The concept of the Platte River Parkway trail system began in earnest in 1982 when the City of Casper appropriated funds to hire a consultant to develop a Master Plan. Below is a chronological history of the development of the Platte River Parkway.

The Platte River Parkway provides a central thread through the heart of Casper’s urban area and a rich recreation resource for the region’s citizens and visitors. 

The Parkway currently travels almost eleven miles from Paradise Valley Park to the North Casper Soccer Complex at Bryan Stock Trail linking downtown and Casper and many public parks.  The trail offers opportunities for sitting, viewing, and picnicking AND access to the riverbank for fishing, wading, and canoe launching.

There are many elements that make up the Platte River Parkway.  It is a riverfront pedestrian pathway.  It is a link between the river corridor and the surrounding urban areas.  It is a waterway developed for maximum water-oriented recreation use.  Finally, it is a program for cleaning up the riverbed and riverbank for the preservation and enhancement of the habitat along and within the river.