Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Wyoming

Wyoming is among the most frequently visited and scenic of the 50 states. It is home to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, showcasing the finest aspects of American wilderness.

As a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, it also serves as a historical narrative of the nation, reflecting the era of frontier life and the wild west. This state offers a distinctive and enriching experience from beginning to end.

Let us examine the premier attractions in Wyoming:

1. Yellowstone National Park

This park holds the distinction of being the world’s first and therefore the oldest national park.

Its sprawling 2.2 million acres are often referred to as America’s ‘wonderland.’ Indeed, bison roam freely in the valleys, and sightings of grizzly bears, black bears, elk, antelope, gray wolves, and bald eagles are commonplace.

The park’s breathtaking natural features include Lamar Valley, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, among others.

While many visitors opt to drive through the park, the most rewarding way to experience it is on foot.

Engage closely with the diverse geothermal ecosystems.

Make sure to see the Lower Falls and the visitor center while you are there. It is advisable to allocate several days for your visit.

2. Grand Teton National Park

The Teton Mountain Range was formed millions of years ago due to geological faulting, resulting in the creation of 12 extraordinary peaks, all surpassing 12,000 feet in height.

The national park that encompasses these majestic mountains is one of Wyoming’s most treasured sites.

Visitors will encounter tranquil lakes, flowing rivers, verdant valleys, rugged peaks, and an abundance of wildlife, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

With over 60 mammal species and 300 bird species, the park presents opportunities for diverse wildlife viewing.

As with Yellowstone, hiking remains the optimal method for experiencing the park.

Moreover, activities such as kayaking, rafting, mountain climbing, snowshoeing, and skiing can enhance your visit.

Utilize the town of Jackson as a convenient base for exploring the park as well as the adjacent Bridger-Teton National Forest.

3. Grand Prismatic Spring

First discovered in the early 19th century, within what is now Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Prismatic Spring has fascinated and perplexed visitors ever since.

This expansive hot spring showcases a vibrant rainbow ring on its surface, a phenomenon caused by the bacteria and microbes present in the water, which change with the seasons.

It is a true marvel of the natural world, a must-see destination, and is not to be overlooked.

4. The Buffalo Bill Centre of the West

The American West represents a distinctive chapter in the history of the United States.

The Buffalo Bill Centre encapsulates this history through five exceptional museums.

Guests can explore the Cody Firearms Museum, the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Draper Museum of Natural History, The Whitney Gallery of Western Art, and the Plains Indian Museum.

During the summer months, visitors may also experience a rodeo featuring some of today’s leading cowboys.

The objective of the Centre is to immerse guests in the essence of the old west through cultural, scientific, artistic, and historical narratives.

5. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Centre

This facility offers much more than a traditional museum experience.

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Centre provides an interactive exploration of the area’s pivotal role in shaping American history.

The Centre recreates life on the old pioneer trails through life-size dioramas and multimedia presentations.

Discover the experiences of Wyoming’s first inhabitants, along with the significance of critical routes such as the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, the California Trail, and the renowned Pony Express Route.

Visitors can also partake in guided hikes and special events throughout the year.

6. Smith Mansion

Situated in the picturesque Wapiti Valley, Smith Mansion is steeped in intriguing history.

The tales surrounding the mansion’s construction are the subject of local legend.

Allegations suggest it was built by an eccentric individual, perhaps over an active mine shaft, or conceived as a joke.

The truth reveals Lee Smith’s home as a unique fusion of terraces and staircases, some leading to seemingly non-functional areas.

Originally intended as a project for his wife and children, the house initially appeared fairly ordinary.

However, as time passed, Smith expanded the structure, adding balconies, extra floors, and more.

Tragically, he fell to his demise while working on the house, which has remained vacant since.

His daughter has initiated a preservation campaign to ensure this extraordinary and legendary residence remains a part of the state’s heritage.

7. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Extending from Wyoming’s Green River into Utah, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area represents a stunning tribute to nature.

Named for the region’s striking red sandstone cliffs, it serves as an excellent destination for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, and swimming.

At the upper rim of the canyon, a visitor center and the beginning of the Canyon Rim Trail provide breathtaking vistas along the route.

Numerous magnificent viewpoints dot the trail.

This area is also significant for its prehistoric fossils and ancient petroglyphs found in the rocks.

8. Fort Laramie

Initially established as a fur trading post, Fort Laramie evolved into the first garrisoned post in the Wyoming territory.

Nearly all pioneers passed through this location to resupply before their journeys along the Mormon, California, and Oregon trails.

The post garnered use from gold miners, Native Americans, ranchers, missionaries, trappers, and many others, effectively earning the moniker ‘Crossroads of a Nation Moving West.’ Over the years, numerous treaties were convened here, along with the initiation of various conflicts.

Designated a national monument by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1938, Fort Laramie is now part of the national park system.

The visitor center presents a thorough history of the site, and guided tours are available to enliven the stories of the fort.

9. Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo

Since 1919, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo has honored its heritage with an extraordinary festival that continues to enhance its offerings each year.

Referred to as the ‘Daddy of ’em All,’ this rodeo stands as one of the premier events in the state.

The outdoor rodeo offers more than one million dollars in prizes and attracts elite participants from across the nation.

The ten-day festival features major concerts, parades, a carnival, a western art exhibition, and a re-created American Indian village.

Additional activities include touring an old saloon, dining at a chuck wagon cook-off, and savoring the best pancake breakfast imaginable.

Furthermore, the event includes an antique car show, an air show, trick riding, and wild horse races.

10. Devils Tower National Monument

Though a bit of a journey to arrive, the Devils Tower National Monument is unquestionably worth the effort.

Soaring 1,200 feet above the Belle Fourche River, the monument is a geological wonder.

Famed for its role in the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, it possesses a unique history reflective of Wyoming’s character.

The visitor center articulates the story of this volcanic phenomenon and showcases the evolving culture of the region.

The Tower Trail is a paved 1.3-mile path encircling the monument, with guided hikes available.

Rock climbers specifically prize Devils Tower, and during spring, photographers are drawn to the area because of the vibrant wildflower meadows in the surrounding forests.

The Belle Fourche River also serves as a prime fishing destination, attracting anglers seeking walleye, black bullhead, and other species.

11. Medicine Mountain

Atop Medicine Mountain, approximately 10,000 feet above the Bighorn Range, lies a beautiful and enigmatic configuration of stones.

Though enveloped by heavy snowfall for much of the year, the patterns emerge in summer.

The design resembles a wheel that spans 80 feet across, featuring 28 spokes radiating from the hub, which is large enough to seat individuals.

Affectionately known as a medicine wheel, these sacred formations, found throughout the mid-west, were constructed by Native American tribes.

The wheel at Bighorn has undergone extensive study.

Notably, archoeoastronomer Jack Eddy determined that it assists in predicting solar and stellar positions during the summer solstice.

Feel the energy of this sacred site, as its rich history renders it an essential visit when in the Bighorn area.

12. Hole-in-the Wall Hideout

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were indeed notorious figures of the American West, and within the Bighorn Mountains, their famous hideout can be visited.

Beginning in the late 19th century, this region became a favored stop along the outlaw trail during the romanticized lawless era of Wyoming’s history.

This hideout was utilized not only by Cassidy’s Wild Bunch but also by the Logan Brothers and Jesse James, making it a secluded and remote location.

As one can imagine, accessing the site isn’t straightforward, even today.

To reach it, one must navigate through an eroded hole in the wall mesa and then undertake a steep ascent over loose rocks to reach the summit.

From this vantage, you will enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the pass, ensuring no one could approach unnoticed.

Previously only reachable by horseback, the site is now accessible via a paved road leading to a foot trail that extends to the summit.

13. Bridger Valley Historic Byway

Once a pivotal junction for pioneers, this 20-mile loop now serves as a majestic route through historical landscapes.

Utilized by travelers on the California and Oregon trails, as well as the transcontinental railroad, the Lincoln Highway, and the Pony Express, this byway tells an essential story of the past.

Stops along the way include the Fort Bridger State Historic Site, along with the towns of Lyman, Urie, and Fort Bridger.

For history enthusiasts, it represents an ideal day trip.

At the historic site, visitors can explore the museum and take a tour of the historic buildings.

14. The Crow’s Nest

The Old Faithful Inn, located adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, features a whimsical and engaging design element.

Lying on the third floor, visitors will discover a 76-foot staircase leading to an indoor tree house.

From this tree house, a catwalk extends to a rooftop deck.

Referred to as the Crow’s Nest, this delightful structure was conceived by Robert Reamer to fulfill his childhood dream of a lofty tree house.

Initially intended as a venue for orchestras to entertain guests below, this imaginative space offers a unique perspective of the park.

15. Vore Buffalo Jump

Vore Buffalo Jump is a natural sinkhole and stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the state.

Once utilized by prehistoric Plains Indians, it served as a site for trapping bison over 500 years ago.

Historians estimate that multiple tribes exploited this site, resulting in the capture of at least 10,000 bison.

Visitors are welcomed during the summer months, where they can engage with staff members to learn how the sinkhole was utilized and how the Indigenous people made use of every aspect of the bison.

For those unfamiliar with natural sinkholes, Vore offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.