Discover the Best of Wyoming with iBestTravel

One thing you won’t find in Wyoming is bustling metropolises – the largest city, Cheyenne, has just 65,000 residents. However, if you’re searching for a touch of the West – wide-open spaces, tall peaks, Indigenous history, wildlife, geysers, hot springs, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and staged “gunslinger duels” – you’ll find it along with plenty of small-town charm.

Different parts of the state feature different attractions, from ski-town Jackson Hole to college-town Laramie and outdoor-icon Lander. Choose your destination – or opt for a few – and explore the best of Wyoming.

Yellowstone National Park

Best National Park for Geysers and Wildlife

Yellowstone is the country’s first national park, renowned for its over 10,000 hydrothermal features, stunning scenery, and exceptional wildlife viewing. Walk the boardwalks and marvel at the colorful multi-hued hydrothermal features, watch geysers erupt, and observe boiling mud – it’s far more captivating than one might expect.

Old Faithful’s eruptions are so predictable that the park publishes a schedule of predicted eruption times for this iconic geyser, as well as a few others. Therefore, be sure to arrive early; the predictions are mere estimates, and being late is not advisable.

Spend time in wildlife hotspots like Lamar and Hayden valleys. Dawn and dusk are prime times for wildlife viewing, and you can often spot critters like bison herds throughout the day.

Grand Teton National Park

Best National Park for Hiking

Prepare your gear, clip your bear spray to your belt, and get ready to hike. Grand Teton National Park is a favorite for trail enthusiasts, featuring excellent options for everything from a leisurely stroll to an intensive multi-day adventure. For a scenic day hike, consider Jenny Lake, or tackle one of the park’s mountain canyons.

To enjoy an overnight backcountry experience, secure a backcountry permit months in advance, or go for a first-come, first-serve permit available in-person a day before your adventure begins. Be aware that competition for permits can be fierce, so having a backup plan is wise.

Prepare yourself thoroughly for any hike in the park, and always check current conditions and weather updates, as mountain conditions can change rapidly. Additionally, be ready for wildlife encounters and practice good bear safety.

Jackson Hole

Best Town for Skiers

Receiving over 500 inches of snow annually – blanketing some of the best terrain in the world – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is on every avid skier’s bucket list. Make arrangements early and enjoy days cruising down pristine groomers or seeking fresh powder turns at Teton Village. Alternatively, stay closer to Jackson and experience “Town Hill” at Snow King Mountain Resort, which is within walking distance from town.

Jackson also offers various top-notch après-ski options. Explore Teton Village’s diverse offerings, from cozy lodges to bustling saloons where you can often enjoy live music. Venture into Jackson town to experience local favorites, such as the Snake River Brewery.

Cody

Best Place to Learn About the Past

Spread across five different museums and a research library, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West beautifully narrates the grand yet chaotic story of the American West. While all five museums are certainly worth a visit, if time is limited, make sure to explore the Plains Indian Museum. It showcases the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Indigenous peoples who inhabited these lands long before Europeans arrived.

Founded in 1979, the museum displays both historical artifacts, such as an authentic buffalo hide tipi from around 1850, as well as contemporary works by local artists. Cody is also known for hosting the Plains Indian Powwow, typically held in June.

The center includes the Buffalo Bill Museum, Whitney Western Art Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, and Cody Firearms Museum.

Dubois

Best Place for Guest Ranches

With fewer than 1000 residents, Dubois might be small, but it’s one of the best places in the state to enjoy a stay at one of the nearby guest or “dude” ranches. Experience ranch life, saddle up to explore the terrain, cast a fishing line, or join a multi-day horseback trip into the wilderness.

In town, make sure to visit the Dubois Museum, National Museum of Military Vehicles, and the National Bighorn Sheep Center. Don’t miss the Dubois Friday Night Rodeo in the summer, and grab a bite before diving into the ranching world – a deli sandwich, pizza slice, or a juicy steak could be just the right fuel.

Thermopolis

Best Place to Enjoy Hot Springs

Renowned for its hot springs, Thermopolis is a must-visit soaking paradise suitable for couples, groups, solo travelers, and families alike. Indulge in a relaxing soak at Hot Springs State Park’s bathhouse or dive into some exciting water park action at Star Plunge, featuring water slides, pools, and a natural “vapor cave,” an organic steam room.

However, Thermopolis has much more to offer beyond hot springs. Hike the six miles of trails at the state park, visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, or hire a guide for a thrilling fishing trip or horseback riding tour. Whether you seek relaxation or action, options abound.

Lander

Best Outdoorsy Town

Lander is home to the headquarters of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), naturally making it a hub for outdoor adventures. The town boasts a vibrant community involved with NOLS, with ample outdoor enthusiasts eager to climb, mountain bike, or hike. Plus, with Sinks Canyon State Park just down the road, there are countless opportunities for outdoor fun.

After a fulfilling day outdoors, wind down in town at Lander Brewing Company, a popular spot to relive the day’s exploits while savoring a pint of local brew.

Laramie

Best College Town Vibe

Laramie is home to the University of Wyoming and Cowboys football, in addition to having the country’s highest elevation Division 1 stadium, positioned at 7,220 feet. This vibrant college town continuously offers engaging events, parties, live music, art walks, farmers markets, and other activities that keep its streets lively.

Do not miss Laramie Jubilee Days in July, an event that perfectly encapsulates the local culture.

Laramie showcases one of the most diverse food scenes in the state, ranging from Indian and Mexican to Italian, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. Be sure to find a cozy coffee shop perfect for studying or relaxing, and visit one of many local bars to catch a game or enjoy time with friends.

Cheyenne

Best Place for a Classic Wyoming Experience

Cheyenne isn’t just Wyoming’s capital city – it also holds a special place in every country music lover’s heart. From George Strait’s “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” to Garth Brooks’ “The Beaches of Cheyenne,” the city recurrently appears in country music for a reason. Take some time to visit the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum for an insight into rodeo history or experience the excitement during rodeo season.

Rich in history, Cheyenne invites visitors to immerse themselves in local lore at the Wyoming State Capitol, Wyoming Historic Governors Mansion, or Cheyenne Depot Museum for a rich railroad history experience. The Nelson Museum of the West features Native American exhibits, including the Art of the Pueblo Indians and Art of the Plains Indians.

In summer, head to “Gunslinger Square” downtown to watch a staged Wild West gunfight, and hop on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley to learn more about Wild West history.

Throughout Cheyenne, you’ll spot large-scale “Big Boots” artworks, custom-designed by various Wyoming artists as public art pieces.

Casper

Best Fly-Fishing Town

Casper is a river town known for its excellent fly-fishing opportunities. Visit the “Miracle Mile” for excellent trout fishing, or remain in town and fish the North Platte River as it flows through. While the North Platte is a blue-ribbon fishing destination, you can also cast your line in nearby waters, including Alcova Reservoir and Fremont Canyon. Consider visiting a local fly shop for valuable insights on conditions or hiring a fishing guide for an enhanced experience.

Explore the Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site, National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, or Salt Creek Museum for a glimpse into the area’s history. For astronomy enthusiasts, the Casper Planetarium offers a chance to explore the cosmos. With numerous breweries, Casper has made its mark on the Wyoming Beer Trail, including Gruner Brothers Brewing, which provides tours for a behind-the-scenes look.

Plan Your Wyoming Adventure

Discover a range of activities such as camping in Wyoming’s beautiful landscapes, exploring its fascinating museums, or enjoying refreshing swimming spots. Wyoming has much to offer for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.

This article was first published on June 19, 2022, and updated on July 8, 2024.