We have compiled a list of the 35 best things to do in Wyoming. If you have a trip planned to the Cowboy State then you really need to see our ultimate bucket list which has you covered from the northwestern corner to the south-east.

The most popular destinations to visit in Wyoming are of course the state’s two national parks being Yellowstone National Park followed by Grand Teton National Park. However, there is so much more to see outside of these famous landmarks.

Outside of the rugged and mountainous northwestern corner lie windswept plains, stunning canyons, and old western towns filled with history.

Keep reading to see all of the incredible things you should add to your Wyoming travel itinerary. If you have any more places to add to this bucket list please let us know in the comments below.

Need a campervan for your Wyoming road trip? Check out Outdoorsy for availability in the area.

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36 Best Things To Do In Wyoming

TETON NATIONAL PARK

Wyoming’s most stunning destination would have to be Grand Teton National Park. This national park is certain to amaze visitors with its ‘grand’ mountains, lush meadows, and beautiful alpine lakes.

No visit to Wyoming is complete until you visit the Grand Tetons. The park is located just north of Jackson which is a good place to base yourself as it is an easy and quick drive. Grand Teton National Park is open year round and is stunning during all four seasons. Here are the places you shouldn’t miss in the Tetons.

See The Teton Range

The Tetons are iconic to Grand Teton National Park so obviously you should not miss the chance to see them although this would be hard to do as they are visible from many locations throughout the southern half of the park.

The Teton mountains are most impressive because they rise steeply into the sky out of a conifer forest and have no foothills giving them an incredible dramatic appearance.

The Grand, Middle, and South Tetons form the heart of the mountain range but their neighbors Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, and Mount Moran are equally as spectacular. Be sure to take a few moments to appreciate and take in the grandeur of these giants.

Admire Jenny Lake

Gorgeous Jenny Lake which sits at the base of Cascade Canyon is one of the most visited attractions in Grand Teton National Park. From its eastern shores visitors can see spectacular Teewinot Mountain and Mount St. John.

The South Jenny Lake area has amenities that include a visitor center, campground, and general store. This is also where you can hop on the scenic shuttle boat that can take you to the north shore.

There are many hiking trails that begin from the South Jenny Lake area that lead into the backcountry or you can choose to do the lake’s loop trail. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as black bears and moose.

Visit Mormon Row

Mormon Row is one of the most famous landmarks in Wyoming and may even be the most picturesque place in the state. Mormon Row which is formerly known as the town of Grovont was originally settled in the 1890’s by Mormons from Salt Lake City.

In the mid-1900s, Mormon Row was acquired to expand Grand Teton National Park and in 1997 the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the structures still stand today but the most well known would have to be the Moultan Barn which stands in front of the magnificent Teton Range.

Photographers come from around the world to capture the rustic building in the beautiful morning light. Be sure not to miss this historic homesteading site.

Drive Teton Park Road

One of the most scenic drives through Teton National Park is along Teton Park road. The road follows the base of the Teton Range from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction offering stunning views and the opportunity to spot wildlife.

There are plenty of turnouts to stop and take in the surrounding landscape and get photos. You can access popular hiking trails along this stretch which include Taggart Lake, Jenny Lake, and Lupine Meadows along with the turnoff to Signal Mountain.

Kayaking On String Lake

String Lake is a favorite amongst visitors to Grand Teton National Park and once you lay your eyes upon this exquisite body of water you’ll understand why.

This emerald gem is unlike the other lakes inside the Tetons in that it reflects the greens of the surrounding pines rather than the blue (or grey) skies at other nearby lakes such as Jenny Lake or Leigh Lake.

One of the best things to do at String Lake is to go kayaking or paddle-boarding. Due to the lake’s unusual elongated shape which is full of small hidden bays and coves, the water is mostly calm and provides a relaxing and peaceful experience. The earlier in the morning you arrive, the more calm and peaceful the experience will be, not only because of the less likelihood of wind, but also as there will be less visitors.

Another big plus for String Lake is that it is relatively shallow, which means those who are new to watersports will feel less intimidated tackling activities on the water.

Gliding through the water effortlessly will mean more time to be able to look up and take in the stunning surrounding landscape and you may even spot a moose or two as this is prime moose habitat!

There are no rentals available at String Lake so you will need to bring your own watercraft or you can rent from several outfits in Jackson Hole.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

If you haven’t been to Yellowstone National Park before, you may not realize how big this park actually is and how time consuming it can be just driving around trying to see all of the incredible attractions here. Add to that the popularity of the park and therefore extremely slow going traffic results in visitors running out of time to see all of the really cool natural features here.

Therefore, we recommend making yourself a bucket list of the places inside Yellowstone you don’t want to miss and focus on making sure you get to see them.

See below for the places we believe you should not miss in Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring is not only the largest hot spring in Yellowstone, but the third largest in the world! The spring expels an astonishing 560 gallons of water per minute but it’s most incredible feature is the stunning display of color from the the pool.

The breathtaking colors are attributed to various species of thermophilic bacteria living in the hot spring. On the outer edges of the spring are cyanobacteria (aquatic photosynthesizing bacteria) which is what contributes to the brilliant yellow, green, orange, and red colors.

Grand Prismatic is located halfway between the Upper and Lower Geyser Basin area and there is a short boardwalk that allows you to walk around the edge of the hot spring.

To really appreciate Grand Prismatic though, take the hiking trail from the stop before you get to the boardwalk area which allows you to see it from a more birds eye view.

Watch Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful Geyser needs no introduction as it is the most famous geyser on the planet. Millions of people from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Yellowstone just to see it erupt.

The eruptions are frequent and fairly predictable with intervals of 60-110 minutes. The eruptions themselves last somewhere between 1 to 5 minutes. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot.

Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone most certainly is grand! The colorful walls of the canyon and dramatic thundering waterfalls make it a must see if you are visiting Yellowstone.

The huge chasm was carved out by the Yellowstone River which begins on the slopes of Yount Peak just south of the park then travels more than 600 miles to its terminus in North Dakota where it empties into the Missouri River. It is the longest undammed river in the USA.

The most popular attraction here is the Lower and Upper Yellowstone Waterfall which you can view from numerous trails and walkways that wind along the rim and drop down into the canyon.

Explore The Lamar Valley

The Lamar Valley is incredibly beautiful and has quite a different landscape from the rest of Yellowstone. It is also much further away from the rest of the popular attractions in the park and takes approximately 45 minutes to reach without traffic.

The Lamar Valley is most notable for wildlife viewing and is usually the location of the notorious bison traffic jams. Yes, you are almost guaranteed to see huge bison herds in the Lamar Valley. You may even be lucky enough to see the iconic Slough Creek wolfpack if you get out there early enough.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is most famous for its travertine terraces; numerous small and shallow pools along ledges of many different levels divided into two halves - the lower and upper terraces.

You can get up close and view the terraces from boardwalks that take you past the numerous boiling pools and gas vents.

Access the lower boardwalk from the parking lot or the Grand Loop Road. Access to the upper boardwalk is from the one-way Upper Terrace Drive and parking lot.

Mammoth Hot Springs is just south of the North Entrance to Yellowstone near Gardiner. The area is accessible by car year round.

Enjoy Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high elevation lake in North America sitting above 7,000 feet elevation. The massive lake is roughly 20 miles long (32.2km) and 14 miles wide (22.5km) and has 141 miles of shoreline (227km).

Yellowstone Lake freezes over completely every winter usually around late December with ice thickness varying from a few inches to more than two feet.

The lake doesn’t begin to thaw until late May or early June when visitors can begin enjoying picnics from its shores or take part in water activities like canoeing and kayaking.

JACKSON HOLE

Million Dollar Cowboy Saloon

Saddle up, sling back a cocktail, and listen to some good music at Wyoming’s landmark watering hole, the Million Dollar Cowboy Saloon.

The Million Dollar Cowboy Saloon is a western-themed bar located on the town square in downtown Jackson. The interior has fun western decor as you can imagine and offers a good selection of beer and cocktails.

This iconic bar has a very lively atmosphere and hosts live music every weekend. Some of the best artists in the country music scene have played here like Hank Williams, Tanya Tucker, and Willie Nelson. One of the coolest and most popular feature of the saloon is it’s saddle-like bar stools that you must see.

The Cowboy Saloon has been around since 1937 and countless celebrities, presidents, and royalty have been through their doors since. Make sure you don’t miss visiting this unique establishment too!

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is basically the ‘town square’ and as the name suggests, sits in the center of downtown Jackson. While the park is quite small and is nothing out of the ordinary, the entrance to the park at all four corners are unique and notable for the elk antler arches. These arches are an obligatory photo stop when in Jackson!

Jackson Hole Rodeo

Rodeo has been a part of Jackson Hole’s cowboy culture since the first settlers arrived over 100 years ago and you can make your Jackson Hole experience more memorable by attending this legendary event.

Witness bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping by some of the most talented cowboy’s in the country.

The rodeo’s in Jackson Hole happen every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day with additional show’s every Friday in July and August.

Shows start at 8pm and happen rain or shine!

National Elk Refuge

The National Elk Refuge was created in 1912 to provide a sanctuary for one of the largest elk herds on earth.

This wilderness habitat which is managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife is home to about 7,500 elk every winter when they migrate down from Yellowstone National Park.

Once upon a time, this herd used to number in excess of 25,000 but has been drastically reduced thanks to hunting and development pressures since the early 1900’s.

Now, a supplemental feeding program helps to keep the herd going through the harsh Wyoming winters. You can visit the refuge yourself and see these beautiful beasts on the outskirts of Jackson.

Take An Elk Sleigh Ride

If you’re looking for a unique winter activity in the Jackson area or for something fun to do that the kids will love, organize a sleigh ride through the elk refuge.

When you climb into your horse drawn sleigh, you will find yourself in the middle of a western adventure unlike any other.

This amazing experience takes you right to the heart of the action where not only will you get up close and personal with the resident elk, but possibly encounter a variety of other locals such as coyotes, eagles, badgers, and bison. All the while you’ll be surrounded by incredible views whichever you look.

All of the sleigh drivers have a wealth of information and will share fascinating facts about elk biology and management and can answer any questions you may have.

National Wildlife Art Museum

Looking for more things to do in the Jackson area? Then head to the National Museum of Wildlife Art!

This state of the art museum holds more than 5,000 artworks from around the world featuring the work of prominent artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Robert Kuhn, and John James Audubon.

The collection chronicles the history of wildlife art from 2500BC up until the present. In addition to the art galleries, this museum also has a sculpture garden, library, children’s discovery gallery, and restaurant.

The museum is housed in an impressive 51,000 square foot building made from Idaho quartzite that was inspired by the ruins of a Scottish castle. Only two miles north of Jackson, it sits atop a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge so you can’t miss it!

Chuckwagon Dinner Experience

For a true western experience, jump aboard one of Jackson’s chuckwagon dinner trips! From authentic cowboy entertainment to an old west style meal, you won’t forget taking part in this unique excursion.

These trips are fun for the whole family and include storytelling, comedy, and live music.

The Chuckwagon dinners which include your meal and entertainment are run by two companies in Jackson who both have great reputations for guaranteeing fun. Be sure to book ahead because the trips can fill up quickly.

Buffalo Bill Center Of The West

There’s plenty to see at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. So much so that your ticket is good for two days!

This museum actually has five different sections that include the Buffalo Bill museum where you can learn about the legend and other great cowboys and cowgirls, the Plains Indian museum which covers the culture, traditions, and trials of these native people, along with a firearms museum that holds over 10,000 artifacts firearm enthusiasts will love.

To find out what other cool things there is to explore at the Buffalo Bill museum, visit their website.

Old Trail Town

Old Trail Town preserves the lifestyle and history of the Frontier West through a rare collection of authentic structures and furnishings. The buildings are from remote locations in Montana & Wyoming that were carefully disassembled, then moved and reassembled at Old Trail Town.

There are also thousands of historic artifacts from the ‘old west’ and several gravesites of notable western figures including mountain man John Johnson who was portrayed by Robert Redford in the 1972 film “Jeremiah Johnson”. You’ll also find the original cabins used by outlaw Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center

The Buffalo Bill Dam was one of the first concrete arch dams built in the United States, and at 325 feet high, it also used to be one of the highest dams in the world.

The dam was named after the famous Wild West icon William Cody, aka Buffalo Bill, who founded the nearby town of Cody.

The Dam is wedged in between a canyon with extremely tall walls and is really cool to see. Visitors can walk across the top of the dam where you can look out over the reservoir and Shoshone River.

There is also an informative visitors centers which features a wealth of information on the dam’s construction, along with interpretive displays about the local geography and wildlife.

It’s a can’t miss stop if you’re road tripping between Yellowstone National Park and Cody!

Cody Nights Rodeo

The Cody Nights Rodeo is the longest running rodeo in the U.S. and the only place in the country that rodeo’s happen on a nightly basis for the last 76 years!

Every night during summer, visitors can attend the western entertainment which kicks off at 7pm.

The event has earned the town of Cody the nickname ‘Rodeo Capital of the World’ and The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association named the Cody Stampede (held in July) "Best Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year" in 1998 and 1999.

No trip to Cody is complete unless you attend the rodeo in Cody! Trust us, you will love it!!

Cody Mural & Museum

The Historic Cody Mural and Museum in Cody offers visitors a glimpse into the western expansion of Mormon pioneers in the late 1800’s.

At the museum you will find items used by Mormon pioneers more than 100 years ago as they settled Wyoming’s rugged Big Horn Basin.

You can also view original works by local artists depicting the experience of Mormon pioneers as they survived and eventually thrived in the wilds of Wyoming. Admission to this museum is free.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center

Incredible Things To See & Do In Wyoming: Visit The Dinosaur Center

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center displays one of the largest and most unique fossil collections in the world. They have over 58 mounted skeletons and hundreds of displays that will fascinate children and adults alike.

This museum also provide hands-on geologic and paleontological experiences that visitors of all ages will enjoy.

Legend Rock Petroglyph Site

See one of the most impressive petroglyph areas in the world at the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site 23 miles west of Thermopolis. This protected site contains at least 283 different petroglyph’s on 92 individual sandstone panels. Archaeological tests have discovered that some of the ancient rock art dates back 10,000 years!

Getting to this remote destination on highway 120 is part of the fun as you drive through the stunning Wyoming landscape. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as elk and deer.

Buffalo Pasture

If you are visiting Thermopolis and looking for things to do, how about stopping by the buffalo pasture? The grazing area of the massive beasts is right behind Hot Springs State Park so if you swing by to see the mineral pool you may as well see the bison.

Even if you’ve just come from Yellowstone and had your fill of bison, this place is still worth checking out just because the landscape is so different. You’ll see rolling red hills, ancient terraces, and weird geologic formations.

There are trails that cross the arid environment and you are free to hike them but just don’t get too close to the wildlife. Eventually your hike or drive will lead back to the Bighorn River.

Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway

The Wind River Canyon is a spectacular 2,500 foot deep canyon that stretches from the town of Shoshoni to Thermopolis. The area is incredibly beautiful and features some of the oldest rock formations in the world dating back to the Precambrian period.

The scenic Wind River Canyon Byway travels through the chasm and passes highlights that include the Owl Creek Mountains, Chimney Rock, and Boysen State Park. If you’re on your way to or from Yellowstone and have the time, be sure to take this more than worthwhile detour.

Wyoming Whiskey

In the Bighorn Basin is where you can see how handcrafted bourbon is made at Wyoming Whiskey. Tours are available that will take you through the working distillery and detail the entire bourbon making process.

Wyoming Whiskey mill their own locally grown grains and then distill the whiskey using a custom designed 38-foot copper still after the fermentation process.

After the tour you can sample some of the aged product and of course purchase if you like what you taste.

Hot Springs County Museum

Wyoming - 50 Incredible Things To See & Do

Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center exists to serve as an educational resource for teaching and researching the history of Hot Springs County. They collect and preserve artifacts that tell and interpret the stories of the region’s people which includes 16,000 feet of exhibits that include american pioneer and native american displays.

The museum is comprised of two separate areas that include the primary museum building that is open year-round and the seasonally operated museum annex.

The main building has history detailing the original Hole-in-the-Wall bar where Robert LeRoy Parker a.k.a. Butch Cassidy used to visit along with other notorious characters.

Visitors can also see displays that include a Yellowstone stage coach, firearm exhibits, and even a recreation of the town of Thermopolis where visitors can walk down wooden boardwalks and peek into re-created businesses.

The Big Spring

The Big Spring is the headwaters for each of the four mineral hot springs found inside Hot Springs State park. Every day, approximately 3.6 million gallons of water flows upwards through this spring and feeds the others at a sizzling 120 degrees!

A paved pedestrian path leads up to the mouth of the spring and includes a one-story viewing platform looking out over the park and river.

Rainbow Terraces

Hot Springs State Park is the oldest state park in Wyoming. The park which is located in the tiny town of Thermopolis, was founded in 1897 to preserve the largest mineral hot springs in the world.

This place will more than likely remind you of the hot springs in Yellowstone National Park if you’ve just come from there, however on a much smaller and less smelly scale.

The Rainbow Terraces are the most impressive thing in the park and were formed by springs that discharge over three million gallons of water laden with minerals every day. The water is scorching hot at 135 degrees!

There is a walkway that circles the spring and at one end is a swinging bridge where you can cross the river and explore some more. Other things in the park include a manmade style hot spring which visitors are allowed to use for free!

Swinging Bridge

The suspension bridge found at Hot Springs State Park offers visitors a different perspective on the rainbow terraces. From on and across the other side of the bridge you can view the full scale of the colorful terrace wall and watch the hot spring water cascade over it and into the Bighorn River.

The bridge crosses the Bighorn River and provides quite a thrill as you walk across, sliding from side to side, and up and down like a fun ride.

Devils Tower National Monument

The Devil’s Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people.

You can visit this unique formation in Devil’s Tower National Monument in the north-east corner of Wyoming near the border of South Dakota.

We recommend dedicating a whole day in the park to hike around the loop trail at the base of the Devils Tower and to spend some time with the cute Prairie Dogs found in the park.

There is a really nice campground located adjacent to the park if you are looking for somewhere to stay nearby.

Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway is one of the most beautiful drive’s in the USA and features breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, countless glacial lakes, and forested valleys.

This scenic byway passes through the Beartooth Corridor from southwest Montana into northwest Wyoming winding its way through a million acres of pristine wilderness.

The 68-mile long drive leads into Yellowstone National Park and gives travelers an opportunity to experience untouched alpine landscapes and see one of the highest and most rugged places in the lower 48 states.

Along the way, motorists can stop at turnouts to enjoy the views of the Northern Rocky Mountains or even explore the great hiking, fishing, and camping the area offers.

Laramie

Laramie started out as a “Hell-on-Wheels” railroad town but quickly changed with the founding of the University of Wyoming in 1886. While the city of Laramie hasn’t forgotten its roots, the town now has a more sophisticated air about it.

There is so much to offer in terms of attractions and entertainment that is sure to please anyone. The downtown shopping district has some great boutique stores, lovely restaurants, and an amazing variety of artisan cheeses, not to mention a good selection of breweries to choose from too.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Laramie’s location situated between the Laramie Range and the Snowy Range which means there is a plethora of outdoor activities that can be pursued such as hiking, fishing, biking, and snow sports in the winter.

Fort Laramie State Historic Park

Originally established as a private fur trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie evolved into the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains. This “grand old post” witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion and Indian resistance to encroachment on their territories.

Located at confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers in southeast Wyoming, this famed outpost, first as a fur trade post and then as a military garrison played a strategic role in transforming the United States.

As the Indian Wars came to a close, Fort Laramie's importance diminished. The post was eventually abandoned and sold at public auction in 1890.

Over the next 48 years it nearly succumbed to the ravages of time until preservation of the site was secured in 1938 when Fort Laramie became part of the National Park System.

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