10 Best Places to Visit in Wyoming

With almost 50% of its land designated as public, Wyoming is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the American West. As the least densely populated state in the US, Wyoming boasts breathtaking landscapes, from Yellowstone's thermal geysers to the Grand Teton's rugged mountain peaks, among the top places to visit.

The state takes pride in its Wild West heritage, evident through activities such as watching bronco-busting rodeos, relishing chuckwagon dinners, or enjoying a lively country-music dance hall. It's evident that cowboy culture thrives in Wyoming.

10. Fossil Butte National Monument

In the distant past, a vast high desert in the southwestern corner of Wyoming was once covered by three magnificent lakes. Fossil Lake, the smallest of the three, has become a treasure trove of fossilized animals, plants, and fish. Fossil Butte National Monument, located approximately 15 miles (24 km) west of the City of Kemmerer, showcases a butte that towers 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the ancient lake bed.

The butte is home to fossils that are scattered all around it, and during the summer, tourists can team up with paleontologists to hunt for prehistoric remains. At the Monument's visitor center, over 300 fossils from the region are on exhibit.

9. Hot Springs State Park

Hot Springs State Park is highlighted by North America's largest hot springs. Situated near the appropriately named town of Thermopolis, the steamy hot water of Big Spring is channeled to supply several spa resorts and water parks.

Operated by the state, the State Bath House is accessible to the general public, allowing visitors to soak in indoor or outdoor pools for up to 20 minutes free of cost. The Star Plunge water park is a family-friendly destination with its indoor and outdoor pools, twisting water slides, and hot tubs. The park also houses a herd of about 25 bison.

8. Cheyenne

Cheyenne, the capital and largest city of the Cowboy State, is situated in the southeast corner of Wyoming. Cheyenne's many historic buildings and museums attract tourists. The Capitol Building, constructed in 1887 in the Renaissance Revival style, boasts a gold leaf dome that can be seen from nearly every corner of the city. Inside, visitors can admire the building's stained glass interior, grand staircase, and checkerboard marble floors.

The Nelson Museum of the West showcases Native American art and artifacts from the United States Cavalry. In July, Cheyenne hosts the Cheyenne Frontier Days, the biggest outdoor rodeo in the US. Established in 1897, it features a variety of rodeo events, free pancake breakfasts, night-time concerts, and parades.

7. Bighorn Canyon

The creation of the Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River in Montana during the 1960s led to the establishment of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. A significant portion of the dam's reservoir, extending 71 miles (114 km) upstream into Wyoming, is situated within the Crow Indian Reservation.

Bighorn Lake is surrounded by towering canyon walls, making it a picturesque location for water sports and boating. The Wyoming section of the park is adjacent to the Pryor Mountain National Wild Horse Range, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness wild horse herds galloping along the summit of the canyon.

6. Devils Tower

Located in Crook County, northeastern Wyoming, the Devils Tower rises 1,267 feet (386 meters) above the surrounding terrain. It is the core of an ancient volcano that has been exposed through erosion. President Theodore Roosevelt declared it a United States National Monument in 1906.

The mountain gained worldwide recognition in 1977 as the location of the alien-human rendezvous point in Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning science fiction film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Today, it is one of the most sought-after destinations in Wyoming.

5. Flaming Gorge Recreation Area

The Flaming Gorge reservoir, formed by a dam on the Green River in 1958, is the main attraction of this National Recreation Area that spans the border between Utah and Wyoming. The manmade lake is equipped with five full-service marinas and is an ideal vacation spot for water sports, boating, and fishing.

There are over 100 miles (160 km) of trails available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, making it a popular activity for visitors. Flaming Gorge, named after the flame-colored cliffs that tower over the Green River, is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset when the canyon glows with spectacular hues.

4. Cody

To truly experience Wyoming's cowboy culture, a trip to the city of Cody is a must. Established in 1887 by the renowned Buffalo Bill Cody and located near Yellowstone, the city offers a glimpse into the state's rich Western heritage. The Buffalo Bill Center, situated in the heart of Cody, features five museums dedicated to the West, displaying fascinating exhibits and artifacts that document the life of William F. Cody.

The Old Trail Town, which showcases over 25 meticulously restored Western buildings, is another must-visit attraction. Cody, also known as the Rodeo Capital of the World, hosts rodeos almost every night throughout the summer.

3. Jackson Hole

Originally established as a trapper outpost in the early 19th century, Jackson Hole has transformed into a premier resort area nestled in a river basin at the foot of the Teton Range, near the Wyoming-Idaho border. It offers a year-round playground for visitors, with popular summer activities including rafting along the Snake River. During the winter season, Jackson Hole attracts skiing enthusiasts from around the world, thanks to over 500 inches of snowfall annually.

Although the only incorporated town in the valley is the City of Jackson, there are a number of resorts, homes, and communities scattered throughout the area. Dining options are diverse and range from rustic campfire cookouts to fine cuisine featuring local delicacies such as wild salmon, buffalo burgers, and elk chops.

2. Grand Teton National Park

The Grand Teton National Park, established in 1929, is renowned for its awe-inspiring mountain vistas, glistening alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The rugged spine of the Teton Mountains stretches more than a mile above the Snake River valley, spanning from Yellowstone National Park to the City of Jackson.

The mountainside is adorned with sparkling lakes, while moose, bison, and elk roam freely within the park's boundaries. With over 250 miles (400 km) of hiking trails and an array of campgrounds, motels, and lodges, visitors can choose from a variety of activities and accommodations.

1. Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, the nation’s first national park, is an awe-inspiring wonder formed by the fiery forces of volcanoes and the icy power of glaciers. The park’s underground thermal waters create spectacular geysers, while its high plateau gives birth to rivers and waterfalls that cascade through the wilderness.

The park is home to America’s largest herd of bison and provides sanctuary to elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears and wolves. With over three million visitors annually, reservations for lodging and campsites need to be made well in advance to secure a spot. Yellowstone National Park is more than a national park; it is a national treasure.