PARK COUNTY, Wyo. — Construction is underway on a major recreational infrastructure project in northwest Wyoming, as state leaders and industry stakeholders gathered to mark the groundbreaking of a 2,000-acre shooting complex near Cody.
The facility, known as the Wyoming State Shooting Complex, is being developed as a “world-class” destination for shooting sports and outdoor recreation. The project carries an estimated cost of $15 million and is expected to open in mid-2027.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured symbolic first shots fired from a World War II-era M1 Garand rifle by Mark Gordon and John Barrasso.
“We wanted a wow factor,” said Art Washut. “We wanted people to go to a site, get out of their truck or car, and go, ‘Wow.’ When we looked at the proposal for the Park County group, we said, ‘Wow.’ We are here today because of wow.”
Officials say the complex is expected to draw visitors from across the country and internationally, boosting tourism and economic activity in the region.
“You talk about the Cowboy Code, living each day with courage, taking pride in your work, and doing what needs to be done,” Barrasso said. “That's what we're seeing here. It happened due to Wyoming determination and gumption, and people are going to come here from all around the world to celebrate, to compete, to participate. This is really going to be a world-class resort.”
Gordon emphasized the broader benefits of the project, including its potential to showcase Wyoming’s natural landscape and outdoor recreation opportunities.
“It is wonderful to have this day to see what this is for, not only bringing more business here, but also to really introduce people to what Wyoming has that's really special,” Gordon said.
A significant funding milestone was announced during the event, with the Civilian Marksmanship Program committing a $10 million challenge grant. The funding will match private and industry contributions dollar-for-dollar over three years.
“We are not just breaking ground on a range,” said Fabian Lobera. “We are laying the foundation for what we hope will become the premier shooting sports destination in the West.”
The complex will include features such as long-range shooting areas extending up to 1.5 miles, action shooting bays, 3D archery courses and a 12,000-square-foot events and conference center.
Project supporters say the facility will be among a select number of public ranges in the United States capable of supporting extreme long-range shooting, positioning it as a unique destination within the industry.
State Sen. Larry Hicks said the project reflects years of advocacy and planning aimed at establishing Wyoming as a leader in shooting sports.
“The hard part of this entire thing was getting people to understand what world-class looks like,” Hicks said. “If we're going to do this in Wyoming, it's got to be world-class, not second-best.”
Local leaders described the groundbreaking as a turning point for the project, transitioning it from concept to reality.
“This groundbreaking marks a moment when our ideas and dreams transition to become a reality,” said Glenn Ross.
As construction progresses, stakeholders say the project represents both an economic development initiative and an investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure aligned with Wyoming’s cultural identity.
Originally reported by Andrew Rossi in Cow Boy State Daily.
