Wyoming’s 8 Most Underrated Tourist Spots, According to Locals

The challenge of understanding Wyoming and all it has to offer travelers is its vast remoteness. Beyond the state's iconic national parks, long stretches of wide-open prairie stretch for hundreds of miles in between "here" and "there," with many of the coolest spots hiding, well ... in the middle of nowhere. Just like prime fishing spots and overlooks are often tightly-guarded secrets, so too are many of Wyoming's most epic places to visit, and they're often hiding in the middle of these seemingly barren landscapes.

The following underrated spots come highly recommended by Wyoming Redditors, ranging from quirky roadside stops to gorgeous hiking areas and everything in between.

1. Ten Sleep Canyon, Ten Sleep

The scenic town of Ten Sleep sits so close to the Bighorn Mountains that you can't actually see them from most spots in town — the area's vibrant red foothills block the view. Nevertheless, it's a fun little town that is blissfully overlooked by the masses, yet is packed with history and has easy access to an abundance of natural beauty. Driving through the area, you can’t help but notice Ten Sleep Canyon as well, which rises into the mountains just a few miles east of town and stretches from Ten Sleep to Buffalo. A quick drive on the Cloud Peak Skyway shows off this jaw-dropping slice of Wyoming's rugged beauty to perfection, where towering limestone cliffs and the winding Ten Sleep Creek create an epic backdrop. Or, add on a hike to get the full experience — every season offers something new.

2. Tie Hack Reservoir, Buffalo

Of Wyoming's 50 or so reservoirs, Tie Hack is a bit of a hidden gem, despite being right off the main Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. The petite reservoir sits at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, which means cooler temperatures even in summer and a lush, green environment during the warmer months. It's a gorgeous spot for a weekend camping trip, quick paddle, or to cast a line.

3. Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Thermopolis

As if the lure of Thermopolis' hot springs and Hot Springs State Park weren't enough, the town is also home to the massive Wyoming Dinosaur Center. With its unassuming exterior, you might not even notice it passing by, but it's 100 percent worth a lengthy visit. The museum is home to one of the most extensive collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, with over 100 complete dinosaur skeletons on display, including an impressive collection of fossils from the Late Jurassic period. In addition to perusing the exhibits and interactive displays, there's also an active fossil prep area, where visitors can watch paleontologists working on real fossils.

4. Ames Monument, Buford

A treasured local detour near Wyoming's smallest town is also one of the state's coolest and most overlooked pieces of roadside architecture. This massive, pyramid-shaped monument was built around 1882 to honor the Ames brothers, Oakes and Oliver, who were key figures in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Today, the 60-foot-tall Ames Monument sits smack in the middle of the desert, seemingly out of place amidst the flat landscape; however, it originally marked the high point on the Transcontinental Railroad at 8,247 feet. Before the railroad was rerouted, that is.

5. Fort Laramie Historic Site

Fort Laramie once served as one of the most important military outposts in the American West. Established in 1834 as a trading post by William Sublette and Robert Campbell, it became a key stop on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, a vital hub for fur traders and emigrants, and eventually a military operations and tribal negotiation post. Today, the Fort Laramie National Historic Site preserves many of the original buildings and centuries of history with meticulously reconstructed displays that offer a glimpse into the early struggles and triumphs of Wyoming's early days.

6. Sunlight Basin

Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, including the Absaroka and Beartooth mountains, Sunlight Basin near Cody is a stunning area that offers sweeping vistas, waterfalls, and endless natural beauty. It's remote, wild, and a gorgeous spot for a backcountry hike, or for a fantastic end to a fun weekend spent in Yellowstone.

7. Belle Fourche Valley

Devils Tower near Hulett gets most of the glory in the eastern corner of Wyoming, but visitors to Wyoming's original national monument will likely find themselves entranced by the wider Belle Fourche Valley without even realizing it. The valley is named after the Belle Fourche River, which flows through the area and originates in the Black Hills of South Dakota before carving a winding path through Wyoming. The lush valley is surrounded by rolling hills, expansive prairies, and distant mountain views — a gorgeous, scenic backdrop for a Sunday drive.

8. National Museum of Military Vehicles, Dubois

The National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois opened in 2020 and houses nearly 500 restored military vehicles, artillery pieces, naval vessels, and more inside a beautifully designed space. The larger-than-life displays appeal to all ages, and there are plenty of photo ops and interactive experiences to enjoy, whether you're a military collector, history buff, or a casual visitor.

Wyoming's stunning peaks and natural wonders may get most of the attention, but there's so much more to see and discover in the Cowboy State. We think you'll love the options on this list, but if you're still looking for more recommendations, head over to our itinerary planner to find local gems!