the Fremont County School District #21 Board of Education.
-The Wind River Visitors Council
-Northern Arapaho Economic Development Commission.

Find More Tours Near You
If you are interested in more audio tours in Wyoming, check out Lander Trails and many others at TravelStorys.com. Every place has a story.