Looking for something to do in Wyoming? We’ve collected a list of 30 things to do with seven days in the Equality State, breaking these activities into our four regional routes – Salt to Stone, Rockies to Tetons, Park to Park and Black to Yellow – and ending with a handful of experiences to have where all of these routes lead: our national parks. From experiencing the Cowboy State’s golden plains to its sherbet-colored sunsets, these 30 activities will keep you busy during a week-long vacation.
SALT TO STONE
1. Evanston – Bear River State Park
Open year-round, Bear River State Park houses small herds of bison and elk. Several miles of paved and packed gravel trails provide you an easy spot to trek. The visitor center has collections of wildlife displays that teach you about Wyoming’s array of critters. Bear River State Park also allows you to cross-country ski and snowshoe on their trails during the winter.
2. Near Green River – Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop
Few scenic byways present as western an image as Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop. Explore 24 miles of nature with the chance to see pronghorn, elk, deer, rabbits, coyotes, hawks, eagles, wild horses and other wildlife. Around 1,300 wild horses roam on these public lands enjoying the grasses and other vegetation.
3. Pinedale – Green River Rendezvous
During the second full weekend in July, relive the early mountain man history of Pinedale. The town comes alive with activities surrounding the event including fur trade lectures and a parade.
4. Kemmerer – FossilFest
Hosted in late June, Kemmerer provides an exciting, family-friendly festival. FossilFest includes family fun nights, sports activities, a parade and a floating lantern release. You can join the community for a weekend and learn how Wyomingites have a good time.
5. Near Kemmerer – Fossil Butte National Monument
As one of the largest deposits of freshwater fish fossils in the world, Fossil Butte National Monument reveals information about the world during prehistoric times. Fossils of fish, alligators, bats, turtles, plants and other organisms fill the area. A quarry program and trails offer you an opportunity to get up close with Wyoming’s history.
6. Big Piney – Green River Valley Museum
A stone’s throw from the highway, Green River Valley Museum allows you to see the lives of pioneers who traveled west. The museum has seven buildings that host everything from automobiles to silverware collections over 100 years old. Open June 1 to October 15, the museum also hosts events like movie nights, classes and guest speakers.
7. Afton – Salt River Soap Works
Handmade soaps that don’t just smell amazing but use all natural ingredients to heal and moisturize your skin. All of their soaps are made in store and most begin with locally sourced spring water just a short trip outside of Afton. Don’t sleep on this hidden gem as you travel through the area and if you find a favorite there is no need to panic they have free shipping.
ROCKIES TO TETONS
1. Laramie – The Laramie Mural Project
Local artists paint Laramie’s downtown with colorful, large-scale murals that reflect Laramie’s cultural assets. Walking tour brochures allow you to experience the murals’ stories both visually and mentally.
2. Saratoga – Hobo Hot Pool
Free hot springs located on the banks of the Platte River in Saratoga allow you to relax and have fun. If you get lucky, you may be able to observe a moose feeding on one of the trees nearby.
3. Rawlins – Wyoming Frontier Prison
During its 80 years of operation, 13,500 people were incarcerated at the “Old Pen.” The prison disciplined inmates with several different means, including a dungeon, solitary confinement and a punishment pole. If America’s dark history interests you, then visiting the Wyoming Frontier Prison should top your list of places to visit.
4. Lander – International Climbers’ Festival
Over 500 climbers celebrate rock climbing over the course of five days in July. International Climbers’ Festival reminds you why Wyoming exists as a premier location for climbing. If you aren’t in town for the festival, be sure to hop on some of the area’s climbing routes in nearby Sinks Canyon State Park or at Wild Iris.
5. Near Riverton – Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site
Eroded sandstone stands above you in the shape of turrets and towers from a castle. The unusual formations attracted artwork and signatures from Native Americans and pioneers.
6. Dubois – National Bighorn Sheep Center
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep call Dubois home. Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep winter range offers wildlife viewing tours from November to March. The center tells you the story of the sheep with life-size dioramas, interactive exhibits, films and more.
PARK TO PARK
1. Cheyenne – Cowgirls of the West Museum
Cowgirls of the West Museum recognizes western culture and honors the sprit of women who continue to impact the west. A monthly luncheon, where you are always welcome, enables guest speakers to present great programs on western history and topics.
2. Wheatland – Laramie Peak Museum
Located in Wheatland, Laramie Peak Museum hosts homestead relics from the Rocky Mountain region. Their owner has a wealth of information to share with you.
3. Lusk – Stagecoach Museum
An original deadwood stagecoach greets you at the Stagecoach Museum. To discover the old west, guide yourself through their three buildings.
4. Near Casper – Bridle Trail at Rotary Park
If you’re in the Casper area, pack a picnic lunch and hike a short distance to the tables near Garden Creek Falls. Once your stomach is full, be sure to explore the remainder of the 4.5-mile trail and its scenery.
5. Near Thermopolis – Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway
You can travel through time on the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway to catch glimpses of Wind River Canyon’s 2,500-foot, pink-hued rock walls, which date back to the Precambrian period, as well as bighorn sheep and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for signage highlighting the canyon’s geology along the way.
BLACK TO YELLOW
1. Hulett – Rogue’s Gallery
Stop here if you would like a unique gift from the west. Dealing in fine art, western and Native American antiques, Rogue’s Gallery has something for everyone.
2. Near Sundance – Devils Tower National Monument
Few natural features compare to Devils Tower National Monument. You can learn more about the tower at the Devils Tower Visitor Center or go fishing in the Belle Fourche.
3. Gillette – Eagle Butte Coal Mine
The Eagle Butte Coal Mine offers a summer tour or a nice view of the mining operation from an overlook. Either way, you will learn more about where coal comes from.
4. Sheridan – WYO Theater
Originally a vaudeville theater, WYO Theater now hosts diverse, high quality performances by professional artists and companies.
5. Buffalo – Dry Creek Petrified Forest
Visit a petrified forest with trees from thousands of years ago. A trail a little less than a mile long allows you to walk through history.
6. Powell – Heart Mountain Interpretive Center
Learn more about the 14,000 internees who had to live at Heart Mountain shortly after Pearl Harbor. Heart Mountain Interpretive Center allows you to explore an important aspect of the United States’ history.
NATIONAL PARKS
1. Grand Teton National Park – Jackson Lake Cruise
Get a closer view of Grand Teton National Park’s stunning Mt. Moran from the vantage of Jackson Lake on a Jackson Lake Cruise. Learn about the area’s geology, plants and wildlife on one of four cruise options. All boat cruises depart from Colter Bay Village Marina.
2. Yellowstone National Park – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Experience three of Yellowstone’s most breathtaking waterfalls at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The largest of these falls – the Lower Falls – is nearly twice the size of Niagara Falls at 308 feet tall.
3. Grand Teton National Park – String Lake Loop Trail
Lace up your hiking boots and find incredible views of Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton, Mt. Owen and Mt. Moran along this 3.8-mile loop trail starting at String Lake Trailhead. If you’d rather glide along the alpine lake’s glass waters, rent a canoe or kayak from one of the park’s marinas.
4. Yellowstone National Park – Fairy Falls Trail
For a birds eye view of Yellowstone’s colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, hike Fairy Falls Trail. The trail opens up to a view of Grand Prismatic after only about a half mile of hiking, but the entire trail is closer to five miles and includes views of lesser-known Yellowstone Geysers and the beautiful Fairy Falls.
5. Grand Teton National Park – Jackson Lake Lodge
Enjoy dinner with a view at Jackson Lake Lodge. Floor to ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of Jackson Lake and the Grand Tetons at this upscale restaurant, which is open seasonally from mid-May through early October. Be sure to make your reservations early.
6. Yellowstone National Park – Old Faithful Inn
This picturesque lodge located near Old Faithful is considered a national historic landmark. Built between 1903 and 1904 with local logs and stone, the Inn is currently one of the most requested places to stay in Yellowstone. If you aren’t able to snag a reservation, be sure to step into the lobby to see the Inn’s massive hand-crafted clock and listen in on live music.
