5 Top-Rated Attractions in Wyoming That One Must Not Miss (2024)

The beautiful state of Wyoming is the state to head to see the Wild Wild West come alive in front of you. While it is one of the most sparsely populated states in the United States, Wyoming is a fascinating land of rich tribal tradition, rugged landscapes, cowboy towns, ranches, rodeos, and some of the greatest wilderness areas in the world. From the magnificent Yellowstone National Park with its geothermal wonders and the spectacular Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming is home to one of the biggest intact temperate-zone ecosystems in the world.

From exploring the red-walled gorges to the mesmerizing hot springs, historical prairie towns, and the many historical attractions in the capital city of Cheyenne, there is so much to see and do in this Wild West state that you will be spoilt for choices.

5 Top-Rated Attractions in Wyoming That One Must Not Miss

Read on to learn more about the top attractions in Wyoming.

1. Yellowstone National Park

The famous Yellowstone National Park is the first and oldest national park in the world. Even today, it is one of the most awe-inspiring and stunning wilderness areas on the planet. Your vacation to Wyoming would not be complete without visiting the Yellowstone National Park. As you explore the park, you will get to see huge herds of bison roaming free in the valleys. The abundant wildlife includes gray wolves, elk, grizzly and black bears, majestic bald eagles, and trumpeter swans.

Established in 1872, the Yellowstone National Park is one of the biggest geothermal wonders in the world. You get to see hissing geysers, steaming hot springs, and bubbling mud pots that come forth from the staggering landscape formed millions of years ago. You get to see some of the most stunning waterfalls that come gushing down steep ravines and mesmerizing lakes and rivers that seem to stretch on for miles on end.

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You can take a drive through the park, but the best way to explore the park is on foot through the huge network of hiking trails. This is the best way to see the park’s diverse ecosystem and experience the beautiful wilderness as you camp in one of the scenic camping grounds of the park. Some of the top-rated tourist attractions at the park include Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful geyser, and the breathtaking cascades of Lower Falls.

Without a doubt, the Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places to visit in Wyoming, and you can visit the park all year round as each season paints the beautiful landscape in hues of different colors. However, summertime is the most popular tourist season.

2. Grand Teton National Park

Just after the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, the second most visited attraction in Wyoming is the Grand Teton National Park. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the impressive Teton Mountain Range, the Grand Teton National Park is indeed one of the crowning jewels of Wyoming. The mountains, located in the northwest of the state, formed millions of years ago, with a fault in the earth’s crust giving in and creating 12 majestic peaks that reached heights of over 12,000 feet. The highest of these peaks is the Grand Teton, soaring 13,770 feet above sea level.

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There is an abundance of wildlife here at the park, with over 60 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and many freshwater fish. The park is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, kayakers, hikers, and climbers.

The best way to explore the park and take in the spectacular scenery is by hiking the many trails and staying overnight at the many camping grounds located inside. It is best to avoid visiting in the winter months as many of the roads and access points are closed during the winters.

3. Jackson

Nestled in the heart of the sprawling valley at the foot of the majestic Teton Mountains is Jackson, the perfect embodiment of the spirit of the Wild West. With rustic wooden buildings and quaint shops, boardwalks, galleries, and many beautiful restaurants, Jackson has a stunning town square that is framed by elk-horn arches. This charming town is the gateway to the Grand Teton National Park and also a popular stop for tourists on their way to the Yellowstone National Park. The National Elk Refuge located here protects the biggest herd of wintering elk in the world, and during the season, you can even take a ride onboard horse-drawn sleighs right into the refuge to get a view of these gentle creatures from up close.

Camouflaged and hidden in the rocky hillside just south of Jackson is the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which is another top attraction of the town. The museum is home to over 4,000 paintings and many rotating exhibits.

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Another highlight of Jackson is the scenic float trips you take down the Snake River, popular summer rodeos, chuck wagon cookouts, and downhill skiing on Snow King Mountain. Jackson Hole is a famous fly fishing destination in Wyoming.

Located at a 20-minute drive from Jackson is the renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at the charming Teton Village. Some of the best skiing in entire North America takes place here, and there is also a diverse lineup of many beautiful summer mountain spots. This location is also a hotspot for many outdoor concerts.

4. Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis

One place you do not want to miss out on when you visit Wyoming is the Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis. Built around the largest single mineral hot spring in the world, the Hot Springs State Park is the perfect place for a relaxing soak in the steamy mineral water that gushes from the Big Spring. The water is channeled into quaint little bathhouses and maintained at a constant 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You can either soak in the warm waters indoors at the State Bath House, or you can choose to pick one of the two outdoor pools here.

Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming

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There are many hiking trails that take you through petroglyphs, summer flower gardens, and the stunning rainbow Terrace, where water from another stream cascades into the Bighorn River. You can even see the beautiful sight of a herd of bison grazing in the hills.

5. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody showcases an important part of American history through a series of five fascinating museums. Beginning with the Buffalo Bill Museum, you get to check out the many artifacts from the life of Buffalo Bill Cody, the legendary American showman, and soldier.

The second museum is the Cody Firearms Museums, which is home to a huge collection of firearms from all over the world. The third museum, Draper Museum of Natural History, has Wyoming wildlife and geology as the central theme, and you get to learn about the culture of the prairies’ first inhabitants at the Plains Indian Museum as you go through a multimedia show and exhibits.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming

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Apart from the five museums that include all historical artifacts and exhibits, the center is great for art lovers who love visiting the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, where works by George Catlin, Frederic Remington, and Charles Russell all showcase the Wild West theme.

There are rodeo grounds located near the center, and you can catch many of the best cowboys in the Wild West performing during the summer.

Apart from these beautiful and exciting places, there are many other attractions that you must check out while you are in Wyoming. These include: