Wyoming may be the most demographically barren state in the United States. Though its size is equivalent to nearby Colorado in terms of square miles, the state’s population remains below 100,000 total people. What it lacks in human bodies, however, it surely makes up for in incredible nature. Furthermore, there are many must-see destinations in Wyoming right now.
Thanks to its relatively untouched landscape and the wonders contained therein, Wyoming is a well-known destination for everything natural. Be it the sweeping landscapes of Grand Teton National Park, the labyrinth of art at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West or the imposing ski runs of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming has it all. In this article, we will explore 15 of the must-see destinations in Wyoming right now. Some are well known while others you’ve probably never heard of.
To compile a list of the 15 must-see destinations in Wyoming right now, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of tourist and historical publications including TravelWyoming and Visit the USA. Next, we selected destinations with the most unique features and the biggest cultural impact. After that, we confirmed the information about the various destinations and landmarks using sites like Britannica and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (For another naturalistic state, discover 17 must-see destinations in Alaska right now.)
Yellowstone National Park
One of the must-see destinations in Wyoming is undoubtedly Yellowstone National Park. Spanning a range of nearly 3,500 square miles, the park sits over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest supervolcano in North America. Don’t let that scare you away, however, as the volcano is dormant (for now). Yellowstone also features canyons, lakes, riverbeds and mountain ranges. It is so big that it takes up nearly the entire Northwest section of Wyoming.
Besides its lush and verdant vistas, Yellowstone also contains over half of the world’s natural geysers. Beyond that, it is a sanctuary for animals of all types including elk, wolves and the world-famous Yellowstone Park bison herd. While millions of people visit the park every year, there are plenty of campgrounds, hiking trails and other services to meet your naturalistic needs.
Grand Teton National Park
Another one of the must-see destinations in Wyoming is Grand Teton National Park. Though technically part of the Yellowstone Ecosystem, Grand Teton functions as a standalone park. It features the stunning and epic Teton Mountain Range, which runs over 40 miles through the park.
More so than Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park features an abundance of natural water supplies including lakes, streams, and tributaries. Furthermore, the park acts as an almost perfect ecosystem, with its species of flora and fauna remaining untouched for thousands of years. Indeed, the park features over 1,000 species of plants, 300 species of birds and dozens of unique mammals.
Devil’s Tower National Monument
If you’re looking for an iconoclastic geographical landmark, look no further than Devil’s Tower National Monument in the northeastern part of Wyoming. Rising out of the surrounding planes to an impressive 1,267 feet, the Devil’s Tower is as mighty as it is imposing.
Established as a National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt, Devil’s Tower is perhaps best known as the alien landing zone in the classic sci-fi movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” If you’re not looking to be abducted by little green men, however, the monument offers excellent conditions for rock climbers. It also features an ample amount of wildlife including bald eagles, white-tailed deer and prairie dogs.
Hell’s Half Acre
Another one of the must-see destinations in Wyoming, and one of the state’s spookiest, is Hell’s Half Acre Canyon. Featuring spiky, folding rock formations almost like the fires of hell, this small canyon makes up for its size with scenic visuals, unlike any other place in the state.
In ancient times, Native Americans used this suitably named canyon as a place to drive herds of buffalo to their death. It’s also known for its inclusion in the classic sci-fi camp film “Starship Troopers.” Either way, it remains one of the most unsettling of the natural landmarks in Wyoming.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is situated near Jackson Hole on a real wildlife preserve. The building’s design takes its inspiration from the ruins of Slains Castle in Scotland. Inside the facility, however, guests will find a wealth of art inspired by the environment outside.
Besides its centerpiece collection of artwork by Carl Rungius, the museum features 14 distinct gallery spaces, a sculpture trail, a children’s discovery library, a gift shop and much more. Though most of its art sits firmly in the realist and naturalist categories, with over 550 artists represented, there is plenty of art for every type of sensibility.
Smith Mansion
Another one of the must-see destinations in Wyoming sits right near the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Cody, Wyoming. Known as the Smith Mansion, this unnerving yet inherently psychedelic palace rises above the bluffs in a spindly, menacing, yet beautiful form. As the former residence of builder and engineer Lee Smith, the home is as much an art piece as a humble abode.
Some say its reputation is cursed, however. That’s because, though Smith built it for his wife and family, its construction took so long she divorced him before he could finish it. Furthermore, Smith himself later fell to his death while working on one of the higher-up awnings. Either way, Smith Mansion makes for a great day trip. (For other fun tourist traps, discover the most unusual roadside attractions in each state.)
National Elk Refuge
Sitting right below the National Museum of Wildlife Art is the National Elk Refuge. Created as a protected habitat in 1912, the Elk Refuge provides 24,700 acres of sanctuary for the largest remaining Elk herd in the continental United States. It’s no wonder they chose this area, as it features a variety of habitats including large, bucolic meadows, pensive marshes and scraggly rock outcroppings along its foothills. This makes it one of the must-see destinations in Wyoming.
Though it acts as a true refuge for the dwindling supply of elk in the United States, that doesn’t mean it is completely off-limits to visitors. Besides lottery-hunting systems and a deal with the Boy Scouts of America to collect errant elk horns, visitors are provided horse-drawn sleigh rides during winter months for a chance to see some of the elk up close.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Though Cody, Wyoming has a population of just over 10,000, it features one of the largest complexes of museums and libraries in the Western United States. Known as the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, this sprawling compound features the Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indian Museum, the Whitney Western Art Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum.
The Buffalo Bill Museum features exhibits detailing the life and times of legendary gunslinger and showman William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The Plains Indian Museum explores the culture and history of the Native Americans who call this area home. The Whitney Western Art Museum primarily consists of art and sculpture relevant to the area. The Draper Natural History Museum details the biological and geographic history. The Cody Firearms Museum explores weapons and is the most comprehensive firearms museum in the United States. Together, these museums symbolize a stunning realization of the beauty and majesty of Wyoming.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Another one of the must-see destinations in Wyoming is no doubt, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Situated in the western part of the state and surrounding the town of Teton Village, the resort features nearly 5,500 acres of skiable terrain including established runs and backcountry trails. It’s also considered one of the most expensive ski resorts in the United States.
If the price point isn’t imposing enough for you, consider the sheer heights the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort reaches. With a top elevation of nearly 10,500 feet, this ski complex is not for the faint of heart. Furthermore, only 10% of its many runs can be considered beginner-level. The rest of them range in difficulty from intermediate to double-black diamond advanced. Either way, if you plan to ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, you’d best come prepared.
Grand Targhee Resort
If you took one look at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and realized it was too much for you, never fear, as the nearby Grand Targhee Resort might give you the fix you’re looking for. Though it’s slightly smaller than Jackson Hole, it’s ranked as one of the top ski resorts in America thanks to its epic vistas and variety of ski runs.
Unlike Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee provides a wider accommodation for all levels of skiing ability. It features 93 trails, with over 70% of said trails classed for intermediate skiers. That way, you can still enjoy the mighty style of Wyoming skiing without risking your life in the process.
Bighorn Medicine Wheel
Another one of the must-see destinations in Wyoming is the Bighorn Medicine Wheel. Situated near Lovell, Wyoming. At nearly 10,000 feet above the Bighorn Mountain Range, this unique sculpture garden functions almost like a Native American Stonehenge.
That’s because, for centuries, Native American tribes used this unique formation of rocks as a tool to measure everything from celestial movements to unique climate events. Though tribes built it between 300 and 800 years ago, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel still accurately predicts the yearly summer solstice.
Hot Springs State Park
Let’s say you travel to Yellowstone National Park in hopes of seeing its world-famous geysers, but it’s too crowded to get a good view. Luckily, Hot Springs State Park sits nearby, which can satisfy all your water formation needs. Besides its abundant natural hot springs, the park offers free bathing for all visitors at its State Bath House.
Along with the range of hot springs and rock formations, the state park features a roaming herd of bison, flower gardens, terraces, boat docks and a suspension footbridge across the Big Horn River. The park’s unique springs, scenic views and self-care delights make it one of the must-see destinations in Wyoming.
Jackson
Another one of the must-see destinations of Wyoming is the town of Jackson. Though it only has a slight population like the rest of the state, don’t let that fool you, as Jackson is the central hub for much of the area’s attractions. Furthermore, to visit many of the previous entries on this list, you’ll probably have to drive through Jackson either way.
Abutting the Grand Teton Mountain Range, Jackson (often mistakenly called Jackson Hole) features a wealth of nearby destinations and attractions. Plus, the town itself has a flavor all its own. Thanks to this, a long list of movies have used its impressive sights for their shots including “The Big Sky,” “Rocky IV” and “Django Unchained.”
Fossil Bone Cabin
Outside of Medicine Bow, Wyoming sits Fossil Bone Cabin. Though it blends in with the desolate landscape around it from a distance, upon closer inspection, visitors will understand just how unique this little cabin is. That’s because the cabin is entirely constructed out of dinosaur bones.
Its providence, however, remains a mystery. Paleontologist Walter W. Granger discovered the strange little cabin in 1897 near a quarry filled with dinosaur bones. While the cabin’s builder might forever be unknown, it still stands as a unique little oddity in this otherwise barren part of Wyoming.
Intermittent Spring
Another one of the must-see destinations in Wyoming is Intermittent Spring. Discovered randomly by hikers outside of the town of Afton, this subtle spring is one of only three of its kind in the world. That’s because it stops and starts every few minutes for a reason still inexplicable to science. Indeed, every 18 minutes the spring rushes before stopping completely. Though the science is still out regarding its cause, it’s best seen by visitors in late summer. (For exotic locales that might disappear, discover travel destinations that might not be around in as little as a decade.)