rockpile museum

I took out of town visitors to the Rockpile museum for something to do but I was so impressed with the history, the displays and the stories that I can't wait to return and spent more time!Naincie Davenport

We visited the open pit coal mine overlook near the airport...then went to the museum and saw a short film which explained what we saw. Interesting collection of older rifles and various items used on Wyoming ranches down through the years. Also memorabilia re the oil industry in the area . All in all, a worthwhile 45 minute visit!

The historians in Gillette have worked hard and it's paid off. This museum is worth the time to visit. Excellent illustrations of how Gillette was settled, and intriguing exhibits for all ages. Want to immerse yourself in Gillette's history? This is the place!

We stopped at the Rockpile because it was a convenient place on our way to Yellowstone. This museum has nothing to do with rocks other than the rock pile in front. It turned out to be a gem of a place... and it was free. The museum focuses on local history and has all sorts of western artifacts that adults and kids will find appealing. My girls loved the western dress up area and the fashion show they put on for us was priceless. Meanwhile my son was busy playing with the working telegraph they had setup. If you're an antique gun buff then you'll love this place. Their collection of old western guns is very impressive... everything from muzzle load to the west's standard lever action rifles and gun slinger revolvers. These were awesome. Then there were all sorts of wagons and horse saddles. It was very hands on and they pretty much let you play with anything there.

I really like the organization of the Rockpile. It's got a great cross-section of local and regional history. The staff also offers interactive activities for kids - ask for the scavenger hunt!

It could be confusing as there are many buildings composing this museum. As you enter the parking lot, the main building is on the left. It has that look so I just automatically started there. Exhibits are varied, none too big. I especially liked the energy exhibit and the old cars. I am less interested in the extensive arrowhead and rifle collections. Also there is a room on the 60s so lots of familiar stuff. Having lived then, it doesn't seem a time that already belongs in a museum!

The museum is nice for a history buff, but there was very little to interest the kids. The school house was closed when we went because they were actually teaching school in it. I was glad it was free because we were there less than half an hour.

This local free museum has lots of great hands on exhibits that will please many youngsters including ability to try on old time clothes.

The museum has assembled a very good collection of artifacts and video to showcase their local history. Learn about the early local inhabitants. See how Strip Mining is done. See Sheep Herder wagons, chuck wagons and even an early homesteader cabin. Also has a very good colletion of firearms. The gift shop has some good books and some other good collectables. The only drawback is that you need cash for all purchases. They do not accept credit cards. Do visit, it is one of the better local museums in the country.

When in Gillette take the time to spend a few hours at their museum. Very well done with alot of explanations of local happenings Great gun collection. Very educational movie on coal mining. Very enjoyable.

Very nice museum. Has very nice displays, sheep herder wagon, caboose, carriage, printing office, saloon. There is a television that has movies on coal mining and early history of Gillette. The admission is free. It is very well done.

We live in a small town (30,000) which was about 15,000 about 15 years ago. This is an area rich with history, nothing earth-shaking, but so interesting. The Rockpile Museum offers all that and features traveling exhibits to enhance your experience. We go back every so often to reconnect with this community's roots.

We stopped here to stretch our legs and ended up really enjoying this museum. It has nothing to do with rocks, but rather focuses on local and regional history. They have a lot of artifacts and displays that give a good picture of life in early Wyoming. Worth a stop.

We liked the firearms, antique toys, and the schoolhouses and tar-paper shack in the other building The small gift shop has some really cute toys as well as postcards, etc. Very reasonable.

Good Historical museum...Friendly people....a little out-of-the-way but on the old main road through Gillette...