10 Unique Museum Experiences in Wyoming

Dinosaurs roaming the plains. Cowboys traversing the dusty trails. Wyoming’s history is a rich, colorful one that spans not just years, but millennia. When you visit the Cowboy State, be sure to pencil in some time to discover some of that history with a visit to one – or all – of Wyoming’s exciting museums and interpretive sites. There’s something for everyone, from family-friendly historic sites to Wild West reenactments and outdoor, open-air museums. Forget everything you’ve heard about boring, dusty museum exhibits – we promise you’ll learn something new and have fun, too. 

Best Museum for Families
Old Trail Town 
Cody, WY
 

The lifestyle and history of the 1890s Frontier West is carefully preserved in Old Trail Town’s 26 buildings, 100 horse-drawn vehicles, and large collection of Native American artifacts and Old West memorabilia. Kids and parents alike will love exploring the original town site of Cody, including a schoolhouse, general store, and homestead cabins. 

Good to know: 

• Old Trail Town is open seasonally from mid-May through the end of September. 

• It’s an outdoor museum, and pets, food, beverages, and smoking are not permitted within the town to preserve the buildings and grounds. 

• Plan to spend two to three hours exploring the town. 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum for Dinosaur Lovers
Wyoming Dinosaur Center 
Thermopolis, WY 

Dinosaur fans of all ages will marvel at more than 30 mounted skeletons, especially the 106-foot-long sauropod dubbed Jimbo – the most complete Supersaurus ever discovered. Don’t miss the Thermopolis Specimen Archaeopteryx, one of only 10 known examples of this amazing species believed to be the world’s first bird. More than 12,000 square feet of exhibition space house over 200 displays. 

Good to know: 

• The optional Dig for a Day program is open to visitors aged three and up. Participants are invited to dig at an active dinosaur dig site, as well as enjoying a guided tour of the museum. Pre-registration is required. 

• Plan to spend one to two hours touring the museum. 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum for Pioneer History 
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center 
Casper, WY 
 

Between 1840 and 1869, an estimated 500,000 emigrants traveled the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails in search of fortune, adventure, or simply a new place to settle down. Their stories come to life through this museum’s seven interactive exhibit areas and a multimedia presentation. Hop in a replica covered wagon for a simulated wagon ride across the North Platte River, or try your hand at pushing a virtual hand cart to see if you have what it takes to make it over the Rocky Mountains. 

Good to know: 

• The museum is free. It’s closed Sundays, Mondays, and on federal holidays. 

• Each month, there are live programs and living history demonstrations for all ages, including storytimes and singalongs. Check the museum’s website before you visit for current programming. 

• During the summer, guests can participate in Pioneer Trail Treks that may range from four to eight hours. Pioneer Trail Treks are a great way to get a real taste of life on the trails in the 1800s.  Pre-registration is required. 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum for Cars (and Coffee) 
Frontier Auto Museum & Cafe
Gillette, WY 
 

Love antique cars and trucks? Craving a hit of nostalgia? The Frontier Auto Museum is packed with classic cars, neon signs, antique gas pumps and a replica drive-in theater and soda fountain straight from the 1930s. Not in the mood for a banana split? Grab an iced coffee or a grilled sandwich from the onsite cafe to snack and sip as you peruse the exhibits. 

Good to know: 

• Take a break to enjoy a game of pinball or listen to some classic tunes on vinyl at the Commodore Cafe. 

• Plan to spend about two hours exploring the museum – especially if you stop for a bite to eat! 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum for Art Appreciation
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Jackson, WY
 

Explore 14 unique galleries that showcase the beauty of wildlife and nature through art in all mediums. Each year, more than 80,000 visitors to the museum are inspired by artists’ interpretations of local wildlife as well as animals from around the world. Don’t miss the Sculpture Trail, an incredible ¾ mile outdoor trek featuring larger-than-life wildlife art and some of Jackson’s most breathtaking views. 

Good to know: 

• Download the museum’s app before you arrive for access to family-friendly audio tours. If you’re visiting with kids, try “Did You Hear That?” which includes animal sounds from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

• Forgot to pack snacks? Fuel up at the onsite restaurant, Palate, which serves creative, locally-inspired lunch daily. 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum to Give You the Chills 
Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum
Rawlins, Wyoming
 

The Old Wyoming State Penitentiary was constructed in 1901 to curb the Wild West’s outlaw tendencies. It was an active penitentiary until 1981. Today, visitors can take guided tours through three cell blocks, the cafeteria, the grounds and the Death House, hearing tales of the infamous inmates who once resided inside its walls. 

Good to know: 

• Pets are welcome at the museum, but must remain on leash. 

• For an extra-spooky experience, plan a visit in late October when the museum’s Haunted Halloween event takes place (if you dare!) 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum for Military History 
National Museum of Military Vehicles
Dubois, WY 
 

Get a closer look at hundreds of restored military vehicles, firearms and rare military artifacts dating from World War I. In the Unknown Soldiers Weapons Vault, you’ll see nearly 250 firearms – some used in the American Revolution. Take part in a guided tour, or embark on a self-guided exploration of the museum, which is open year-round and ideal for families, history buffs and veterans alike. 

Good to know: 

• If you can’t make it to the museum, an online virtual tour provides a sneak peek of the exhibits. 

• It will take at least a few hours to explore the 160,000 square foot museum in its entirety. Paid admission tickets are good for two days, so you can break up your visit or come back to see exhibits that caught your eye the first time through. 

• An on-site canteen serves food and drinks daily from 11 am-5 pm. 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum for Fossil Fanatics 
University of Wyoming Geological Museum
Laramie, WY 
 

If you’re visiting the University of Wyoming, make time to pop into the Geological Museum, which supports the school’s academic programs, scientific research and public education. Aside from the impressive 75-foot Brontosaurus skeleton and the most complete Allosaurus fossil ever found (“Big Al”), there’s an impressive collection of fossils uncovered around the state and a variety of displays illustrating the evolution of today’s Wyoming. 

Good to know: 

• If you time your visit right, you might spot students or technicians working on new fossil specimens through the window to the fossil preparation lab. 

• The museum is free to visit, and donations are welcome. 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum for Contemporary Art
Nicolaysen Art Museum 
Casper, WY 
 

This art museum – dubbed “The NIC” by locals – collects, preserves and exhibits the work of contemporary artists with a goal of inspiring creativity, dialogue, and learning. Eight galleries house exhibitions which change seasonally, while a Children’s Discovery Center invites kids of all ages to tap into their own creative abilities. Grown-ups can get in on the creative process too – the museum regularly offers art classes and hands-on workshops for all ages. 

Good to know: 

• This museum is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs and provides inclusive experiences for all visitors. 

• In early June, the annual NIC Fest draws in 10,000 visitors for a celebration of art, music, and community in downtown Casper. 

Plan Your Visit

Best Museum for Women’s History 
Wyoming Women’s History House
Laramie, WY 
 

We usually think of Wyoming as the Cowboy State, but did you know it’s also known as the Equality State? At the Wyoming Women's History House, you’ll learn about 13 inspiring Wyoming women who led the suffrage movement. Get to know other trailblazing women in history, like the nation’s first female governor and the first woman of color to sit as a representative in Wyoming’s Legislature. 

Good to know: 

• Admission to the museum is free, and regular touring hours are from March 1 through mid-December. The museum is closed on Sundays. 

• Explore at your own pace, enjoy a guided tour or time your visit to coincide with the monthly Sip and Savor social events hosted by knowledgeable, engaging speakers. 

Plan Your Visit

Explore Wyoming’s One-of-a-Kind Museums 
 

Check out all Wyoming’s unique museum offerings, from expansive national museums to off-the-beaten-path gems that will show you a new side of our state history. No matter which museum you choose to visit, you’ll walk away with a greater understanding and appreciation of Wyoming’s fascinating history.