Sinks Canyon Visitor Center Project Paused After Public Feedback

Plans for a possible new or expanded visitor center at Sinks Canyon State Park are on hold after Wyoming officials reviewed public input gathered during a community engagement process late last year.

The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) announced the pause following a Dec. 1, 2025 public forum hosted in partnership with Sinks Canyon WILD. The event invited park visitors, local residents, and stakeholders to share thoughts on whether Sinks Canyon should pursue a new or enhanced visitor center.

According to SPCR, feedback from the process played a significant role in the decision to step back and reevaluate.

“We appreciate the thoughtful feedback shared during the public engagement process,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Community perspectives are an important part of our planning process and help ensure that future projects reflect the needs and values of the people who care about Sinks Canyon.”

Public comments raised several key concerns, including calls for broader community and tribal engagement before moving forward, more justification for why a larger or new visitor center would be necessary, and deeper review of potential locations. Some participants also encouraged officials to consider options outside the park itself.

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Rather than ending the conversation, state officials say the pause is intended to create space for more collaborative planning. SPCR hopes residents, visitors, and stakeholders can work alongside park staff over time to shape a long-term vision for visitor services at one of Wyoming’s most popular outdoor destinations.

Sinks Canyon State Park, located near Lander, remains a major draw for recreation, geology, and wildlife viewing, with consistently high visitation. The park is best known for the mysterious “Sinks,” where the Popo Agie River disappears underground before reemerging downstream at “The Rise.”

For now, no immediate visitor center expansion plans are moving forward, but officials say future possibilities remain open if a broader community consensus develops.

For more information about Sinks Canyon State Park, visit: http://wyoparks.wyo.gov/sinkscanyon.