11 Best Places To Visit in Wyoming This Year
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to make a purchase.
Spring is the perfect time to explore one of the most beautiful states in the American West: Wyoming! This sprawling state features everything from historical towns to wild west culture and plenty of national parks and scenic beauty for nature lovers. And since it’s the least-populated state in the U.S., you’ll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities without the crowds of other spring destinations.
Without further ado, here are our top 11 picks for the best places to visit in Wyoming!
1. Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is considered one of the best places to visit in Wyoming for its gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities, and wild west vibes.
One of the top things for wildlife lovers to do in Jackson Hole is to visit the National Elk Refuge, located just outside Grand Teton National Park. The National Elk Refuge protects far more than just elks; its wildlife population includes bison, wolves, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and even some birds and fish.
Another must-do activity in the area is the Teton Village. This small town draws crowds of skiers snowboarders every winter, but it’s also a fantastic spring destination! You can enjoy the views from the tram, hit the hiking trails, go horseback riding, and even take a hot air balloon ride!
When you’re ready to relax in town, check out the rodeo, hit up a local watering hole like the Silver Dollar Bar, and check out the arch in Town Square made from 2,000 antlers!
2. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is one biggest tourist attractions in America–not just western Wyoming. This stunning national park just outside of Jackson Hole encompasses the Teton range and all the beautiful rivers, alpine forests, and abundant wildlife that come with it.
Visitors come to Grand Teton National Park to ski, enjoy the nature trails, and float down the scenic Snake River. It’s also a prime location to see incredible creatures like elk, moose, bison, grizzly bears, and mountain lions.
If you don’t want to hike–or don’t have much time, consider driving the 42-mile scenic drive that takes you through the prettiest parts of Grand Teton National Park.
Before you go, be sure to stop by the park’s visitor center. You’ll get a gorgeous view of the Grand Teton mountains, watch a movie about the park, and browse various exhibits on art, mountaineering, American Indians, and more.
3. Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower is another must-see for any visit in Wyoming. Fun fact: Devils Tower National Monument was the first U.S. national monument! This fascinating rock formation sits near the Belle Fourche River and is all that remains of a volcanic explosion from long ago. It’s a place of awe-striking beauty and home to an adorable prairie dog town.
Devils Tower National Monument is a popular rock-climbing location and an important religious monument for the Plains Indians. While you can freely climb Devils Tower most of the year, the National Park Service encourages visitors to avoid climbing during June, when the American Indians perform their religious ceremonies on site.
4. Buffalo Bill Center
History buffs and fans of the wild west will enjoy a visit to the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody, Wyoming (also known as the rodeo capital of the world). This collection of five museums features Native American culture, Western art, hands-on experiences, and fascinating exhibits.
The Buffalo Bill Museum isn’t just for Buffalo Bill fans. This museum showcases American west history through its most memorable people, from Buffalo Bill to Annie Oakley, Sitting Bull, and more! The Plains Indian Museum shares the stories, culture, and traditions of the Plains Indians. Also, it features one of the largest collections of Native American art and artifacts in the U.S.
Gun enthusiasts will want to stop into the Cody Firearms Museum to see the most extensive firearm collection in the country, with over 10,000 firearms and artifacts on display. For art lovers, be sure to tour the Whitney Western Art Museum, which features art created on the road to Yellowstone and exhibits on how art influenced the West.
5. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in the 200,00+ acres of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. A stunning mix of red canyons and green forests, there are plenty of hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
The Flaming Gorge Reservoir is the most popular destination, spanning 91 miles through Wyoming and into Utah! The Green River is close by, separated from the reservoir by the Flaming Gorge Dam. If you visit between April and October, take a fascinating tour of the dam, hosted by the visitor center.
If you enjoy water activities, you’ll have your pick of them at the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Waterskiing, tubing, kayaking, and rafting are readily available on the Green River and the reservoir. Plus, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a premier trophy lake trout fishing location, so be sure to bring your pole!
6. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is probably the most well-known of all the Wyoming attractions. You could spend weeks trying to explore all the beauty encompassed in this national park, from the nature trails to the Grand Prismatic Spring and more.
The most popular thing to do in Yellowstone National Park is to watch erupting geysers and see hot springs in gorgeous colors. The world’s largest and most active geyser, Old Faithful, is in this national park, and the nearby visitor center has a wealth of information and fun for all ages. And when you visit the rainbow-like hot springs, be sure to include the famous Grand Prismatic Spring, which is larger than a football field!
Don’t forget to visit the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park,” a vast, 20-mile long canyon with pink and yellow-colored walls. It has excellent hiking trails and three waterfalls. Other popular activities in Yellowstone National Park include river rafting, fishing, camping, and searching for wildlife.
7. Hot Springs State Park
If you want to see hot springs but don’t fancy the crowds or size of the state’s national parks, Hot Springs State Park is one of the best places to visit.
This state park has 6.2 miles of hiking trails where you can get great views of the Bighorn River. But its most compelling feature is its free bathhouse fed by hot mineral springs. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak at a maintained 104-degrees Fahrenheit before or after exploring the rest of the park.
Other things to do at Hot Springs State Park include visiting the local bison herd and enjoying the views from “The Swinging Bridge.”
8. Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo
If you want your visit in Wyoming to include a close-up of western culture, Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo should be the first on your list of places to visit. It’s the largest outdoor rodeo in the world and draws over 200,000 people each year.
Honoring rodeo traditions that date back to the 1800s, you’ll watch modern cowboys test their skills at events like bronc and bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and more!
Another main event at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo is the wild horse race, where teams compete to saddle and ride one of the wild horses around the track.
9. Fossil Butte National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument is one of the best places in Wyoming to learn about the state’s prehistoric past. This national monument is home to an incredible fossil record, with over 8,000 fossils having been found here.
The most popular activity at Fossil Butte National Monument is going on a guided tour of the fossils. You’ll be able to see fossils of fish, turtles, crocodiles, and more. Plus, the visitor center has a fossil lab where you can watch paleontologists working on excavating new fossils!
Other things to do at Fossil Butte National Monument include hiking the trails for great views of the surrounding area and picnicking by the lakes.
10. Bighorn Mountains
If you’re looking for a great place to go hiking, camping, fishing, and more, the Bighorn Mountains should be your first stop. This mountain range is located in north-central Wyoming and offers something for everyone.
The Bighorn National Forest has over 1.1 million acres of forest land to explore, including 1,200 miles of trails. You can go fishing in one of the many lakes and rivers, or try your luck at gold panning! And there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from if you want to stay overnight.
Be sure to visit the Shell Canyon Overlook for amazing views of the Bighorn Mountains and the surrounding area.
11 Bridger Teton National Forest
If you want to get away from the crowds and explore some of Wyoming’s most stunning scenery, Bridger Teton National Forest is the place for you. This national forest covers nearly 3.4 million acres and has over 3,000 miles of trails to explore.
There are plenty of things to do in Bridger Teton National Forest, including hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and more. You can also visit one of the area’s three ski resorts in the winter.
One of the best things about Bridger Teton National Forest is that it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, deer, mountain lions, and black bears. Be sure to keep your camera ready to explore this national recreation area!
What is the best month to visit Wyoming?
The best time to visit Wyoming is in the summer when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, autumn is a great time to explore Wyoming’s many national parks and forests. Winter is also a beautiful time to visit, especially if you’re interested in skiing or snowboarding.
Best Vacation spots in Wyoming for Couples
If you’re looking for a romantic vacation spot in Wyoming, be sure to check out the Bighorn Mountains, Shell Canyon Overlook, and Grand Teton National Park. These are all great places to enjoy the natural beauty of Wyoming and spend time with your loved one. Plus, there are plenty of cozy bed and breakfasts and cabin rentals to choose from.
Best Vacation spots in Wyoming for Families
If you’re looking for a fun family vacation spot in Wyoming, be sure to check out the Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Devil’s Tower National Monument. These are all great places to explore the natural beauty of Wyoming and have some fun together. Plus, there are plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
Best Places to Visit in Wyoming for Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for a place to go hiking, camping, fishing, and more, be sure to check out the Bighorn National Forest, Bridger Teton National Forest, and Grand Teton National Park. These are all great places to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air. Plus, there are plenty of trails to choose from.
Wyoming is a beautiful state with plenty to offer visitors. No matter what time of year you visit or what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in Wyoming that you’ll love.
