Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Wild West Museum — State museum in Douglas celebrating Wyoming’s pioneer heritage — housing Native American artifacts, military history, and a Jackalope! (Douglas is the “Jackalope Capital”)
Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum in Douglas is the state’s tribute to Wyoming’s frontier heritage — housing extensive collections of Native American artifacts, military memorabilia from Fort Fetterman, pioneer household items, and natural history displays. Douglas is known as the “Jackalope Capital of the World” — the legendary antlered jackrabbit was “invented” here by taxidermist Douglas Herrick in 1932! The museum sits on the grounds of the Wyoming State Fairgrounds. Wyoming was the last territory to become a state (1890) and earned the nickname “The Equality State” for being the first to grant women’s suffrage (1869).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Douglas, WY (Jackalope Capital!) |
| Entry Fee | Free / Donation |
| Jackalope | Invented HERE in 1932! |
| WY | “Equality State” — women’s vote 1869! |
About Pioneer Museum
Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum in Douglas preserves artifacts from Wyoming’s pioneer era — from the Oregon Trail through early statehood (1890). The museum occupies the former Wyoming State Fairgrounds and houses an extensive collection of frontier firearms, Native American artifacts, ranch equipment, and military memorabilia. Douglas is the self-proclaimed “Jackalope Capital of the World” — the mythical antlered jackrabbit was supposedly “discovered” here in 1829.
Things to Do
Exploring frontier artifacts, viewing the Native American collection, learning about ranch life, photographing the Jackalope displays, and connecting to the Oregon Trail/Bozeman Trail heritage of central Wyoming.
Insider Tips
Pioneer history: The Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum in Douglas preserves artifacts from the settlement era — wagons, clothing, tools, and photographs. Pro tip: Douglas hosts the annual Wyoming State Fair — one of the last authentic small-town state fairs in America. Jackalope: Douglas claims to be the “Jackalope Capital of the World” — the mythical antlered rabbit was “created” here in the 1930s.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Museum open — best access. August: Wyoming State Fair. Year-round: Museum visits. Fall: Autumn in the plains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a jackalope?
The jackalope is a mythical creature — a jackrabbit with antelope horns — “created” in Douglas, Wyoming in the 1930s by taxidermist Douglas Herrick. The legend became a cultural phenomenon — jackalope postcards, mounted heads, and hunting licenses are sold across the West. Wyoming even issues tongue-in-cheek “jackalope hunting licenses.” The myth may have originated from rabbits infected with Shope papilloma virus, which causes horn-like growths.
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