Atlantic City and South Pass City
Where Dreamers Struck Gold
Welcome to Atlantic City and South Pass City
High in South Pass, Atlantic City and nearby South Pass City hold onto the stories of Wyoming’s gold rush era. Walk past original buildings, follow mountain streets and spend time in places where that history still feels close. Just minutes apart, these towns offer a chance to explore the South Pass mining district, from preserved structures and working exhibits to quiet stretches of land where prospectors once searched for gold.
Discover Wyoming’s Legendary Mining Towns
Atlantic City is a small mountain town where historic buildings and quiet streets reflect its gold rush beginnings. What started as a mining settlement in the late 1800s remains a place where you can walk through that history today.
A few miles away, South Pass City State Historic Site preserves more than 30 original structures. Walk through the restored town, step inside historic buildings and follow the stories of the South Pass mining district.
Spend the day exploring both, then return to Atlantic City for a meal or drink in a setting that still carries the character of the Old West.
Fun Facts
Population
Atlantic City: approximately 40 residents
South Pass City: only a handful of year-round residents; the historic town operates primarily as a state historic site
Elevation
Atlantic City: 7,694 feet above sea level
South Pass City: about 7,900 feet above sea level
What the Area Is Known For
Gold discovered near South Pass in 1867 sparked a rush that created several mining towns, including South Pass City, Atlantic City and Miners Delight. Within a year, thousands of prospectors arrived, making the area one of the most populated regions in the Wyoming Territory at the time.
Historic Significance
South Pass City played an important role in Wyoming’s early women’s rights history. In 1870, Esther Hobart Morris served here as the first female justice of the peace in the United States, shortly after Wyoming granted women the right to vote.
Today
South Pass City State Historic Site preserves more than 30 historic structures from the town’s gold rush era, while nearby Atlantic City remains a small mountain community along the Continental Divide.
Boom or Bust: Tour Real Gold Rush Stories
Where Treasure Shook the Town: Atlantic City
Tucked into the mountains near South Pass, Atlantic City remains a small, active community shaped by its gold rush roots. Walk the streets, take in the surrounding peaks and settle into a town where the past is still part of daily life.
Established in 1868, the town sits near the historic South Pass crossing once traveled by pioneers along the Oregon and Mormon Trails. Today, it’s a place to slow your pace, explore the landscape and spend time in a setting that feels largely unchanged.
Pan for Glimmers in South Pass City
A short drive from Atlantic City, South Pass City offers one of Wyoming’s best-preserved gold rush sites. Wooden storefronts, homes and exhibits bring the mining era into focus.
Tour the Carissa Mine, learn how gold was extracted and try panning for yourself. During the summer, living history programs and events add another layer to the experience, connecting past and present in a hands-on way.
Public Lands and Trails
Beyond the towns, trails and public lands stretch across the South Pass region. Follow sections of the Continental Divide Trail, explore historic routes or head into the backcountry where landscape and history meet.
Recreation
Outdoor recreation continues year-round in the surrounding mountains. Fish nearby waters, explore by snowmobile in winter or spend time moving through the landscape in every season.
Dining
Stop in for a meal in Atlantic City, where places like the Atlantic City Mercantile and Miner’s Grubstake serve hearty food in a setting that reflects the town’s history.
Where to Stay
Stay nearby in cabins, rustic lodging or campgrounds that make it easy to spend more time exploring South Pass and the surrounding mountains.
Curious About Wind River Country? Start Here
Go further into the history and landscape of Atlantic City and South Pass City through stories that highlight the mining era, the Continental Divide and the experiences that shape this region today.
The Best Things to Do in Atlantic City & South Pass City, WY
Exploring the Continental Divide Trail at South Pass City
Mystery in the Mountains: John Mionczynski on Sasquatch and the Unknown
Historic Driving Tours
Follow historic routes through South Pass, where mining history, high-country landscapes and quiet stretches of road connect the region’s past and present.
South Pass City Gold Rush Days
Each summer, Gold Rush Days brings South Pass City to life with demonstrations, activities and events that reflect the town’s mining-era roots.
In Town for These Events
See what’s happening nearby and consider adding a local event to your time in South Pass and the surrounding area.
Businesses in Atlantic City & South Pass City
Miner’s Grubstake
Atlantic City, WY 82520
South Pass City State Historic Site
South Pass, WY 82520
Atlantic City Mercantile
Atlantic City, WY 82520
The Hyde Out
Atlantic City, WY 82520
Atlantic City Cabin
Atlantic City, WY 82520
Wild Bill’s Bed and Breakfast
Atlantic City, WY 82520
Follow South Pass in Real Time
See Atlantic City and South Pass City as they are today, from historic streets to high-country views. Follow along and share your experience by tagging @windrivercountry.
One of the best ways to experience Wind River Country this summer is on the water. You can enjoy over 2,000 miles of rivers and streams and 262 lakes and reservoirs.
Photo: Jared Steinman
May 29
Welcome to the Cowboy State, a place that`s made for riding horses and enjoying the great outdoors. Book a stay at a guest ranch and experience Wyoming like a true cowboy.
Book your adventure at the link in our bio.
Photos: Wyoming Office of Tourism, Davis Clem, Gary Kunis
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May 27
Say hello to a summer in Wyoming filled with wide open spaces and some of the best events around.
Photo: Wind River Country/Preston Ackerman
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May 24
Planning a summer road trip? Hit the road on a scenic driving tour around Wind River Country.
Learn all about the area`s driving tours in our bio.
Photos: Wind River Country, David Rule
#CowboyState #Wyoming #ThatsWY #WindRiverCountry
May 22
Ready for the ultimate Wild West getaway? Discover history in Lander at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum.
Photo: Wind River Country/Suite 1491
May 20
If you`re ready for a unique Wyoming stay, we`ve got the perfect place for you. Just outside of Lander in Sinks Canyon State Park you`ll find a cozy yurt stay.
Photos: Wind River Country & Brady McLean
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May 18
Our region is home to eight unforgettable stops you won’t want to miss. From quiet, historic towns with small populations to lively small cities, Wind River Country offers something for everyone.
Start planning your trip at the link in our bio.
Photos: Wyoming Office of Tourism & Wind River Country
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May 15
Looking for epic mountain biking? You’ll find it in Wind River Country 🚵♂️
From rugged trails to scenic rides, adventure is waiting around every turn. Start planning: https://windriver.org/experience/mountain-road-biking/
Photos : DART Trails & Wind River Country
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May 14
Happy Mother’s Day from Wyoming`s Wind River Country. 💐
Photo: Brad Christensen
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May 10
Community Cocktail Tasting tonight in Riverton!
Be sure to head to Bar 10 and taste Wyoming inspired cocktails at 6:30 p.m. TONIGHT! What a great pre Mother`s Day activity!
#WindRiverCountry #CowboyState #ThatsWY #Wyoming
May 9
Big news from Wind River Country—we’ve launched a brand-new website!
The updated windriver.org makes it simple to explore outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, local events and more—all in one place.
Whether you’re planning a full itinerary or a quick getaway, everything you need is just a click away.
Start planning your adventure: windriver.org (link in bio)!
#WindRiverCountry #ThatsWY #CowboyState #Wyoming
May 9
Community Cocktail Tasting TOMORROW in Lander!
Head on over to to Coalter Loft and taste Wyoming inspired cocktails at 6 p.m.
#WindRiverCountry #CowboyState #ThatsWY #Wyoming
May 7