Wyoming is a big state with not a lot of people. It has beautiful scenery and fun outdoor activities. Most people go to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, but there are also many other parks to explore. Wyoming has mountains, plains, deserts, canyons, and lakes, so there’s always something new to see.
You can enjoy the views, go hiking and camping, and see lots of different animals like bears, bison, elk, and moose. Wyoming’s state parks also protect interesting historical sites. Visitor centers give information about the history, nature, and animals in each area.
11. Grand Teton National Park
Located just outside of Jackson in Northwest Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including soaring mountains, vast valleys, and glistening lakes. It was established in 1929 and offers a vast expanse of untouched wilderness.
The park gets its name from the tallest peak of the majestic Teton Range, reaching an impressive height of 13,775 feet. Below the towering mountains, you will find lush forests, colorful meadows filled with flowers, and tranquil lakes and rivers.
Visitors can engage in a range of activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and climbing on the slopes. The park’s waterways provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including majestic moose, elk, bears, bison, and bald eagles, offering visitors a chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
10. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
For stunning and awe-inspiring scenery, look no further than Bighorn Canyon, located in the northern part of the state. This magnificent canyon spans across the border of Montana and offers a national recreation area where you can enjoy a variety of water sports and outdoor activities.
The creation of Bighorn Lake, a large reservoir, was made possible by building a dam on the river in the 1960s. The canyon itself features towering and colorful walls that stretch over seventy miles. As you sail, kayak, or jet ski on the calm waters of the lake, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the canyon’s ochre hues.
Along with hiking along the canyon’s rim and capturing photos from above, you can also visit a few historic ranches and spot herds of wild horses in the area.
9. Devils Tower National Monument
The Devils Tower in the northeast of the Cowboy State stands high above its surrounding area. It was the first national monument established in the US and is truly amazing to see due to its impressive size, scale, and shape. This giant geologic landmark has been protected since 1906, but Native American tribes have revered and worshipped it for much longer.
The tower reaches a height of 1,267 feet and its steep sides and remote location make it a great subject for breathtaking photos. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and rock climbing in the area. The visitor center provides information about the tower, revealing that it is the exposed core of an extinct volcano.
8. Sinks Canyon State Park
Located in the Wind River Mountains, Sinks Canyon State Park is a breathtaking destination. It is situated near Lander in the middle of Wyoming and showcases a variety of natural wonders. The park not only features a lively river with rapids but also a diverse range of plant and animal life.
Its name comes from a portion of the Middle Fork Popo Agie River that disappears underground, with the exact path remaining a mystery. However, visitors can witness the river resurfacing in a beautiful pool known as “the Rise,” located in the expansive canyon.
This canyon was formed over a long period of time by slow-moving glaciers, resulting in rugged cliff walls that attract rock climbers. In addition to rock climbing, visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking, picnicking, and camping in the park’s shady woodlands. Fishing and water activities are also popular in the numerous lakes and waterways found throughout the park.
7. Yellowstone National Park
Just north of Yellowstone is another amazing national park that shouldn’t be missed. While most of Yellowstone is in Wyoming, parts of it also extend into Idaho and Montana. Yellowstone was the first national park in the world, established in 1872, and it is famous for its stunning landscapes.
The park is particularly known for its hot springs, mudpots, and geysers, with over 10,000 of them scattered throughout. The most popular and photographed ones are Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful, known for their impressive colors, size, and regular eruptions.
In addition to the geothermal attractions, you can also enjoy hiking and camping in Yellowstone’s beautiful forests, mountains, and valleys. The park is home to a variety of incredible wildlife, including bears, bison, cougars, and Canadian lynx.
6. Curt Gowdy State Park
A wonderful place called Curt Gowdy State Park is just a short drive away from Fort Laramie. This park is a great spot to relax and enjoy oneself, as it has many lakeside campsites with lots of great amenities and outdoor activities.
The park is hidden among the rolling hills of the Laramie Mountains and has beautiful forests, meadows full of flowers, and rocky areas. The highest point in the park is 7,214 feet. The main attraction of the park is the three large reservoirs, which are perfect for fishing, boating, and water skiing.
In addition to enjoying the lakeshore and swimming, you can also go hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the shady trails that stretch for over 35 miles.
5. Fossil Butte National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument is located in the southwest corner of Wyoming, not too far from Bear River State Park. It is a great place to visit, as it has a huge butte and many fossils. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes and drives, as well as attend interesting talks about geology.
This place is very unique because it has one of the most extensive paleontological sites in the world. Miners first discovered it in the late nineteenth century, and since then, they have found well-preserved fossils of insects, fish, plants, and birds. These fossils come from the Eocene Epoch, which happened around 56 to 34 million years ago.
In the park’s visitor center, you can see detailed fossils and learn more about them through talks, videos, and interactive exhibits. Additionally, you can hike around the butte and even witness ongoing excavation activities in the summer.
4. Bear River State Park
Bear River State Park is located on the eastern edge of Evanston. It is a beautiful park that stretches on both sides of the river. The park offers magnificent views, opportunities to see wildlife, and nature trails for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Located close to the Utah border, it provides protection for forests, meadows, the river, and various types of wildlife. The park is especially known for its small herds of bison and elk, as well as occasional sightings of moose, deer, and bears.
After being cleaned up in the early nineties, people have been able to leisurely explore the park by the river and admire its stunning scenery. The park also provides amenities such as picnic spots, benches, and a pavilion for resting while observing wildlife. Additionally, there is a visitor’s center that provides educational information about the park.
3. Buffalo Bill State Park
The peaceful and scenic Buffalo Bill State Park is located west of Cody and covers a large area. It offers beautiful views and a variety of enjoyable outdoor activities. The park was established in 1957 and revolves around the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, which has a 350-foot-tall dam that used to be the tallest in the world.
Both the reservoir and dam are named after the famous Wild West figure William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody, who founded the nearby city and helped with agriculture and irrigation in northwestern Wyoming. In addition to hiking, biking, and camping along the shoreline, visitors can also swim and boat in the tranquil waters.
Don’t forget to visit the visitor’s center, which provides interesting exhibits on the region’s history and Buffalo Bill himself, after capturing some photos of the breathtaking Shoshone Canyon.
2. Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis is a great place to visit if you’re looking for relaxing activities. The park offers a variety of hot springs, spas, and water parks where guests can indulge in relaxation. It’s the perfect spot to soothe your tired muscles after a day of exploring and outdoor adventures.
The park is known for having the largest hot springs in North America, and these warm waters and beautiful travertine terraces have been protected as part of the park since 1897. Over the years, countless families have visited the park to see its pools and springs, as well as its ancient petroglyphs and a large population of peaceful bison.
While the springs themselves make for impressive sightseeing, no visit to the park would be complete without taking a dip yourself. You can have a great time at the establishments that offer wave pools and water slides, or you can relax at the State Bath House which provides both indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs for your enjoyment.
1. Fort Laramie National Historic Site
There are a few state parks in Wyoming that protect the beautiful nature and wildlife, but there are also a couple that preserve important historic sites. Fort Laramie is one of them, and it is located near a small town with the same name.
It has a collection of old buildings that tell the story of the nation’s westward expansion and the challenges faced by soldiers and settlers from Native Americans. The fort was built at a strategic location where the Laramie and North Platte rivers meet, which was a popular spot for travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails.
As a result, a trading post was established in the 1830s, and a military installation was later built to protect the travelers. The fort now has lots of interesting artifacts, exhibits, photos, and videos that give a glimpse into life at a frontier outpost during the American Indian Wars.
