History: Evolution of the Rest Area

While most of the history pieces take place in the more distance past, this one will address a little bit of more modern history. This column with explore the evolution of the interstate Rest Area.

Tourism has been a part of Wyoming for many years. Even before Wyoming obtained statehood. As we see in this ad, probably the first ‘rest areas’ were actually stage stations. Stages stopped for a quick break for lunch and supper, but then the stage bowled on. But some stage stations offered overnight accommodations as well.

Bill Barlow’s Budget, February 15, 1888

Trains brought an easier way to see the country, and many tourists came to Wyoming on the train to see the rugged, snow-capped mountains, the wonders of Yellowstone, (which became a national park in 1872) and hunt big game.

Most passenger trains served meals, had rest rooms and had sleeping quarters, so there was no need for rest areas along the tracks.

When automobiles became popular, and highways crossed the United States, people began driving to their destinations, and they had to stop at gas stations for gas, check the radiator water, take a rest stop or have a snack or a cold drink. In fact, in hopes of attracting more business from the traveling wives and mothers, many gas station mentioned, ‘Clean Restrooms’ as a part of their advertising.

As automobiles improved, so did gas mileage, so stops at gas stations were not necessary as often as they had been in the early days of auto travel. When President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to create the Interstate Highway system in June of 1956, travel became faster, and the controlled access highways bypassed many of the smaller towns, making it harder to find a service station, use a restroom, a place to stop for a brief rest.

The new highway act hoped to eliminate unsafe roads, traffic jams, and other impediments to speedy and safe transcontinental travel. The interstates also offered a way to quickly transport military equipment in case of an attack by hostile nations.

As a part of the controlled access highway system, the Safety Rest Areas, (SRAs) were built along the roadways.

At first, the rest areas simply provided toilet facilities, drinking fountains, and picnic areas. As they evolved, they began to include more large areas of grass and trees, and, to give travelers a glimpse of flavor of each area, signs were added about the area, the wildlife and brief bits of history. The rest areas also involved to include areas to exercise pets as well, to give them a break from travel.

During the 1960s, President Lyndon Johnson and First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson began a nationwide program to remove billboards from along highways and beautify the highways and included construction of enhanced rest area facilities.

The first such rest area in Wyoming is located near Lusk, Wyoming along US Highway 18.

Today, in the state of Wyoming alone there are 37 rest areas. Some are simply a place to stop, used a restroom and stretch one’s legs before resuming the journey, but some have information centers as well, with displays of Wyoming’s history and culture. The rest areas also evolved to include areas to exercise pets as well, to give them a break from travel.

On the official Wyoming Highway Map, they are designated with a red picnic table symbol. By going to the Wyoming Transportation Department website, a map of rest areas can be downloaded as well. Most are along the interstates, I-80, 90 and 25, but many are located along Wyoming’s secondary roads as well.

So, on your next travels along Wyoming’s highways, take a minute to stop by one of the modern rest areas along your route. Maybe you had the for-sight to bring a picnic lunch to eat in the open air at one of the picnic tables or simply to use the rest rooms.

Take time to stretch and walk around the area, look at the info signs, let the kids or pets run and play for a while. In a few minutes you’ll be refreshed and more alert when you get back behind the wheel.