However, in 1966, the ghost town site was purchased by the State of Wyoming as a 75^th birthday present for the citizens of the state, thus ensuring that the town's storied history would continue to be told. As a combined effort of several state agencies and private organizations, the town has been accurately restored and contains 23 original structures and some 30,000 artifacts, almost all of which are original to the old settlement.

Though the town has only about a half dozen permanent residents, it bustles during the summer months as thousands of visitors flock to see this authentic view of the American West. Walking tour guides are available at the 1890’s dance hall, where a small fee is collected for entrance to the historic site and volunteers can provide answers to visitors’ questions.

Some of the most interesting buildings include the 1890 Carissa Saloon, the 1896 Smith-Sherlock Co. Store, the South Pass Hotel & Restaurant, and the Sweetwater County Jail. Mining equipment history can also be seen at the Moses Sturman Stamp Mill, the Wolverine Mine Adit, and the remains of brick kilns. Just north of town is the old Carissa Mine and Mill, which was purchased by the State of Wyoming in 2003 and since then, has been involved in an environmental cleanup and preparation for opening as another historic site. Plans will allow visitors to tour the mine and mill in the near future. Just south of town on a hill overlooking the historic city, is the old cemetery, but there are very few graves. According to a family member who was visiting the old graveyard, she said that once South Pass City died, many families moved their family members' remains.

Summers provide for a variety of events including Gold rush Days, which takes place in July. The site is open from May 15^th through September 30^th each year. Other historic sites are located nearby, including the ghost towns of Atlantic City and Miners Delight, Willie’s Handcart Historic Site, and the Oregon Trail.

South Pass City State Historic Site is located two miles off the intersection of Highway 28 and 131, about 35 miles south of Lander, Wyoming.