Destination attractions things to do in wyoming

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

What in the world can you do in Wyoming? Isnt it practically the least populated state in the country? The above questions may have sprung to mind when you read the topic of this article. But do not let appearances deceive you. Although Wyoming may not boast the expansive beaches or chic cultural centers of some top tourist destinations, this little wilderness offers an outdoors experience unmatched anywhere in the country, or perhaps even the world. Every year, city slickers arrive in Wyoming by the thousands to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, while suburban dwellers discover their inner child and reconnect with nature.

First and foremost, no one can mention Wyoming without uttering one word in the same breath: Yellowstone. The first national park, Yellowstone is home to such world-famous wonders as Old Faithful. Old Faithful is one of over 10,000 geothermal steam geysers which populate the park. Two spectacular waterfalls and some truly unique formations also dot the parks landscape. Tourists can even take advantage of relaxing scenic cruises or stagecoach rides around the area. In addition, for true nature lovers, Yellowstones endless array of wildlife can keep one busy pointing and snapping pictures for hours on end. By the time a tourist leaves the park, he or she will have likely collected five photo albums worth of memories: wolves, grizzly bears, bison, deer, black bears, lions, bobcats, moose, over 300 bird species, and so much more. The expansive park also affords some unforgettable hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and camping excursions.

Forests, parks, and natural wonders are almost as common in Wyoming as houses themselves. Probably the second most popular attraction in Wyoming (aside from Yellowstone), the Devils Tower is aptly named. A stunning rock formation that has to be seen to be believed, the monument brings people, plants, and animals together from around the world. For the truly brave, one can even venture a climb up the Devil! Flaming Gorge and Big Horn are two more popular recreation areas, complete with activities as diverse as boating and snowmobiling and unique rock formations that are a feast for the eyes. Wildlife galore roams the 35 miles of the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Grand Teton National Park will set the heart racing with its collection of spires and the pulse slowing with over 100 lakes perfect for lounging and basking in 12,000-plus feet mountain peaks. Large mountain ranges (from the Sierra Madre to the Laramie) are also waiting to be explored at the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, a sweeping landscape which Wyoming shares with Colorado. For a slightly less height-heavy experience, one can visit the Thunder Basin National Grassland, which is a bastion for camping, hunting and fishing. In fact, Wyoming as a whole provides boundless opportunities for fishing and hunting enthusiasts amidst its many mountainous terrains and lakes. Fishersespecially trout fishersshould take a closer look at Flaming Gorge, in particular. Flyfishing lovers will also find many kindred spirits. As for hunters, September through November is the prime season.

Skiing is also a popular pastime in Wyoming. The aforementioned Thunder Basin boasts some challenging slopes. Pine Creek (near Cokeville), Big Horn Mountain (US Highway 16), Snowy Range (Highway 130), White Pine (Skyline Drive) also draws skiiers. While all of these places are great, no skiier in the world worth his salt has not challenged the deep snow and aerial terrains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The base elevation itself is just over 6,000 feet. While some are conquering (or vainly attempting to conquer) the challenging slopes, others are whizzing by on snowmobiles.

For those of you out there worried that you might have a heart attack if you step foot in Wyoming, dont despair. Plenty of safer (and flatter!) wonders await. For example, the North Platte River Valley heralds some wonderful agricultural treats. Also, Star Valley (dubbed Little Switzerland of America) offers all of the view of those fabulous mountain peaks with none of the bite. Dairy lovers will love this area. Meanwhile, learn about Native American culture at the Wind River Indian Reservation, or stop by the Bradford Brinton Memorial Ranch for a glimpse at some premier Western artwork. If one is tiring of the mountains, then a wonderful respite awaits in the 108 wide and open miles of the Red Desert and Great Divide Basin. Even shopaholics will find a refuge in Wyoming. Kernmerer is home base for one of the largest retail chains in the country, J.C. Penney.

Wyoming is also a scientists paradise. Archaelogical, geological, and paleontological sites abound. Kernmerer is also home to a fascinating mix of fossil galleries, including Triangle Museum, Ulrichs, Severns Studio, and the Fossil Country Museum. Ripleys Believe It or Not! wonder Fossil Cabin (made of over 5,000 bones) rests off on Highway 30. Medicine Lodge houses historic pictographs on the sites sandstone cliffs. Tourists can also step back in time with the dinosaurs at Fossil Butte, the Natural History Museum in Rock Springs, the Tate Mineraological Museum in Casper, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermapolis, the Glenrock Paleontological Museum, and the Cottonweed Creek Dinosaur Trail in Alcova. Many of these sites even offer the opportunity to accompany paleontologists and archaeologists on a genuine dig.

At long last, we have come to the end of our trip. How can one properly cap off the natural wonders of Wyoming? Take a few of the following scenic routes on the way home, and collect another five scrapbooks of memories:

Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway (between Grand Teton and Yellowstone)

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (beside Yellowstone)

Cloud Peak Skyway (US Route 16 from Buffalo to Worland)

Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway (US Highway 14-16-20)

Beartooth Highway (US 212)

Mirror Lake Highway (SR 150)

Discover how these winding aisles of visual candy got their names, and visit a few of the more off the beaten path sites to end your journey:

Hells Half Acre (Powder River)

Tree in the Rock (Cheyenne)

Old West Wax Museum (Thermapolis)

Daily Street Gunfights (Cody)

Sundance Kid Exhibit (Sundance)

Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting (Greybull)