The Natrona County Emergency Management office wanted a static starting point for the mile markers that would not change as the Parkway expanded east to west. They asked that the starting point be centrally located near the middle of town with a reference to Center Street. The River Overlook shelter, down the hill from the Events Center and the Historic Trails Center, was chosen as the 0.0 point. The mileage markers are placed in ½ mile increments east and west of the 0.0 point and thus read 0.5E, 1.0E, 1.0W etc. The 2.0 E mile marker, which marks the eastern terminus of the Parkway, is actually only about 0.2 miles from the 1.5 E sign. The western most mile marker is approximately 7.5 miles west of the 0.0 marker.

The Parkway trail system is owned and maintained by the Platte River Parkway Trust, a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Parkway trail travels through the City of Casper, the Town of Mills and unincorporated sections of Natrona County. The fact that it is owned and operated by an entity not affiliated with any of the Government units has been an asset in all phases of completion of the pathway. The Board does, however, work closely with all affected Government units and seeks their input and assistance when possible.

The Platte River Parkway Trust is a non-profit organization exempt from income taxes under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and overseen by an all volunteer board of directors. The Parkway employs a half time executive director and a part-time maintenance person. The Trust relies on contributions from the general public, grants and optional one-cent taxes for its funding.

The majority of funding for trail construction comes from the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The Parkway has also received funding from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, various private foundations and City of Casper optional one-cent tax money. However, most grants are only for the construction of paths and amenities, so the Board has established an Endowment Fund which will be used to fund the maintenance of the paths and amenities.

In 2003, the Platte River Parkway Trust completed the continuous path from the East Casper Soccer Complex (at Bryan Stock Trail) to Paradise Valley Park on the west side of Casper. This completed the initial goal of the original Platte River Parkway Trust Board, which was started over twenty years ago in 1982. The current pathway is just under 10 miles in total length.

In 2002 the Board agreed to take over the responsibility and oversight for the development and construction of a Rail to Trail conversion of the abandoned rail line from downtown Casper to Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park east of Casper.

Yes, but it must be on a leash on all sections except in the Morad Park area, which is exempt from the City leash law. It is important to note that once you exit Morad Park to the east or west you must put your dog back on a leash. You are also responsible for cleaning up after your pet in all sections of the pathway, including Morad Park. The Board has installed trash bag dispensers at various locations throughout the pathway system to assist in this responsibility.

The Platte River Parkway is designated as a non-motorized trail which means that NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES are allowed on the pathway. The only exception to this rule would be a motorized wheel chair.

The Casper Whitewater Park is a one half mile stretch of the North Platte River with four man made rock structures that create turbulent water for recreation. It is located parallel to First Street just West of Poplar Street and is designed for supervised beginner and intermediate boaters at normal water flows between 500 and 3000 cubic feet per second. Normal summertime water flow is just over 3000 cfs from June thru September. There is no charge for the use of the facility. Remember to always wear a properly fitted Personal Floatation Device when enjoying the river and never boat or float alone. The combination of water and air temperature below 100 degrees may be dangerous and require protective clothing.

Sure! The Platte River Parkway provides miles of access to the North Platte River in Casper.

Rainbow trout are the most common with brown trout second in abundance as well as a few cutthroat trout. Recent population estimates by the Game and Fish have found about 1,400 trout per mile in the North Platte River through Casper, which qualifies the reach as a Blue Ribbon River in Wyoming.

It is always a good idea to get a copy of the current fishing regulations when you buy your fishing license. The North Platte River in Casper is under the statewide regulation, the Daily Creel and Possession Limit is 6 trout and only one may exceed 20 inches. Fishing licenses are required for resident and nonresident anglers 14 years or older. Nonresident youth under 14 do not need a fishing license if accompanied by an adult possessing a valid Wyoming fishing license.

Yes. There are several outfitters providing trips on the North Platte River. I would suggest an internet search under North Platte River or the phone book under fishing.