Wind River Heritage Center and St. Stephen

During our walk at Sinks Canyon State Park, we chit-chatted with a couple who lives in Riverton.  They asked us if we had visited the Mountain Man Museum there?  So - off we went.  Riverton is 25 miles north of Lander, an easy drive, and we found the museum without any problem, if you did not know what this was, you would drive right on by.  Non-profit, only through donations, no help from the city or government, what a gem!  Most of the 60 wildlife mounts were done by Trapper Jack who started trapping when he was 7, and lived to be a 98.

And from the outside you would think, okay - what is this place?  Old building from out of the 40's but once you open the door to step in - wow factor.  A woman first greeted us, started explaining the history of all the animals on display, giving us details and information we would not have known - like, the buffalo and how the cattle ranchers in the area did not like them because they had a disease that caused major problems for the cattle herd.  She is an Arapaho Native Indian and talked about living and growing up in this area (the Wind River Reservation) and the different animals she knew.

Over 22 wax life-size figures, many dioramas, depicting the mountain man era, the westward emigration trails, living on the frontier, Indian life, so much history and heritage in this museum!    What a treasure.  Out back was a log cabin - authentic, and also the log cabin where Jim Bridger stayed at during the 1830 and 1838 Rendezvous.

Ashley of the American Fur Company

Life like!

While talking to the various curators of this museum we were informed that starting July 1 in Riverton is the Mountain Man Rendezvous reenactment - goes on for 5 days.  We will definitely think about visiting Riverton during this time.  Also, the curator mentioned St. Stephens Mission about 2 miles from the museum, is a wonderful picture taking opportunity.  Off we went to find the mission.

See the drum?

Every window was a different pattern

Notice the drum?

Amazing!!! I have been in many churches that displayed their statues and artifacts - many in Jerusalem, Israel.  I have never been in a Native American Catholic Church.  Every window a stained glass with native artwork, the stations of the cross depicting Native American Jesus,  the alter with the teepee, the Virgin Mary as a Native, the baptismal font (a drum).  Truly incredible to see!