8 Things to Do in Wyoming for First-Time Visitors

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If you're visiting Wyoming for the first time, get ready for dramatic landscapes, rich history, and one-of-a-kind experiences. The state is home to several ghost towns, over 10,000 geothermal features, and almost 110 mountain ranges and sub-ranges. You'll also find dinosaur dig sites, cultural museums, and natural hot springs.

This article highlights the top things to do in Wyoming for first-time visitors to the state, whether you're after outdoor adventure, historic landmarks, or something in between. Keep reading to discover what to add to your ultimate Wyoming bucket list!

Planning a last-minute trip to Wyoming?

Book your Wyoming accommodations and experiences early! See the short list of top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Wyoming

• Covered Wagon Motel Lusk WY (under $100 USD a night)
• The Cody (rated highly)
• Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Torrington (relax by the pool)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Wyoming

• Private Yellowstone Wildlife Sightseeing Tour (rated highly)
• Guided Fishing Trip in Jackson Hole (rated highly)
• Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in a Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle season Dependent (very popular)
• Jackson Hole Full-Day Dog Sledding & Snowmobiling Combo Trip
• Heart Six Snowmobiling in Jackson Hole

8 Top Things to Do in Wyoming, USA

Samantha Roberts

Bathe in a Natural Hot Spring in Thermopolis

Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming, is one of the best things to do in Wyoming. These natural hot springs have existed for millions of years—long before humans arrived, dinosaurs roamed the area, and much later, Indigenous peoples and Western settlers made use of them. Today, the medicinal hot springs attract travelers from all over the world.

In the state park, you can ride bikes alongside a buffalo herd, take a dip in the hot springs bathhouse for free, and walk along the boardwalks and bridges that take you through the different hot springs in the park. The best part of visiting these hot springs in Thermopolis is that there's so much to do in the town.

You can try your hand at fly fishing, go white-water rafting, or stand-up paddleboarding along the Bighorn River. There are also opportunities for swimming, shopping, and golfing. If you're short on time in Wyoming, Thermopolis makes for a great weekend getaway.

Experience Horseback Riding in Jackson

Horseback riding is a popular activity in the western United States, and in Wyoming, it's a can't-miss experience. Riding through forests and fields with majestic mountain ranges as your backdrop makes for unforgettable memories.

One of the best places to go horseback riding in Wyoming is Jackson. Here, you can explore stunning landscapes with the Teton Mountains as your constant view. You can book a Jackson Hole Horseback Ride in the Tentons in advance.

For something extra special, you can try fishing at Willow Creek—just make sure you have a valid Wyoming Fishing license. There's nothing quite like spending time outdoors, enjoying lunch in nature, and feeling the fresh mountain air on your face.

Watch a Rodeo in Cheyenne

Did you know that one of Wyoming's most well-known nicknames is the "Cowboy State?" To dive deeper into cowboy history, head to Cheyenne, the state capital. Every summer, Cheyenne hosts Frontier Days, the world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration.

Rodeo, which grew out of the cattle industry in the western US during the late 1800s, remains a beloved sport—so much so that it became Wyoming's official state sport in 2003. A trip to Wyoming wouldn't be complete without experiencing a rodeo firsthand!

At Frontier Days, you can watch a wide range of rodeo events, including barrel racing and bareback riding. The festival also features concerts by famous country artists, lively parades, farmers' markets, and Native American demonstrations.

This ten-day event is one of the most exciting times to visit Wyoming, making it well worth planning your trip around Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Go Geyser Hopping in Yellowstone

Wyoming's geysers are some of the most impressive natural phenomena you can witness, and they absolutely belong on your Wyoming bucket list! Geysers form when underground hot springs boil and shoot columns of steaming water high into the air.

The best—and most accessible—place to see geysers in action is Yellowstone National Park, one of the top national parks in the Western U.S. What makes these geysers even more amazing is how reliable they are. Many erupt on a predictable schedule, so you can plan your visit to catch the show.

The most famous and dependable geyser in Wyoming (and the world) is Old Faithful, which erupts roughly 20 times a day. But it's not the only one worth visiting.

For the most beautiful geysers and thermal features, head to the Midway Geyser Basin, home to the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring —a vibrant, rainbow-colored hot spring that's one of the most photographed landmarks in the state.

Learn to Fly Fish in Casper

Fly fishing is a unique and visually impressive form of fishing—it's a bit more challenging than traditional rod-and-reel fishing and takes time to master. Wyoming is home to over 22 species of game fish, with trout being the most popular catch.

One of the best places to try fly fishing in Wyoming is near Casper, a city known for its access to the North Platte River, which is considered one of the top blue-ribbon trout fisheries in the country.

Casper might not be the first stop on everyone's Wyoming bucket list—but it can be on yours! If you're road-tripping through the state, make sure to add Casper to your route for a truly authentic Wyoming experience.

Camp in the Rocky Mountains

You've probably never camped anywhere quite like the Rocky Mountains. Each year, millions of people from around the world visit Wyoming to experience this incredible mountain range—and it's easy to see why. The Rockies are full of towering peaks, lush forests, and vibrant plant life.

Camping in the Rocky Mountains should be at the top of your Wyoming bucket list. While the range stretches across multiple states and into Canada, a large portion of it lies within Wyoming's borders—offering plenty of room to explore.

One of the easiest and most popular ways to camp in the Rockies is inside Yellowstone National Park. The park features 11 campgrounds and over 2,000 campsites, giving you plenty of options to sleep under the stars in the heart of the mountains.

Just be sure to take the proper precautions. Carrying bear spray is highly recommended in case of a rare bear encounter, and it's always smart to let someone know where you're going and how long you plan to be away.

Camping in Wyoming is a rewarding way to connect with nature, slow down, and take in some of the most stunning views in the American West.

Dig for Dinosaur Fossils

This has to be one of the coolest things to do in Wyoming—you can actually search for and uncover real dinosaur fossils at an active dig site through the Wyoming Dinosaur Center!

This hands-on experience lets you spend the day alongside professional archaeologists and paleontologists, searching for fossils on the same ground that dinosaurs once roamed. It's suitable for ages three and up, and the program includes lunch, tools, and transportation, so everything you need is taken care of. But digging is just the beginning.

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is also a top-rated museum where you can view fossilized dinosaur bones, learn about prehistoric life, and explore a working fossil lab that shows how bones are prepared and preserved. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how science brings ancient creatures back to life.

One of the museum's highlights is a 35-foot Tyrannosaurus rex chasing a Triceratops, along with a Supersaurus named "Jimbo," one of the largest dinosaurs ever mounted. It's also home to the only Archaeopteryx fossil outside of Europe, making it a must-visit for dinosaur lovers and science enthusiasts alike.

Hike the Grand Tetons

There's a long list of things in Wyoming that will take your breath away—and hiking in Grand Teton National Park is definitely one of them. This stunning national park offers dramatic alpine scenery, abundant wildlife, and glacier-carved terrain that draws hikers from all over the world.

With over 250 miles of hiking trails to choose from and 11 active glaciers, there's something for every skill level—from scenic lake loops to challenging backcountry treks.

For a picturesque, moderate hike, try the Jenny Lake Loop trail. This 7.1-mile loop takes you around one of the park's most iconic mountain lakes with beautiful views in every direction.

If you're up for a more strenuous adventure, check out the Death Canyon to Patrol Cabin trail. This 8.5-mile trail offers a mix of canyon landscapes, mountain views, and serene streams—and it's one of the best places to spot black bears and moose along the way.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or just want to take in the views, hiking in the Tetons is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Wyoming.

Conclusion

Wyoming is known for many things, from its wild landscapes to its rich cultural history, making it a truly fascinating state to visit. Whether you're watching rodeos in the east or hiking through breathtaking mountains in the west, Wyoming offers a mix of excitement, wonder, and discovery.

After a visit here, you'll leave not just fulfilled—but with an even greater thirst for adventure. What are you waiting for? It's time to book your trip to Wyoming!

This article was edited by Loredana Gogoescu.

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