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Famous Landmarks in Wyoming

Famous Landmarks in Wyoming

Wyoming Rocky Mountains, USA Travel Guide

Iconic Natural Landmarks

Wyoming features world-renowned natural landmarks that draw visitors from around the globe.

Yellowstone National Park (Established 1872) is a vast wilderness area spanning several states, with its major attractions concentrated in Wyoming.

Yellowstone National Park Highlights

  • Old Faithful: This iconic geyser erupts approximately every 60-110 minutes, a natural spectacle in the Upper Geyser Basin. Yellowstone National Park Lodges are located nearby.
  • Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the U.S., located in Midway Geyser Basin. A boardwalk leads to the spring, and an overlook trail provides an aerial view.
  • Mammoth Hot Springs: Terraced hot springs with travertine formations, constantly changing in appearance due to mineral deposits. Located near the North Entrance.
  • Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley: Prime wildlife viewing areas for bison, elk, wolves, and bears. Visit at dawn and dusk for the best chances of spotting animals. Carry binoculars.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

  • This impressive canyon features two major waterfalls, the Upper and Lower Falls.
  • The Lower Falls, at 308 ft (94m), is especially striking.
  • The canyon walls display colorful mineral stains.
  • Artist Point and Inspiration Point offer classic views for photography.
  • Park entrances open seasonally, except for the North Entrance (year-round).
  • An entrance fee of $35 per vehicle for 7 days (as of late 2023) applies. Check the NPS Yellowstone website for conditions.

Grand Teton National Park Established 1929

  • Teton Range: Dramatic, jagged mountains rise sharply from the valley floor, creating a breathtaking skyline. Views from Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend, and Schwabacher Landing are popular for photography.
  • Jenny Lake: Popular for hiking, boating, and scenic views. A boat shuttle crosses the lake, providing easy access to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point trails.
  • Jackson Lake: The largest lake in the park, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and expansive views of the Tetons. Colter Bay Village and Jackson Lake Lodge are on its shores.
  • Mormon Row: A collection of historic homesteads with the Tetons as a stunning backdrop. A famous photography spot near Moose, Wyoming, especially at sunrise.

Park entrances open seasonally. An entrance fee of $35 per vehicle for 7 days (as of late 2023) applies. Check the NPS Grand Teton website for details and seasonal closures.

Devils Tower National Monument Established 1906

  • Iconic Butte: A striking laccolithic butte. Sacred to Native American tribes and a popular climbing destination.
  • It holds the distinction of being the first National Monument in the U.S.
  • Visitor Information: Open year-round. An entrance fee of $25 per vehicle for 7 days applies.
  • Located in northeastern Wyoming. Check the NPS Devils Tower website for climbing regulations and visitor services.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West (Cody):

    Comprehensive complex with five museums: Draper Natural History, Plains Indian, Buffalo Bill, Cody Firearms, and Whitney Western Art Museum. Extensive collections on Western art, natural history, firearms, and Native American culture. Admission fee applies (approx. $25 for adults). Allow a full day.

  • Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum (Jackson):

    Focuses on the history of Jackson Hole, including Native American presence, the fur trade, homesteading, and ranching. Offers local historical context.

  • National Museum of Wildlife Art (Jackson):

    Features art from ancient to contemporary, all focused on wildlife. Includes works by artists like Carl Rungius and Georgia O'Keeffe. The museum overlooks the National Elk Refuge.

  • Wyoming State Museum (Cheyenne):

    Covers the natural and cultural history of Wyoming, from dinosaurs and geology to modern industries. Admission is free, an accessible option for learning about the state.

  • Important Note:

    Wyoming offers several museums and cultural institutions that highlight its natural history, Western heritage, and art. They provide context and enrichment for your visit.

Historical Sites

Wyoming's historical sites offer glimpses into its past, from westward expansion to the Cold War era.

Historic Trails & Military Posts

  • Oregon Trail / Mormon Trail / Bozeman Trail

    Various interpretive sites and preserved segments of these historic wagon trails are found across Wyoming, specifically in the central and eastern parts of the state. Register Cliff, Independence Rock, and Fort Laramie National Historic Site are prominent points of interest.

  • Pioneer Footsteps

    These sites allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of pioneers and experience the challenges of westward expansion.

  • Fort Laramie National Historic Site

    Near Guernsey, a significant 19th-century military post and fur trade center. It was instrumental in westward expansion and the signing of Indian treaties. The site is open year-round, offering self-guided tours and living history demonstrations in summer.

  • Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site

    Near Cheyenne, a preserved Cold War-era missile site, providing tours of a deactivated Minuteman missile launch control center. This site offers an unique perspective on a different aspect of U.S. History.

  • Heart Mountain Interpretive Center

    Near Cody, this center commemorates the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, one of ten Japanese American incarceration camps during WWII. It features exhibits and restored structures that tell a powerful story of civil liberties during wartime.

  • South Pass City State Historic Site

    A preserved 1860s gold mining town near Lander. It offers a glimpse into Wyoming's boom-and-bust past and the lives of early settlers.

National Elk Refuge Jackson Hole

This refuge serves as the winter home to thousands of elk. Sleigh rides are available in winter for up-close viewing opportunities. A popular spot for wildlife photography.

Hot Springs State Park Thermopolis

Features the world's largest mineral hot spring. The park offers free public bathing in a 104°F (40°C) pool for 20 minutes, alongside commercial bathhouses with larger pools and slides.

Bighorn National Forest

This forest boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and alpine lakes. It is popular for hiking, camping, and scenic drives, like the Bighorn Scenic Byway.

Natural Attractions & State Parks

Beyond the national parks, Wyoming features numerous other natural attractions worth exploring.

  • Wind River Range: A rugged, remote wilderness area, home to Wyoming's highest peak, Gannett Peak, and extensive backcountry hiking and climbing. Access points are from Lander or Pinedale.
  • Sinks Canyon State Park (near Lander): Here, the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern and re-emerges a quarter-mile downstream in a pool known as "The Rise." The park offers trails and wildlife viewing.
  • State Parks: Wyoming operates several state parks offering diverse outdoor recreation, including Boysen State Park (reservoirs for boating), Curt Gowdy State Park (biking, fishing), and Buffalo Bill State Park (reservoir with views of the Absaroka Mountains).

Hidden Gems

Discover some of Wyoming's lesser-known but equally captivating hidden gems.

These destinations often offer unique experiences with fewer crowds, providing a more intimate connection with Wyoming's diverse landscapes and history.

Red Desert Southern Wyoming

A vast, ecologically unique high desert landscape featuring sand dunes, buttes, and free-roaming wild horses. This remote area has opportunities for solitude and unique wildlife viewing.

Features

  • Large, shifting sand dunes.
  • Home to one of the largest wild horse herds in North America.
  • Stargazing opportunities in a dark sky environment.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Southwest Wyoming/Northeast Utah, a spectacular canyon carved by the Green River. It features red rock cliffs, a large reservoir, and offers excellent fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities.

Activities

  • World-class trout fishing.
  • Boating and water sports on the reservoir.
  • Numerous scenic hiking trails.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Less crowded than the national parks, these forests offer excellent hiking, camping, and scenic drives, especially the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (seasonal).

Attractions

  • Scenic byways demonstrating diverse landscapes.
  • Numerous developed and dispersed camping options.
  • Extensive trail networks for all skill levels.
  • Opportunities for fishing and boating in alpine lakes and rivers.

Star Valley

A picturesque valley in western Wyoming known for its dairy farms, small towns, and the unique Intermittent Spring, which flows and stops on a cycle.

Local Charm

  • Explore charming small towns and local businesses.
  • Visit the unique Intermittent Spring, one of three in the world.
  • Discover local dairy farms and products.

Considerations for Hidden Gems

Planning & Access

  • Some hidden gems involve dirt roads or less developed access points.
  • Confirm road conditions and seasonal closures before you go.
  • Fuel and services can be limited in remote areas; plan your routes accordingly.

Preparation

  • Carry sufficient water, snacks, and emergency supplies.
  • Bring physical maps or download offline maps, as cell service can be spotty.
  • Be mindful of wildlife and respect natural environments.

Additional Attractions & Tips

Wyoming’s diverse attractions cater to many interests, from historical exploration to natural wonders.

Vore Buffalo Jump near Sundance

An archaeological site where Native Americans hunted bison for centuries. It provides insights into their hunting methods and culture. A fascinating historical and scientific site.

Como Bluff near Medicine Bow

A rich dinosaur fossil quarry historically significant in the 'Bone Wars' of the 19th century. Visitors can see interpretive displays and learn about Wyoming's prehistoric past.

Scenic Byways

Beyond the popular parks, explore scenic byways like the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway near Cody or the Beartooth Highway (seasonal) for breathtaking views and photography opportunities.

Resources for Attraction Planning

Official Park Websites

For the most current information on opening hours, entrance fees, and trail conditions for national parks and monuments, always check the official National Park Service websites.

Yellowstone NPS Website

Local Tourism Bureaus

Local tourism boards in towns like Jackson, Cody, and Cheyenne offer detailed guides, maps, and events calendars. These resources often provide localized insights.

Travel Wyoming Website

Activity Booking Platforms

For tours and guided experiences, platforms like GetYourGuide offer a range of options, from wildlife safaris to whitewater rafting trips.

GetYourGuide Website

Weather & Road Conditions

Wyoming weather can change rapidly. Check forecasts and real-time road conditions (especially for mountain passes and seasonal park roads) before heading out.

Wyoming DOT Road Info

Visitor Centers

Start your visit at a visitor center in national parks or major towns for up-to-date information, maps, and ranger insights.

Museums & Interpretive Centers

Wyoming's museums provide a understanding of its history, culture, and natural heritage.

Highlights

  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West offers extensive collections on Western art, natural history, firearms, and Native American culture.
  • National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson showcases art focused on wildlife, overlooking the National Elk Refuge.
  • Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne covers the state's natural and cultural history, from dinosaurs to modern industries.

Historical Significance

Explore sites that tell the story of westward expansion, military history, and pivotal moments in U.S. History.

Historical Sites

  • Oregon Trail/Mormon Trail/Bozeman Trail: Interpretive sites and preserved segments offer a glimpse into pioneer journeys.
  • Fort Laramie National Historic Site: A significant 19th-century military post and fur trade center.
  • Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site: A preserved Cold War-era missile site offering unique historical tours.
  • Heart Mountain Interpretive Center: Commemorates a Japanese American incarceration camp during WWII.

Travel Tip: Plan for Park Access

Entrance fees for national parks and monuments are typically valid for 7 days. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple federal sites across the U.S. Within a year.

Check for timed entry or reservation systems for popular parks like Yellowstone or Grand Teton, especially during peak season, as these can be implemented to manage visitor flow.

Natural Wonders

Wyoming's natural landscapes are its greatest treasures, offering breathtaking vistas and unique geological phenomena.

Grand Teton National Park

The dramatic Teton Range and pristine lakes create a breathtaking skyline. The park is popular for hiking, boating, and scenic views.

Locations

  • Teton Range: Iconic jagged peaks, ideal for photography from various viewpoints.
  • Jenny Lake & Jackson Lake: Popular for boat tours, paddling, and access to hiking trails.
  • Mormon Row: Historic homesteads with the Tetons as a stunning backdrop, a renowned photography spot.

Devils Tower National Monument

An iconic laccolithic butte, Devils Tower is sacred to Native American tribes and a popular climbing destination. It was the first National Monument in the U.S.

Visitor Information

  • Open year-round with an entrance fee.
  • A permit or registration is required for climbing the tower.
  • Check the official NPS Devils Tower website for current regulations and services.

National Elk Refuge

Near Jackson Hole, this refuge serves as the winter home to thousands of elk, providing an unique opportunity for wildlife viewing.

Visitor Experience

  • Sleigh rides are available in winter for up-close viewing opportunities.
  • Excellent for wildlife photography, especially during migration periods.
  • Check seasonal operating hours and fees.

A significant conservation area for the largest elk herd in the world.

Hot Springs State Park

Located in Thermopolis, this park features the world's largest mineral hot spring.

Amenities & Activities

  • Offers free public bathing in a 104°F (40°C) pool for 20 minutes.
  • Commercial bathhouses (Star Plunge, Hellie's Teepee Pools) provide larger pools and slides.

A perfect spot for relaxation and therapeutic soaking in natural hot spring waters.

Bighorn National Forest

This forest boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and alpine lakes, offering extensive outdoor recreation.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Popular for hiking and backpacking on various trails.
  • Many designated campgrounds and dispersed camping options.
  • Scenic drives like the Bighorn Scenic Byway offer stunning views.

A less crowded alternative to the national parks for nature immersion.

Hidden Gem Exploration Tips

Prepare for the Unexpected

Some hidden gems are remote. Carry extra water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Inform someone of your itinerary.

Check Conditions

Road conditions to lesser-known sites can vary, especially seasonally. Always check local advisories or call ahead.

Leave No Trace

When exploring natural hidden gems, practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve their pristine condition for future visitors.

Map & Navigation Advice

Download offline maps for areas with limited cell service, especially in national parks and remote forests. GPS devices are helpful for navigating backcountry trails and finding less-traveled sites.