Edness K. Wilkins State Park

🏆 Comprehensive Visitor Guide — Part of the State Park Field Guide series | Based on 151+ verified reviews and on-site research

The first thing you notice at Edness K. Wilkins State Park is the sound of the North Platte River. It’s a gentle, constant presence—the kind of sound that makes you exhale deeply and forget you were just driving on I-25 six miles east of Casper. The cottonwood canopy overhead filters the Wyoming sun into dappled patterns on the paved trails, and somewhere in those old trees, a Great Blue Heron is watching you with the kind of measured patience that only riverside birds possess.

This 362-acre day-use park sits in a remarkable ecological corridor along the North Platte River in Natrona County, Wyoming. What was once a rock quarry has been transformed into one of the most beloved family destinations in central Wyoming—a place where the Audubon Society has identified over 200 bird species, where kids splash in a sandy-beach swimming pond, and where the blue-ribbon trout waters of the North Platte flow just yards from your picnic blanket. Named after Edness Kimball Wilkins, a Wyoming state legislator who served for 25 years before her passing in 1980, this park is her living legacy—a place that proves Wyoming’s beauty isn’t confined to Yellowstone and the Tetons.

Don’t let the “day-use park” label fool you. With seven reservable cabins (available May through September), a universally accessible fishing pier that’s one of only a few in the entire state, an archery range, and three miles of paved trails that rival anything in Casper’s city system, Edness K. Wilkins delivers a full outdoor experience without requiring a tent or a reservation six months in advance.

Things to Do at Edness K. Wilkins State Park

Edness K. Wilkins State Park packs a surprising variety of activities into its 362 acres. The park’s location along the North Platte River creates a natural playground that appeals to everyone from dedicated birders with spotting scopes to families looking for a simple afternoon at the beach.

Trails at Edness K. Wilkins State Park

The trail system at Edness K. Wilkins is modest in distance but generous in scenery. Three miles of hard-surfaced, paved pathways wind through the park, following the curves of the North Platte River and threading through stands of mature cottonwood trees. These are not backcountry trails—they’re smooth, wide, and accessible, making them perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, casual cyclists, and anyone who wants to walk without watching every step. The real draw here is the wildlife. Walk slowly, especially in the early morning hours, and you’ll spot mule deer grazing in the clearings, pronghorn antelope ghosting through the sagebrush at the park’s edges, and raptors circling overhead.

Insider Tip: The best birding is along the Riverside Loop Trail between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM during spring migration (April–May). Bring binoculars and a field guide—you’ll be rewarded with warblers, vireos, and tanagers that use the cottonwood corridor as a migration highway. In fall, watch for Bald Eagles that fish the North Platte.

Bird Watching: Wyoming’s Hidden Birding Hotspot

This is the section that makes Edness K. Wilkins truly special. The Wyoming Audubon Society has designated this park as an Important Bird Area (IBA), and that designation is well-earned. Over 200 species of birds have been documented here—a staggering number for a park that most people drive past on I-25 without a second glance.

The park’s location along the North Platte River creates a riparian corridor that acts as a biological highway during spring and fall migrations. Cottonwood groves provide nesting habitat for everything from Western Tanagers to Great Horned Owls, while the river and ponds attract waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading species. During peak migration in April and May, experienced birders have logged 40+ species in a single morning visit.

Fishing the North Platte River

The North Platte River is one of Wyoming’s premier blue-ribbon trout fisheries, and Edness K. Wilkins provides convenient access to this legendary water. The stretch of river flowing through the park holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and the occasional walleye. Fly fishing is the preferred method—try a size 16 elk hair caddis or a small pheasant tail nymph drifted through the deeper pools along the far bank.

The park’s universally accessible fishing pier is one of only a handful in Wyoming. It extends into a calm section of water that’s accessible to wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges—a feature that makes this park genuinely special. Note: fishing is permitted in the North Platte River but is not allowed in the swimming pond.

A valid Wyoming fishing license is required. Residents pay $7 for a daily license or $27 for an annual license. Non-residents can purchase a daily license for $16 or an annual license for $102. Licenses are available at Wyoming Game & Fish or at sporting goods stores in Casper.

Swimming Pond & Beach

The swimming pond at Edness K. Wilkins is the park’s summer centerpiece. This former rock quarry pit filled naturally with groundwater, giving it unusually clear water and a consistent depth. A sandy beach slopes gently into shallow water—ideal for small children and families who want to cool off without the current and cold temperatures of the North Platte River. The pond is large enough for actual swimming but contained enough that parents can keep an eye on kids from a towel on the beach.

No lifeguards are on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. The beach area has no shade, so bring an umbrella or portable shade during the peak summer months when Wyoming’s high-altitude sun (5,400 feet elevation) is particularly intense. The swimming season typically runs from early June through late August, depending on weather.

Cabins & Overnight Stays

While Edness K. Wilkins is primarily a day-use park—traditional tent and RV camping is not permitted—there’s an exception that makes overnight visits possible. The park offers seven reservable cabins available from May 1 through September 30 that let you extend your stay beyond sunset. These are the only overnight accommodation within the park boundaries.

Book early for summer weekends, as the cabins are popular with families from Casper and the surrounding area. If the cabins are full, Casper has a full range of hotels, motels, and private campgrounds within a 10-minute drive.

Picnic Shelters & Group Areas

With over 40 individual picnic areas scattered throughout the park and four reservable group picnic shelters equipped with electricity, Edness K. Wilkins is one of the best group gathering spots in the Casper area. The shelters can accommodate family reunions, birthday parties, and corporate outings, and the electrical hookups mean you can run warming trays, speakers, or whatever your event requires.

Shelter reservations are made through reserve.wyoming.gov. Grills are available throughout the park, and there are restroom facilities nearby. The combination of sheltered picnic space, playground equipment, and the swimming pond makes this an ideal destination for events with mixed age groups.

Accessibility at Edness K. Wilkins

Edness K. Wilkins State Park is one of Wyoming’s most accessible parks, making it an excellent choice for visitors with mobility challenges. The park was designed with universal access in mind, and the results are impressive for a state park of this size.

Trail accessibility: All three miles of trails are hard-surfaced and paved, wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The Riverside Loop Trail and Pond Loop Trail both offer smooth, flat surfaces with no significant grade changes.

Fishing pier: The universally accessible fishing pier is one of only a few in the entire state of Wyoming. It extends into a calm section of the North Platte River, allowing wheelchair users full access to blue-ribbon trout fishing without needing to navigate river banks.

Picnic areas: ADA-compliant picnic tables and restroom facilities are available near the main parking areas. The group shelters are also accessible with paved pathways connecting them to the parking lots.

Best Time to Visit: Seasonal Guide

Wyoming’s extreme climate swings make timing your visit important. The park is open year-round, but activities and conditions vary dramatically by season.

Best Overall Time: Late April through May offers the rare combination of pleasant weather, low crowds, and peak bird migration. The cottonwoods are leafing out, the river is running clear, and you might have the trails entirely to yourself on a weekday morning.

Sample Itineraries

🌅 Day Trip: Birding & Beach (6–8 hours)

6:30 AM — Arrive early and start on the Riverside Loop Trail. The cottonwood corridor is alive with songbirds at dawn. Bring binoculars and a field guide—April and May mornings regularly produce 30–40 species.

8:30 AM — Walk to the accessible fishing pier. Set up with a fly rod (size 16 elk hair caddis) or just watch the Great Blue Herons fish the shallows. The morning light on the North Platte is spectacular for photography.

10:00 AM — Circle back via the Pond Loop Trail. If it’s summer, stake out a spot on the sandy beach before it gets crowded. Set up your shade structure—there’s no natural shade on the beach.

12:00 PM — Lunch at one of the 40+ picnic areas. Pack a cooler since there’s no concession stand in the park. The shaded spots near the cottonwoods are the best.

1:00 PM — Swimming in the pond if it’s summer, or try the archery range for something different. Kids will love the playground equipment near the shelters.

3:00 PM — One more walk along the Cottonwood Connector before heading out. Check the volunteer garden patches near the park entrance on your way out.

🏕️ Weekend Getaway: Cabin Stay (2 days)

Day 1 — Arrive & Explore

3:00 PM — Check into your cabin (one of seven, book at reserve.wyoming.gov). Get settled, then walk the Pond Loop Trail to orient yourself.

5:00 PM — Set up at a grill near your cabin and prepare dinner while the sunset turns the cottonwoods golden. The evening light along the North Platte is prime time for Great Horned Owl calls.

8:00 PM — Evening walk along the Riverside Loop. Wyoming’s dark skies are exceptional—Casper’s light pollution is minimal from the park’s east side. Look for Milky Way visibility in the summer months.

Day 2 — Dawn to Departure

6:00 AM — Dawn birding session along the river. This is the golden hour—literally and figuratively. Set up near the fishing pier for the best bird photography opportunities.

8:30 AM — Breakfast at the cabin, then drive 10 minutes west to Casper for the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (open 8 AM). The center covers Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trail history.

12:00 PM — Return to the park for a final swim and picnic lunch. If you still have energy, drive 20 minutes south to Casper Mountain for alpine hiking with views of the entire North Platte valley.

2:00 PM — Check out and head home, or continue to Guernsey State Park (1.5 hours east) for more Wyoming exploration.

Entry Fees & Passes

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit three or more Wyoming State Parks in a year, the annual pass pays for itself. Purchase the early-bird rate between January 1 and February 15 for the best deal. Passes can be purchased at reserve.wyoming.gov or at the park entrance.

Budget Calculator

Here’s what a typical visit to Edness K. Wilkins State Park costs:

Photography Guide

Edness K. Wilkins is an underrated photography destination. The combination of a major river, a diverse bird population, and dramatic Wyoming skies creates opportunities that most casual visitors miss entirely.

Wildlife at Edness K. Wilkins

Beyond the 200+ bird species, the park supports a healthy population of Wyoming mammals. The cottonwood riparian corridor and the surrounding sagebrush create an edge habitat that attracts a surprising amount of wildlife for a park located just minutes from Casper.

Getting There & Parking

Edness K. Wilkins State Park is located at 8700 East Highway 20/26, Evansville, WY 82636, approximately six miles east of downtown Casper on I-25. Take Exit 192 and follow Highway 20/26 east. The park entrance is well-signed on the right side of the road.

Parking is plentiful with paved lots near the picnic shelters, swimming pond, and boat launch. On summer weekends, the swimming pond lot can fill by late morning—arrive before 10 AM or park in the overflow area and walk 5 minutes.

Nearby Attractions

Casper and the surrounding area offer several complementary attractions that pair well with a visit to Edness K. Wilkins:

• Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis (2 hours north) — Free public hot springs bathing and a resident bison herd

• Guernsey State Park (1.5 hours east) — CCC-era stone architecture, Oregon Trail ruts, and Platte River reservoir

• Boysen State Park (1.5 hours west) — Boysen Reservoir for boating, waterskiing, and walleye fishing

• National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper — Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trail exhibits

• Casper Mountain — Alpine hiking and mountain biking just 20 minutes south, with panoramic views of the North Platte valley

• Tate Geological Museum at Casper College — Free admission, excellent fossil and mineral collection

Safety & Regulations

Park Rules: The park closes between 10 PM and 6 AM (7 AM in summer). All pets must be leashed. Firearms and fireworks are prohibited. Motorized vehicles must stay on designated roads. Unauthorized overnight camping (outside of cabins) is not permitted. No glass containers on the beach.

What to Pack

History of Edness K. Wilkins State Park

The park bears the name of Edness Kimball Wilkins (1901–1980), a pioneering Wyoming state legislator who served in the Wyoming House of Representatives for a remarkable 25 years. Wilkins was a champion of conservation and public lands, and the state’s decision to name this park in her honor was a fitting tribute to her decades of service.

The land itself has a fascinating past. Before it became a state park, the property operated as a rock quarry, extracting materials for road construction and building projects in the Casper area. In 1981, one year after Wilkins’ passing, the state of Wyoming purchased the quarry land and began the slow transformation from industrial extraction site to public recreation area. The swimming pond is actually a former quarry pit that filled naturally with groundwater—giving it unusually clear water and a consistent depth that makes it ideal for swimming.

The cottonwood groves that make the park so special today were already present along the North Platte River corridor when the quarry operated. Their preservation during the park’s development was deliberate, and these mature trees now provide the habitat backbone that supports the park’s extraordinary bird diversity. Today, the park’s transformation from quarry to ecological hotspot stands as one of Wyoming’s best examples of land reclamation done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed at Edness K. Wilkins State Park?

Traditional tent and RV camping is not permitted at Edness K. Wilkins State Park. The park is primarily a day-use facility. However, seven reservable cabins are available for overnight stays from May 1 through September 30. Book through reserve.wyoming.gov. If you need a campground, try Casper’s nearby private campgrounds or other Wyoming state parks like Glendo or Boysen.

How much does it cost to enter Edness K. Wilkins State Park?

The daily use fee is $7 per vehicle for Wyoming residents and $14 per vehicle for non-residents. An annual pass costs $48 for residents or $96 for non-residents and covers all Wyoming State Parks for the calendar year. An early-bird discount is available if purchased between January 1 and February 15.

What birds can I see at Edness K. Wilkins State Park?

Over 200 species of birds have been documented at the park, which is designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Notable species include Bald Eagles (winter), Great Blue Herons, Western Tanagers, Yellow Warblers, Bullock’s Orioles, and American Kestrels. Peak birding occurs during spring migration in April and May, when experienced birders regularly log 40+ species in a single morning.

Can I fish at Edness K. Wilkins State Park?

Yes, fishing is permitted in the North Platte River, which flows through the park and is considered a blue-ribbon trout fishery. The park also has a universally accessible fishing pier. However, fishing is NOT allowed in the swimming pond. A valid Wyoming fishing license is required—residents pay $7/day, non-residents $16/day.

Is the park accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, Edness K. Wilkins State Park is one of Wyoming’s most accessible parks. All three miles of trails are paved and suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. The fishing pier is universally accessible, and picnic areas are ADA-compliant. This makes it an excellent choice for visitors with mobility challenges.

What are the park hours?

The park is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (April 1 through September 30) and from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (October 1 through March 31). The park is closed between 10 PM and opening time.

Is the swimming pond safe for kids?

The swimming pond has a sandy beach with a gentle slope into shallow water, making it suitable for children. However, there are no lifeguards on duty—swimming is at your own risk. Parents should supervise children at all times. The pond is separate from the North Platte River, which has stronger currents and is not recommended for swimming.

How do I get to Edness K. Wilkins State Park from Casper?

The park is approximately six miles east of downtown Casper. Take I-25 to Exit 192, then follow Highway 20/26 east. The park entrance is well-signed on the right side of the road. The drive takes about 10 minutes from central Casper.

Can I bring my dog to Edness K. Wilkins State Park?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Edness K. Wilkins State Park but must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the swimming pond area. The paved trails are ideal for walking dogs, and there are waste stations throughout the park. Bring extra water for your pet, especially during Wyoming’s hot, dry summer months.

What can I do at the park in winter?

Winter is actually a hidden gem at Edness K. Wilkins. Bald Eagles are most reliably spotted from November through March, perched in the tall cottonwoods above the unfrozen sections of the North Platte River. Cross-country skiing is possible on the paved trails when conditions allow. Winter photography is exceptional—the river creates steam in sub-zero temperatures, producing ethereal landscape compositions. Be prepared for extreme cold and wind chill that can reach -20°F.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The America's State Parks Editorial Team has collectively explored 800+ state parks across all 50 states. Our park profiles are carefully researched using official state park data, verified visitor information, and first-hand observations from our writers and contributors. Each article is fact-checked against official sources and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Our mission is to help every American discover the natural wonders in their own backyard.

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