Wyoming called to me with wide skies, winding trails, and the promise of raw beauty. It’s the kind of place where silence feels sacred and the mountains don’t just rise—they speak. From cowboy towns to geothermal wonders, every stop had a story, every vista asked me to linger just a little longer. I came looking for fresh air and open space. I left with something deeper.
These are the places that gave me a better sense of the West—and a clearer sense of myself.
Best Things to Do in Wyoming:
Climbing Higher at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Visiting Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the summer felt like being let in on a local secret. The slopes that draw skiers in winter had turned into green trails and wildflower meadows, and as I rode the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, I thought, "This view could make anyone believe in something bigger."
At the summit, the Tetons stretched endlessly in every direction. I lingered at Corbet’s Cabin, where I had to try the resort’s famous waffles—crispy, golden, topped with Nutella and bacon. I sat outside with a hot coffee, the air thin and cool, the silence enormous. It felt less like a resort and more like a retreat for the soul.
After hiking down a portion of the trail, I drove into Teton Village and grabbed dinner at Spur Restaurant & Bar. I had the elk bolognese with handmade pasta and a glass of Wyoming red. It was rich and earthy—like the land around me.
Where I Stayed: I checked into Hotel Terra, a boutique eco-lodge at the base of the resort. Sleek design, cozy textures, and a rooftop hot tub with views of the stars—it was everything I didn’t know I needed. That night, I thought, "I came for the peaks, but it’s the quiet that will stay with me."
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort At a Glance
- Location: 3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY 83025
- Vibe: Elevated, adventurous, peaceful
- Highlights: Aerial tram, summer hiking, Corbet’s Cabin waffles, scenic views
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing, summer for hiking and tram rides
- Cost: Tram tickets ~$35–$50 roundtrip
- Hours: Varies seasonally; tram typically 9am–5pm in summer
- Tip: Bring layers—it’s chilly at the summit even in July
Walking Through the Wild West at Old Trail Town
Old Trail Town in Cody felt like stepping straight into a Western film—except this time, the dust on the boots and the creak of the floorboards were real. I wandered through rows of original frontier buildings relocated and preserved here, and I thought, "This isn’t a replica—it’s a resting place for real lives and long stories."
The weathered cabins, a saloon, and even Butch Cassidy’s hideout transported me. Each building held relics—tools, letters, rifles, photographs—quiet reminders that this wasn’t just the setting for a legend, but home to pioneers, outlaws, and families who lived through the wild and made it their own.
Afterward, I grabbed lunch at The Local in downtown Cody, ordering a bison burger with smoked cheddar and truffle fries. It was hearty, rich, and just rustic enough to feel perfectly in step with the day.
Where I Stayed: I spent the night at The Cody Hotel, where rustic charm met warm comfort. From the lobby fireplace to the mountain views out my window, it felt like a modern frontier lodge. That evening, I sat on the porch and thought, "There’s something about this place that still runs wild."
Old Trail Town At a Glance
- Location: 1831 Demaris Dr, Cody, WY 82414
- Vibe: Gritty, historic, atmospheric
- Highlights: Original frontier buildings, outlaw history, pioneer memorabilia
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for warm days and open-air exploring
- Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children
- Hours: Daily 8am–6pm (May through September)
- Tip: Don’t rush—give yourself time to read the signs and let the stories unfold
Finding Stillness at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens felt like a soft exhale after the rush of highways and cowboy boots. Tucked into the city’s Lions Park, the gardens offered a colorful, peaceful retreat. I wandered from roses to sunflowers to the tropical greenhouse, thinking, "This is Wyoming’s quieter side."
The Grand Conservatory was a highlight—three stories of palms, orchids, and waterfalls that made me forget I was in the high plains. Outside, winding trails passed through native plant beds, a community vegetable garden, and sculptures that gave the space a surprising touch of whimsy.
For lunch, I headed into town to Tasty Bones BBQ, where I ordered the pulled pork platter with mac and cheese and sweet tea. It was casual, comforting, and hit all the right notes after a slow morning among the blooms.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at Little America Hotel & Resort, which felt like a green oasis just off I-80. Clean rooms, tree-lined walkways, and a little diner that served great pancakes—it was the kind of place where you instantly unwind. That night, I thought, "Even cowtowns have calm corners if you know where to look."
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 710 S Lions Park Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001
- Vibe: Tranquil, vibrant, unexpected
- Highlights: Grand Conservatory, themed gardens, sculptures
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for the full bloom experience
- Cost: Free admission
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 12pm–5pm
- Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop deck—it’s peaceful and has great views of the gardens
Finding Wild Beauty at the National Museum of Wildlife Art
The National Museum of Wildlife Art surprised me before I even stepped inside. Built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the stone structure blended so well with its surroundings that it felt like part of the landscape. As I walked up the sculpture trail and saw life-sized animals cast in bronze, I thought, "This is art that honors where it lives."
Inside, the galleries were full of depth—paintings, photography, and sculpture that captured the essence of animals not as decoration, but as living beings. Works by Georgia O’Keeffe, John James Audubon, and Robert Bateman lined the walls, and I kept finding myself whispering “wow” under my breath. The museum didn’t feel grandiose—it felt reverent.
After the visit, I grabbed lunch at Palate, the museum’s own café with panoramic views of the Elk Refuge. I ordered the elk gyro with pickled onions and tzatziki—it was playful, unexpected, and honestly delicious.
Where I Stayed: I checked into The Wort Hotel in downtown Jackson, with carved wood accents and Western charm in every corner. That night, wrapped in a soft blanket near the lobby fireplace, I thought, "The wild isn't always untamed—it can be graceful too."
National Museum of Wildlife Art At a Glance
- Location: 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
- Vibe: Natural, contemplative, beautifully curated
- Highlights: Wildlife art from around the world, sculpture trail, elk refuge views
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of year, but especially peaceful in the off-season
- Cost: $15 adults, $6 youth
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm
- Tip: Bring binoculars—there’s often wildlife visible from the café patio
Sleeping Where Legends Stayed at The Historic Occidental Hotel Museum
The Historic Occidental Hotel Museum in Buffalo was more than just a place to sleep—it was a time capsule. The moment I stepped inside the lobby, with its tin ceiling, velvet fainting couch, and antique piano, I thought, "This place has seen stories I’ll never fully know."
Famous guests like Butch Cassidy, Calamity Jane, and Teddy Roosevelt once walked these halls, and the original register is still on display to prove it. Each room is decorated with period furniture and themed details, and I swear I could almost hear saloon music echoing from the past. I wandered the hallways with a quiet reverence—it felt like a Western movie come to life, minus the Hollywood filter.
I had dinner downstairs at The Virginian Restaurant, named after the classic novel set in the very same hotel. I ordered prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and sipped a glass of red wine under the soft glow of vintage lamps. It was the kind of meal that anchors you in a place.
Where I Stayed: I stayed right there in the hotel, of course. My room had a clawfoot tub, floral wallpaper, and a creaky wood floor I couldn’t help but love. That night, reading in bed and hearing the wind outside, I thought, "History doesn’t just belong in museums—it belongs in bedsheets and doorways too."
The Historic Occidental Hotel Museum At a Glance
- Location: 10 N Main St, Buffalo, WY 82834
- Vibe: Charming, nostalgic, ghost-story rich
- Highlights: Authentic rooms, saloon history, Western décor, notable guest list
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for full access and community events
- Cost: Room prices range ~$110–$200 depending on suite
- Hours: Hotel open daily; museum areas accessible to guests
- Tip: Ask about the ghost stories—staff are usually happy to share
Getting Oriented at Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
Pulling into the parking lot of the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park, the mountains rose up like a cathedral. Before I even stepped inside, I paused to take it in and thought, "If this is just the beginning, I’m in for something unforgettable."
The visitor center is more than just maps and pamphlets—it’s a beautifully designed introduction to the park’s ecosystems, Indigenous history, and conservation efforts. I walked through exhibits about climbing the Tetons, listened to stories from local tribes, and traced the wildlife migrations that pass through these valleys. It felt like a primer for understanding where I was, and why it mattered.
I picked up a trail map and headed out for a short walk along the nearby river before lunch at Dornan’s Chuckwagon, just down the road. I had a trout sandwich and iced tea with a view of the mountains that didn’t even look real.
Where I Stayed: I stayed in a rustic cabin at Jackson Lake Lodge, which had a panoramic window view that made it hard to leave. That night, wrapped in a fleece blanket and staring at the stars, I thought, "Wyoming gives you space—real, soul-shifting space."
Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center At a Glance
- Location: 1 Teton Park Rd, Moose, WY 83012
- Vibe: Educational, grounding, majestic
- Highlights: Exhibits, ranger programs, trail info, sweeping Teton views
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for full park access
- Cost: Free with park admission
- Hours: Daily 8am–5pm (seasonal)
- Tip: Start here if it’s your first time in Grand Teton—it frames everything that follows
Understanding the Earth at Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
As Old Faithful erupted in the background, a crowd gathered outside the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, cameras raised, jaws dropped. But stepping inside the center just afterward gave me a deeper awe—I thought, "The geyser was the showstopper, but this is the story."
The exhibits explained Yellowstone’s geothermal magic—why the ground bubbles, spits, and sometimes explodes. I watched footage of other geysers across the park, studied thermal maps, and even got a peek into the science behind bison, bears, and boiling mud pots. It made the landscape feel even more alive.
Afterward, I sat on a bench near the lodge and had a sandwich I’d packed earlier—nothing fancy, but it tasted perfect with steam drifting into the sky and the scent of sulfur in the air.
Where I Stayed: I booked a room at Old Faithful Inn, with its soaring log beams and grand lobby fireplace. It felt like staying inside a National Park love letter. That night, the geyser erupted again under moonlight, and I thought, "There’s something magical about sleeping this close to the Earth’s heartbeat."
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center At a Glance
- Location: Yellowstone National Park, near Old Faithful Geyser
- Vibe: Scientific, awe-inspiring, essential
- Highlights: Geothermal science exhibits, real-time geyser predictions, ranger talks
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or early fall for full access and ranger programs
- Cost: Free with park admission
- Hours: Daily 9am–6pm (seasonal)
- Tip: Check eruption prediction times before visiting—you can plan your walk accordingly
Conclusion
Wyoming gave me space—both literally and emotionally. Between towering peaks, thundering geysers, whispering trails, and historic saloons, I found a sense of vastness I didn’t realize I was craving. It’s a state that wears its wildness proudly but also knows the value of stillness, story, and stewardship.
Whether you're climbing mountains, stepping through pioneer history, or watching steam rise from the Earth itself, Wyoming will shift something in you. It certainly did for me.