Farming the High Desert for Over 100 Years

At the base of Heart Mountain in Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin, Powell tells a uniquely Western story—one of resilience, innovation, and transformation. What was once a dry, high desert now produces food for the nation, thanks to one of the most ambitious irrigation projects in the West.

The Shoshone Project, launched in the early 1900s, brought water to the Basin through Buffalo Bill Dam and an intricate system of canals and tunnels. This engineering feat made it possible for homesteaders to settle and farm the land, shaping the agricultural community you see today.

Visitors can experience this story firsthand through Powell’s Interpretive Agriculture Tours. Learn how farming thrives in the desert, meet local producers, and see how water, soil, and ingenuity come together to create exceptional food.

WYOld West Brewing Company in Powell, Wyoming, with a full house of bar patrons
Powell Visitor Center Logo

Agriculture Tours

Choose the experience that fits your visit:

For tour details or to book, contact the Powell Visitor Center at 307-754-3494 or [email protected]