Brimmer Point

The famous view from Brimmer Point

Anyone, visiting the park that has not taken the time to drive, or hike up to Brimmer Point is missing out on something special. Here is what I wrote about the Point in my book on the Civilian Conservation Corps and the building of Guernsey State Park.

Watching boats on the lake from The Point

Brimmer Point and the road leading to this, the highest point in the park, were intended to be one of the highlights of Skyline Drive. The Point, setting at the top of Powell Mountain is named after an influential Cheyenne businessman who helped push legislation to build the park. Brimmer Point features a prairie style sandstone viewing area. Built up twenty feet above the parking lot the viewing level is reached by a beautifully made set of curving stone steps leading to the observation platform. The Civilian Conservation Corps built steps, and the viewing area blend into the landscape almost unnoticed to the casual observer.

Going to the top

Things to remember when visiting Brimmer Point

1.  The road, like the Point, was a project of Camp BR-10 of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

2.  It was built not only for a view of the lake but of Laramie Peak and the range to the north and Guernsey to the south as well.

3.  No one was hurt in the building of Brimmer Point, even though it must have been terribly dangerous.

4.  The fence was added to after young women reportedly fell from the cliff in the 50s or 60s. (A story I was told when researching the park, I was never able to substantiate, which I hope means that if it indeed took place, no one was seriously injured).

5.  They really did push a car from Brimmer Point as part of the early water carnivals held in the park

6.  The trail from Brimmer Point to the bridge below is a terrific walk – give it a try. Oh- remember to have someone drive your car down so that you do not have to walk back up unless that is your plan, which isn’t bad either.

We even enjoy the cold weather views

The Book

Want to find our more? Click on my book about the park on the right-hand side of this page and read a free sample. The book is available in many locations, in the park, it can be purchased, autographed copy, at the Parks Civilian Conservation Corps, museum.

Why The Green Print?

The color of the tree Army – The terrific CCC men, who built Guernsey State Park.

Brimmer Point as seen from the park Museum

The Oregon Trail Ruts & Register Cliff

With several days on or above 100 degrees the last week we have not done any hiking in the park. We have gone on a few drives, and stopped to take in the view or dip our feet in the water, but, for now, that’s about it.

I see lots of tourists, this time of year, visiting the Oregon Trail Ruts and Register Cliff, both south of Guernsey. The staff of Guernsey State Park not only keeps up the park but is also in charge of the grounds, parking area, restrooms and walking paths, at the Cliff and Ruts both state historical sites.

For those that have never visited these two sites, it is well worth the time and effort to stop. Although many books and blogs talk about all the names that are no longer on Register Cliff, I like to look at, and wonder about, all the names that are still there, and there must be hundreds, maybe thousands. 

The ruts are beautiful, deep, rustic and easily assessable. Great place to take photos and also a chance to view wildlife and wildflowers.

 Next time you visit the park take a couple of hours and drive out to Register Cliff and Deep Ruts Hill on the Oregon Trail.

 Unforgettable experience.

Flowers and Fun In the Park

Spring wildflowers and summer activities are full speed ahead in the park. Seems like we wait a long time for everything to warm up and then it all comes at once.

Lots of Color in the Park Now

We spent some time in the park Saturday with a great group from the Wyoming Historical Society and then went back Sunday evening for a few wildflower photos.

There I Am - The Guy In The Red Hat - With Members of the Wyoming Historical Society

I wanted to post this earlier in the week but was fighting a deadline to get my next book, (fiction, set in Wyoming) off to the publisher. Finally sent it off last night and today played golf in the morning and now can, at last, take a break and update my blogs.

Lots of good things going on at the park, Saturday, not only did more than 80 members of the Historical Society visit, but it was also the morning for Tri-City Parks and Recreation’s annual boat and canoe race.

Warm Weather and a Full Lake Brings Out the Water Enthusiasts

With all the cover in the park it is a bit tough to watch much of the wildlife, but with a little patience, it is possible.

The Deer in the Park Look Great

On another note, the Park Museum sold out of my book, and I had to deliver more. Then I had to order more as the Museum needed all I had. The books now can be found in bookstores throughout Wyoming. Sure is nice to see that much interest in Guernsey State Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps. And it is always nice to sell a few books.

A little bird told me you can take a look or - Get Your Copy Here. 

Come out and enjoy the park, walk a trail then sit on a dock and put your feet in the water, enjoy the clean mountain air and the wonders of nature.

Wyoming Historical Society Trek

The Castle on Guernsey State Park's North Bluff

Saturday morning I will be visiting with members of the Wyoming Historical Society as they go on their annual trek.

Great Views are all Around at the Castle

This year the Society is treking through Platte County. I will be joining the group at the North Bluff Castle, then give a short presentation about the Civilian Conservation Corps and the building of the park over on the other side in the Museum. 

Standing on the Steps of Wyoming's Only Castle

After the Museum, the group will head up to Hartville for lunch and then tour mining and historical sites at the old Sunrise mine.

The Spectacular CCC Museum

I am looking forward to being a part of this great group as they take a look at sites in  Platte County.

The CCC Worker Statue at the Museum

For those that are interested, here is the link for my book on the building of the park. It is available in softcover or as an eBook although because of the nearly 200 photos I think the physical softcover book is better. Take a look and read the free pages. The book is also available at the Museum, Guernsey Visitor Center, and the Hartville Museum/Visitor Center and at multiple area bookstores and tourist stops. 

The Book

The Museum Had a Birthday

On Friday, June 2, 1939, the Museum at Guernsey State Park opened. If my math is correct, that would make it 81 last week. – Happy Birthday - 

Interesting and sad that the hard-working Civilian Conservation Corps men, who built it, were all gone by the opening date. The last CCC workers left Guernsey in August of 1938.

Guernsey State Park CCC Museum

I spent nearly an hour trying to find a few other events, famous events that happened on that day. Guess what? Not much could be found. Maybe I should have started this post with the headline, Today’s Most Important Event in America - The Opening of Guernsey State Park’s Fabulous CCC Museum. That sounds pretty good and not nearly as grim as the only other happening that made much news that day, a brutal beating murder in Chicago.

My Grandson Looking Around Inside the Museum
Actually, I told Him to Pretend He was Looking at the Displays
Then I Had a Hard Time Getting Him to Leave
History is Great for all Ages
(photo from 2015)

Want to learn more about Guernsey State Park? Take a look at my book on the CCC and the building of the park here. It is available in softcover and as an eBook, a large number of photos both new and historical, (200 or so) in the book, make the softcover an excellent coffee table, office, or gift book. Take a look today, and thanks!

Happy Birthday!

Just One of the Wonderful Views From the Museum

*This post is an updated version of a 2016 post. Thanks for reading.