The abandoned and dilapidated string of historic buildings in downtown Shoshoni have been a curiosity for Wyoming travelers along U.S. Highway 20-26 for decades.
While for many years the once popular Yellowstone Malt Shop once bustled with tourists on their way to Yellowstone during the summer months, just across the street on the east side of Main Street the tourists were met with what seemed like a ghost town.
The malt shop is now gone and the historic corner is now occupied by artist Ryan Tinnelli and his “House of Wonder”. Â The tourists no longer stop in sizable numbers.
Shoshoni mayor Scott Peters ran on a promise to clean up the blight, and so far he’s following through.
The block of buildings were purchased from a deceased owner’s estate in 2015, according to reports from County 10. The buildings, which once housed Gambles Store and a hotel among other business, have been empty and deteriorating since a fire broke out in 1979.
Preparations for the block’s demolition have been made, but the actual demolition has been put on hold as heavy equipment needed by other county municipalities was recalled before the work could be finished.
According to County 10, demolition could start later in the fall when the heavy equipment is again available to complete the project.
In the meantime, now might be a good time to make a weekend trip from Casper to Shoshoni and take in the fascinating ruins of an old Wyoming town.
Â
