Embark on a journey through the White Mountain Petroglyphs Site and experience the thrill of sandboarding at Killpecker Sand Dunes. Immerse yourself in the rich history of South Pass City where you can explore like a gold miner, trying your hand at panning for gold, touring the Carissa Gold Mine and the historic structures with period room exhibits. This itinerary does not include everything this area has to offer. Be sure to check out the full list of Wyoming listings at Travel Wyoming Events Calendar to avoid missing out on all the fun.
Suggested Time:
3 Days
Kemmerer, Wyoming
Fossil Fuel Coffee Co invites all to visit its shop at 819 S Main Street to fuel up on outstanding espresso drinks, coffee, infusions and dirty soda. Customers can enjoy fresh treats from The Bakery every day and try one of the signature paninis, always made-to-order from the freshest ingredients.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
The expert trout fly fishing guides can match one’s fishing skill and desires with fantastic locations to create the best opportunity for a successful trip.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
In 1902, the first J.C. Penney store opened in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The JCPenney Kemmerer Mother Store is still in operation and sells current merchandise. It also features a museum portion with historical artifacts, including a pulley system that was used to deliver cash receipts. In addition to visiting the original JCPenney store, during the summer months, tours are available at the J.C. Penney Homestead, the home of James Cash “J.C.” Penney, Jr., who founded JC Penney.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
Historic Herschler Triangle Park lies in the heart of downtown Kemmerer. The park is named after Gov. Ed Herschler, a Kemmerer resident and former three-term Wyoming governor. The park is also the location of Fossil Fest and Oyster Ridge Music Festival. Two staples of the summer in this area that draws crowds looking for family fun and blue grass music
Kemmerer, Wyoming
This shop digs and prepares many of their own fossils and strive to do the highest quality preparation they can. They specialize in the Green River Formation but have fossils for sale from all over the world along with a wide variety of minerals and crystals.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
Fossil Butte National Monument protects Fossil Lake and portions of the Green River Lake ecosystem rich with fish, alligator, bat, turtle, small horse, insect and plant fossils. During the summer you can join the Fossil Butte Quarry Program and help search for fossils, which Fossil Butte collects for its scientific research. Be sure to visit Fossil Butte’s visitor center with over 300 fossils on display.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
American Fossil offers the public a unique opportunity. The company possesses the sole quarry globally where individuals can excavate fossils and retain every find. Recently acquiring the South Dempsey Quarry in the Green River Formation, the company aspires to transform it into an exhilarating destination for families and fossil enthusiasts. Picturing it as a personal fossil expedition or safari, this renowned quarry is famous for its fossil fish. It stands out as one of only two locations globally where a complete 3-Toed Horse has been discovered. The quarry boasts a wide array of discoveries, including stingrays, shrimp, gar, paddlefish, amia, pike, diplomystus, knightia, turtles, crocodiles, bats, birds, ancient rhinos, camels, primates and more.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
Locals adore this small Mexican restaurant renowned for generous servings at affordable prices.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
Best Western Plus Fossil Country Inn and Suites is ideal for visitors to Kemmerer, Wyoming. It is 100% smoke-free and pet-friendly.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
Caribou Cafe features a variety of comfort food and serves breakfast all day.
Wyoming
Hundreds of carved figures dot the sandstone cliffs at the White Mountain Petroglyph site in Wyoming’s Red Desert. As one of Wyoming’s premier rock art sites, the White Mountain Petroglyphs should be a stop on any tour of southwestern Wyoming. Etched into the stone surface some 200 to 1,000 years ago, several figures appear to portray bison and elk hunts while others depict geometric forms or tiny footprints. Handprints are worn into the rock as well, providing visitors with a compelling connection to those who used the site long ago.
Wyoming
Alongside the massive rock wonder, Boar’s Tusk lies mounds of sand that spread over vast miles, appearing like a small sea with soft waves. The Killpecker Sand Dunes are known for sledding and sandboarding. Effortlessly gliding down infinite grains appeals to adventurers of all ages. Novice riders and hikers can play on small dunes and flatter areas, but more experienced riders can find dunes with enough height to create an intoxicating thrill. The combination of all sizes of sand dunes makes this location perfect for family gatherings or reunions. 4-wheelers, side-by-sides, and other recreational vehicles also enjoy the glittering, sun-kissed sand hills.
Farson, Wyoming
Farson Mercantile serves up some of the biggest ice cream cones visitors have ever seen. Head to Farson Mercantile to try the well-known “Big Cone” for yourself. They also offer pizza, sandwiches, coffee and gift store featuring local products.
South Pass City, Wyoming
This historic gold mining town is also home to South Pass City State Historic Site, which boasts 24 historic structures, more than 30 period room exhibits, a visitors’ center, picnic areas and nature trails. Located just north of the historic Oregon Trail, South Pass City was established in 1867 as part of a gold mining boom. If one wants to explore mines in Wyoming, this is the place to go. Tour the Carissa Gold Mine to see where miners labored and try your hand at panning for gold. Plan your trip in July to experience Gold Rush Days, a two-day event featuring drilling demonstrations, prospecting, nightly concerts and more to celebrate the area’s rich mining history. While in town, pay homage to the role South Pass City played in the women’s suffrage movement. One of the town’s representatives introduced the women’s suffrage bill, which was passed and signed in 1869 to make Wyoming the first state to guarantee women their inherent right to vote and hold office. Shortly after, Esther Hobart Morris was appointed the town’s justice of the peace, becoming the nation’s first female judge.
Atlantic City, Wyoming
The historic site features a steakhouse, saloon and museum.
Lander, Wyoming
Stroll historic Main Street and enjoy numerous art galleries, unique shops and a variety of restaurants.
Lander, Wyoming
They have a full menu of carefully selected and perfectly prepared appetizers, salads, house-made pastas, and the chef’s specialties. Located in the old Lander Mill where the rich history of it is not forgotten.
Husdon, Wyoming
Steak, seafood, ravioli and cocktails in a longtime destination with an unfussy, old-school style.
Lander, Wyoming
The Lander is a main street retro motel first built in 1941, and reimagined, remodeled and revitalized in 2023. For those passing through to one of the West’s many national parks or planning a Lander-based experience featuring the Wind River mountains, The Lander Motel is tailor-made to serve as a launch point for Wyoming adventure.
Lander, Wyoming
The mission of The Middle Fork is to prepare and serve the best possible food in the most sustainable way; balancing food quality, good business practices and environmental concerns.
Near Lander, Wyoming
Located just downstream of the Sinks itself, the Sinks Canyon State Park Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The center has displays on the Natural History of the canyon and surrounding area. Field guides, maps, postcards, magnets, Sinks Canyon T-shirts and hats are for sale in the Visitor Center. All proceeds from sales go directly back into the park. The visitor center is fully ADA accessible as are the viewing areas for the Sinks and Rise.
Near Lander, Wyoming
Sinks Canyon State Park is located in west central Wyoming just south of Lander. The park is situated in the Wind River Mountains on the middle fork of the Popo Agie River. The site is named after distinct geologic phenomena in which the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern and reappears a quarter mile down canyon in a placid pool filled with 8 – 12 lb. rainbow trout. The site has a variety of natural habitats which creates diversity of flora and fauna. The canyon provides a variety of recreational opportunities including nature studies, photography, camping, fishing, hiking, world class rock climbing and access to miles of mountain bike trails.
Near Lander, Wyoming
The Sanctuary’s Visitors Center hosts an interpretative display on the importance of the horse in the culture and traditions of Native Americans as well as history of wild horses in North American. Wild Horses embody the mystique of the European conquistadores, Native Americans, settlers and miners. The Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary recognizes the importance of maintaining the historic value of the Mustang. The sanctuary provides professional care in a free-roaming environment on the Oldham’s working cattle ranch on the Wind River Indian Reservation near Lander, Wyoming.
Near Lander, Wyoming
The Wind River Reservation Trail offers a cultural peek into the history of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, who share the beautiful wide-open spaces northwest of Lander and Riverton.
Lander, Wyoming
A Cozy gastropub featuring an innovative New American menu and craft beers in a warm atmosphere.
Lander, Wyoming
The Lander is a main street retro motel first built in 1941, and reimagined, remodeled, and revitalized in 2023. For those passing through to one of the West’s many national parks or planning a Lander-based experience featuring the Wind River mountains, The Lander Motel is tailor-made to serve as a launch point for Wyoming adventure.
Hit the road with other great itineraries.
Wyoming’s open roads and beautiful scenery make it an ideal state for a road trip.