23 Best Things to Do in Wyoming

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Wyoming is a large state with lots of open spaces that have not been touched by humans. Despite being one of the largest states in the US, it has a low population density. This means that adventurous visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nature without encountering many other people.

The eastern part of the state is mainly covered by the Great Plains, while the west is home to the amazing national parks of Grand Teton and Yellowstone. These parks have impressive mountains, valleys, and lakes, offering a variety of outdoor activities and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Additionally, Wyoming has some interesting historical sites and charming cities scattered throughout. However, the main attraction for most people is the state’s impressive natural beauty, with its geysers, gorges, springs, and canyons. It’s hard to resist the call of the great outdoors when in Wyoming.

23. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

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Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a well-known and highly regarded ski destination in North America. It offers breathtaking views of the vast valley that shares its name. The resort is famous for its challenging terrain and impressive vertical drop, but it also caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

It is primarily located on the south-facing Apres Vous Mountain and opened to the public in 1965. Over the years, it has expanded significantly with the addition of twelve chairlifts and an aerial tram to transport visitors to its steep slopes and terrain parks.

The resort offers more than a hundred runs, spanning over 4,000 feet down the mountainside, providing an exhilarating skiing or snowboarding experience with stunning snowy landscapes to admire. In the summer months, the resort attracts hikers and bikers who enjoy exploring the rugged mountain range.

The resort’s bustling village base also hosts various entertaining events, concerts, and shows.

22. Fort Laramie

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Fort Laramie is an interesting and educational place located in the southeast of the state, near a small town called Fort Laramie. At this National Historic Site, you can learn about the expansion of the country towards the west and the challenges that settlers and soldiers faced due to Indian resistance.

Originally, it started as a private trading post in the 1830s but later became an important installation for the United States Army. This was because of its strategic location where two fast-flowing rivers meet and its proximity to the easiest crossing point over the Rockies.

Many wagon trains of migrant travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails would pass by the fort. Today, visitors can explore the historic buildings filled with real artifacts and exhibits.

There are also photos and short videos that cover various topics such as life at a frontier outpost, the short-lived Pony Express, and the American Indian Wars.

21. Flaming Gorge

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Flaming Gorge is a stunning national recreation area located on the Wyoming-Utah state line. It offers a wide range of thrilling outdoor activities and showcases breathtaking scenery and nature. The park’s main attraction is a huge reservoir created by the Green River being dammed.

Along the ninety-mile-long lake, there are many marinas where you can rent boats, kayaks, and enjoy fun water sports. You can also find secluded beaches and fishing spots scattered around. The gorge itself is characterized by its vibrant walls, which appear even more magnificent during sunrise and sunset.

Here, you can engage in activities like hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping. Additionally, the nearby Ashley National Forest provides endless opportunities for unforgettable adventures.

20. Bighorn Canyon

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The Bighorn Canyon, located on the border with Montana, offers a wide variety of exciting outdoor activities. It is a magnificent national recreation area that was formed by damming the river in the 1960s.

Part of the canyon lies within the Crow Indian Reservation, surrounded by the serene waters of Bighorn Lake and its stunning colorful and craggy walls. Stretching over seventy miles in length, the canyon provides a breathtaking sight and allows visitors to enjoy activities such as boating, kayaking, and watersports on the lake.

Additionally, you can go trout fishing and explore the area’s few historic ranches, or take a hike along the canyon’s rim to admire the views from above. The canyon also offers swimming and camping opportunities, while the nearby Pryor Mountains are home to herds of wild horses that can be seen.

19. Grand Prismatic Spring

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The Grand Prismatic Spring is a stunning natural wonder located in the western part of Yellowstone National Park. It is known for its beautiful colors that resemble an optical prism. This is the largest hot spring in the United States and it has a diameter of about 370 feet.

The vibrant hues of the pool are enhanced by the desolate and damaged landscapes surrounding it. Visitors can take breathtaking photos of the reds, yellows, greens, and blues of the spring, and also explore other nearby pools and geysers. The best view and photo opportunities of the site can be found at the overlook point.

18. Ayres Natural Bridge

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The Ayres Natural Bridge is a beautiful and popular tourist spot located between Glenrock and Douglas in eastern Wyoming. It is now part of a park and is surrounded by lush forests and red rock formations. Many people believe it is one of the first tourist attractions in Wyoming, visited by settlers on the Oregon Trail.

Since the 1840s, people have been amazed by the large arch that spans over the rushing LaPrele Creek. The arch is 30 feet tall and 50 feet long, providing a picturesque setting for photos. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as wading in the creek, hiking, having picnics, and camping in the park.

For those seeking breathtaking views, climbing to the top of the arch offers stunning panoramas.

17. Old Trail Town

If you want to experience life in the Old West, visit Old Trail Town. It has many old buildings from that time period, including cabins, saloons, stores, a carpenter’s shop, and a schoolhouse. Inside these buildings, you will find artifacts and furniture from that era, as well as displays of tools and wagons.

The town was reassembled in Cody, where it was originally founded by Buffalo Bill in 1895. Families love visiting Old Trail Town, and it’s conveniently located near Yellowstone National Park.

16. Lamar Valley

The Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park is a beautiful and untouched area where you can observe bison, moose, and wolves. It is located in the northeastern corner of the park and provides a safe space for local wildlife. The valley has stunning forests, plains, and streams surrounding the river of the same name.

You can easily spot and take photos of large herds of bison, and there is also a good chance of seeing wolves and grizzlies. Besides driving through and capturing pictures, you can also enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, and camping in the expansive valley.

Fly-fishing and birdwatching are also popular pastimes, with ospreys and bald eagles frequently flying overhead against the bright blue sky.

15. Grand Teton

Grand Teton is the second-highest peak in the state and is the main feature of the incredible national park with the same name. Many experienced climbers visit the peak as it offers challenging routes, and only about a thousand people reach the summit each year. Standing tall at 13,775 feet, Grand Teton is the highest peak in the range.

While some parts are easier to hike, others require climbing steep mountainsides and even rappelling in some cases. However, visitors to the park can still appreciate its immense size, grandeur, and stunning beauty without reaching the snowy summit.

Grand Teton is widely recognized and admired as one of the most impressive mountains in the country, and it can easily compete with Wyoming’s other natural attractions in terms of its breathtaking views.

14. Cheyenne Frontier Days

The Cheyenne Frontier Days is known as the biggest outdoor rodeo and western celebration in the world. People from both the local community and other places have been attending this festival since 1897. It offers a variety of entertainment, including rodeos, races, concerts, and competitions, spread over ten exciting days.

There are also numerous exhibits and activities for everyone to enjoy. In addition to bull riding and barrel races, you can witness thrilling events like steer wrestling, roping, and trick riding competitions. The festival also features lively parades, concerts, and carnival games that are enjoyed by people of all ages.

At the same time, Old Frontier Town and Indian Village offer a wide range of shops, stands, and stalls. To top it all off, there are thrilling air shows happening in the sky above.

13. Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake is located near Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. It was formed by glaciers a long time ago and has beautiful, reflective waters. The lake is surrounded by mountains, trees, valleys, and rocks, creating a stunning view. Besides enjoying its beauty, visitors can hike, bike, fish, swim, or kayak in the lake.

Many also come to paint, photograph, or draw the captivating scenery. Jenny Lake is a popular spot in the park and is close to many other amazing natural sights. It is recommended to camp or stay in a cozy lodge overnight to fully experience the scenic drives and sightseeing cruises available in the area.

12. Buffalo Bill Center of the West

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If you want to learn more about the Wild West, you should definitely visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It is located in Cody and has five museums filled with artifacts, exhibits, and artworks.

The center was created in 1917 to honor William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody and his impact on the American West, but has since grown to include more subjects. Some of the museums focus on art and weapons, while another explores the history and traditions of the Plains Indians.

In addition to learning about Buffalo Bill, you can also discover the local ecosystems and wildlife. Overall, the center offers a captivating experience through its combination of art, history, culture, and nature, making it a must-see attraction.

11. National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

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The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a museum that shows what life was like for pioneers traveling west in the 1800s. It has interactive exhibits that are interesting and engaging. The museum opened in 2002 and is located on the northwestern edge of Casper.

Inside, there are big rooms with displays that look like real scenes from the past. There are videos and special effects that make the exhibits come to life. The museum focuses on the four main trails that went through Wyoming: Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express.

They have real things from that time period, like personal belongings and old wagons. It’s one of the most popular things to see in the city.

10. Old Faithful

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In the state, there is a famous landmark called Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park. It is known for its predictable and massive eruptions that happen almost every hour in the park’s southwest section. The geyser got its name from the Washburn Expedition of 1870 because of its reliable nature.

Even though it is not the tallest or largest geyser in the park, it shoots up boiling water around 100 to 180 feet high. This amazing natural spectacle usually lasts for one and a half to five minutes. While waiting for the next eruption, you can explore the nearby restaurants, shops, or visit the visitor center to learn more about it.

The Upper Geyser Basin also has many other impressive geysers to see in that area.

9. Mammoth Hot Springs

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While many people may be drawn to Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful, it would be a mistake to overlook the breathtaking Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Located in the northernmost part of the park, these hot springs create awe-inspiring landscapes through a long process.

The hot springs slowly dissolve the soft rock, resulting in magnificent limestone formations that continuously change. The area is now filled with colorful terraces made of white, pink, and red travertine.

Over time, a small settlement has developed near the springs, offering visitors a chance to explore the historic district named after the springs. Here, you can visit Fort Yellowstone, learn at the informative visitor center, and take advantage of spas and hotels for relaxation.

8. Devil’s Tower

Impressively, Devil’s Tower was the first national monument established in the US in 1906. It is a striking sight that dominates and defines its surroundings in northeast Wyoming, towering 1,267 feet above the rugged terrain. The tower is actually the core of an ancient volcano that has been exposed by the elements.

Despite its steep sides and remote location, outdoor enthusiasts can hike and camp around its base. The visitor center provides a great opportunity to learn more about Devil’s Tower and its significance to Native American tribes, who consider it sacred.

Additionally, sci-fi fans may recognize Devil’s Tower from the climactic scenes of Steven Spielberg’s award-winning film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

7. Jackson Town Square

The center of this delightful town has a lovely little square where you can spend some time. The square is famous for its elk antler archways on each corner, and it is surrounded by numerous local shops and restaurants. Both residents and tourists enjoy visiting this beautiful park, which has lush lawns, leafy paths, and comfortable benches.

The most fascinating feature of the square is undoubtedly its intriguing archways, each made of many bright white antlers. You can not only take photos under the archways but also enjoy a peaceful stagecoach ride around the square and nearby streets, or visit the thriving businesses in the area.

In addition to souvenir shops and western-style bars, there are also art galleries, clothing stores, and a small shopping center to explore.

6. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

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The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a popular and beautiful part of the park. It has stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and hiking trails that nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy. The canyon was formed over millions of years and is about 24 miles long, with sides that drop between 800 to 1,200 feet.

The Yellowstone River runs at the bottom, gradually eroding the rock. Along the river, there are loud waterfalls and smaller falls, streams, and hot springs on the canyon walls. Hiking along the rim of the canyon offers incredible views and overlooks. There is also a nearby campground called Canyon Campground for visitors to stay.

5. National Elk Refuge

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If you want to see amazing wildlife in Wyoming, the National Elk Refuge is one of the best places to go. It is located just east of Jackson and has large, beautiful landscapes where animals like bison, wolves, bears, and elk are protected.

The refuge was created in 1912 to preserve the natural habitat and wildlife, and each winter around 7,500 elk make it their home. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy hills and valleys to see the huge herds of elk.

Throughout the rest of the year, you can hike around the mountains, marshes, and meadows, or simply look out of your car window along Refuge Road to spot elk and other animals. Sometimes, you might even get lucky and see bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and coyotes with the magnificent mountains as a stunning backdrop.

4. Bridger Teton National Forest

In northwest Wyoming lies the beautiful Bridger Teton National Forest, covering a massive area. The forest boasts 2,000 miles of scenic trails, cozy campsites, and recreational spots for exploration.

Ranked as the third-largest national forest in the country, excluding Alaska, it offers diverse landscapes, including vast woods, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, and glaciers. Notable features include the Continental Divide, Wind River Mountains, and the towering 13,804 feet high Gannett Peak.

Visitors can engage in various activities, such as exploring the mountain’s slopes, summit, driving along scenic byways, or kayaking in its picturesque waterways. Highlights include the stunning Snake River Canyon and the popular Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

3. Fossil Butte National Monument

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Located in the southwest corner of the state, Fossil Butte National Monument is a remarkable place to visit. It is home to a large number of captivating fossils and a massive butte, as well as offering enjoyable hikes, scenic drives, and educational geology talks.

What makes this site truly special is that the fossils of animals, fish, and plants were miraculously preserved beneath the ancient sediments of the now dried-up Fossil Lake. These fossils, dating back to the Eocene Epoch around 56 to 34 million years ago, were discovered by miners in the late nineteenth century.

Nowadays, most visitors explore the detailed fossils in the monument’s visitor center, where they can engage with interactive exhibits, watch informative videos, and listen to rangers talk about the geology and history of the area. Additionally, hikes around the butte provide a better understanding of the landscape.

2. Raft the Snake River

If you’re looking for an exciting experience, rafting down the Snake River is the way to go. The river starts in western Wyoming and has parts that are easy to navigate with rapids and others where you can peacefully float while enjoying the amazing scenery.

Even though the river stretches over a thousand miles through six states, only a small portion is in Wyoming. This beautiful section passes through the Teton Range, Snake River Canyon, and Jackson Hole. Some parts of the river are more challenging due to rocks and rapids.

In Jackson and its surroundings, there are many companies that offer rafting trips suitable for all ages and skill levels. You’ll be guaranteed breathtaking views and incredible nature throughout the entire journey.

1. Hot Springs State Park

After a tiring day of exploring and enjoying outdoor activities, why not take a break and relax in Hot Springs State Park? This park is not only known for having the biggest hot springs in North America but also offers wonderful spas and water parks for some fun splashing around.

It was the first state park established in Wyoming back in 1897 and is located in the town of Thermopolis, which is appropriately named due to its warm waters and travertine terraces. Along with the fascinating bubbling hot springs, visitors can also spot a large herd of bison and see ancient petroglyphs in this expansive park.

If you visit the State Bath House, you can enjoy the warm waters both indoors and outdoors for free. Additionally, other establishments in the area have water slides, hot tubs, and wave pools for more water-related fun activities.

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