Will an upcoming RV journey take you through central Wyoming? If you plan to travel U.S. Highway 20 between Douglas and Shoshoni, you’re in for a treat! RVers love this stretch of Wyoming road for its roadside gallery.
Don’t miss it—large, monumental, steel silhouettes line this section of highway. Each art installation celebrates Western heritage and transforms the long, open stretch of highway into a fascinating art exhibit.
Silhouettes
Although a few of the metal sculptures are positioned around the state, the majority of these large, steel silhouettes can be viewed along Highway 20, as mentioned. These striking metal sculptures aren’t just roadside curiosities. They’re part of a statewide initiative by 307 First, a local advocacy group that wants to remind travelers (and locals) to “keep our money in Wyoming.” The group encourages folks to choose in-state services and businesses before looking elsewhere. 307 First’s hope is to eventually erect 307 steel silhouettes throughout the state.
(Note: The area code for the entire state of Wyoming is 307—the presumed reason for the advocacy group’s name.)
Funding
Funding for the impressive art project comes through sponsorships by Wyoming-based companies. Each silhouette costs between $2,500 and $4,000. No single source funds the project. Instead, landowners and sponsors collaborate on each installation to make sure it reflects both local history and the sponsor’s vision.
For RVers, spotting these cutouts breaks up the drive, offers unique photo ops, and provides a window into Wyoming’s Western legacy, all while supporting the local economy.
What you’ll see
Here are just a few examples of the silhouettes you will see in Wyoming:
Pony Express rider (between Casper and Shoshoni)
Just north of Shoshoni, look for a life-sized silhouette of a Pony Express rider clutching the reins and charging forward on horseback. This piece pays homage to early mail routes that connected the West, reminding viewers of the region’s frontier communication.
Locomotive (near Gillette, WY)
Further northeast on I-90, a massive locomotive silhouette towers near Gillette. Weighing several tons, it required a flatbed trailer for transport. This homage to Wyoming railroad history reminds RV travelers of how railroads opened the American West.
Pronghorn antelope (western Gillette, WY)
Crafted by “cowboy artist” Tom Ford, a pronghorn antelope silhouette appears to leap across the horizon on the west edge of Gillette, Wyoming. The pronghorn, known as the fastest land mammal in North America, reflects Wyoming’s wildlife heritage.
Check this site for a map of the silhouettes’ locations and images of the silhouettes.
Visibility, scale, and design
Each silhouette stands at least 15 feet tall, so you’re sure to see them—even at a distance. The structures are usually placed just off the highway on private land, with the landowner’s permission. You might need to roll down your window to capture the silhouettes at full scale.
Tips for RVers
- Plan ahead. Map out where clusters of silhouettes are located—especially between Douglas and Shoshoni—so you can budget your time and not feel rushed.
- Pull-over spots. Many sites have small pull-offs or widened shoulders. (Make sure you’re not blocking private driveways and always respect landowner properties.)
Combine with sightseeing
Pair your silhouette hunt with nearby attractions:
- Thermopolis Hot Springs: Just off Highway 20, soak in geothermal pools.
- Wyoming Pioneer Museum (Douglas): Learn local history before or after spotting silhouettes.
- Casper views: From Shoshoni, head north to Casper for additional RV-friendly campsites and museums.
You should go!
Wyoming’s history and culture come alive as you RV along Highway 20 or visit the other silhouette installations throughout the state. These sculptures not only create “wow” moments for RVers—they also reinforce the importance of supporting Wyoming-based businesses and artists. Check them out!
RELATED
- Wyoming’s Sinks Canyon State Park: Glacier National Park’s little sister
- RVers: Ignore this Wyoming road sign, you could spend a month in jail
- Visit the Cody Firearms Museum in the heart of Buffalo Bill Country
RVT1217
If out of staters knew what Wyoming’s history and culture was really like they would avoid it like the plague. I know I grew up there.
Thank you, Gail! These sound fascinating. Sadly, we drove through Wyoming in May and may never be back that way. I guess we’ll see. Have a great week and safe travels!