No matter what kind of traveler you are, Wyoming’s expansive plains, mountain ranges and distinct towns have something for you. Are you an adventurous outdoor athlete? Looking to embrace the American West’s cultural history? Are you heading to Wyoming to land a lunker? These three different locations and round-ups of activities highlight the best places to spend a long weekend in Wyoming, whether you’re bringing the mountain bike, the binoculars or the fly rod. Customize your trip, and you’ll find Wyoming has everything you need for a perfect getaway.
Getaway 1: Lander, Adrenaline Junkie
The adventure sports in Wyoming stretch as far as the sky, and Lander has some of the best opportunities for thrill seekers. Whether you’re a rock climber, mountain biker, hiker or camper, you’ll find incredible places in which to enjoy your favorite sport.
What to Do
Visit the Sinks at Sinks Canyon State Park to see a unique geological formation that causes the Popo Agie River to seemingly disappear.
Spend the day climbing at Wild Iris, which has nearly 300 routes of world-class sport climbs ranging from 5.8 to 5.12 and up. Give your upper body a break with a day of mountain biking at Johnny Behind the Rocks. If you’re not too worn out, take a leisurely day on the hiking trails at Sinks Canyon State Park. You’ve worked hard on your bike and on the wall, so take it easy with the four-mile Canyon Loop, stopping for a picnic lunch by the river.
Where to Eat
Snag a hefty breakfast burrito and a scone for the road at Lander Bake Shop. Enjoy a burger and beer at the Lander Bar, where you’ll get a real taste of the Wild West and the chance to rub elbows with other climbers. Dinner can be found at Cowfish, with an assortment of western classics to refuel after a long day of activities.
Where to Sleep
Campground options include the Wild Iris Campground, right in the heart of Lander, or the Popo Agie Campground in Sinks Canyon. For those in need of a bed and a shower, the Inn at Lander is a welcome indulgence.
Getaway 2: Sheridan, Arts and Culture
You could spend an entire season exploring the arts-and-culture scene around Wyoming, but the classic western hub of Sheridan is a great place to start. This itinerary takes you sightseeing, into museums and makes sure you take full advantage of the epic Bighorn Mountain surroundings.
What to Do
Start with the Brinton Museum, located on 600-plus acres at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, where you can explore centuries of the American West through art and historic artifacts from the Plains Nations and early settlers. Next up, head to Sheridan College Campus where the Whitney Center for the Arts hosts concerts, gallery exhibits and special showings throughout the year. Check their calendar for upcoming events and exhibits.
Want a taste of the rodeo world? Swing by the Don King Museum at King’s Saddlery. King’s Saddlery is an iconic saddle shop and rope maker, and the museum features the King family’s collection of western tack and memorabilia. Finally, don’t miss the epic Wyoming landscape around Sheridan. Fort Phil Kearny hosts historical reenactments (plus tours of the fort) and is a prime spot for wildlife viewing. The Bighorn Mountains provide the backdrop to this region: Take the Bighorn Scenic Byway to make sure you get a good look at the unforgettable landscape.
Where to Eat
Your weekend will be filled with diners and western cuisine. Grab a ribeye for dinner at Wyoming Cattle and Creek Company and classic diner fare for breakfast at Silver Spur Cafe. Looking for a fresh smoothie, gluten-free bread, or vegetarian options? Stop by Midtown Cafe for a fresh and healthy fix.
Where to Sleep
You have your pick of hotels in Sheridan. The Sheridan Inn was one of the first hotels in town (established in 1893), and it’s decorated with the theme of Buffalo Bill (who was part owner of the hotel) and related historical figures in mind. The Nelson Inn offers a more modern feel with a western twist right in downtown Sheridan. If you’re looking for something a bit more conventional, Sheridan has everything from a Holiday Inn and Best Western, to Hampton Inn.
Getaway 3: Rock Springs, Fishing and Wildlife Watching
Head to Rock Springs for epic days spent fishing and wildlife watching. Rock Springs is a historic gold mine for railroad enthusiasts, and it boasts seemingly boundless opportunities for wildlife spotting, days on the water and scenic tours around the region.
What to Do
World-class fishing can be found on the Green River, where tailwaters and reservoirs provide year-round opportunities to hook bass, salmon and trout. The Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a prime destination in all four seasons as well, whether you’re fishing deep water through the ice or casting flies along the shoreline.
When your casting arm gets tired, hop in the car for a scenic drive to see the wild horses of Pilot Butte. About one-third of Wyoming’s wild horses are managed in this region, so keep your eyes peeled for these icons of the American West. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge will garner your fix for wildlife viewing, whether you spy hawks circling above the river corridor, moose foraging or pronghorn stepping nimbly through the sagebrush.
Where to Eat
Grub’s Drive-In has been a fixture since the 1940s, with burgers, shakes and giant slices of pie. You can’t visit Rock Springs without grabbing a donut or two from Cowboy Donuts, and Bitter Creek Brewing features not only microbrews and sandwiches but a surprising array of adventurous cuisine.
Where to Sleep
The Cody Motel offers reasonable rates and a convenient location. Just down the road in Green River, the Little Bear Motel is just 20 minutes from Flaming Gorge. As always, national chains are also available.
Written by RootsRated Media for Wyoming Office of Tourism.
