Bear River State Park

The park keeps managed herds of bison and elk for public viewing and education, and they are the reason many people stop. The bison, the animal at the heart of the northern plains, graze in a large enclosure near the trail, and the elk have called the park home since the mid 1990s.

These are wild animals kept behind sturdy fencing, not petting-zoo stock, so the rule is simple: enjoy them from the path, keep your distance, and never try to feed or approach them. Early morning and evening are the best times to catch them up and moving.

A little over a mile of paved trail loops the developed side of the park, easy for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes. From there an arched footbridge crosses the Bear River into a natural area with several more miles of packed gravel trail, quieter and closer to the water and the willows.

The paved path ties into the City of Evanston's Bear River Greenway, so you can keep walking or riding toward the ice ponds, a river pavilion, and downtown. It makes the park feel less like a fenced attraction and more like the green front porch of the town.

The Bear River is the largest river in North America that never reaches the sea, looping through Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho before it empties into the Great Salt Lake. Where it runs through the park, the willows and cottonwoods draw songbirds, waterfowl, and beaver, and mule deer slip through in the early morning.

This corner of Wyoming was long the country of the Eastern Shoshone and their neighbors, who followed the game and the seasons across the Bear River valley. The mountain-man rendezvous of the 1820s and 1830s were held not far from here, drawing trappers and tribes to trade along these same waters.

Take exit 6 off Interstate 80 and follow the signs a short distance to the park entrance, where you will find parking, restrooms, and the visitor center. The center is worth a few minutes for its wildlife mounts and travel information before you head out on the trails.

The park is open for day use year round. Summer is green and busy, but a crisp fall or a quiet snowy morning has its own appeal, and the paved paths usually stay clear enough for a walk.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Bear River State Park, on the edge of the town of Evanston in southwestern Wyoming, is a pleasant day-use park along the Bear River, best known for its small herds of bison and elk kept in spacious enclosures where visitors can view these iconic animals up close. The park features paved and natural walking and biking paths, including a connection to the town greenway, along with picnic areas, wildlife, and riverside scenery. An easy, accessible stop just off Interstate 80, it offers a relaxing break and a chance to see bison and elk. With its wildlife, trails, and riverside setting, Bear River State Park offers an enjoyable destination in Evanston, Wyoming.

Yes, Bear River State Park is well known for its small herds of bison and elk, which are kept in large enclosures within the park where visitors can view these iconic Western animals up close from designated areas, a special treat for families and travelers. While the animals are contained, they are still large and wild, so viewing should be done from the proper vantage points without attempting to approach or feed them. Seeing bison and elk is one of the main draws of the park. The chance to observe these magnificent animals makes Bear River State Park a memorable stop in Evanston, Wyoming.

You can view the park's bison and elk herds, walk or bike the paved and natural trails including the connection to the Evanston greenway along the river, picnic in the shaded areas, watch for birds and other wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery, making it a great stop to stretch your legs off the interstate. A visitor center offers information. The wildlife and easy trails are highlights, and it is family-friendly and accessible. With its bison and elk, trails, and riverside setting, Bear River State Park offers a relaxing and enjoyable break in Evanston, Wyoming.

Late spring through fall is the most pleasant time to enjoy the trails, picnic areas, and river, when the weather is mild and the paths are green, with summer ideal for walking and wildlife viewing, while the bison and elk can be seen year-round. Even summer evenings are cool at the elevation. Winter is cold but the park can still offer a quiet walk and animal viewing. For the most comfortable weather and greenest scenery, aim for late spring through fall, though the wildlife makes Bear River State Park a rewarding stop any season in Evanston, Wyoming.

Bear River State Park is on the edge of the town of Evanston in southwestern Wyoming, just off Interstate 80 near the Utah border, within reach of Fort Bridger State Historic Site, the Bridger Valley, and the route toward the Uinta Mountains and Flaming Gorge. That makes Bear River State Park a convenient and enjoyable stop to combine with Fort Bridger, Evanston, and the other attractions of southwestern Wyoming on a drive across the state.