South Pass is the gentle ascent where the trail crosses the Continental Divide. Emigration began in 1843 when over 1,000 people made the 2,000 mile trip. Close to 500,000 individuals traveled this route over the Continent heading for Utah, California and Oregon. The last recorded wagon crossed South Pass in 1912. Wagon ruts and the graves of those who died along the way are visible today. South Pass City is now a renovated historic site offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The site is open during the summer months and is approximately 30 miles from Lander. Atlantic City dates back to the 1860's when thousands rushed to the area to be a part of Wyoming's first gold rush.

South Pass City and Atlantic City: Tour South Pass City State Historic Site and its interpretive exhibits, living history demonstrations, visitor's center and authentic general store with gift items for sale. Try your luck and skill in panning for gold. 

Pioneer Trails: Explore the Pioneer Trails (the Oregon, Mormon, and Pony Express) by car, mountain bike, horseback, or wagon train and see the rugged terrain that over 350,000 emigrants crossed between 1841 and 1866. The South Pass portions of these trails are among the most pristine and well preserved in the state.

Today Atlantic City provides visions of the gold rush years as well as camping, cabins, a bed & breakfast and a restaurant/bar that is a national Historic Site. Miners Delight, an original mining camp established in 1867, is now a ghost town open to visitors wanting to walk back in time. Camp Stambaugh, a few miles away, was established in 1870 to protect the area. Close to South Pass you will find Willie's Handcart Monument, a place dedicated to the 75 members of the Willie Handcart Company who lost their lives in a mid-October 1856 winter storm. Here you will see ruts of the Oregon-Mormon Trail. Oregon Buttes Road will lead you to the most pristine sections of the Oregon-Mormon Trail and at South Pass Overlook you will be able to imagine the hardships of the trail.