Wyoming Walks — Learn Weston County history while walking
Lucas Keeler, photographed here selling his history books during the 2025 Newcastle High School All School Reunion, will be one of the speaker presenters during the Newcastle Wyoming Walk — Photo by Kim Dean
History buffs and walking enthusiasts are not the only ones who will enjoy a walk down memory lane with this year’s Wyoming Walks program.
“Vicki Hayman is excited to invite you to be part of an engaging opportunity to promote health, wellness, and community connection through the Wyoming Walks program,” Hayman told the NLJ. “This initiative, led by the University of Wyoming Extension Community Vitality & Health educators, encourages us to share with our communities and have the opportunity to get active, explore our beautiful state, and strengthen our local UW Extension presence.”
This year, Hayman chose history as the theme for the walks, providing an opportunity to learn more about the community while making new friends and exercising.
According to Hayman, the program not only helps people be more active with the opportunity to walk with friends — old and new — but also contributes to overall well-being and health by experiencing Wyoming’s fresh air, sights and stories throughout the walk. This year’s theme-based walks are led by a local expert to acquaint walkers with the legacy of the locale.
Hayman will be completing two walks this year, the first in Upton on Sept. 6 at 3 p.m. According to a flyer about the event, the walk will take place at Old Town.
“Join Sam Haptonstall, chairman of the Upton History and Heritage Preservation Society, as he leads the walk and provides an overview of the local history and culture,” the flyer says. “Old Town is a restored village reconstructed on the original site of Irontown. It is a collection of old homesteads and buildings relocated to Upton from around northeast Wyoming.”
It notes that the Red Onion Museum, at Old Town, will also be open during the event.
The second walk will feature Newcastle’s history on Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. This walk, according to the flyer, will take place in downtown Newcastle.
“Join Lucas Keeler, local historian and author, for an informative walk down Main Street in Newcastle,” the flyer said. “Lucas is a native of Newcastle, where he is raising his family. Listen while he brings history to life with a leisurely guided tour about the historic buildings in downtown.”
Participants are directed to meet at the Weston County Courthouse.
The flyers noted that anyone attending either walk is encouraged to pack water and sunscreen, as well as wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
Anyone with questions about the event can contact Hayman by calling 307-746-3531 or emailing vhayman@uwyo.edu.