Explore the Past at the Museum of the American West
The Museum of the American West (MAW) celebrates the history of what is now central Wyoming. Its mission is to preserve and educate visitors about the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Below, you can learn more about MAW’s history, partners, exhibits, and find out how to plan your journey through the history of the American West!
History of the Museum of the American West
Created in 1998, the Museum of the American West is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural history of the American West. The museum complex features both outdoor and indoor exhibits that display life in the Wind River and Sweetwater Valleys, as well as along the South Pass region of the Rocky Mountains.
The vision of MAW is to demonstrate the relationship among the unique cultures rooted in the area, including the Eastern Shoshone, the Northern Arapaho, the pioneers and their descendants, and a variety of other groups.
MAW Partners
As a community-based nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer board of directors, the Museum of the American West uses all its resources and funds to maintain the complex and develop new exhibits.
The museum also collaborates with the following partners:
- Native American groups from the Wind River Reservation
- Fremont County Pioneer Association
- Fremont County Pioneer Museum
- City of Lander
Along with the Fremont County Pioneer Association (FCPA) and the Arapaho and Shoshone tribes of the Wind River Reservation, MAW offers services to public schools and other regional museums.
The Museum Complex & Exhibits
The majority of the museum complex is comprised of ten historic buildings, known as the Pioneer Village, that display key aspects of pioneer life from 1880 to 1930.
Eagle Spirit Dancers from the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe communities often perform for and educate visitors throughout the year, as well. MAW also offers ongoing educational programming that’s engaging for all ages.
Experience More Awe at MAW
Ready to travel through time without traveling far from home? If so, plan your experience at the Museum of the American West today! For more information and to show your support, be sure to follow MAW on Facebook.
| Monday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Service Department hours will vary by location. Please call to confirm. | |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 5:30PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
| Saturday | 8:30AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Parts Department hours will vary by location. Please call to confirm. | |