Wyoming

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NORTHWEST WYOMING

Bighorn Basin

Basin

  • Basin Recreation District #4 – Local fitness and community center
  • Midway Golf Club – Small-town golf with scenic views
  • Nearby: Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite and Greybull Museum

Byron

  • Byron Museum – Local history and pioneer artifacts
  • Littlefield Log Cabin – Historic homesteading site
  • Nearby: Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center, Bighorn Canyon

Cowley

  • Big Horn Academy Historic Building – Former school with rich local history
  • Cowley Baseball Field – Lighted field with community events
  • Nearby: Medicine Wheel, Bighorn Canyon, Mustang Center

Cody

  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West – Five museums in one
  • Old Trail Town – Reconstructed frontier buildings
  • Cody Nite Rodeo – Nightly summer rodeo
  • Shoshone National Forest – Hiking and scenic drives
  • Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center – Panoramic views and exhibits

Deaver

  • Deaver Reservoir – Fishing and birdwatching
  • Nearby: Homesteader Museum, Washington Park, Petroglyph Canyon

Frannie

  • Petroglyph Canyon – Prehistoric rock carvings
  • Nearby: Deaver Reservoir, Homesteader Museum, Mustang Center

Greybull

  • Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite – Jurassic-era footprints
  • Museum of Flight & Aerial Firefighting – Vintage aircraft displays
  • Greybull Museum – Fossils and pioneer history
  • Devil’s Kitchen – Unique geologic formation

Hyattville

  • Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site – Petroglyphs and pictographs
  • Nearby: Meadowlark Lake, Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum

Lovell

  • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Hiking and boating
  • Medicine Wheel – Native American sacred site
  • Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center – Wild horse viewing and education

Manderson

  • Wyoming Whitetails Outfitters – Guided hunting
  • Nearby: Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, Greybull Museum

Powell

  • Homesteader Museum – Pioneer artifacts
  • Washington Park – Community events and recreation
  • Wild Rose Action Center – Indoor family entertainment
  • Heart Mountain Interpretive Center – WWII Japanese internment history

Shell

  • Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite – Middle Jurassic tracksite
  • Antelope Butte Recreation Area – Skiing and hiking
  • The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch – Upscale dude ranch
  • Shell Falls – Waterfall in Shell Canyon

Thermopolis

  • Hot Springs State Park – Soaking pools and bison herd
  • Wyoming Dinosaur Center – Fossil digs and exhibits
  • Wind River Canyon – Scenic geological drive
  • Star Plunge & TePee Pools – Hot spring water parks

Worland

  • Washakie Museum & Cultural Center – Local history and paleontology
  • Gooseberry Badlands Overlook – Colorful desert terrain
  • The Gallery at Neiber – Quilts and regional crafts

Cody Metro Area

Cody

  • Buffalo Bill Dam – Historic dam with visitor center
  • Cody Dug Up Gun Museum – Museum of historical firearms found at historical sites
  • Daily Street Gunfights – Summer reenactments
  • Old Trail Town – Historic cabins relocated from nearby homesteads
  • Statue and Grave of Liver-Eating Johnson – Historical site dedicated to a famous frontiersman
  • The Buffalo Bill Center of the West – Museum complex celebrating western history

Bighorn Canyon Recreational Area

  • Devil Canyon Overlook – Spectacular views into Bighorn Canyon with dramatic cliffs and vistas. Ideal for photography and reflection.
  • Bad Pass Trail – Ancient trail used for millennia by Indigenous peoples; marked by rock cairns.
  • Lockhart Ranch – Historic ranch established by Caroline Lockhart; features preserved buildings and insights into frontier ranching life.
  • Ewing-Snell Ranch – Historic homestead with original structures and interpretive panels about pioneer life.
  • Hayfield Fight Site – Memorial site commemorating the 1867 battle between U.S. soldiers and Native warriors.
  • Fort C.F. Smith (nearby) – Historic Bozeman Trail fort associated with conflicts between the U.S. Army and Indigenous groups.
  • Kane Ghost Town & Cemetery – Remnants of a once-thriving railroad town now submerged by the reservoir, with a historic cemetery still visible.
  • Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center (in Lovell) – Interpretation center for the region’s wild horses, descended from Colonial Spanish mustangs.
  • Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center (Lovell) – Main visitor hub with exhibits, park information, and maps.
  • Montana Side (Less developed, but scenic):
    • Barry’s Landing – Boat launch and campground with access to the reservoir.
    • Horseshoe Bend – Popular marina and picnic area with lake views.
    • Trail Creek and Sullivan’s Knob Trails – Short hikes with panoramic overlooks of the canyon and reservoir.
    • Yellowtail Dam (near Fort Smith, MT) – Massive dam creating the reservoir; tours and visitor center on Montana side.

Dubois Metro Area

Dubois

  • Giant Black Bear Statue – Large bear statue at a local inn
  • Giant Buffalo Skull Doorway – Large buffalo skull monument
  • Giant Fishing Pole and Trout – Quirky roadside attractions
  • Ride the Jackalope – Quirky roadside attraction featuring a jackalope exhibit
  • Tie Hack Monument – Memorial to lumber workers

Jackson Metro Area

Jackson

  • Jackson Hole Aerial Tram – Tram offering scenic views
  • Jackson Hole Mountain Resort – Skiing and recreational activities
  • National Elk Refuge – Habitat for wintering elk
  • National Museum of Wildlife Art – Museum showcasing wildlife art
  • Snake River Overlook – Scenic viewpoint
  • Town Square with Arch of Antlers – Iconic antler arch in town square

Yellowstone National Park (see below)

Grand Teton National Park (see below)

    NORTHEAST WYOMING

    Buffalo Metro Area

    Buffalo

    • Medicine Wheel Passage – Scenic route to historic landmarks including the Medicine Wheel

    Gillette Metro Area

    Hulett

    • Devils Tower National Monument – Iconic rock formation with a rich Native American history

    Lovell Metro Area

    Lovell

    • Bighorn Medicine Wheel – Historic site with panoramic views
    • Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark – Ancient Native American site

    Sheridan Metro Area

    Sheridan

    • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Scenic drive and views, including Shell Falls
    • Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway – Scenic route through the Bighorn Mountains, with views of Crazy Woman Canyon

    Thunder Basin National Grassland

    Closest Cities: Wright or Douglas

    • Thunder Basin National Grassland – National grassland with diverse ecosystems

    SOUTHWEST WYOMING

    Evanston–Kemmerer Metro Area

    Kemmerer

    • Fossil Butte National Monument – Fossil site with significant prehistoric remains
    • JC Penney Museum and Mother Store – Museum dedicated to the founder of J.C. Penney

    Fort Bridger Metro Area

    Fort Bridger

    • Fort Bridger State Historic Site – Historic fort site

    Pinedale Metro Area

    Pinedale

    • Museum of the Mountain Man – Exhibits on the fur trade and mountain men

    Rock Springs–Green River Metro Area

    Green River

    • Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area – Scenic red canyon vistas and hiking trails

    Saratoga Metro Area

    Saratoga

    • Saratoga Swimming Pool and Hot Springs – Public hot springs

    CENTRAL & SOUTHEAST WYOMING

    Casper Metro Area

    Casper

    • Museums & Cultural Sites
      • ART 321 – Nonprofit gallery and event space for local artists and rotating exhibits.
      • Bishop House – Historic home offering tours about early Casper pioCaspaneer life.
      • Crimson Dawn Park and Museum – Historic cabin and museum tied to local folklore on Casper Mountain.
      • Fort Caspar Museum – Reconstructed 1865 military post with regional history exhibits.
      • Life-Size T. Rex Lit From Within – 13-foot outdoor sculpture featuring skeletal and skinned halves, illuminated by LEDs.
      • National Historic Trails Interpretive Center – Museum showcasing the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails, plus the Pony Express.
      • Nicolaysen Art Museum – Contemporary art exhibits and community gallery in a modern space.
      • Tate Geological Museum – Paleontology and earth science exhibits, including dinosaur fossils.
      • Werner Wildlife Museum – Wildlife dioramas, taxidermy, and interactive children’s exhibits.
    • Outdoor & Nature
      • Platte River Trails – 11-mile riverfront path with access to local parks and the Fort Caspar Museum.
      • Lookout Point – Mountain viewpoint overlooking the city of Casper.
      • Gravity Hill – Optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill on Casper Mountain.
      • Crimson Dawn Park – Forested retreat with trails and picnic areas atop the mountain.
    • Nearby Natural Sites
      • Ayres Natural Bridge Park – Free park featuring a natural rock bridge over a stream (40 miles west).
      • Hell’s Half Acre – Eerie badlands with pinnacles and caves, viewable from a fenced overlook (45 miles west).
    • Food & Drink
      • Eggington’s – Popular breakfast and brunch spot with a broad menu.
      • Sanford’s Grub & Pub – Roadside restaurant known for quirky decor and eclectic atmosphere.
      • Oil City Beer Company – Casual brewery with food trucks and frequent events.
      • Frontier Brewing – Self-serve craft beer bar in a former movie theater.
    • Markets & Recreation
      • Farmers Markets – Saturday mornings at the Ag Resource Center and select Tuesdays at David Street Station.
      • 307 River Sports – River outfitter offering rafting, paddleboarding, and guided trips.

    Cheyenne Metro Area

    Cheyenne

    • Big Indian Faces Big Mountain Man – Monument along I-25
    • Cheyenne Depot Museum – Historic train depot museum
    • Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum – Museum with rodeo history
    • F.E. Warren Air Force Base – Warren ICBM & Heritage Museum – Museum on military history
    • Giant Coffee Pot – Quirky roadside attraction
    • Wyoming State Museum – Museum showcasing Wyoming history

    Laramie Metro Area

    Laramie

    • Big Brown T. Rex Made of Copper – Unique copper sculpture
    • Big Twig Head – Quirky sculpture made from cottonwood bark
    • Breakin’ Through Statue – Statue symbolizing women’s achievements
    • Giant Head of Abraham Lincoln – Monument on I-80
    • Statue of First Woman to Vote – Commemorative statue
    • University of Wyoming Geological Museum – Fossil and geological exhibits
    • Wyoming Territorial Prison – Historic prison museum
    • Wyoming Women’s History House – Museum dedicated to women in Wyoming history

    YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

    Lower Loop (Most Visited Area)

    • Old Faithful – World-famous geyser that erupts approximately every 90 minutes
    • Grand Prismatic Spring – Vibrant, rainbow-colored hot spring, best viewed from the overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail
    • Artist Point – Iconic overlook with breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lower Falls
    • Hayden Valley – Prime wildlife viewing area, often home to bison, elk, bears, and more
    • Fountain Paint Pots – Colorful geothermal features including mud pots, fumaroles, and geysers
    • West Thumb Geyser Basin – Geysers and hot springs along Yellowstone Lake’s edge
    • Norris Geyser Basin – Hottest and most changeable geyser basin, home to Steamboat Geyser (world’s tallest active geyser)
    • Biscuit Basin – Small geyser basin with boardwalk trails and Jewel Geyser
    • Morning Glory Pool – Vividly colored hot spring located near Old Faithful
    • Firehole Lake Drive – Scenic loop past geysers and hot springs, including Great Fountain Geyser
    • Firehole River Swim Area – A rare place where swimming is allowed in the park
    • Kepler Cascades – Scenic roadside waterfall south of Old Faithful
    • Black Sand Basin – Colorful hot springs and geysers near Old Faithful
    • Mud Volcano – Bubbling mud pots and acidic thermal features with a strong sulfur smell
    • Dragon’s Mouth Spring – A roaring, steaming cave-like hot spring near Mud Volcano

    Upper Loop (Less Crowded, More Wildlife)

    • Mammoth Hot Springs – Terraced hot springs and the historic Fort Yellowstone area
    • Lamar Valley – Often called “America’s Serengeti,” this remote northeastern valley is a top spot to see wolves, bison, pronghorn, and bears
    • Tower Fall – 132-foot waterfall framed by towering volcanic pinnacles
    • Mount Washburn Trail – Popular hike with panoramic views and high chances of wildlife sightings
    • Blacktail Plateau Drive – 6-mile one-way dirt road offering scenic views and solitude
    • Petrified Tree – Fossilized redwood from millions of years ago
    • Roosevelt Lodge – Historic lodge near Tower Junction offering horseback rides and cookouts
    • Undine Falls – 60-foot three-tiered waterfall near Mammoth Hot Springs
    • Wraith Falls Trail – Easy 1-mile trail to a small scenic waterfall
    • Calcite Springs Overlook – Viewpoint over the Yellowstone River’s canyon and thermal features
    • Bunsen Peak Trail – Hike to panoramic views over Mammoth and the Gallatin Range
    • Sheepeater Cliffs – Columnar basalt formations from ancient lava flows
    • Osprey Falls Trail – Challenging hike to a remote waterfall in Sheepeater Canyon
    • Slough Creek – Quiet area with scenic hiking and wildlife viewing

    Lake Region

    • Yellowstone Lake – One of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America, excellent for scenic views and boat tours
    • Fishing Bridge Visitor Center – Educational exhibits on lake ecology and park wildlife
    • Storm Point Trail – Easy hike along the lake with forest and meadow views
    • Lake Butte Overlook – Roadside viewpoint with sweeping views of Yellowstone Lake
    • Natural Bridge – 51-foot arch accessible via a short hike from Bridge Bay
    • Bridge Bay Marina – Starting point for boat tours and rentals

    GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

    Scenic Drives & Overlooks

    • Teton Park Road – Main scenic drive with iconic Teton views
    • Signal Mountain Summit Road – Steep drive to sweeping panoramas of the valley
    • Oxbow Bend – Serene riverbend ideal for photography and wildlife watching
    • Schwabacher Landing – Reflective waters with views of the Tetons, best at sunrise
    • Snake River Overlook – Famous Ansel Adams photo spot with mountain-river vista
    • Antelope Flats – Expansive plains with roaming bison and pronghorn
    • Moose-Wilson Road – Narrow, wildlife-rich drive between Moose and Teton Village
    • Teton Glacier Turnout – Viewpoint for the park’s largest glacier

    Lakes & Water Activities

    • Jenny Lake – Glacier-fed lake with boat shuttles, hiking trails, and visitor services
    • Jackson Lake – Large alpine lake for boating, kayaking, and fishing
    • Colter Bay Village – Marina, trails, visitor center, and access to Jackson Lake
    • Leigh Lake – Quiet lake ideal for kayaking or hiking
    • Phelps Lake – Pristine lake accessed from Rockefeller Preserve
    • String Lake – Shallow, family-friendly lake perfect for paddling and wading
    • Heron Pond and Swan Lake Loop – Scenic loop trail near Colter Bay with birding opportunities

    Hiking Trails

    • Jenny Lake Loop – Popular 7.5-mile trail around the lake
    • Hidden Falls – Short hike or boat ride to a stunning waterfall
    • Inspiration Point – Dramatic overlook above Jenny Lake
    • Taggart Lake Trail – Easy-moderate hike to a scenic lake
    • Bradley Lake Trail – Can be combined with Taggart for a longer loop
    • Phelps Lake Loop – Peaceful trail around a scenic alpine lake
    • Cascade Canyon Trail – Hike deep into the canyons from Inspiration Point
    • Paintbrush Canyon Trail – Alpine hiking with wildflowers and panoramic views
    • Death Canyon Trailhead – Access to alpine backcountry and Phelps Lake
    • Teton Crest Trail – Multi-day backcountry route with sweeping views

    Wildlife Viewing Areas

    • Lamar Valley (Yellowstone adjacent) – Frequently visited by Grand Teton wildlife lovers
    • Moose-Wilson Road – Moose, bear, and beaver sightings common
    • Antelope Flats – Open plains with herds of bison and pronghorn
    • Willow Flats Overlook – Viewpoint near Jackson Lake Lodge for spotting elk and bears
    • Oxbow Bend – Excellent for otters, moose, bald eagles, and sometimes grizzlies

    Historic & Cultural Sites

    • Mormon Row Historic District – Preserved barns and homesteads from early Mormon settlers
    • Chapel of the Transfiguration – 1925 log chapel with a window-framed Teton view
    • Menor’s Ferry Historic District – 1890s homestead and ferry crossing site
    • Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve – Visitor center and trails emphasizing natural harmony

    BIG HORN MOUNTAINS

    US-14 (Bighorn Scenic Byway)

    Natural Highlights

    • Shell Falls – A 120-foot waterfall plunging into Shell Canyon, with interpretive trails and scenic overlooks
    • Burgess Junction – A high-elevation crossroads offering panoramic views and access to both US-14 and US-14A
    • Fallen City Interpretive Site – Geologic formations resembling a toppled skyline
    • Hogback Interpretive Site – Exposed rock layers revealing ancient marine history

    Recreation and Wildlife

    • Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area – Offers skiing, hiking, and mountain biking
    • North Tongue Campground – Located along the North Fork of the Tongue River, ideal for fishing and wildlife viewing
    • Cabin Creek Picnic Ground – A peaceful stop with shaded tables and a creek

    Cultural and Historic Sites

    • Camp 6-Bruce Creek Interpretive Site – Shares stories of loggers, cowboys, and forest rangers
    • Entrance Portal Interpretive Site – Marks the forest gateway with views of the Syncline Thrust Fault

    US-14A (Medicine Wheel Passage)

    Natural & Scenic Highlights

    • Beaver Creek Overlook – One of the highest points on the route (9,455 ft), with sweeping views of the Bighorn Basin and distant peaks
    • Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area – Near Lovell, this vast canyon offers hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing in a rugged, colorful landscape
    • Bighorn National Forest – Encompasses much of the route, with over a million acres of forest, meadows, and trails

    Cultural & Historic Sites

    • Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark – A sacred Native American stone circle atop the mountains, accessible via a short hike from a parking area on 14A
    • Campgrounds & Interpretive Sites – Several stops along the byway share stories of early settlers, geologic history, and forest ecology

    Travel Notes

    • The road is steep and winding, with grades up to 10% and several hairpin turns—best suited for confident drivers in summer months
    • The byway connects Lovell on the west end to Burgess Junction, where it meets US-14

    US-16 (Cloud Peak Skyway)

    Buffalo Area

    • Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum – Local history museum with exhibits on frontier life and Native culture
    • Occidental Hotel Museum – Historic hotel with Wild West history and original furnishings
    • Crazy Woman Canyon Road – Scenic side road with a creek, cliffs, and colorful local legend

    Bighorn National Forest – US-16 Corridor

    • Tie Hack Reservoir – Small reservoir for picnicking, kayaking, and hiking
    • Meadowlark Lake – Popular alpine lake with boating, fishing, and lodge amenities
    • Powder River Pass (9,666 ft) – Scenic mountain pass with panoramic views
    • Cloud Peak Wilderness (access via trails) – Remote hiking area with Wyoming’s third-highest peak
    • Mosier Gulch Picnic Area & Trails – Scenic gorge with short hikes near Buffalo
    • Hunter Trailhead – Gateway to backcountry trails into the Cloud Peak Wilderness
    • Tensleep Canyon Overlook – Breathtaking limestone cliffs popular with rock climbers
    • High Park Lookout (historic site) – Former fire lookout tower site with panoramic views

    Ten Sleep Area

    • Ten Sleep Canyon – Dramatic limestone canyon with world-class climbing and hiking
    • Ten Sleep Brewing Company – Rustic craft brewery with live music and mountain views
    • Ten Sleep Fish Hatchery – Small hatchery with interpretive signs and tours
    • Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite (side trip) – Fossilized dinosaur tracks in a remote setting
    • Leigh Creek Monument – Unique natural monument and local curiosity

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