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.
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
Dexter Mill RV Park
Atlantic City, WY 82520
South Pass City
South Pass City, WY 82520
High Country Mobile RV & Handyman Services
Angling Wisdom
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.
Fall colors in Wyoming? You better believe it.
Photos: Helen Wilson
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Happy October! Be sure to keep an eye on these events this month.
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Photo: Gary Kunis
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📸 Wind River Country/ Helen Wilson
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