Wyoming’s natural beauty is one of the most compelling reasons to visit the state. Wyoming is a year-round tourist destination because of its breathtaking scenery, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and six mountain ranges around the Big Horn Basin.
As a bonus, there are lots of things to do in Wyoming that don’t require a lot of energy. Vacationers go to Wyoming for the state’s many outdoor pursuits, including hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and skiing. Those who are interested in the Wild West may find Wyoming’s location to be of particular interest.
You can find plenty of activities for all ages and interests in Wyoming, so it’s a terrific place to visit. In Wyoming, these are the top locations to visit. The following is a list of the top tourist destinations in Wyoming.
1. Buffalo Bill Dam
The Buffalo Bill Dam, which was erected in the early 1900s and is over 300 feet tall, was the world’s tallest dam at the time.
It was an amazingly ambitious project composed of concrete and granite rock that spanned the Shoshone River for much of its five-year construction. A self-guided audio tour of the dam’s engineering history is available to visitors today. A visitor center with exhibits and films is also open if you’d want to learn more.
The Buffalo Bill Dam isn’t featured in many travel guides because it isn’t one of Wyoming’s most popular tourist sites. However, aside from the fact that you can see something of the state’s past, it’s a worthwhile stop for the more adventurous tourists!
2. Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring is located in the Midway Geyser Basin. In terms of size and depth, it’s the deepest and broadest hot spring in Yellowstone Park. For the most part, it’s naturally around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This spring’s ever-changing colors are the most breathtaking aspect of it all.
In the summer, it’s a vibrant red and orange, and in the winter, it’s a gorgeous festive green. The pool’s interior is a brilliant azure blue, contrasting sharply with the darker blue of the surrounds. Both Fairy Falls Trail and Excelsior Geyser’s boardwalk allow visitors to see the spring.
3. Devils Tower National Monument
The Devils Tower National Monument rises spectacularly from the rolling prairies of South Dakota, just a short distance from the Black Hills. A sacred site to the Lakota people and twenty other tribes, moreover, it is a holy site visited by people worldwide. It’s best renowned as one of the continent’s top spots for traditional crack climbing.
The Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile paved loop around the monument’s base, is one of several natural, quiet hiking trails. Check to see the Circle of Sacred Smoke sculpture and the boulder field before heading to the Visitor’s Center to observe the educational displays and presentations about the area’s history and culture.
4. Grand Targhee Resort
Despite its reputation for being dry and arid, Wyoming receives more than 60 inches of snow each year, most of which falls in the higher elevations. Try the Grand Targhee Resort if you’re looking for an excellent area to ski!
Skiers of all abilities can enjoy anything from beginner instruction to backcountry free skiing at an advanced level in these beautiful snowy hills. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, fat biking, and other winter sports are also available.
Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding and 18-hole disc golf during summer. However, even though they are only open when the snow has melted, these attractions keep you entertained all year.
However, the Grand Targhee Resort is the place to go if you’re looking for winter activities in Wyoming. It’s not all rocks and deserts in the state.
5. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is among the largest park in the United States, with 2.2 million acres. Panorama views, geysers, and spectacular waterfalls will take visitors’ breaths away. In addition, there are more than 10,000 thermal activities in the area.
Besides lakes, streams, forests, mountains, and meadows that change with the seasons, the park is also home to various species. Adventure sports such as hiking, camping, biking, boating, ski- and snowshoe-mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are available all year.
6. Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake can be found within Yellowstone National Park’s boundaries. As the largest high-altitude lake in America, it’s noted for its exceptional cutthroat trout fishing opportunities. See elk close to Fishing Bridge, Pelican Creek/Bridge Bay, and other wildlife attractions. Along the streams that feed Yellowstone Lake, Grizzly bears are frequently seen.
Temperatures in the alpine lake are too high for swimming, and canoeing or kayaking are equally unsafe due to harsh water conditions. Visitors can shop and dine at Lake Village, while the Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins provides traditional Colonial lodging.
7. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is carved out by volcanic rhyolite lava flow, faulting, and the earth’s heat. Lower Falls, Crystal Falls, and Upper Falls are the most impressive of the three waterfalls. The red, pink, yellow, and white hues of the canyon’s rocks have altered throughout millennia, creating beautiful structures. “Its magnificent colors were beyond the reach of human creativity,” claimed 19th-century painter Thomas Moran.
8. Grand Teton National Park
The town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Yellowstone National Park are separated by the Grand Teton National Park, found in the northwest corner of Wyoming. Hiking or driving through scenic landscapes is a popular activity for visitors in the Moose District of the park. The Teton peaks are the most prominent features in the Jenny Lake region.
Mountain lakes, the Snake River, Flagg Ranch, and the Colter Bay Visitor Center are some attractions that await guests in Colter Bay. In addition, the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve provides visitors with a space to get in touch with nature in peace and quiet. Camping is offered throughout the park for visitors, from those traveling in RVs to those hiking into the backcountry.
9. Upper Geyser Basin
The geyser population is thought to be the largest in Yellowstone National Park’s Upper Geyser Basin, with the most geysers and some in the world. Old Faithful Geyser is very popular of all of them since it explodes with the most regularity and frequency.
Daisy, Castle, Grand, and Riverside are the names of the four other significant geysers that can be visited. Visit the Old Faithful Visitors Center to acquire the daily projection timings if you want the best chance of seeing the volcanoes erupt. Along the entire length of the Firehole River, there are dozens upon dozens of more geysers and hot springs, a Morning Glory Pool, one-of-a-kind lookout locations, as well as asphalt and dirt trails.
10. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
The red sandstone cliffs of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area give the area its name. One of Wyoming’s greatest natural beauties, the sunrise and sunset colours are as vibrant and dazzling as a natural flame.
There are mountains, rivers, forests, and canyons in the recreation area for you to explore. Among the activities available are kayaking, camping, fishing, and air gliding. In addition, there are several places to stand on a cliff and look down into the gorges and reservoirs below, which is a significant tourist attraction.
There’s no better place to share your exploits with the world via Livestream, reflect on the state of the cosmos, or lose yourself in a painting. But, first, it’s essential to know that the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is legally in Utah, but because it extends into Wyoming, it’s easily accessible on a Wyoming vacation.
11. Rock Springs
The high desert of southwestern Wyoming is home to Rock Springs, which is located there. Rock Springs is a popular destination for tourists seeking a place to play golfing, fishing, off-roading, and hunting while away from work. Both the well-known Rock Springs Family Recreation Center and the Wataha Recreation Complex may be found in this relatively tiny city.
The Sweetwater County Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyoming, plays host to the Mountain States Circuit pro rodeo finals, the national high school rodeo finals, and the Red Desert Roundup Rodeo. In addition, this location plays host to Wyoming’s Big Show, the county fair every year. The surrounding area is filled with hiking and mountain riding trails. Other nearby natural features include the White Mountain Petroglyphs and the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour.
12. Buffalo
The town of Buffalo is located at the western terminus of the Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway, which is 47 miles long and travels through the Bighorn National Forest and the Bighorn Mountains on its way to the community of Ten Sleep.
The town contains about a dozen structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of which is the Occidental Hotel, which was built in 1880 and is famous for being the setting of the western novel The Virginian in which the protagonist successfully catches his quarry. In addition, the Jim Gatchell Museum houses more than 15,000 relics from the American Old West, and visitors may also stop by the neighboring Hole-in-the-Wall Outlaw Hideout to see where the Sundance Kid and the Wild Bunch hid out.
13. Wyoming Dinosaur Center
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center was created after discovering dinosaur remains on a nearby ranch. To make matters even better, paleontologists are still exploring nearby. Therefore, the museum is one of only a few in the world situated near active sites.
The museum’s exhibits contain anything from educational displays to mounted full-body skeletons of T-Rexes and Triceratopses. In North America, Archaeopteryx is the only specimen of its kind. And did we forget to mention your ability to dig?
Many tourists have uncovered treasures like sea shells and tiny fossilized bones from long-forgotten species while digging at dedicated sites for children and adults. Visiting the Wyoming Dinosaur Center is one of the highlights of your time spent in the Cowboy State.
14. Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep got its name because it was “ten periods of sleep” (or ten miles) between two Sioux camps. This community is known for its sheep and cattle ranching, and it is located at the end of the Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway, which is 47 miles long and passes through Bighorn National Forest and the Bighorn Mountains on its way to Buffalo, Wyoming. This is the place to come to enjoy a dude ranching experience of the highest caliber.
Other well-liked activities include mountain and rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, and four-wheeling. In addition, visitors can ice climb, snowboard, ski, and ride snowmobiles during the winter season. At Signal Cliff, a historically significant location for the transmission of smoke signals by Native Americans, one may get a view of the Bighorn Mountains from both Thermopolis and Shell Creek.
15. Old Trail Town
As one of Wyoming’s most famous tourist attractions, Old Trail Town is also a pilgrimage site for individuals interested in the Wild West. This is because it is a replica of the town built in 1895 by Buffalo Bill. Some buildings on display are barns, saloons, local stores, homestead cabins, and a log-built one-room schoolhouse.
On-site museums and the graves of famed pioneers like Jeremiah “Liver Eatin'” Johnston are also noteworthy stops. There is no need to be a cowboy to enjoy Old Trail Town, but it certainly helps. It’s a must-see in Wyoming if you’re into colonial history and the eccentric characters that lived there.
16. Buford
Buford, Wyoming, is a town you’ve probably never heard of. There are fewer than a few dozen people in the town at any given time. When people began moving west to locations like California, the train town’s jobs dried up, and by the early 1900s, the population had fallen to just one family. This includes a Vietnamese man who bought an entire village for $900,000 to sell his own brand of coffee to visitors who came to ogle at the beautiful scenery.
A man runs a convenience shop where he sells drinks and snacks to passing truckers, but there are no longer any permanent residents of Buford. The tourists who keep coming to gawk are also his revenue source. As far as things to do go in Buford, there is not a lot to do, but it’ll be a unique experience and an entertaining tale of your holiday! Another option is to take a picture with the town’s famous sign: On top of “population 1,” it states “elevation 8,000.”
17. Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum
A visit to Wyoming’s Frontier Prison Museum, one of the state’s more gruesome attractions, is sure to please those who enjoy the bizarre and the horrific. The prison is a remnant of the Wild West era. But then, there were so few people in Wyoming that it was famous for hiding criminals like murders, train robbers, horse thieves, and others. Outlaws were eventually rounded up and sent to a maximum-security jail, where they were known for their human rights abuses and abundance of escapes.
All types of gruesome artifacts from the past can be found in the abandoned building today. A gallows and a gas chamber share space in the same labyrinth as a dungeon and a whipping post. As a haunted house, it’s a popular destination for those who enjoy the horrific and the terrible. If you’re seeking Wyoming attractions that aren’t on the typical tourist trail, the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum should be on your list.
18. Thunder Basin National Grassland
In Northwestern Wyoming, Thunder Basin National Grassland is a huge expanse of grassland situated between the Bighorns and the Black Hills. Cattle and sheep have been grazing on this shortgrass pasture for centuries, thanks to the presence of woody vegetation along waterways.
There are no designated campgrounds, although visitors are permitted to set up overnight in various locations within the park. There are a number of surrounding national forests where you may enjoy a wide range of other outdoor pursuits such as climbing, horseback riding, off-roading and swimming.
19. Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site
The Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site may be found in the middle of Wyoming and is famous for the unique formations that can be found there. The wind-sculpted sandstone formations in this area, which seem like the turrets and towers of castles, have been drawing tourists to this area for thousands of years.
The Castle Gardens Shield Style is featured prominently in the Native American rock art that can be seen all over the region, which is more commonly referred to as petroglyphs. Figures that have been described as “elaborate” and “carefully crafted” have been found in some of the earliest and most well-known illustrations of shield-wielding warrior figures. These illustrations are also among the most famous. They are distinctive to Wind River and the Bighorn Basin because of their unique method and outstanding style.
20. National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge is in the Jackson Hole region of Northwestern Wyoming and encompasses nearly 25,000 acres of an intermountain valley with grassy meadows, rolling hills, and marshes. In addition, the refuge includes several wooded acres, some of which are located along the Gros Ventre River and have breathtaking Douglas firs, aspen, and Lodgepole Pine trees.
The varied wildness provides good homes for a wide variety of natural wildlife, including the Jackson Elk herd, which is significant on a national scale, as well as numerous endangered species, a variety of large game animals, birds, and fish. In addition, the National Elk Refuge protects and cares for a wide variety of other species in addition to elk, including bison, wolves, and Trumpeter Swans, to name just a few.
21. Bighorn National Forest
The Bighorn Mountains, which are located in the exact location as the Rockies but have a more varied topography, are known as the Rocky Mountains’ sister range. The available landscapes to tourists range from meadows to prairies, clear lakes to glacially carved canyons, modest hills to towering mountain walls, and all in between.
More than 100 miles of beautiful byways, various reservoirs, streams, acres of forest, and many trails are all there for you to explore. The Bighorn National Forest is home to over 30 campgrounds and cabins, as well as various beautiful routes, picnic places, and observation areas that visitors can take advantage of. In addition, various outdoor recreational pursuits are available, including walking, fishing, riding bicycles, swimming, hunting, horseback riding, off-roading, and other sports.
22. Bridger-Teton National Forest
Located in western Wyoming, the Bridger-Teton National Forest covers an area larger than the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It is a large forest area with untouched watersheds and wildlife. Crystal-clear rivers and streams, and breathtaking wildness await the many visitors to the area.
There is just a handful of Periodic Springs like the one in the forest. From 4 to 25 minutes, these springs release about 300 gallons of water each second in intermittent flow. The Snake River Canyon has numerous outdoor activities, including kayaking, rafting, and canoeing.
23. Laurance Rockefeller Preserve
Beginning at the Preserve Center, visitors to the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve can participate in a wide range of activities. At the Preserve Center, guests can gain insight into Mr. Rockefeller’s goals for the preserve. A soundscape room, high-definition nature videos, large-scale photographs, and audio recordings of his thoughts on conservation all contribute to a more accurate depiction of his objectives.
Walks at sunrise and sunset and guided trips to Phelps Lake are just some of the daily activities that may be participated in through the center. In addition, visitors can hike the network of trails that spans 8 miles and offers views of Death Canyon, Phelps Lake, and the Teton Range. The route from Moose to Teton Village is very scenic and offers views of wildlife and woods, and ponds.
24. The Intermittent Spring
As one of Wyoming’s most scenic destinations, the Intermittent Spring is also a mystery to science. As you can see, the spring does not flow consistently. Instead, a strange beat begins and ends the song. It’s possible that the water accumulating and siphoning off underground is to blame, although geologists don’t know for sure. However, everybody agrees that no matter what the reason, seeing something like this is a fantastic experience.
The sparkling river rushing over smooth stones and mossy green logs add to its beauty. Intermittent spring is one of the rarest springs in the world, and the one in Jerusalem is regarded as a sacred sight.
In Wyoming, do you want to try something new? Is there anything you’d like to do in the United States that you cannot obtain anywhere else? A trip to the Intermittent Spring is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
25. Wyoming State Fair
Douglas, Wyoming, becomes a statewide tourist destination for the annual fair once a year. Thousands of people descend on the games, rides, art stalls, food trucks, and concert stages, making it one of Wyoming’s liveliest tourist destinations. In addition, kamikaze and skydiving rides are available for thrill-seekers.
If you like strange foods, you can consume deep-fried candy bars and meat skewers that haven’t been identified. Performing arts such as magic, music, animal shows, and artisan displays are available to those who want to stroll about and take it all in. Goat exhibits and sheep wagon parades are also joint in Wyoming, where the state is located. In addition to rodeos, many people enjoy horse shows, which may not be as exciting as a rodeo but still evoke the frontier spirit.
Plan your trip to Wyoming around the Wyoming State Fair, held annually in late summer. Attend this all-ages event now or regret it later!
26. Dubois
It is believed that Dubois, located in Wyoming, is “one of the remaining real Western towns” in the United States. As a result of its location in the middle of two spectacular mountain ranges — the Wind River and the Absarokas — one of the attractions is the native flora and fauna as well as the natural regions. Among the lupine blooms, cactus flowers, and Indian paintbrushes, visitors will have the opportunity to spot mountain bluebirds, bighorn sheep, wolves, eagles, and falcons, as well as deer and bighorn sheep.
In addition, various outdoor pursuits are available throughout the year, ranging from off-roading and fishing to dog sledding and Nordic skiing.
27. Lander
Lander is a relatively tiny town in Wyoming, with slightly more than 7,000 people. It was founded in 1884. Hiking, fishing, and other forms of equestrian and non-motorized horseback riding are just some of the many types of outdoor leisure available to guests of this town.
It also has a few cultural attractions, such as the Lander Art Center, which hosts eight different exhibits throughout the year, and the Lander Children’s Museum, which is perfect for children under the age of 12 and features a variety of exhibitions in areas such as mathematics, science, art, music, and reading. In addition, tourists can go to the Lander Historic District, which features a variety of one-of-a-kind retail possibilities, the Grand Theater, and significant landmarks such as the Bucking Horse and Rider statue.
28. Sheridan
Sheridan, located in Wyoming and surrounded by the Bighorn Mountain Range, gives guests a taste of the Old West while also providing them with the conveniences of the present day. The Rosebud Battlefield and the Conflict of Little Bighorn National Monument are two of the nearby Indian War battle sites that offer fascinating insights into the region’s past.
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo, which lasts for an entire week, and the First People’s Pow Wow and Dance, which takes place in July, are exceptionally well attended. At the turn of the 20th century, affluent ranchers had a lifestyle depicted in detail at the Trail End State Historic Site. At a guest ranch, guests can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, see a cattle drive, or share a beer with local cowboys while at the 1907 Mint Bar.
29. Thermopolis
Thermopolis, Wyoming, is a fantastic destination for summer vacations with the whole family because it features hot baths and dinosaurs, two of the state’s most popular attractions. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center allows its guests to view one-of-a-kind dinosaur exhibits and participate in guided tours of active dig sites. Some people can even join in the digging themselves through a program called Dig for a Day.
Visitors to Hot Springs State Park are treated to spectacular panoramas of colorful cascading terraces, a free bath house suitable for the entire family, and a swinging bridge that offers stunning views. Viewing almost 300 petroglyphs at the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, participating in a Wyoming Whiskey Distillery Tour, and going on a two-day DINOmite Loop Tour are some of the other things to do in and around Thermopolis.
30. Casper
The city of Casper in Wyoming is often referred to as an outpost of the Wild West. During the westward expansion, Casper served as a rest stop for travelers on their way to Oregon and California. The tradition of the Old West is still alive and well in modern times, as seen by the existence of western wear shops, restaurants with a western theme, an active rodeo scene, and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
Anglers looking for brown and rainbow trout on the North Platte River will have plenty of opportunities, as well as hunters looking for deer, antelope, pheasant, and duck. People who live in the city are lured to the area because it has championship golf courses, a local theatre, a symphony, and a lively restaurant scene. Skiing (both downhill and cross-country), snowmobiling, and other winter sports are some of the activities that may be enjoyed at Casper Mountain.
31. Cheyenne
Visitors can begin their exploration of Cheyenne, the state capital of Wyoming, with the historic Cheyenne Depot & Museum, also the location of the city’s Visitor Center. This is a popular destination for tourists. In addition, the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley provides a narrated landmark city tour, which is an excellent opportunity to get an idea of the area.
Other remarkable destinations in the vicinity of Cheyenne include the Curt Gowdy State Park, where visitors can fish for salmon and trout; the Vedauwoo Recreation Area, where visitors can hike or bike among ancient rock formations; and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, which serve as both an educational and inspirational resource. The Cheyenne Frontier Days outdoor rodeo, the Terry Bison Ranch, and the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch trail rides and cowboy supper presentations are some of the must-see attractions in the area. The Cheyenne Frontier Days run for ten days.
32. Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Among the many attractions of Buffalo Bill Center of the West are raptor presentations and chuckwagon dining. As if that wasn’t enough, the city is home to five museums: Except for the Whitney Western Art Museum, all of these museums are located in or near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Whether you’re a fan of antique handguns or natural minerals and gemstones, this is the best spot to visit! Due to their proximity, you’ll never be more than a short walk away from your next experience.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in northern Wyoming is one of the most popular attractions in the area. It’s a great way to keep the whole family entertained if you’re nearby.
33. Cody
William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a showman and frontiersman, was the person who founded the community that is now known as Cody, Wyoming. Outdoor activities are the primary attraction in this community, as they are in many other beautiful places in Wyoming. Visitors can ice climb throughout the winter months, as well as go fishing, backpacking, rafting, rock climbing, and camping during the summer.
Buffalo Bill Dam and Reservoir, the Absaroka Mountain Range, the Beartooth Mountain Range, Heart Mountain in Bighorn Basin, and Yellowstone National Park are some of the natural wonders close to Cody that visitors should not miss. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a collection of museums and a research library located in the city that visitors will indeed find fascinating. In addition, Stampede Park, which bills itself as the “rodeo center of the world,” is located within the complex.
34. Jackson
The town of Jackson, located in Wyoming, is situated at an elevation of more than 6,000 feet. The four elk antler arches that serve as entrances to George Washington Memorial Park, more often known as Town Square, are easily recognizable landmarks within the community.
In addition to the many restaurants, cafes, art galleries, spas, and stores that can be found in the area surrounding the park, there are also staged Old West shootouts, and carriage rides available here. Visitors have the opportunity to hike, rock climb, boulder, ride horses, and bike during the summer months. White water rafting, kayaking, floating, and fishing are just some of the activities that may be enjoyed on the Snake River, which flows through the town. The most popular activities throughout the winter include snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing.