A Day in the Life at Hat Creek

Event Information

Date: Sep 20, 2025

Time: Starts at 1:00pm

Address: 869 Stage Road Lusk, WY 82225

Station, situated on the Cheyenne-Deadwood Stage Trail. The opening speaker is Paul Hedren, a well-published author and retired National Park Service historian and superintendent.  His particular focus has been the events in the 1870s on the northern plains.  Many of Hedren's writings touch one way or another on the storied Hat Creek Stage Station, and he does so again in his most recent book, Sitting Bull's War: The Battle of the Little Big Horn and the Fight for Buffalo and Freedom on the Plains, coming this fall.  When not afield, Paul resides in Omaha. Invited local speakers: Ben Hanson — John B. Kendrick and establishment of OW Ranch west of Hat Creek Danny Hanson — Hanson family ranch history in Hat Creek area Jeb Hanson — Sadie Hanson and Bryant family histories Cheryl and Chrisanna Lund — Mill Family and ranch history Daniel Goddard family history   Other offerings: A short documentary on Chris Madsen – A soldier's experience at Hat Creek outpost produced by Warren Watson Brief video on stage driver Edmond Alfred Cook by Tena Cook, his great-granddaughter Various exhibits on display inside the stage station Local history books for sale by Niobrara Historical Society   Directions: Take highway 85 north of Lusk to mile marker 163.  Turn on Hat Creek Road (County Road 64). Go 2 miles east to Stage Road, (County Road 65) and 1 mile south to Hat Creek Station.  Please observe the parking signs.   Come equipped for an outdoor program. Shade is limited.  Bring lawn chairs, umbrella, sunscreen, water, and bug spray.  Please no pets outside of vehicles.  No smoking outside of vehicles. There is no or very limited cell service.  Portable toilets will be available.