5 Ways to Spend Father’s Day in The Cowboy State

Father’s Day is just around the corner, which begs the eternal question: What do you get for the guy who does it all? If you ask us, there’s no better gift for Dad than experiences, time spent together and memories made. And there are so many fun, family-friendly activities in Wyoming to choose from—read on to explore our five favorite options for celebrating Father’s Day in the last bastion of the West.

For the Outdoorsy Dad

Wyoming is home to millions of acres of public lands, hundreds of miles of trails and some of America’s most iconic national parks and monuments—perfect for dads whose idea of a fun Father’s Day outing involves trail mix, bug spray and a pair of well-worn hiking boots. And while popular parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton may seem like the obvious choice, there’s also plenty to discover along the trail less traveled in one of the Cowboy State’s best-kept secrets: Dubois. Encircled by the mystic Wind River Range, this outdoorsy small town boasts bucket list-worthy hikes suited to a variety of fitness and experience levels, with the kind of scenery that a photograph just can’t do justice.

Less than a ten-minute drive from downtown, the Dubois Badlands Trail offers a memorable day hike through striking, desert-like terrain. At just over three miles, it’s the longest trail in the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area, a moderately challenging loop with more than 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail isn’t marked, so it’s recommended that hikers download a GPS map before heading out—or you could go old-school with a paper trail map, if that’s more Dad’s style.

For a longer hike that takes you through an entirely different kind of terrain, check out the Lake Louise Trail. The 4.6-mile out-and-back route winds its way through sagebrush flats, rocky outcroppings, rugged canyons and marshy meadows to a pristine alpine lake nestled between Whiskey Mountain to the north and Middle Mountain to the south. Once you’ve conquered the switchbacks and slopes, retire to the cozy cabins and family-style dining at Absaroka Ranch, where you can rest your weary legs and toast to the man who helped inspire your own love of the great outdoors.

For the Foodie Dad

Wyoming’s one-of-a-kind food culture goes way beyond the classic chuckwagon dinner (not that we’d ever say no to a hearty helping of barbecue, beans and biscuits, of course). The Cowboy State’s celebrated local chefs, distillers, brewers and winemakers have been crafting a culinary scene that’s sure to impress even the most discerning of diners—and Jackson Hole is one of the best places in the state to get a taste.

Start your morning with a dad-approved breakfast of fried chicken and waffles at Café Genevieve, a charming eatery in a historic log cabin right in the heart of downtown Jackson. After that, it’s just a short stroll to the Town Square Tasting Room, where Dad can sip and sample his way through the award-winning local wines of Jackson Hole Winery.

Come evening, dine your way through the natural bounty of Wyoming, from slow-roasted bison prime rib to elk bolognese, at Gun Barrel Steak and Game House. Then cap off your epicurean adventure at The Handle Bar, located within the Four Seasons Resort, with an elevated twist on a classic campfire treat: s’mores, roasted to perfection right at your table.

For the Fishing Dad

For a Father’s Day fishing trip Dad will be reminiscing about for years to come, there’s one place in Wyoming that stands above the rest: Casper. Named the top big-fish destination by American Angler Magazine, the town and its surrounding area have become a bucket-list destination for anglers from around the world thanks to its bountiful rivers and well-stocked reservoirs. 

The centerpiece of Natrona County’s incredible fishing scene, the North Platte River is home to a whopping 3,000 to 5,000 fish per mile, including trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout that are known to exceed 24 inches in length. Head to the famed “Miracle Mile”—a seven-mile section of river located between Kortes Dam and Pathfinder Reservoir—where you can cast your line against a breathtaking backdrop of towering mountain peaks and scenic sagebrush flats. You can even make a weekend out of it, with visits to the Alcova Reservoir (known for its sizable walleye population) and Fremont Canyon, where the rocky river banks are ideal for shore fishing.

Hankering to taste your catch of the day? The bounty of Wyoming’s rivers cooks up great foil-wrapped over a campfire. But if you’re looking for a slightly more elevated experience, head to the Silver Fox Steakhouse in Casper. A time-tested local favorite, this laid-back restaurant serves up fresh-caught walleye fillets that are lightly battered and fried to perfection.

When planning any fishing excursion in the Cowboy State, be sure to #WYresponsibly by familiarizing yourself with local fishing regulations, creel limits and licensing requirements before you head out. Or better yet, book a guided fishing excursion with one of the many expert outfitters in Casper—a perfect option for groups of mixed skill and experience levels, or those needing a little extra guidance on the best spots to reel in the big one.

For the Western Dad

If Dad’s idea of a good time includes spaghetti Westerns, books on frontier history and TV shows by Taylor Sheridan, he’s sure to delight in a visit to the Magic City of the Plains: Cheyenne. Wyoming’s charming capital city was settled by pioneers following the path of the transcontinental railroad—a fascinating legacy of the Old West that can still be glimpsed today.

You’ll find plenty of fun things to do with Dad in Cheyenne this Father’s Day, beginning with a special Father’s Day Brunch at The Little America Hotel. Hosted on Sunday, June 15, this family-friendly feast includes bottomless draft beer, classic barbecue dishes and a special station just for kids. Once you’ve fueled up, get ready for a blast from the past at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. The city’s premier cultural and historical center celebrates the heritage of the American West, with rotating exhibits, an interactive children's gallery and the most extensive collections of carriages west of the Mississippi.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the guy who has everything, look no further than The Wrangler. A three-story red-brick building on a bustling corner of Capitol Avenue, the shop is a Cheyenne institution. Here, you can browse 13,000 square feet of the highest-quality ranchwear and Western clothing, from boots to stetsons and beyond. 

Now that he looks the part, it’s time to treat Dad to a taste of Wyoming’s official state sport: rodeo. The grit, glory and action-packed fun kicks off June 6 and continues all summer long with Hell on Wheels Rodeo. Enjoy an authentic chuckwagon dinner, then watch the next generation of rodeo stars rope, wrangle and ride their way to the ultimate Western glory.

For the Road Warrior Dad

Nothing speaks to the spirit of the American frontier like a day spent exploring the West’s wild, wide-open spaces. From the mystic landscapes of the Black Hills to the spectacular vistas of the Medicine Wheel Passage, Wyoming’s 21 scenic byways offer endless scope for an on-the-road adventure from almost anywhere in the Cowboy State. So curate a playlist, grab your favorite road-trip snacks and answer the call of the open road this Father’s Day.

Wind your way through prairie, desert and mountain terrain along the 64-mile Seminoe to Alcova Scenic Backway. Trace the route of America’s westward migration on the Oregon Trail Historic Byway, with stops to view the wagon ruts and historic Fort Laramie. Or marvel at views of the beautiful Uinta Mountains on a road trip from Evanston all the way to Utah on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. With ample opportunity for hiking, camping and small-town exploring (not to mention plenty of incredible scenery), you’ll never be tempted to ask “Are we there yet?”

Celebrate Father’s Day in Wyoming

From reeling in a trophy-sized rainbow trout to cheering on the modern-day cowboys and cowgirls at a classic Cheyenne summer rodeo, Wyoming offers an endless array of unforgettable things to do with your dad this Father’s Day. After all, there’s no better gift for the guy who does it all than the chance to make new memories together. Start planning your Father’s Day adventure in the Cowboy State today!