16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wyoming

The Wild West comes alive in Wyoming. It's one of the most sparsely populated states in the US and a land of rugged landscapes, rich tribal legends, rodeos, ranches, cowboy towns, and some of the world's great wilderness areas.

Yellowstone National Park, with its geothermal wonders, together with spectacular Grand Teton National Park are two of the big highlights when it comes to attractions. Both parks are home to an astounding diversity of wildlife, from grizzlies and golden eagles to wolves, elk, moose, bison, and black bears. And these stunning national parks draw the biggest crowds to the state.

Further afield, you can explore red-walled gorges; hot springs; historic prairie towns; pioneer museums; and the historical attractions of Wyoming's capital, Cheyenne. With all this wilderness and wide-open space, outdoor adventures abound. Wyoming offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, and fishing, as well as some of the best skiing in North America.

Discover the best places to visit in this rugged Western state with our list of the top tourist attractions in Wyoming.

Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the world's first and oldest national park. It's home to one of the most awe-inspiring wilderness areas on the planet. Huge herds of bison still roam free in the valleys, and the abundant wildlife includes grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, elk, antelope, trumpeter swans, and majestic bald eagles.

Yellowstone National Park is a geothermal wonderland. You can see four types of geothermal features throughout the park: hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and fumaroles (steam vents). In some spots like the Lower Geyser Basin and Norris Geyser Basin, you can see all four geothermal features in one place. These locations have nice boardwalks so visitors can get close enough to the features to smell the sulfur and get Instagram-worthy photos while staying at a safe distance.

Some of the must-see highlights of Yellowstone National Park include the famous Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone Lake, and the jaw-dropping cascades of Lower Falls. Waterfalls are a dramatic feature in Yellowstone flowing down steep ravines, and glittering lakes and rivers that stretch for miles.

You can drive around the park along the Grand Loop and navigate the top half one day, and the lower half another while staying overnight at one of the park's lodges or campgrounds.

Hayden Valley is where you have the best chance at spotting wildlife, especially from one of the many road lookout spots giving you panoramic vantage points over the vast landscape. It is also home to the second largest bison herd in the park so you are likely to see quite a few.

If you want to up the adventure a bit you can explore Yellowstone's extensive network of hiking trails. Be sure to consult a park ranger before heading out to make sure you know the latest trail conditions and take bear spray and rain gear with you.

The park draws about 4.4 million visitors a year, making it a top attraction in Wyoming. Sightseeing is excellent year-round, with each season painting the landscape in different hues. While most tourists visit in the summer, the winter months bring an entirely different landscape and experience to Yellowstone. If you are hoping to spot baby animals in the park, springtime is the best time to visit Yellowstone when the young wildlife are more visible.

Grand Teton National Park

Crowned by the craggy peaks of the mighty Teton Mountain Range, Grand Teton National Park is one of the jewels of Wyoming. These mountains, in the state's northwest, were formed millions of years ago, when a fault in the earth's crust buckled, creating 12 peaks reaching heights of more than 12,000 feet. The highest of these, Grand Teton, soars 13,770 feet above sea level.

Wildlife is abundant. More than 300 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, and many freshwater fish live within the park. Not surprisingly, the park is a paradise for wildlife lovers, photographers, climbers, kayakers, and hikers.

The best way to explore the spectacular scenery is by hiking the many trails and staying overnight in the campgrounds. Summer is by far the busiest season to visit and is the only time the high-mountain hiking trails are completely free of snow, but spring and fall are also lovely times to visit, with fewer crowds. Some of the roads and access points close during the winter months.

Jackson

Tucked in a sprawling valley at the foot of the spectacular Teton Mountains, Jackson, Wyoming exudes the spirit of the Wild West. Rustic wooden buildings and boardwalks, quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants, add to the charm of this charismatic town. And the town square framed by elk-horn arches is hard to miss.

Jackson is also the gateway to beautiful Grand Teton National Park and a popular stop on the way to Yellowstone. Bordering town, the National Elk Refuge protects the largest herd of wintering elk in the world. In season, you can ride horse-drawn sleighs into the refuge to view these gentle creatures up close.

Camouflaged in a rocky hillside just south of town, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is another top attraction, with more than 4,000 paintings and many rotating exhibits.

Other Jackson highlights include scenic float trips down the Snake River, chuck wagon cookouts, the popular summer rodeo, and downhill skiing on Snow King Mountain. Jackson Hole is also one of the top fly fishing destinations in Wyoming.

A 20-minute drive from Jackson, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village offers some of the best skiing in the United States, as well as a diverse lineup of summer mountain sports and outdoor concerts.

• Read More: Top-Rated Hiking Trails in Jackson Hole

Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis

Built around the world's largest single mineral hot spring, Hot Springs State Park is a great place to stop for a relaxing soak. The steamy mineral water gushing from Big Spring is channeled into bathhouses and kept at a constant 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You can soak in the warm waters indoors at the State Bath House or in the two outdoor pools.

Also in the area are hiking trails; petroglyphs; summer flower gardens; and the Rainbow Terrace, where water from another stream tumbles into the Bighorn River. Look for the herd of bison grazing in the hills.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

In the beautiful Bridger Teton National Forest, outdoor enthusiasts can explore more than 3.4 million acres of western Wyoming's rugged mountain wilderness.

Within the forest's boundaries lie three Wilderness Areas: The Bridger Wilderness in the Wind River Mountains is home to the headwaters of the Green River, some of the world's largest glaciers, and Wyoming's highest point, Gannett Peak. The Teton Wilderness provides critical habitat for wildlife such as grizzlies, wolves, and bison, and the Gros Ventre Wilderness encompasses fascinating geological features.

In 1925, the Gros Ventre Slide carved down a mountainside, creating Lower Slide Lake. You can still see evidence of the slide today.

Crisscrossed by miles of trails, the entire region is excellent for hiking, hunting, fishing, ski touring, and mountaineering.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West retraces an important chapter of American history in a complex that houses five Smithsonian-affiliated museums. This should be one of your first stops if you are staying in Cody to learn about the area's history which is significant to the entire state of Wyoming.

In the Buffalo Bill Museum, you can view artifacts from the life of Buffalo Bill Cody, the legendary American soldier and showman.

The Cody Firearms Museum has more than 10,000 pieces in its collection spanning 800 years of history. Wyoming wildlife and geology are the main themes of the Draper Museum of Natural History, and you can learn about the culture of the prairies' first inhabitants at the Plains Indian Museum through exhibits and a multimedia show.

In addition to all these historical exhibits and artifacts, the center offers a treat for art lovers. At the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and George Catlin continue the Wild West theme.

While you will be tempted to spend most of your visit exploring the indoor museums, be sure to allocate time to see the outdoor sculpture garden. You can do this by planning to see one of the Raptor Experience shows that take place twice a day outside.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is tough to experience in just one visit which is why admission tickets are good for two days. It is best to plan on visiting several of the museums one day and then coming back to see the others on a different day.

Address: 720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, Wyoming

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Cody, WY

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Named for the area's striking red sandstone cliffs, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area stretches from Green River, Wyoming, south and into Utah.

Fed by the waters of the Green River, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and kayaking. Adventure seekers can also raft the area of the Green River downstream from Flaming Gorge Dam.

Perched above the canyon, the Red Canyon Vista and Visitor Center offers impressive views of the gorge. From the visitor center, the Canyon Rim Trail threads along the lip of the canyon, with lookouts along the way.

In addition to the colorful rock formations, some of the rock walls display petroglyphs, and prehistoric fossils are often found in the area.

The Wind River Range

Looking for the spectacular alpine scenery of Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone without the crowds? Head to the Wind River Range in Western Wyoming. Its 2.25 million acres encompass seven of the largest glaciers in the Lower 48 states; lush meadows dappled with wildflowers; glacier-carved valleys; snowcapped peaks; and thousands of sparkling trout-filled waterways, including the headwater for the Green River. No wonder it's a haven for hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and climbing.

Hikers, in particular, will be in heaven here. More than 600 miles of trails radiate through the region, including part of the Continental Divide Scenic National Trail, which runs from Canada to Mexico. The 80-mile stretch through this region ascends to an elevation of 11,000 feet and is best hiked during August and September, when the trails are most likely to be free of snow. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. This is grizzly country, but you can also see moose, mountain lions, deer, elk, wolves, and hundreds of different species of birds.

The Wind River Range is also one of the best fly fishing destinations in Wyoming. Anglers can catch many species of trout, as well as grayling and mackinaw, in the crystal-clear streams and rivers.

Rock climbers come here to scale the granite peaks, including the famous Cirque of the Towers in the southern region of the range.

Looking for a dose of culture and history? You'll find that here, too. At the Wind River Indian Reservation, you can participate in a powwow, visit museums, or explore the area on a 70-kilometer scenic drive along the Wind River Indian Reservation Trail. Pick up a self-guided Wyoming tourism map at local chambers of commerce.

The rustic town of Pinedale is the gateway to this remote section of the Bridger Wilderness, and it makes a great base to stock up on supplies. From here, you can don your backpack, lace up your boots, pack your fly rod, and head into one of the most breathtakingly beautiful wilderness areas in the country - minus the crowds.

Grand Targhee Ski Resort

If you hate standing in lines and paying exorbitant prices for lift tickets, Grand Targhee Ski Resort is a hot pick for your next Wyoming ski vacation. About a 90-minute drive from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this family-friendly resort on the western slopes of the Tetons is a much cheaper option than its famous sister resort, with way fewer people.

Snowfall here averages an impressive 500-plus inches of light, fluffy powder, with 2,270 feet of vertical accessed by five lifts. You'll find trails for all abilities here, but intermediate skiers are especially well served, with more than 70 percent of the terrain classified as suitable for them. Other amenities include two terrain parks, snowshoeing, and Nordic trails. Backcountry skiers and snowboarders can also sign up for Wyoming's only cat skiing, and private snowcat skiing is also available.

Sure, visibility can sometimes be an issue here, but you can ski the trees during foggy days, and the promise of pristine powder pockets helps compensate - Grand Targhee offers one of the lowest ratios of skiers to untracked powder acres in the country. Relatively affordable slope-side accommodation is another perk of a vacation here.

Summers are also packed with activities. Take a scenic ride on the chairlift, attend a music concert, bike the trails, and sample the restaurants and shops in this charming small town. No matter what the season, Grand Targhee makes a wonderful mountain getaway for everyone in the family.

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is more than a museum, it's an interactive experience recreating the old pioneer trails and their important role in American history. One of the top things to do in Casper, Wyoming, the museum is well worth a couple of hours of your time.

Full-scale dioramas and multimedia presentations tell the story of Wyoming's first settlers, the mountain men and fur trappers, the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, the California Trail, and the Pony Express route. All the exhibits are in chronological order, which makes visiting this museum feel like a journey through time.

This is one of the best Wyoming attractions for families who want to learn about the country's history. Kids can climb in the back of a covered wagon, experience a simulated river crossing, and watch movies that highlight personal stories of the pioneers. Best of all, admission is free!

Before you leave, take time to admire the sweeping views of Casper from the overlook.

Address: 1501 North Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming

Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Once a private fur-trading post, Fort Laramie, the first garrisoned post in Wyoming, became an important outpost serving pioneers emigrating west on the Mormon, Oregon, and California Trails. The area was also an important military post during the Plains Indian Wars. In 1938, President Roosevelt proclaimed the 214 acres of military reservation land a national monument. Today, the National Park Service manages the site.

Your first stop should be the visitor center, where a short audio-visual presentation tells the story of the fort's history. Artifacts such as uniforms and weapons are also on display here.

After the visitor center, a walking tour of the restored buildings brings the fort's fascinating history to life. See how the troops lived and ate by touring the barracks, and you can also visit the officers' quarters, post office, general store, and medical quarters, among other restored buildings. As you wander around the site, friendly volunteers in period costume help recreate the scene.

Most visitors take a self-guided tour, but interpretive talks are offered during the summer months. If you're looking for a way to keep the kids entertained, they can sign up for an educational scavenger hunt. Kids can even become Junior Rangers for their efforts in completing the scavenger hunt and take home a commemorative coin.

Address: 965 Grey Rocks Road, Fort Laramie, Wyoming

Devils Tower National Monument

Rising more than 1,200 feet above Wyoming's eastern plains and the Belle Fourche River, Devils Tower National Monument is a geological gem. If you're looking for northeast Wyoming attractions, this is the big hitter. The Devils Tower Visitor Center details the geology of this flat-topped volcanic marvel and depicts the history and culture of the area through photos and exhibits.

After exploring the monument, you can hike along eight miles of nature trails, which circumnavigate the rock and thread through the surrounding forest and meadows. During the spring and early summer, abundant wildflowers create fantastic photo opportunities. Look out for the prairie dog colonies as you enter the site as well.

Other popular things to do here include rock climbing during certain months and fishing for black bullhead, catfish, and walleye in the Belle Fourche. Ranger-led tours of the area are also available.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Red cliffs rise more than 1,000 feet above a twisting ribbon of water at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on the Wyoming/Montana border.

Photographers love the panoramic views from Devil's Canyon Overlook, and the area offers a busy lineup of outdoor activities: Cast a line in the Bighorn River's world-class trout fishery, go boating or swimming at Bighorn Lake, camp in the wilderness, visit historic ranches, and hike more than 27 miles of scenic trails.

Animal lovers can see some of the largest herds of wild horses in the United States, as well as golden eagles, bears, and the namesake bighorn sheep. Stop by the visitor center in Lovell for details.

Cheyenne

Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, offers a host of rewarding things to do in southern Wyoming. Named after the Cheyenne Indians, it was once the largest outpost of the United States Cavalry. Today, the town's museums and historic sites tell the story of Cheyenne's beginnings in 1867 as a station on the Union Pacific Railroad.

One of the town's top attractions is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Held annually since 1919, the late-July rodeo, featuring 10 days of fun-filled festivities, is one of the best in the country. For a taste of the Wild West at other times of the year, head to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, with rodeo exhibits and antique horse-drawn wagons.

Cheyenne's other top things to see and do include the Wyoming State Capitol Building, a National Historic Landmark; the Wyoming State Museum, with interactive child-friendly exhibits; and the historical railroad displays at the Cheyenne Depot Museum. Near the depot, in Holliday Park, look for the Big Boy locomotive, one of the largest steam engines ever built.

Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park is approximately halfway between Cheyenne and Laramie in southeast Wyoming. It's an expansive state park encompassing nearly 4,000 acres and a variety of landscapes, including lowland meadows and jutting rock formations. It's also a haven for wildlife and outdoor lovers.

The park's 35-plus-mile trail system is a favorite for mountain bikers and hikers. These scenic trails lace throughout the entire park, connecting three reservoirs that also attract their own attention. These three reservoirs all offer different fishing conditions and opportunities to put a boat on the water.

Twelve campgrounds at Curt Gowdy cater to overnight adventures. The campsites accommodate tent and RV camping and everything in between. Many of the sites are reservable ahead of time.

Old Trail Town, Cody

For a true taste of the Western Frontier, head to Old Trail Town, in the town of Cody. Walk through 28 original cabins that have been relocated from homesteads from within 100 miles and reassembled on the original proposed site for downtown Cody. Each cabin showcases examples of homesteading in Wyoming that range from livery barns and a hunter's cabin to a one-room schoolhouse.

Almost all the buildings on the property are furnished with period-authentic décor and artifacts, giving the real sense of how things were back before any paved roads navigated the state.

Walk to the back of the property to see the "Hole-in-the-Wall Cabin" made famous by western outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid where you can still see the actual bullet holes in the wooden frame. Also on the back of the property is a small graveyard with several notable names including Jeremiah "Liver Eating" Johnson with a monument erected on his re-burial site.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Wyoming Outdoor Adventures: Wyoming is a wonderland of outdoor adventures. Find the best places to cast a line with our article on the Top-Rated Fly Fishing Destinations in Wyoming, from Yellowstone to Jackson Hole. Need a place to stay? Check out the top campgrounds in Wyoming and plan your travels across this ruggedly beautiful state.