Craving epic landscapes, wild adventures, and frontier charm? These top places to visit in Wyoming offer unforgettable national parks, historic towns, and outdoor thrills you’ll never forget.
Highlights:
Unique Places to Visit in Wyoming:
1. Yellowstone National Park
Rating: ★★★★★
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Location:
Yellowstone National Park, WYHighlights:
Yellowstone isn’t just America’s first national park—it’s a world of geothermal marvels, epic landscapes, and untamed wildlife. At over 2 million acres, it promises outdoor adventure and awe at every turn.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, photographers, hikers, geology enthusiasts, and families looking for year-round outdoor adventures.What I Love: ♥
Explosive geysers, sweeping meadows, thundering waterfalls, and the chance to see bison, elk, or bears roaming wild under wide-open skies.- Experience Yellowstone National Park—the world’s first national park, founded in 1872 and spanning an astonishing 2.2 million acres.
- Marvel at more than 10,000 geothermal features, from geysers and hot springs to steam vents and mud pots, set among dramatic waterfalls and sweeping panoramas.
- Explore diverse landscapes—forests, rivers, mountains, and alpine meadows—all teeming with iconic wildlife.
- Don’t miss these top spots: Canyon Village, Lake Village, West Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris, Old Faithful, and Tower-Roosevelt.
- Enjoy year-round activities including hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, camping, and wildlife viewing.
2. Jackson Hole
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Location:
Jackson, WYHighlights:
Perched over 6,000 feet above sea level, Jackson, Wyoming is a year-round playground in the shadow of the Tetons. From iconic elk antler arches in Town Square to whitewater rapids on the Snake River, it’s as rugged and wild as it is welcoming.Recommended For:
Adventure seekers, western history fans, outdoor families, and nature lovers looking for a scenic mountain town full of personality.What I Love: ♥
Horseback rides and hiking in the summer, snowmobiling and skiing in the winter—and those legendary elk antler arches framing a lively Old West-style square.- Experience Jackson’s high-altitude charm at over 6,000 feet in elevation, offering crisp air, scenic beauty, and year-round adventure.
- Visit the town’s beating heart, George Washington Memorial Park (aka Town Square), famous for its four elk antler arches.
- Explore the surrounding cafés, restaurants, art galleries, spas, and shops, or take a carriage ride and catch a staged Old West shootout.
- Get active in summer with horseback riding, hiking, biking, bouldering, and rock climbing on nearby trails and ridges.
- Paddle or float the Snake River with options for fishing, kayaking, rafting, and scenic wildlife tours.
- Embrace winter with thrilling snowmobiling and some of the best downhill and cross-country skiing in the West.
3. Cody
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Location:
Cody, WYHighlights:
Named for the legendary Buffalo Bill, Cody is where the Wild West meets wild landscapes. With world-class museums, nearby mountain ranges, and a gateway to Yellowstone, it’s a must-stop for both history lovers and outdoor adventurers.Recommended For:
Western history buffs, national park explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking to combine rugged nature with cultural gems.What I Love: ♥
Rodeo nights, alpine hikes, museum marathons, and the feeling of standing where legends once lived.- Learn about Cody’s roots—it was founded by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a famous frontiersman and showman whose legacy is everywhere in town.
- Explore a huge range of outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, fishing, rock climbing, and camping in summer, and ice climbing in winter.
- Visit natural wonders like the Buffalo Bill Dam and Reservoir, the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, Heart Mountain, and Yellowstone National Park.
- Immerse yourself in local culture at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, home to multiple museums and a research library that showcase the American West’s spirit and legacy.
- Experience the excitement of Stampede Park—the self-declared rodeo capital of the world, where cowboy culture comes alive.
4. Cheyenne
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Location:
Cheyenne, WYHighlights:
Welcome to Cheyenne—the capital of Wyoming and the beating heart of the American West. From frontier railroads and botanic gardens to bison ranches and rodeo thrills, it’s a place where cowboy culture and scenic adventure collide.Recommended For:
History lovers, families, outdoor explorers, and anyone wanting a mix of Western heritage and laid-back charm.What I Love: ♥
The iconic Depot, storytelling trolleys, trout-filled state parks, and summer nights filled with cowboy songs and sizzling steaks.- Start your journey at the Cheyenne Depot & Museum—home to the Visitor Center and a historic gateway into the city’s railroad past.
- Tour Cheyenne aboard the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley for a narrated ride through the city’s colorful history.
- Head outside to Curt Gowdy State Park for fishing, kayaking, and hiking or explore ancient formations at Vedauwoo Recreation Area.
- Wander the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, a tranquil oasis offering both education and inspiration.
- Don't miss Terry Bison Ranch, Bit-O-Wyo Ranch with its cowboy dinners and trail rides, and the iconic Cheyenne Frontier Days—a legendary 10-day rodeo and celebration of Western life.
5. Casper
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Location:
Casper, WYHighlights:
If you're chasing that perfect blend of frontier spirit and modern comforts, Casper is your go-to Wyoming escape. It's a true Old West outpost with trout-filled rivers, snow-dusted mountains, and a surprisingly vibrant downtown.Recommended For:
History buffs, outdoor sportsmen, western culture fans, and couples or families seeking scenic adventure with modern flair.What I Love: ♥
Walking in the footsteps of pioneers, casting a fly in the North Platte, sipping craft cocktails after a day on Casper Mountain—it’s Wyoming at its best.- Step back into frontier times in Casper, an Old West outpost once essential for pioneers traveling west to Oregon and California.
- Experience the town’s cowboy roots through western wear shops, themed restaurants, rodeo events, and the fascinating National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
- Fish and hunt like a local—trout fishing on the North Platte River is superb, and there’s excellent deer, antelope, pheasant, and duck hunting nearby.
- Indulge in the city side with golf courses, theater, symphony performances, and a growing culinary scene.
- Head up to Casper Mountain for a winter wonderland of skiing, snowmobiling, and snowy views.
- Find your way with this helpful Casper Map.
Romantic Places to Visit in Wyoming:
6. Thermopolis
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Location:
Thermopolis, WYHighlights:
If your perfect summer vacation includes hot springs, dinosaurs, and wide-open Wyoming skies—Thermopolis is the place. It's one of those rare destinations that delights both kids and grownups with natural wonders and prehistoric adventures.Recommended For:
Families, science lovers, road-trippers, and anyone who enjoys a soak in thermal waters after a day of dinosaur digs and scenic hikes.What I Love: ♥
Digging for fossils in the morning, soaking in a hot spring by afternoon, and marveling at ancient petroglyphs before sunset—it’s a perfectly packed Wyoming getaway.- Discover Thermopolis, a unique destination combining natural hot springs and a full-on prehistoric adventure.
- Explore the Wyoming Dinosaur Center with its interactive fossil exhibits, active dig sites, and the chance to join the Dig for a Day Program.
- Relax at Hot Springs State Park, home to colorful terrace formations, a free public bathhouse, and a scenic swinging bridge perfect for family photos.
- Step back in time at Legend Rock Petroglyph Site with nearly 300 ancient carvings, or sip something local on a Wyoming Whiskey Distillery Tour.
- Make it a journey with the two-day DINOmite Loop Tour—perfect for families eager to explore the region’s prehistoric and geothermal treasures.
7. Rock Springs
© Rock Springs
Location:
Rock Springs, WYHighlights:
Nestled in the high desert of southwestern Wyoming, Rock Springs is a dynamic small city where rodeo culture, outdoor adventure, and scenic solitude meet. It’s a go-to destination for off-roaders, sportsmen, and families chasing Western charm.Recommended For:
Outdoor adventurers, rodeo fans, families with active kids, and anyone looking for a laid-back getaway with wide-open skies.What I Love: ♥
The thrill of watching pro rodeos, spotting wild horses from your car window, and casting a line or blazing a trail just outside of town.- Explore Rock Springs, located in the rugged high desert of southwestern Wyoming, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and wild beauty.
- Plan a trip centered around hunting, fishing, off-roading, or a relaxed golfing getaway under Wyoming’s vast skies.
- Stay active at the Rock Springs Family Recreation Center or enjoy sports and picnics at the popular Wataha Recreation Complex.
- Experience major Western events at the Sweetwater County Events Complex, including national high school rodeo finals and Mountain States Circuit pro rodeos.
- Join the fun at Wyoming’s Big Show—a county fair packed with rides, food, music, and summer celebration.
- Get outside to explore area hiking and biking trails, take the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour, or visit the White Mountain Petroglyphs.
Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Wyoming:
8. Buffalo
© Buffalo
Location:
Buffalo, WYHighlights:
If you’re dreaming of wide-open landscapes and Old West legends, Buffalo is the real deal. Nestled in the Bighorn Mountain foothills, it’s a perfect blend of history, scenic byways, and cowboy charm.Recommended For:
History buffs, western novel fans, scenic byway explorers, and families looking for an authentic Wyoming experience.What I Love: ♥
The Cloud Peak Skyway views, the saloon doors at the Occidental Hotel, and stepping where the Sundance Kid once hid out.- Find Buffalo tucked into the Bighorn Mountain foothills, a charming town brimming with Old West heritage.
- Drive the Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway—a stunning 47-mile route that runs through the Bighorn National Forest to Ten Sleep.
- See more than a dozen historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the legendary 1880 Occidental Hotel, featured in The Virginian.
- Step back into history at the Jim Gatchell Museum, home to over 15,000 Old West artifacts.
- Venture out to the infamous Hole-in-the-Wall Outlaw Hideout, once used by Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch and the Sundance Kid.
9. Grand Teton National Park
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Location:
Northwestern WyomingHighlights:
For jaw-dropping views, alpine hikes, and that deep-breath-of-fresh-air feeling, Grand Teton National Park is hard to beat. Whether you're chasing peaks or peaceful lakeshores, this place delivers soul-stirring scenery and adventure.Recommended For:
Hikers, photographers, wildlife lovers, and anyone planning a national park road trip between Yellowstone and Jackson Hole.What I Love: ♥
The way the Tetons rise without warning, the serene backcountry lakes, and that magical golden light hitting the peaks at dusk.- Discover Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming, nestled between Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park.
- Explore the scenic Moose District, where you’ll find the park Visitor Center, Mormon Row, Menor’s Ferry Historic District, Murie Ranch, Death Canyon, and a trio of picturesque mountain lakes.
- Marvel at the towering Teton peaks reflected in the waters of Jenny Lake—a must-see area and one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints.
- Visit Colter Bay for access to mountain lakes, the Snake River, Flagg Ranch, and a full-service Visitor Center.
- Unwind at the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve, a sanctuary for quiet walks and intimate nature experiences away from the crowds.
- Camp under the stars—RV travelers and backpackers alike will find stunning spots throughout the park to pitch their tent or park their rig.
201 Headquarters Loop, Moose, WY
Phone: 307-739-3300
10. Yellowstone Lake
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Location:
Yellowstone National Park, WYHighlights:
If you love dramatic views and peaceful waters, Yellowstone Lake is a breathtaking centerpiece of America’s first national park. It's all about wildlife, historic charm, and crisp alpine air.Recommended For:
Anglers, nature lovers, road-tripping families, and anyone who wants to enjoy lakeside beauty without the crowds.What I Love: ♥
Cutthroat trout fishing, elk sightings near the shore, and cozy Colonial-style cabins overlooking one of the country’s most iconic lakes.- Visit Yellowstone Lake, located within Yellowstone National Park, where high-elevation beauty meets abundant wildlife.
- Marvel at the 136-square-mile lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America, renowned for its cutthroat trout fishing.
- Spot wildlife including elk and grizzlies near Fishing Bridge, Bridge Bay, and Pelican Creek.
- Note: Swimming and paddling are discouraged due to the extremely cold temperatures and dangerous water conditions.
- Stay at Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, offering charming Colonial accommodations, or dine and shop in nearby Lake Village.
- Explore hiking trails along the southern and eastern shores for incredible lake and mountain views.
Plan Your Trip