Introduction
Hey there! I recently took a trip through the majestic landscapes of Wyoming (yes—The Cowboy State!) and fell in love with its rugged beauty, open skies, and wild-spirit charm. As someone who craves both nature and culture, Wyoming delivered on all fronts. If you’re planning a getaway (or just daydreaming), here are 12 fun things to do and places to visit in Wyoming—with a few personal reflections and pictures to inspire you.
12 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Wyoming (2026)
1. Visit Yellowstone National Park
I’ll start with the big one: Yellowstone. It’s the world’s first national park and spans parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It features dramatic geothermal features, waterfalls, wildlife, and surreal landscapes.
What I loved: Waking at dawn and listening to steam hiss, watching herds of bison slowly move across a meadow, and standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Tip: Plan ahead for lodging and entry — and wear layers, the mornings and nights can be quite brisk even in summer.
See Also: 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Corpus Christi, TX (Things You Will Love!)
2. Explore Grand Teton National Park (and the Jackson Hole area)
Right next to Yellowstone (just south), Grand Teton is pure alpine grandeur. The jagged peaks of the Teton Range rise dramatically above Jackson Hole and the landscape is nothing short of breathtaking.
What I loved: The mirror reflections on Jenny Lake, the sense of scale of the mountains, and the charming town of Jackson as a base.
Tip: If you’re visiting, take a boat ride, or do an easy hike early in the morning while wildlife is active. Crowds build by mid-day.
3. Stand in awe at Devils Tower National Monument
A striking monolith in northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower is iconic for its vertical rock-sides and cultural significance to Native American tribes.
What I loved: Driving in and suddenly the tower rising out of the prairie, the base trail around it offering different views, and imagining the stories behind the land.
Tip: The area is remote, so make sure you’ve got fuel and supplies. Also: respect the site’s spiritual significance by climbing responsibly.
4. Dive into the Wild West in Cody, Wyoming
Cody, named after the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, is a town that lives and breathes Western history. From the buffalo-hunting past to modern rodeos, it offers a rich dose of frontier culture.
What I loved: The authentic feel of the town, the museums, rodeo energy at night and the wide-open sky over Main Street.
Tip: If you time it right, you can catch a summer night rodeo (and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds).
5. Soak in Relaxation at Granite Hot Springs
After all the hiking and driving, I found a blissful stop at Granite Hot Springs in Sublette County. Soothing warm waters amidst mountain scenery—yes, please.
What I loved: The contrast of steaming water against crisp air, the quiet, almost meditative vibe.
Tip: In summer it’s easier to access; in winter you’ll need skis/snowshoes. Also: respect any posted rules (some areas may be sensitive).
6. Ride into Nature in the Bighorn Mountains
The Bighorn Mountains offer a slightly quieter, more off-the-beaten-path mountain experience compared to the Tetons. Great for hiking, scenic drives and raw nature.
What I loved: The sense of solitude, the vast sweeps of pine forest, and discovering lesser-known trails.
Tip: Because it’s less visited, services may be more limited — bring snacks, maps, and check cell-coverage.
7. Marvel at the Wildlife & Vastness of Wind River Canyon
Wind River Canyon is a dramatic scenic drive through deep canyon walls, layers of rock and the winding river below.
What I loved: Grabbing pull-outs, taking in the shifting colours of rock layers, hearing the river rushing beneath.
Tip: This makes a great half-day detour. If you’re driving across Wyoming, plan some time here to stretch, snap photos and enjoy a slower moment.
8. Embrace Town & Country in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cheyenne is the state capital, yet it retains that Western-town vibe. From historic buildings to big-time rodeos, it’s an authentic slice of Wyoming culture.
What I loved: Wandering downtown, spotting old trains and stories of the frontier, feeling the wind whip across the plains (yes, it gets windy!).
Tip: If possible, sync your visit with the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days (held in July) for full-on rodeo and festival vibes.
9. Discover Hidden History at the Oregon Trail Ruts in Guernsey
For a quieter but meaningful stop, the Oregon Trail Ruts at Guernsey show actual wagon-wheel marks carved into the rock by pioneers.
What I loved: Standing where history literally left its mark, imagining the wagon trains and tough terrain those early settlers faced.
Tip: Because this is a smaller site, you’ll have more space and quiet—great for reflective moments or a picnic.
10. Reconnect with Nature at Curt Gowdy State Park
Located between Cheyenne and Laramie, this state park is a fantastic blend of reservoirs, hiking/biking trails and scenic views.
What I loved: A park where you can switch between gentle strolls along water and more adventurous mountain bike trails.
Tip: If you have just one afternoon outside big national parks, this is a great choice.
11. Enjoy the Seclusion of Wyoming’s Prairies & Ghost-Towns
Wyoming isn’t just about the mountains—its wide-open prairies and abandoned towns tell stories of frontier life, settlement and change. For instance, the Aladdin General Store and other small-town gems offer free (or cheap) exploration.
What I loved: The stillness of a prairie sunset, the sense of stepping back in time in an old general store, and finding solitude away from tourist crowds.
Tip: Be mindful of fuel & food availability in remote areas. Using the time to slow down is part of the appeal.
12. Experience the Seasons — From Wildflowers to Fall Foliage
One thing I realised: Wyoming is deeply seasonal. Summer wildflowers in mountain meadows, crisp-clear autumn colours, and winter snow-blankets each bring a distinct magic.
What I loved: Walking through meadows in early summer, then returning in early fall and seeing the golds and reds.
Tip: Choose your timing based on what you most want—wildflowers, foliage, solitude, or winter adventures. And pack accordingly (layers are your friend!).
Final Thoughts
Visiting Wyoming felt like stepping into a storybook of grand landscapes, cowboy heritage, wild nature and wide skies. From the explosive geysers of Yellowstone to the serene peaks of Grand Teton, from the lonely prairie towns to the bustling frontier energy of Cody and Cheyenne—there’s so much variety in this one state.
Here are a few personal travel tips before you pack your bags:
- Mix big-parks with smaller gems: The major parks (Yellowstone, Grand Teton) are incredible—don’t miss them. But the lesser-known spots (prairie towns, scenic state parks) give you breathing room and unique memories.
- Stay flexible: Especially for nature-based trips, weather and road conditions matter. Leave some wiggle room in your itinerary.
- Pack for changing conditions: Even in summer, mountain mornings and evenings can be chilly. And in higher elevations, storms can roll quickly. Layers, waterproofs, and good shoes matter.
- Be wildlife-wise: If you’re in bear, bison or big-animal country, keep your distance, follow park rules, and treat the wild with respect.
- Slow down: One of the best parts of Wyoming is the space. Don’t feel you have to rush full throttle—stop, look around, and take in the wide horizon and wind-whipped plains.
If I had to sum up one thing: Wyoming invites you to breathe deeply, look widely, and step lightly. It’s a state that rewards those who slow down, explore off the road, listen to the wind, and let the vastness of nature sink in.