Five Amazing Day Trips: Wyoming

The western state of Wyoming is the perfect place for a road trip to explore destinations through vast travel regions that include Yellowstone National Park, Devil’s Tower National Monument, and dozens of unique small cities and towns. Hike, bike, raft, and climb, during the long summer days, and enjoy the colder months by skiing, ice fishing, and dog sledding across the winter landscape. There are small towns to discover across the entire state; the most famous is Jackson, with its charming downtown filled with luxury hotels and resorts, boutique stores, art galleries, and an excellent culinary scene. Another must-visit destination is just east of Yellowstone and made famous by Buffalo Bill. Cody is home to world-class museums, historic sites, and an authentic western downtown. Our day trip recommendations start in Casper and showcase some of the best nearby destinations.

Here are five great day trips across The Equality State:

Buffalo (Small Town Experience)

Drive 110 miles north of Casper to experience the small city of Buffalo, situated between two of America’s most popular attractions— Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The historic district blends into the foothills of the picturesque Big Horn Mountains and is home to historic museums and sites as well as boutique stores, art galleries, and local restaurants. No trip to Buffalo is complete without visiting Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum home to thousands of artifacts from the American Old West and the Occidental Hotel Museum with a collection of Western artifacts displayed throughout the restored rooms, suites, saloon, and restaurant. The hotel has an unbelievable history— there are not many saloons left in the United States in which you can order a drink in the exact spot where cowboys, sheriffs, desperados, and cattle barons once stood. Before leaving the hotel, have a bite to eat in the restaurant or saloon. Count how many original bullet holes you can find, left over from the days when real outlaws were the customers, including Butch Cassidy, The Sundance Kid, and Calamity Jane. If you like unique historic hotels and interesting rooms, inquire about staying in the Bordello Suite.

Douglas (Parks & Recreation)

Located in the Powder River Basin about 150 miles northeast of Casper, you’ll find the Thunder Basin National Grassland. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Grassland is popular for sightseeing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and bird and wildlife viewing. The diverse range of wildlife is impressive, with a semi-arid climate at 3,600 feet to 5,200 above sea level. During this day trip expect to see up to 100 species of birds and larger herbivores, such as pronghorn antelope and mule deer, and small mammals like black-tailed prairie dogs and white-tailed jackrabbits. You may also spot a few predators, like the swift fox, badger, and coyote. Across the United States, millions of acres of grasslands are lost every year, which makes the unique beauty of Thunder Basin even more special to preserve and enjoy.

Fort Laramie (Parks & Recreation)

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located about 120 miles southeast of Casper. “The Grand Old Post” was the largest military post on the Northern Plains and visited by trappers, traders, missionaries, emigrants, soldiers, miners, ranchers, and homesteaders to name a few. Start your day at the 1884 Commissary Storehouse, now the visitor center and museum. Watch the 18-minute film that covers the history of Fort Laramie from its beginnings as a fur trading post in 1834 to its closing in 1890. Take a peek at the exhibits of authentic uniforms, weapons, and artifacts and the national park bookstore before setting out to discover the fort on your own. The self-guided tour passes through 12 restored buildings dating from 1849 to the late 1880’s period. Check with the rangers for daily ranger programs, and, during the summer months, guided tours are available and additional staff members and volunteers re-enact activities that were once common around the fort.

Lander (Parks & Recreation)

Located about 150 miles west of Casper, the small city of Lander is popular with outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, bike, and climb in central Wyoming. The area has many outdoor recreation spots, but this day trip explores the eastern slope of the Wind River Mountains— the location of Sinks Canyon State Park. Start the trip at The Sinks Visitor Center and Rise Overlook to grab a map and get the lay of the land from the park rangers. It’s always best to discuss some of the recommended seasonal activities. The 70-mile Loop Road offers scenic vistas in all directions and passes by rivers, lakes, waterfalls, meadows, steep cliffs, and historic sites. There are plenty of hiking trails, climbing areas, and fishing spots along the way as you navigate switchbacks, ascending to 9,500 feet before descending to Louis Lake and the Red Canyons and returning to the visitor center. The most popular hike in the park takes you to Popo Agie Falls, an approximately 3-mile round trip hike that affords you with spectacular views of the picturesque canyon, tumbling river, and surrounding mountains.

Thermopolis (Museums & Attractions)

Located 130 miles northwest of Casper, Thermopolis is home to “The Big Spring,” the largest mineral hot spring in the world. Arriving in the small town it’s hard to miss the colorful Rainbow Terraces, geologic features created by the hot springs that flow into the Big Horn River. To get a better view of the thermal activity and natural landscapes, visit Hot Springs State Park. The unique state park also offers visitors the chance to soak up the healing waters in the free state-operated bath house. Other activities include hiking and taking a scenic drive, stopping at the park’s many points of interest— keep an eye out for the local bison herd!! The second highlight of this day trip is the world-class Wyoming Dinosaur Center museum. The exhibits depict life on earth millions of years ago, from ocean to land through the time of dinosaurs. There are also over 50 mounted dinosaur skeletons, from a life-size T-Rex to a replica of a Supersaurus that measures over 100 feet and was discovered in nearby Douglas, Wyoming. From May to August, don’t miss the chance to take a guided tour of a nearby active dig site or participate in a “Dig for a Day” program. This is one of the few natural history museums in the world that offers visitors access to active archeological sites.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!