Originally called Fort Brown, the name was changed in 1878 to honor Chief Washakie, who negotiated the treaty establishing the reservation. The legendary Buffalo Soldiers-the name given to U.S. Cavalrymen of African descent-were stationed at Fort Washakie in the late 1800s. Today many of the original military buildings can be seen in the Fort Washakie Historic District.

Fort Washakie is home to the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center and the cemeteries where both Chief Washakie and Lewis and Clark's Shoshone guide, Sacajawea, are buried. You will also find a number of trading posts and gift stores that specialize in locally made Indian artwork, including hand-tanned leather goods, beadwork, and drums. The Chief Washakie Plunge-a pool fed by a natural hotspring-is open year-round to the public.

Ethete and St. Stephens are the centers of Arapaho culture on the reservation.
The Heritage Center at St. Stephens and the Arapaho Cultural Museum in Ethete both provide insight into the tribe and its traditions. You can also buy local Native American crafts and beadwork at the St. Stephens Art Center.

Powwows offer one of the best ways to learn about life on the Wind River Reservation.
Open to the public, these gatherings occur throughout the summer. Powwows are dance contests and celebrations. Tribal members go to meet friends, dance, catch up on the news and honor the past. Each of the reservation communities host powwows. For a complete listing, see the calendar of events link.

Wind River District
Rangers Office
307-455-2466

Wind River Heritage Center
307-856-0706

Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center
307-332-9106

Northern Arapaho Tribe
Economic Development
307-857-3868