10 Places to Visit in Wyoming
Searching for the best places to visit in Wyoming? Well, you are in the right place! My first road trip to Wyoming was decades ago, and it was all for the chance to see Old Faithful! What actually happened was that I fell in love with this place and it became one of my favorite places to visit in the world! I landed at Jackson Hole Airport with my husband, where we rented a car and spent our first night at The Wort Hotel in Jackson. The next day, we drove through Grand Teton National Park before continuing on to Yellowstone.
That evening, watching Old Faithful erupt under the stars and then falling asleep at the historic Old Faithful Inn became one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. That’s what The Equality State is like, it surprises you with new adventures at every turn! It’s why I’ll keep going back whenever I can. I hope you, too, find the perfect places for your own getaway.
- Best Places to Visit in Wyoming - Yellowstone Area
- - Yellowstone National Park - Old Faithful Inn
- Best Places to Visit in Wyoming - Jackson Hole Valley
- - Jackson Hole Valley - Spring Creek Ranch - The Wort Hotel in Jackson - Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa
- Best Day Trips in Wyoming
- - Cody - Cheyenne - Casper - Thermopolis
Best Places to Visit in Wyoming - Yellowstone Area
This is Wyoming’s most iconic and awe-inspiring region, home to geysers, wilderness, and Western history.
Yellowstone National Park
This is one of my favorite national parks to visit in the USA because it truly has a bit of everything. You'll find incredible geysers of all colors, a giant late, waterfalls rivers, and wildlife around every corner. There are actually bison strolling right along the roadside as you drive (be careful around them and follow ranger alerts to stay safe!). If you don't want to drive, you can sign up for a tour with a local guide instead, departing from many locations in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
For me, Yellowstone, also nicknamed "Wonderland", was more fascinating and beautiful than any other place on the planet. It truly felt like the Earth was showing off. When we stopped at Yellowstone Lake, there were geysers in the lake itself! Walking along the various boardwalks all around Yellowstone, I was constantly in awe of the surreal colors, one place more unbelievable than the next!
My highlight was a hearty lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room. It was full of visitors who came for an Old Faithful eruption. I found the excitement catching! In addition, the food was surprisingly delicious for such a touristy spot. I still remember the bison meatloaf with mashed potatoes and huckleberry sauce.
What I loved best:
Sitting beside Yellowstone Lake at dusk watching the sunset was my personal highlight.
Local tip:
You can enter Yellowstone from Wyoming like we did on this trip, Montana or Idaho. Although there are many places to stay just outside the park (they are usually more affordable), I also love spending two nights at Old Faithful Inn right in the heart of the park!
A downside? The park is vast so you need to plan your visit carefully otherwise you may miss something.
Relaxing at Old Faithful Inn
This historic inn (Google Maps Pin) offers one of the most unique stays I’ve ever experienced in a national park. You'll find Old Faithful Inn just steps from one of the world’s most famous geysers, Old Faithful. It has a grand wild West vibe with a giant fireplace and huge leather chairs in the lobby.We watched the Old Faithful geyser (just outside the inn) late into the night and spent the night at Old Faithful Inn. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
Local tip: Be sure to book early because rooms completely sell out, especially in June, July and August, even on weekdays!
Best Places to Visit in Wyoming - Jackson Hole Valley
Framed by the Teton Range, the valley offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and refined amenities.
Jackson Hole Valley
This is one of my favorite places in Wyoming because it truly feels like the gateway to the Wild West.
Landing at Jackson Hole Airport was a smooth experience in August, but locals told me that in winter there can be flight delays. From the airport, it will take you about 30 minutes to reach town of Jackson.
In the afternoon, we rode the aerial tram in Teton Village up the mountain for an incredible view (tickets from $50 for Adults round-trip). Just a heads up that there is a serious altitude adjustment. Teton Village is at the elevation of 6,329 feet, but the tram ascends another 4,139 vertical feet in 15 minutes. This means that the summit elevation is 10,450 feet (3,185 meters) on Rendezvous Mountain. If your home is in a low altitude city, you should wait a few days to acclimate and ride the tram up later. Also, be sure to pack a jacket because it's so much colder at the summit.
Next morning we went on an adventure all around the valley (Google Maps Pin), driving to Grand Teton National Park, and taking the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake ($20 for adults round-trip). If you cross Lenny Lake via the boat shuttle, I recommend hiking past waterfalls along Hidden Falls trail towards Inspiration Point. The lower part of the trail is kid-friendly, but it gets more challenging closer to the top.
What I loved best:
Elk medallions at Snake River Grill for dinner.
The Cons: I have to warn you that parking can be a challenge during the afternoon Jackson Hole Town Square Shootout (May 31st through Labor Day). We went early and walked around town for about an hour which I highly recommend.
Spring Creek Ranch - 25 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport
Located at an elevation of 7,000 feet, the ranch is a wilderness experience with luxury amenities. You'll find it about half an hour from Jackson Hole Airport.
You get to wake up to sunrise over the Tetons, and watch moose graze in the valley below. You can book a horseback ride along the ranch’s trails. Families can take the shuttle into Jackson for shopping and art galleries, then return for the night. Stargazing is a magical experience. For larger families, the Spring Creek Ranch offers townhomes and mountain villas in addition to regular hotel-style rooms.
The Wort Hotel in Jackson
This is a convenient place to stay in Downtown Jackson if you need time to acclimate to the altitude wen you lend. The Wort Hotel lobby greets you with Western-style decor and luxury service.
The best part of staying here is that you have Downtown Jackson at your fingertips. Just outside the front door, you can stroll to restaurants, art galleries, western shops.
The onsite Silver Dollar Bar & Grill is great for dinner. Try the ribeye with potatoes.
Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa
This is another great option in Jackson, WY. It's more secluded than The Wort Hotel because it's set along its own private stretch of Flat Creek.
You can book your own cabin right on the creek. It's kid-friendly and more private than staying at a hotel.
You can explore Downtown Jackson which is about a half mile away. Don't miss dinner at onsite Rustic Inn Bistro.
Best Day Trips in Wyoming - Other Areas
Beyond Wyoming’s most famous destinations, the state’s other regions are fun to explore.
Things to Do in Cody
This lively town on the eastern edge of Yellowstone is one of my favorite places to visit in Wyoming when I want a mix of frontier spirit and modern comfort.
We left Jackson Hole early in the morning, heading east toward this cool little town. The drive took about 4.5 hours, winding through mountain passes and open plains. The road traced the edge of Yellowstone, so the scenery kept shifting, jagged cliffs, wide valleys, and the kind of big sky that makes you roll down the window just to breathe it in.
My goal was simple: experience the spirit of the Old West, learn more about Buffalo Bill, and end the day with a hearty meal before resting in town.
Cody felt like a crossroads, history pressed close, yet the town was alive with rodeo posters and rustic storefronts. The Shoshone River cut nearby, carrying its own rhythm through the valley.
I walked through the Buffalo Bill Center of the West ($23 adult admission, kids $16) and it completely changed how I see Cody because it dives deep into the culture, people, and landscapes that shaped the West. The galleries stretched from Plains Indian history to western art, each room adding a layer to the story of the frontier. My son loved the interactive exhibits.
We also enjoyed an evening at the Cody Nite Rodeo (June–August), wandered through Old Trail Town with its authentic frontier buildings, and walk down Sheridan Avenue lined with shops and western saloons.
- Location: Northwestern Wyoming, near the eastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Lunch at Trailhead Bar and Grill where we had great wood-fried pizzas was my favorite highlight. The atmosphere was casual but warm, filled with families and travelers swapping stories of the road.
The Cons: The town is small, so lodging can book quickly in summer. You should expect higher prices during peak season, and if you’re not into rodeo or western history, options feel a little limited.
Cheyenne
Ready for a trip that mixes frontier history with modern charm? Check out Cheyenne, a real standout! We left Cody in the early morning, heading southeast toward this unique city. The drive stretched about 6 hours, crossing plains that seemed endless.
Cheyenne felt rooted in its western pride - Brick streets framed by old theaters and government buildings mixed with murals and cowboy boots at every corner. The Cheyenne Depot Museum (the steward of the Historic UPRR Depot, a National Historic Landmark) stood tall as a reminder of how railroads shaped this place.
In addition, we enjoyed a guided tour of the Wyoming State Capitol (free admission), and walked along Sheridan Street lined with western shops and bronze statues.
When I visited the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum ($15 admission, kids $10), I felt drawn into the grit and spectacle of the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.
- Location: Southeastern Wyoming, near the Colorado border
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
The Albany, right across from the Depot was a standout. Their chicken-fried steak arrived golden and crisp, with mashed potatoes that tasted like comfort itself. The setting was casual, with wooden booths that felt unchanged for decades.
The Cons: This place can feel quiet outside of Frontier Days (late July). If you come in off-season, expect fewer events and a slower pace, which may not appeal if you’re chasing constant activity.
Casper
There’s something about this town that instantly made me feel like I’d discovered a laid-back gem in the heart of Wyoming on our road trip.
We left Cheyenne in the morning, heading northwest toward Casper - The drive was about 3 hours.
The first time we visited Casper, Wyoming, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but it completely won me over. Set along the North Platte River and surrounded by wide-open landscapes, Casper feels like the perfect blend of rugged Western spirit and small-city charm. The scenery is expansive, the air feels cleaner somehow, and there’s an unmistakable sense of freedom that comes with being in the heart of Wyoming.
Casper is best known for its outdoor recreation and Old West history. This is true cowboy country, and it shows—from the local culture to the landscapes that stretch endlessly in every direction. At the same time, the city has a surprisingly vibrant arts scene, great museums, and a welcoming downtown that makes it easy to settle in and explore.
What I really liked about Casper is how accessible nature is. You’re never more than a few minutes from hiking trails, river views, or open plains. The North Platte River runs right through town and is a major focal point, especially in warmer months when people are fly fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing along the riverwalk. Even if you’re not outdoorsy, simply being surrounded by that much natural beauty is refreshing.
One of the standout experiences in Casper is diving into its history. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a must-visit—it does an incredible job telling the stories of the pioneers who traveled the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express Trails. It’s interactive, well-designed, and gives you a real appreciation for what people endured to travel west. Nearby, Fort Caspar Museum adds even more context with reconstructed buildings and exhibits that bring the frontier era to life.
Casper is also an excellent base for scenic drives and day trips. Casper Mountain is right outside the city and offers hiking, mountain biking, and stunning views over the plains below. In the winter, it transforms into a local ski and snowshoe destination. No matter the season, the contrast between the mountain terrain and the open prairie is striking.
Downtown Casper surprised me in the best way. It’s compact and walkable, with local shops, breweries, coffee spots, and restaurants that feel genuine and unpretentious. The food scene leans hearty and comforting, which feels exactly right after a day spent outdoors. Locals are friendly, conversations come easily, and everything moves at a more relaxed pace.
- Location: Central Wyoming, along the North Platte River
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
FireRock Steakhouse was a standout - Their wood-fired ribeye arrived (from $35.95) with a smoky crust and tender center, filling the room with the rich smell of hickory.
The Cons: This town is quieter than Jackson or Cheyenne. Nightlife is limited, and some attractions close early.
Thermopolis
This is one of my favorite small towns to visit on a road trip in Wyoming because it blends natural beauty with total relaxation.
We left previous stop in Casper in the late morning and drove northwest toward this town - The trip took about 2.5 hours.
Thermopolis felt like a hidden pocket of relaxation tucked into Wyoming’s rugged landscape. I stepped into the famous Hot Springs State Park, enjoyed soaks at the State Bath House, explored colorful terraces of mineral deposits, and took a short hike along the swinging bridge across the Bighorn River.
Where To Eat: You can try One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company. Their bison burger came juicy and smoky, served with fries that tasted freshly made.
- Location: North-central Wyoming, along the Big Horn River
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
For me, Thermopolis is one of the best places to visit in Wyoming because it's scenic and the hot springs are so relaxing!
When I soaked at Hot Springs State Park (free, 20-minute limit per visit), I felt the tension from the road slip away, my favorite highlight. The mineral water was hot but not overwhelming, and as steam rose around me, I looked up at the canyon walls glowing in the late afternoon sun.
The Cons: The town is small, so options for lodging and dining are limited.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
