It is operated through a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Casper, and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation.
[2] The center offers interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, and special events.
In 1992 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) joined with the NHTCF to work on the project, committing to pay half of the $10 million estimated cost.
[4] In 1994, voters in Casper passed the Optional One Cent Tax, which helped fund construction of the center's exhibits.
The Wyoming State Legislature also passed a bill to help fund the center that same year.