Exhibits

Permanent Exhibits

Our permanent exhibit tells the story of Sweetwater County across millions of years. It begins with the region’s prehistoric Lake Gosiute—an ancient body of water whose life forms later contributed to the area’s major industries, including coal and trona mining.

Human history in Sweetwater County is equally rich. The exhibit highlights early Indigenous peoples including the Shoshone and Ute, followed by the arrival of explorers, fur trappers, and emigrant travelers. The Oregon, California, Mormon, Overland, Cherokee, and Pony Express routes all passed through this region, shaping movement across the American West.

Visitors can explore the development of towns such as Green River and Rock Springs—one becoming a major railroad hub and the other a thriving mining center. The exhibit offers hands-on learning opportunities for families and provides a deeper look at the people and industries that built Sweetwater County.

Changing & Traveling Exhibits

The museum regularly features temporary and traveling exhibits that highlight specific themes, historical topics, or community stories. These rotating displays offer new and engaging experiences for returning visitors.

Off-Site Exhibits

In addition to in-house displays, the museum curates rotating exhibits at several locations throughout Sweetwater County. These installations extend the museum’s reach and bring local history directly into community spaces.

The museum also administers the Reliance Tipple, a historic coal-processing structure once used for sorting and loading coal onto railroad cars.