Exploring the Night: Sinks Canyon State Park's Journey to Dark Sky Designation
Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor
Release Date: 07/25/2024
Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor
In this episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson visit with Dan Starks, owner of the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, Wyoming. Dan shares the story behind this world-class museum, its remarkable collection and the vision for its future. The conversation also highlights the museum’s conference center (Poolaw Building) and Liberty Lodge, a hotel currently being built that will provide visitors with even more ways to experience Dubois. Adding to the adventure, Charene and Helen get an exclusive look...
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In this two-part episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, listeners are invited to experience the tastes and stories of the Lander Valley at the Pushroot Valley Harvest–Dinner and Farm Tours. This special event celebrates the region’s deep agricultural roots and the people who bring its bounty to life. The day began with guided farm tours at four local, family-owned farms, where participants got an up-close look at the valley’s vibrant produce, livestock and land stewardship. Guests met the farmers and took part in hands-on activities. As the sun...
info_outlineWyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor
In this episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, listeners are invited to experience the tastes and stories of the Lander Valley at the Pushroot Valley Harvest–Dinner and Farm Tours. This special event celebrates the region’s deep agricultural roots and the people who bring its bounty to life. The day began with guided farm tours at four local, family-owned farms, where participants got an up-close look at the valley’s vibrant produce, livestock and land stewardship. Guests met the farmers and took part in hands-on activities. As the sun dipped...
info_outlineWyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor
In this episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, listeners join storyteller Alma Law for a Haunted History Walking Tour of Lander. As part of the Bookmarked Story Festival—a three-day celebration of Wyoming’s writers and readers—this eerie evening adventure invites participants to explore the city’s shadowy corners and captivating past. Beginning at Centennial Park, the tour winds through downtown Lander, where Alma shares spine-tingling tales of historic buildings, legendary locals and unexplained happenings that have become part of the town’s...
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In this episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson join the Riverton Museum for a popular annual Adventure Trek—a tour of the J.B. Okie Manor. Built in 1901 by sheep tycoon J.B. Okie in Lost Cabin, the manor is filled with fascinating history and unique details. Participants heard stories about Okie’s life, his family and the rise of the sheep industry in Wyoming. Listeners also heard about what makes this historic home so special. From the scenic drive to the manor to the intricate craftsmanship of the home itself, this...
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In this special Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor episode for Continental Divide Trail (CDT) Awareness Week, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson visit South Pass City State Historic Site to celebrate one of America’s most iconic long-distance trails. Superintendent Joe Ellis shares insights on the site’s connection to the CDT and the visitors it draws from around the world. On the trail, thru-hikers Austin Wittek and “Splash” talk about life on the Trail, the culture of trail names and what makes this route unforgettable. Part of a weeklong celebration that...
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In this month’s episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera heads to Shoshoni for the 29th annual Wind River Flywheelers Antique Engine and Tractor Show. Recorded on location at East Park Rest Area, the episode brings listeners into the heart of this free, family-friendly celebration of rural heritage. With the scent of motor oil and grilled burgers in the air, guests share what fuels their passion for vintage machines—and what keeps this beloved event rolling year after year. The 2025 show was the Northwest Regional Gathering, and it drew...
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In this captivating episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera, Anthony Prate and Helen Wilson chat with renowned biologist and wilderness expert John Mionczynski. The setting is The Rock Shop Inn—a peaceful, rustic retreat nestled among towering pines and rugged mountain beauty. Surrounded by the serene sounds of nature, John shares compelling stories from decades of field research and wilderness exploration, including his intriguing encounters and investigations into the elusive legend of Sasquatch. With his signature mix of scientific...
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In this episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson explore three unique lodging facilities. First, they visit the yurts in Sinks Canyon State Park, where Park Superintendent Jessica Moore shares insights about this camping experience. The yurts combine comfort with nature and feature cozy interiors, furnishings and heating for year-round stays. Nestled among stunning landscapes, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing and exploring the nearby river while immersing themselves in serene surroundings. Next they visit The Rock Shop Inn,...
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On Saturday, March 22, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson met with Odessa Oldham of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary for an ATV tour. The Sanctuary is located on a 1,400 acre working cattle ranch. It is the home of 250 wild horses and is one of only four public off-range pastures in the United States. It is the only one located on an Indian Reservation (the Wind River Indian Reservation). Join Charene and Helen as Odessa takes them to the center of the action. Surrounded by beautiful views of the Wind River Range, Helen and Charene learn about the Sanctuary, the horses and opportunities to...
info_outlineOn Saturday, May 25, Sinks Canyon State Park and the Wind River Visitors Council hosted a community celebration to recognize Sinks Canyon State Park’s recent designation as an International Dark Sky Park, which is the first designation of its kind in Wyoming.
In this podcast, Jessica Moore, Superintendent of Sinks Canyon State Park, talks about why dark skies are important and how this designation was achieved. Kendall Jacobs, a mathematics instructor at the Casper College School of Science, and Dr. Andrew Young, a physics instructor, also at the Casper College School of Science, led a constellation tour, shared some historical perspectives and talked about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a Nova explosion, which is visible in Wyoming until the end of September.

Additional dark sky events are in the works, including an event on August 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. with astronomer Allen Corey and Sinks Canyon State Park staff. For more information, call (307) 332-3077.

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