Wyoming is America's "Cowboy State" and home to a wealth of natural, cultural and historical attractions. From early American frontier historical sights to millions of protected acres of forest, Wyoming attracts tourists from all around the world. Visitors can visit a score of national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton, as well as rodeos, restaurants, museums and galleries.
Yellowstone National Park--the world's first national park--covers over 2,200,000 acres of forested land brimming with wildlife, natural wonders and exotic plant life in northwestern Wyoming. Established in 1872, millions of tourists have come to experience Native American artifacts, geological highlights, Old Faithful geyser, 1,000 miles of backcountry hiking trails, waterfalls and occasional bear sightings. Many visitors camp at designated campgrounds within the park or stay in nearby hotels and resorts. Visitors can also visit the adjacent Grand Teton National Park just south of Yellowstone in Moran, Wyoming.
Yellowstone National Park Information Office
P.O. Box 168
Mammoth, WY 82190
307-344-7381
nps.gov
Independence Rock State Historic Site is a tourist destination in Evansville, in east-central Wyoming. While Interstate 25 runs right past the site, Independence Rock was also an important stop on the historical Oregon Trail during the 19th-century westward expansion. It is estimated that more than 500,000 pioneers stopped by Independence rock, many of which carved their names into the rock as they forged their way west. Today, visitors can walk around the site, have a picnic and climb to the 7,300-foot summit. This site is open from sunup to sundown every day.
Independence Rock State Historic Site
8700 E. U.S. Highway 20-26
Evansville, WY 82636
307-577-5150
wyoparks.state.wy.us
Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum is a tourist attraction in Rawlins, in south central Wyoming. The prison, which is on National Registry of Historic Places, held around 13,500 prisoners from 1901 to 1981. Visitors can take guided tours through the prison, explore the permanent exhibits on the Wyoming prison system and peruse the jail's adjacent cemetery. The on-site gift shop sells collectibles and historical literature. The museum is open everyday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with tours starting every half hour.
Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum
500 West Walnut
Rawlins, WY 82301
307-324-4422
wyomingfrontierprison.org
Visitors driving along Interstate 80 between Laramie and Cheyenne through the Laramie Mountain Range will undoubtedly notice the Laramie Lincoln Monument, a large bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln. The statue, which consists of 13 separate clay parts bolted together, was created by University of Wisconsin art professor Robert Russin in the late 1950s. The head measures 13 feet alone and sits upon a 35-foot stone. A rest stop has conveniently been built next to the monument for guest and driver use.
Lincoln Monument
136 Forest Service Road 703
Laramie, WY 82070
800-445-5303
visitlaramie.org
Fort Caspar Museum is a historical site in Casper, in east Wyoming. The fort was built in the late 1800s to secure a main river crossing for the Pony Express, Mormon pioneer trail and the Oregon Trail. Although the original fort has been destroyed, the museum is a faithful reconstruction that tourists can walk through and explore. The museum also houses artifacts, a gift shop and traveling exhibitions. Museum hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily from June 1 through August 31, annually.
Fort Caspar Museum
4001 Ft. Caspar Road
Casper, WY 82604
307-235-8462
casperwy.gov
