This summer, the entire country will celebrate 250 years of the United States of America, and we had to join in the fun at the Casper/Natrona County International Airport. As the former home of the Casper Army Air Base, the modern airport you know today has proudly supported Wyoming residents and visitors for nearly 60 of the last 250 years in American history. To commemorate this nationwide milestone, we’re sharing the unique and exciting ways you can join us in celebrating America 250 all month long.
Coin Quest: Claim your America 250 challenge coin!
Our custom America 250 challenge coins have arrived and will be the prize for anyone who participates in Coin Quest, our summer challenge where you visit three airport locations, snap a selfie, and earn a challenge coin. To join Coin Quest, simply visit three of the five listed locations, take a selfie at each location you visit, then post your photos online with #CNCIACoinQuest or email them to kreed@iflycasper.com.
Visit three of these locations:
- Veteran’s Memorial Museum: show us your favorite exhibit.
- The old Casper Army Air Base fire station/crash house: use the driving tour map for how to get there (see below).
- The Air Traffic Control Tower: while you can’t get up close, take your selfie from afar before we celebrate the new tower coming soon!
- The old beacon light: located near baggage claim at the westside entrance, the beacon still lights up every time bags arrive in the terminal.
- One of the 250 airport signs: stop and snap a selfie at any sign, but please use caution and do not stop in the roadway. Flags are located along the terminal, so you can use the temporary parking and get a photo there as well.
Our Coin Quest runs through the end of August, so you have all summer long to stack up your selfies. Once you’ve completed the challenge, visit the terminal building door T123 (between the two desk setups in the lobby) Monday through Thursday from 8 am – 5 pm to claim your coin. Please contact (307) 995-3940 if the Communication Office is not open when you pick up your coin.
Wyoming Veteran’s Memorial Museum
Helping to preserve Casper’s rich and historic roots, the Wyoming Veterans’ Memorial Museum shares the stories and experiences of Wyoming men and women who served. Included in their exhibits is the rich history of the Casper Army Air Base (CAAB), which operated right here on the airport grounds.
The museum recently underwent a $2 million restoration, enhancing safety and accessibility, installing new electrical and plumbing systems for a more comfortable viewing experience, and making exterior improvements for a refreshed look and feel. To get a closer look at the men and women who served our country throughout history, take a stroll through the museum and see their stories for yourself.
Casper Army Air Base Driving Tour
For the full experience of the Airport’s history, take the Casper Army Base Driving Tour. This self-led tour lets you explore twenty-three historic WWII-era sites around C/NCIA at your own pace. To take the tour, pick up an audio guide brochure and map at the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum.
Run the Runway
What better way to celebrate your freedom than running on the Airport’s runway?! Keep the 250th momentum going this summer and join Run the Runway 5k on Saturday, July 11th. This is your unique chance to step onto the runway and experience it from a new perspective. The event will feature booths, fire trucks, snacks, swag, and community. Registration is open. The deadline to register is July 3rd.
Passport Program
Take your celebration around the state and join the WYFly Passport Program! While not directly tied to America 250, this program encourages anyone interested in aviation to explore Wyoming’s public airports and their surrounding communities. Here’s how it works: visit the 40 public-use airports around the state to collect stamps, plus complete regional tasks to receive prizes sponsored by the Wyoming Airports Coalition. The best part – you can pick up your passport and start right here at C/NCIA.
On July 4th, we’ll celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone is an opportunity to look back on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and celebrate what makes America the home of the brave, land of the free. We encourage you to join us at the above events and explore the airport’s history as we commemorate this monumental moment in our country’s history.
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