Things to do

20 Best Things To Do In Wyoming

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Cowboy culture runs deep in the heart of The Equality State, with its values resonating throughout the state. But don't worry; if bull-riding rodeos and dude ranches aren't your cup of tea, there are still plenty of things to do in Wyoming.

From the iconic Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park to the breathtaking mountain vistas of Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, it is a haven for outdoor buffs. Whether it be fishing, rafting, skiing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Wyoming has it all.

1. Old Faithful Geyser

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Many trips to Yellowstone National Park include a visit to Old Faithful to watch its amazing eruptions. You'll be captivated by this famous symbol of the park, featuring a colorful pool that erupts every 60 to 120 minutes, shooting hot water up to 180 feet into the air.

Take a stroll amidst stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife. If you're nearby, it's worth the visit! Plus, everything here is pretty affordable, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

2. Hayden Valley

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As you drive through Yellowstone National Park, you'll see lots of photographers taking pictures, especially in Hayden Valley, the park's popular place to view wildlife.

In August, Hayden Valley hosts North America’s largest free-roaming bison rut, with hundreds of bison gathering along both sides of the road. Besides the wildlife attractions in Wyoming, the valley boasts impressive thermal features like the Mud Volcano and the strong-smelling Sulphur Cauldron.

3. Jackson Lake

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Feel like a mermaid as you swim in Jackson Lake during your Grand Tetons adventure. This lake is the largest among the glacial lakes in Grand Teton National Park and offers excellent opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and paddling.

All of these activities come with the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Teton Range. Don't forget to visit the Jackson Lake Lodge, located on the lake's eastern shore, which is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

4. National Museum of Wildlife Art

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If you're a fan of Western-themed art, you can't skip the National Museum of Wildlife Art. This museum boasts a collection of paintings, photography, and sculptures depicting wild animals from artists worldwide. 

A must-see highlight is the museum’s Sculpture Trail, a paved pathway winding up the hillside with stunning views of the National Elk Refuge. Along the trail, you'll see life-size sculptures of elk, buffalo, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife.

5. Devils Tower National Monument

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Take a drive to Devil's Tower National Monument, where you'll have plenty of stops at several attractions in WY along the route, including the Old Fort Meade Museum, Bear Butte State Park, and the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument.

The monument holds immense cultural and historical significance, with numerous Native American myths surrounding it, paying tribute to their heritage. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, keep an eye out for bison grazing in pastures for incredible photos.

6. Jackson Hole Aerial Tram

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In just nine minutes, the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram swiftly takes you to the summit, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Tetons, Gros Ventre Range, Snake River Valley, Jackson Hole Valley, and surrounding mountain ranges.

Whether it's summer or winter, this Wyoming attractions offers activities for adventure seekers, including skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

7. Lake Marie

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Plan a hike with your loved ones and explore the scenic beauty on your way to Lake Marie. Start your journey at the Mirror Lake picnic and fishing area, where you can access the trail to Lake Marie. 

Upon arriving at Mirror Lake, you'll find people enjoying picnics and playing by the shore. Take your time to capture photos, appreciate the wildflowers, and soak in the sunny weather along the path. It is an ideal destination for honeymooners planning to explore Wyoming.

8. Grand Teton National Park

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If you've planned a trip to Grand Teton, you're in for a treat! This park offers many activities, from fishing and hiking to camping, climbing, and boating on Jenny Lake. You can also enjoy rafting along the Snake River or wildlife tours.

Keep your eyes peeled for resident elk, black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, gray wolves, and moose. Plus, its proximity to Yellowstone National Park makes it convenient to visit both parks in one vacation.

9. Mammoth Hot Springs

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Around 50 hot springs are located within the Mammoth Hot Springs area, accessible via upper and lower boardwalk trails. However, there's much more to explore beyond just the hot springs.

You can keep an eye out for wildlife in the Gardner River Canyon, hike to the summit of Bunsen Peak, cross the 45th Parallel, relax in the Boiling River hot spring, or delve into the area's human and natural history at the Albright Visitor Center.

10. Yellowstone Lake

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Places to see in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park are endless. Among them, Yellowstone Lake is truly remarkable due to its high-altitude location.

Sitting at 7,733 feet above sea level and spanning an impressive surface area of 132 square miles, it holds the title of the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Set amidst a landscape dotted with unique natural wonders and towering mountains, Yellowstone Lake offers breathtaking views and opportunities for scenic walks.

11. Mormon Row Historic District

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Just a short drive off the Teton Loop, you'll find Mormon Row, a picturesque farming community offering stunning views, and it's a sites to see in Wyoming.

The historic log cabins and barns, built by Mormon settlers in the late 1800s, still grace the landscape against the backdrop of the majestic Teton Mountains in Grand Teton National Park. You can capture photographs of the historic structures and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or snowshoeing in the area. 

12. Oxbow Bend

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Most images showcasing the beauty of Grand Teton National Park prominently feature Oxbow Bend. This picturesque curve of the Snake River is undoubtedly the park's most photographed location.

If you visit this place at the right time, you might spot various wildlife such as moose, beaver, osprey, river otters, black bears, or American white pelicans. With the river gently meandering in the foreground, it offers stunning reflections of the rugged peaks of Mount Moran in the background.

13. Grand Prismatic Spring

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The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most popular tourist places in Wyoming. It's not just the largest hot spring in Yellowstone National Park but also one of the largest in all of North America. 

What truly captivates visitors is its stunning array of colors, ranging from a deep blue center to hues of green, yellow, and red. Upon arrival, be sure to take a stroll around the wooden boardwalk encircling the spring, offering stunning views of its colorful surface.

14. Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum

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A great way to delve into the history of Jackson Hole is by visiting its museum. At the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, you can explore the fascinating Wild West-era history of Jackson.

The available exhibits tell the stories from Jackson’s early homesteading and ranching days to the evolution of tourism and mountaineering in Grand Teton National Park. Additionally, the museum boasts a sizable collection of Native American artifacts and mounts of moose, elk, and deer.

15. Smith Mansion

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For travelers driving between Cody and Yellowstone on the south side of Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, an intriguing sight to notice is the Smith Mansion.

This unique house, known as Smith Mansion, sits atop a hill on the left side of the road as you head from Cody towards the eastern entrance of Yellowstone. While Smith Mansion is a private property and cannot be visited, it can be easily viewed from the road. It's a great free roadside attraction for those passing by.

16. Intermittent Spring

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Nestled at the foot of a mountain just outside Afton, Intermittent Spring, also known as Periodic Spring, is a beautiful destination to explore.

This natural wonder is most active in late summer, allowing visitors to witness firsthand how the water periodically ceases to flow for a short time before starting up again. As you hike along the trail, you'll be treated to breathtaking scenery including mountains, waterfalls, and of course, the fascinating spring itself. 

17. Jackson Town Square

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If you're looking for a break from nature, check out Jackson Town Square. It's a popular things to see in Wyoming USA, and you'll often see people taking pictures at the big elk antler arches.

Most of Jackson's restaurants, shops, and places to buy outdoor gear are around Town Square. In the summer, the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum gives free walking tours starting from Town Square. You can also hop on a horse-drawn carriage from there.

18. National Elk Refuge

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Come have an amazing time getting a close-up view of Big Bull Elk at the National Elk Refuge. This place covers a huge area of 24,700 acres, providing a winter home for the Jackson Elk Herd and many other endangered animals.

With the stunning backdrop of Grand Teton, you can see 47 different kinds of mammals and almost 175 species of birds here. In the winter, sleigh rides are a hit, while summer brings walking and biking tours for visitors to enjoy.

19. Old Trail Town

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A great exposure to Western history can be admired at Old Trail Town in Cody Wyoming. This unique place showcases ghost-town relics that bring to life the frontier era in Buffalo Bill's original Cody Town.

Old Trail Town preserves the lifestyle and history of the Frontier West with its collection of authentic buildings and furnishings. Additionally, you can explore thousands of historic artifacts from the Old West and visit the gravesites of several notable figures from Western history.

20. Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site

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If you're driving from Fort Collins to Wyoming, make sure to stop by the Territorial Prison in Laramie. It's a fascinating place to explore, featuring an exhibition on Butch Cassidy, the infamous outlaw.

You'll also find pictures of other inmates on the walls, along with their stories. The staff are friendly and helpful, and you'll need a few hours to see everything the site has to offer. Among the plenty of Wyoming things to do, this historical site stands out as an intriguing option.