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20 Best Things to Do in Wyoming & Places to Visit

Looking to explore the Wild, Wild West? Though you may find it a bit lacking in old-school shootouts, you will get a lot of cowboy aesthetics. Luckily you don’t have to come in a covered wagon or live out your version of The Oregon Trail.

Even beyond its wild roots, Wyoming has so much more to offer. These are our favorite things to do in Wyoming.

From the ski slopes of Jackson Hole to the natural attractions and spectacular scenery of Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park, there’s far more than tumbleweeds and cowpokes in Wyoming. With its breathtaking landscapes, mountain ranges, endless opportunities for interactions with wildlife, and rich history, it’s no surprise that Wyoming is one of the most underrated spots to visit in the United States.

One thing that makes Wyoming great is that you can take things slower. Feel free to relax and enjoy life — appreciate its natural beauty. From exploring museums dedicated to the Old West or the National Museum of Wildlife Art to ghost towns and national parks, there are many exceptional places to visit in Wyoming.

Wind River area of Wyoming
Travis J. Camp / Shutterstock

TL;DR

Most significant landmark Yellowstone National Park
Best park Grand Teton National Park
Top Underrated Destination Hot Springs State Park
Best free activity Wyoming State Museum
Best activity for kids Wyoming Dinosaur Center
Best activity for adults Bar Hopping in Jackson Hole

Things to Do in Wyoming & Places to Visit

1. Yellowstone National Park

View of Grand Canyon in Yellowstone National Park
Kim Magaraci / ViaTravelers

Yellowstone National Park tops our list of the best things to do in Wyoming for a good reason. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was the country’s first national park. Yellowstone has over 2.22 million acres and over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including geysers like Old Faithful, mud pots, and fumaroles.

In addition to Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the park has a diverse landscape with other spectacular lakes and limestone canyons, mountain meadows, pine forests, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs.

On lists of the best national parks, it’s no surprise that Yellowstone National Park frequently tops the chart. Yellowstone is also home to some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities around, and the park’s Lamar Valley is considered the “Serengeti of North America”. Bison, grizzly bears, elk, antelope, gray wolves, and bald eagles are common sightings — making it truly the best place for nature lovers.

If you’re searching for the best hiking trails in the country, Yellowstone is home to more than 900 miles of crisscrossing hiking trails. Before heading into the park, please stop by the Yellowstone Visitor Center, a ranger hut with brochures, souvenirs, and films detailing the park’s history and its best-known features.

See Related: Things to Do in West Yellowstone, Montana

2. Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum things to see in wyoming

Address: 500 W Walnut St, Rawlins, WY 82301

The Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum was formerly Wyoming’s first state penitentiary. After serving the state for eighty years, the prison closed its doors and sat abandoned until 1987, when a low-budget horror movie titled Prison was filmed on location.

The movie was one of Viggo Mortensen’s first and featured several other well-known actors like André De Shields and Chelsea Fields. Significant damage was done to the prison grounds during filming because it had yet to be considered a historic site.

This building is considered a remnant of how dark life could be in the Wild West. When it was a prison 14 prisoners were put to death on the grounds — nine by hanging and five via poison hydrocyanic acid gas.

Museum exhibits are free to the public, however, you can also purchase a guided tour. These tours take you through the prison and then through the exhibits. If you dare you can even check out the old prison cemetery.

See Related: Best Summer Vacations in the US

3. Bighorn National Forest

Bighorn National Forest

Address: Buffalo, WY 82834

Consisting of over 1.1 million acres, including Cloud Peak Wilderness, the Bighorn National Forest features breathtaking scenery, diverse recreational experiences, and over 1,200 miles of hiking trails for exploration.

Bighorn Forest operates one visitor center: Shell Falls Interpretive Site. Shell Canyon is named for the shell fossils found in its sedimentary canyon walls. The forest’s Bighorn Mountains are known as a sister range to the Rocky Mountains.

Campgrounds and trails in the Bighorn Forest are subject to severe winter weather conditions year-round. Due to this variability, the Forest cannot guarantee that all facilities will continue to be open throughout the season.

With so much acreage, it’s no surprise that the forest is home to a lot of wildlife. While grizzly bears have not inhabited the forest since the early 20th century, black bears are widespread.

Other large mammals include cougars, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and moose. Numerous lakes are also strewn throughout the forest housing trout and at least 100 other fish species.

See Related: Best Unknown Destinations in the US

4. Wyoming Dinosaur Center

Wyoming Dinosaur Center
charkes / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Address: 110 Carter Ranch Rd, Thermopolis, WY 82443

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in central Wyoming is a rare dinosaur museum devoted to advancing education, outreach, and research. It is one of the best things to do in Wyoming with kids. The center provides outstanding, hands-on geologic and paleontological experiences that are engaging and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

This world-class facility has over 58 mounted skeletons of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, in addition to thousands of fossils from across Wyoming and around the world. One of the fossils you can see here, the Thermopolis Specimen of Archaeopteryx, is the only specimen of its genus displayed outside of Europe.

Guests can peek into their preparation lab to watch paleontologists expose the past or visit active dinosaur dig sites only ten minutes from the museum. Sign up for a Dig for a Day or Shovel Ready and experience paleontology firsthand as your paleontologists lead you on an adventure you will never forget. This center has earned its place among the Top Ten dinosaur museums in the world.

See Related: Famous Landmarks in Wyoming to Visit

5. Wyoming State Museum

Wyoming State Museum

Address: 2301 Central Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001

One of the most well-known museums in the state is the Wyoming State Museum in Southern Wyoming. It contains information about coal, wildlife, fossils, Native American culture, the Yellowstone National Park Service, and many other exhibits that tell Wyoming’s story.

One of the permanent exhibits is called the Hands on Habitats Room. In this interactive room, children (and adults) can learn about the wildlife and habitats of Wyoming. Experience Wyoming’s night sky, play, cook around the campfire, and see the natural world up close with a digital microscope. This is one of the spots to visit in Wyoming if you want to know more about this fascinating place.

The Wyoming State Museum also hosts various events throughout the year, such as lectures, temporary exhibitions, and family events. This Museum is open Monday through Saturday and all of its programs are free.

See Related: Things to Do in Cheyenne, Wyoming

6. National Elk Refuge

Elk at the National Elk Refuge in wintertime
Gary L Jones / Shutterstock

Address: 675 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001

The National Elk Refuge is a Jackson Hole wildlife sanctuary and one of the most unique Wyoming attractions. It was established in 1912 to guard the habitat and provide sanctuary for one of the largest elk herds.

The National Elk Refuge is home to an average of 7,500 elk every winter. Your best bet to see elk here is between December and April. In addition to elk, you can also see other wildlife like mountain lions, bison, wolves, bighorn sheep, and the valley’s adorable yet fierce predators: river otters.

With a total area of ​​25,000 acres, the National Elk Refuge is bordered by Jackson on the southwest, Bridger-Teton National Forest on the east, and Grand Teton National Park on the north. Visitors to the Elk Refuge may experience other recreational opportunities too, including fishing, photography, wildlife watching, educational programs, and mountain biking.

See Related: Best Travel Accessories

7. Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Laramie National Historic Site

Address: 965 Grey Rocks Road, Fort Laramie, WY 82212

Originally established as a private fur trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie evolved into the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890. Because of its age, the Fort Laramie National Historic Site has witnessed all of America’s western expansion and the First Peoples’ resistance to encroachment on their territories.

History buffs will be in awe at this historic site. Filled with restored historic structures, it will take you back to the American era when the West was wild. Take a walking tour and explore the historic buildings before heading to the visitor center for more.

Kiddos can even become a Fort Laramie Junior Ranger and earn their Junior Ranger Badge! Pick up a Fort Laramie Junior Ranger booklet while at the Visitor Center. It’s a scavenger hunt to find information and clues about the fort.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is free and open year-round. The park grounds are open from sunrise until sunset every day of the year (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day).

See Related: Best Family Travel Insurance Options

8. Hot Springs State Park

A bridge in Hot Springs State Park crosses the Bighorn River in Thermopolis, Wyoming
Brad Pict / Adobe Stock

Address: 220 Park St, Thermopolis, WY 82443

Hot Springs State Park consists of a group of springs that are natural thermal water sources in Thermopolis, Wyoming. While Yellowstone gets all the attention, those in the know will tell you that Thermopolis is home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring.

Hot Springs State Park is home to mineral spring terraces (much like at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone), plus a public bath house where the mineral water is piped in and cooled to safe temperatures so that guests can enjoy a safe soak. The park itself hosts hiking trails and the man-made (and nature-assisted) Tepee Fountain.

If you want to make the most of these delightful thermal pools, we highly recommend staying in a hotel nearby. The Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel is one of the closest accommodations to the park and is perfect for the whole family — pets included. This pet-friendly hotel serves breakfast, has an outdoor pool, and lots of space for everyone to relax.

See Related: Best & Fun Things to Do in Casper, Wyoming

9. Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower, Wyoming from the low area near the Belle Fourche River on a partly cloudy day.
Kim Magaraci / ViaTravelers

Address: WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714

Devils Tower National Monument, also known as Bears Lodge or Bears Den, is among Wyoming’s natural wonders. The National Monument of igneous rock rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and is 867 feet from summit to base. It’s near the Bear Hut Ranger Area of the Black Hills.

The Devils Tower was the first national monument in the United States. President Theodore Roosevelt established it on September 24, 1906.

The boundary of the Devils Tower National Monument is an area of ​​1,347 acres. Approximately 1% of the 400,000 annual visitors to the monument have climbed the Devils Tower, and there are local outfitters that lead guided climbs. The tower is closed for the month of July for conservation reasons.

It is the largest example of columnar jointing in the world and has been a sacred place for over 20 Native American tribes. The legend of Bears Lodge is that one day, two children were being chased by a large bear, and the Great Spirit raised them up to safety on the monolith.

You may also recognize Bears Den / Devils Tower as the star of the Spielberg Sci-Fi classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

See Related: Best Restaurants in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

10. Grand Teton National Park

Mount Moran at Sunrise in Grand Teton National Park
Kim Magaraci / ViaTravelers

Grand Teton National Park spans nearly 310,000 acres of sagebrush flats, spectacular mountain scenery and wildlife.

The first Anglo-American to see the Teton peaks is believed to be explorer John Colter. After traveling with Lewis and Clark to the Pacific, Colter left the expedition during its return trip down Missouri in 1807 to join two fur trappers headed back into the wilderness.

He spent the next three years wandering through the northern Rocky Mountains, eventually finding his way into the valley at the base of the Tetons, which would later be called Jackson Hole.

What makes the park even more special is that nearly 1,000 bison live here. During the fall Bison rut, they migrate 2,500 miles through Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho and spend the winter in Yellowstone and in the Jackson Hole VAlley.

Beyond bison, you can find bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer roaming around Grand Teton National Park. Wolves aren’t as common but you can spot them in the winter, though taking a wildlife tour is the best way to increase your chances.

The park’s Pilgrim and Pacific Creek denning areas are home to some of the most famous grizzly bears in the world – including the Queen herself, 399. Black bears are common in the park as well, and mountain lions are sometimes spotted by those who know where to look.

Compared to the rest of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, Grand Teton National Park has a lower elevation and a milder climate. That is why many animals still roam here during the winter months.

When it is cold, most of Wyoming’s landscape is covered by snow. In winter, adventurers can go skiing and snowshoeing. The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is when it’s not too hot and not too cold from mid-May to late September.

The hottest months are July and August, and the coldest are December and January. Visitors take lake cruises in warmer months or experience whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and hiking.

See Related: Best State Parks in Wyoming

11. Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole Tram in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort / Facebook

Jackson Hole is one of the most popular Wyoming destinations. The Teton Mountains and the Gros Ventre Mountains form this well-known valley which houses Jackson Hole Mountain Resort both Snow King Mountain Resort, plus the towns of Jackson, Moose, Wilson, and Moran. Jackson Hole is best known for skiing, fly fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.

Skiers and snowboarders can carve up the slopes throughout the valley or at places like the incomparable Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Stay nearby in the Teton Village at the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa offers ski-in access to an amazing grand mountain lodge. Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, including the 22-person rooftop hot tub, plus SpaTerre and the lively Spur Restaurant & Bar, are the highlights of this Teton Village favorite.

With countless hiking trails, breathtaking scenery, and abundant wildlife, hiking in the valley is among Wyoming’s best things to do. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while exploring the wide variety of trails.

Finally, visitors to Jackson Hole can also marvel at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. This family-friendly activity will have its guests inspired by artists’ interpretations of local wildlife and art from around the world. The museum houses over 5,000 wildlife-inspired pieces by renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, John James Audubon, and Carl Rungius.

See Related: Ski & Sip: Best Bars In Jackson, Wyoming

12. Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Address: 720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center of the West, previously the Buffalo Bill History Center, comprises five museums and a research library. Among these museums, you’ll find wildlife art and artifacts of the western United States in Cody, Wyoming. The five museums are the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Whitney Western Art Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum.

The Buffalo Bill Center was established in 1917 to look after the heritage of Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The Buffalo Bill Center guests can experience all the thrills of living in the West by exploring cultures, trailblazing cowboys and cowgirls, classic and modern Western artworks, and more.

You may not want to check out all five museums in one day, which luckily isn’t an issue. Center admission is good for two days. That allows plenty of time to see everything you want to see across the museums.

Ten minutes down the road from the center is the Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center. Visitors to the Buffalo Bill Dam can learn history and facts about the concrete arch dam through various films and taxidermy and catch some fabulous up-close reservoir views. If you can’t get enough Wild West, consider visiting the Old Trail Town in Cody to get a sense of how life was during Bill’s life.

See Related: Best Things to Do in South Dakota

13. Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum

Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Mark Goebel / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Address: 4610 Carey Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Old West was established in 1978 as a charity organization devoted to explaining, protecting, and displaying the historical culture of Cheyenne, Cheyenne Border Day, Wyoming, and the Western United States. Old West also houses the Cheyenne Frontier Hall of Fame and its historical collection.

Permanent exhibits include Western horses and carts, the history and souvenirs of Cheyenne Frontier Days’ border riding celebrations, Cheyenne’s local natural history, pioneer handicrafts and clothing, and Western and folk art. It’s even home to the largest collection of carriages in the country.

The Old West Museum also houses the largest outside rodeo and Western commemoration collection in the world. You’ll also learn about Clayton Danks, the winner of three Cheyenne Frontier Days competitions before 1910. Danks was the model cowboy on the horse Steamboat which became the Wyoming trademark, the Bucking Horse and Rider.

Across the street from Old West is the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens which you won’t want to miss. This lovely botanical garden has a variety of ecosystems, including a solar-heated conservatory and plays area for kids. Consider combining a visit to the garden with your day at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum to appreciate this part of Wyoming’s history further.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

14. Ames Brothers State Historic Site

Ames Brothers State Historic Site

Address: 210 Monument Rd, Buford, WY 82052

The Ames Monument is a large pyramid in Albany County, Wyoming, created by Henry Hobson Richardson. This pyramid built in 1881 was devoted to brothers and Union Pacific Railroad financiers Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames Jr., despite the scandal around their railroad mismanagement. Architect H. H. Richardson, known for his Richardsonian Romanesque aesthetic, designed the pyramid.

It marked the highest point of the First Transcontinental Railroad, reaching over 8,200 feet. The town of Sherman rose around it, but then Union Pacific moved south in 1918, leaving Sherman as a ghost town in its wake.

From 1866 to 1871, Oliver served as the president of the Union Pacific Railroad, while the U.S. representative from Massachusetts, Oakes, declared nearly complete control of its construction. In 1873, investigators charged Oakes with fraud related to railroad financing. Congress then condemned Oakes, who resigned in 1873 and died shortly after.

I’ve spent a whole lot of time in Wyoming, and I’ll be honest, nothing cracks me up quite like the Ames Monument. If you’re driving on I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie, it’s a must-see.

See Related: Where To Stay In Jackson Hole: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

15. National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

Address: 1501 N Poplar St, Casper, WY 82601

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is an 11,000-square-foot center located on Interstate 25 northwest of Casper, Wyoming. The Center commemorates Native American history, early explorers, and the travel corridor of the Oregon Trail, and California Trail, as well as the Mormon Trail, Pony Express Trail, and what it meant to be an old trail town.

This center provides interactive programs, exhibitions, multimedia presentations, and special events about life on the road, from packing wagons to crossing rivers. Inside the center, you’ll find seven exhibit galleries showcasing the various trails, including an epilogue section exploring how these trails exist today.

Visiting the center is free, although the hours vary slightly depending on the season. Especially for families with young kiddos, this is a terrific way to teach them about life in an old trail town. Not many Wyoming attractions are free, so this is one of those rare opportunities to learn more about Western Wyoming without spending a dime — unless you want to donate to help the center.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in the US

16. Explore Wyoming’s Ghost Towns

Like many other areas that benefited from the Gold Rush or Western expansion, Wyoming towns suffered population loss. While some of the towns are abandoned now or have just a few dozen citizens, having the chance to visit is a rare opportunity. That’s why stopping through some of the state’s ghost towns deserves being listed among the top tourist attractions.

1. South Pass City

The South Pass City Mercantile in the ghost town of South Pass City, Wyoming
Kim Magaraci / ViaTravelers

South Pass City boomed with the discovery of gold in the late 1860s, and as a result, it became one of the busiest cities in the region. Unlike other ghost towns, South Pass didn’t lose the last of its pioneer-connected residents until 1949.

Historians estimate that roughly 2,000 miners lived in run-down housing around the city, hauled their gold to the assay office, and spent their scores in the local community’s then-thriving businesses. By 1872, work at the Clarissa Mine dwindled, and most miners moved on, leaving behind the town they had created.

Visit this deserted settlement and old trail town, which consists of more than 20 authentically restored structures, and partake in new pastimes such as panning for gold in Willow Creek and ordering a sarsaparilla soda at the Smith-Sherlock General Store.

2. Atlantic City

Welcome to Atlantic City, Wyoming sign
Kim Magaraci / ViaTravelers

A neighbor to South Pass City, Atlantic City is the larger of the two. It started as a railroad destination and quickly grew into an agricultural center for the region.

Like many other towns in the West, this old trail town benefitted from the gold rush. However, as gold deposits depleted, so too did the miners.

Although there are some residents here as well as a restaurant and the Atlantic City Mercantile, Atlantic City is still considered a ghost town. You can access the city by heading south from Lander along Highway 28 for 27 miles. From there turn Southwest onto Atlantic City Road for a few miles.

3. Superior, Dines, and Stansbury, near Rock Springs

Rock Springs
Vasiliymeshko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

1868 prospectors discovered coal in Wyoming, and things started to take off. Mining became Wyoming’s most profitable trade, bolstering the economy for things like farming, ranching, etc.

The railroad was crucial in moving people, and things like coal, faster across Wyoming. The area around Rock Springs, a popular railroad stop, started booming with, well, boom towns.

Today, Rock Springs is Wyoming’s fifth most populous city, but there are several abandoned or half-abadoned ghosts towns nearby – just drive in any direction and you’re sure to stumble upon one. Rock Springs makes for. a good basecamp to exploring the region’s history. In town, you’ll find that industry, eateries, and residents remained in this “city” long after the coal mines moved out.

See Related: Tips for Stress-Free Travel

17. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Landscape around Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
vagabond54 / Shutterstock

Address: 25 Utah 43, Manila, UT 84046

Named the Flaming Gorge by John Wesley Powell in 1869, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is home to some of the most gorgeous views in Wyoming. Powell named it as such because as he traveled along the Green River, the red sandstone that rose around it in his view made the area look aflame.

Home to dozens of campgrounds and over 90 miles of water along the Green River, there is so much to do when visiting Flaming Gorge. With all of that water, it’s no surprise the area is known for its prosperous fish population. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is especially known for its incredible lake trout.

If you’d rather not camp, consider staying at the nearby Flaming Gorge Hideout. These rooms may be simple, but they’re far less rustic than actual camping. The Hideout is pet-friendly and in the town of Manila to give you access to some small-town living as well as an easy commute to the gorge.

If you prefer a scenic drive, the 150-mile route around the gorge area is a perfect way to spend a day. Take up the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway that begins in Rock Springs and ends at the Green River. Don’t forget to stop by the Red Canyon Visitor Center for any wildlife or scenic viewing suggestions they may have.

See Related: Best Fishing Spots in America to Visit

18. Fossil Butte National Monument

Landscapes in Fossil Butte National Monument
Tristan Brynildsen / Shutterstock

Address: 864 Chicken Creek Rd, Kemmerer, WY 83101

Believe it or not, the Fossil Butte National Monument region is home to some of the best records of Cenozoic (or recent life) aquatic communities worldwide. This is thanks to the 50-million-year-old Green River Formation, an ancient lake bed. Access to this ancient fossil lake means scientists could uncover all kinds of specimens, from fish and turtles to horses and plants.

Fossils found here are tens of millions of years younger than the oldest ones at the Grand Canyon. Visitors can see over 400 preserved fossils at the site’s museum. There is even a virtual aquarium to show how the now-fossilized aquatic life would have looked in the lake.

In addition to the museum area, there are five hiking trails at Fossil Butte. Two of the trails, the Historic Quarry Trail and Fossil Butte Nature Trail, are maintained by the National Park Service.

These trails are moderate hikes that shouldn’t take more than a few hours. The other three are not maintained by the NPS, making them less accessible for inexperienced hikers — so explore at your own risk.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Montana & Things to Do

19. Historic Occidental Hotel Museum

Sitting area at the Historic Occidental Hotel Museum
Historic Occidental Hotel / Facebook

Address: 10 N Main St, Buffalo, WY 82834

The most fascinating thing about the Historic Occidental Hotel Museum is that you can book rooms here. This living history museum doesn’t just let you see history, it lets you live it too! Each individually themed room will send you back into the time of the Wild West, so don’t forget your spurs!

Established in 1880, many people traveling West for their fortune stayed at the Occidental Hotel. Although cowboys no longer roam its halls, you can almost hear them as you make your way through this methodically decorated locale. Even Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once stopped here while journeying away from their hideout.

Even if you don’t stay for a spell, visit the hotel for a rest. Four restaurants are on-site, including the original saloon, where even the bullet holes in the wall are authentic. The saloon is open every day at 2 pm.

See Related: Where to Stay in Death Valley

20. University of Wyoming Geological Museum

Dinosaur exhibits at the University of Wyoming Geological Museum
University of Wyoming Geological Museum / Facebook

Address: 200 N 9th St, Laramie, WY 82072

We already know that Wyoming’s landscapes preserved much prehistoric life for us to study and enjoy today. So it only makes sense that the University of Wyoming Geological Museum is vital to geological research. The museum houses over 50,000 specimens of fossils, rocks, and minerals.

This museum showcases much of what ancient Wyoming looked like including a 75-foot-tall Apatosaurus. And don’t forget to visit Big Al, the most complete Allosaurus fossil ever discovered. Renowned geologist Samuel H. “Doc” Knight even painted one of the museum’s murals and built the copper Tyrannosaurus Rex who stands watch outside the museum on campus.

You can visit the free museum six days a week, except Sunday, on the University of Wyoming campus. Since the museum is located centrally in Laramie, you may want to stay in town to fully appreciate the town outside of the museum. We recommend staying at the cozy Hilton Garden Inn Laramie, only a few minutes from the university.

FAQ

What are some family-friendly activities in Wyoming?

When traveling with kids and looking for the best Wyoming attractions, there’s no shortage of options. Yellowstone National Park, a hot springs adventure, the Buffalo Bill Center, a stay at the Grand Targhee Ski Resort, or the National Museum of Wildlife Art are among the best places to visit with kids.

What outdoor activities can I do in Wyoming?

Skiers can hit up one of the various terrain parks, while other outdoorsy folks can visit any of the several parks and forests. Visiting the Grand Teton National Park, the Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and Hot Springs State Park will surely provide anyone with plenty of fun things to do in Wyoming.

What are some unique experiences I can have in Wyoming?

Undoubtedly, the world-famous Yellowstone National Park tops the list of the most unique things to do in Wyoming. Suppose you’ve already been to Yellowstone or are just looking for something different. In that case, the Grand Teton National Park is another excellent attraction for anyone wanting, sometime in the great outdoors.

When is the best time to visit Wyoming?

Summer is the most popular time to visit Wyoming because of the gorgeous weather. However, it can also be the most expensive. If you aren’t interested in winter sports, the best time to visit for ideal hiking weather is July through September.

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