12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Wyoming This Year
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Jennifer
Author
There’s no denying that Wyoming is pretty big on larger-than-life natural beauty. But tucked amidst our state’s most iconic sights are a number of unexpected, family-friendly, and historic places to visit that don’t quite get the attention of Wyoming’s tourist crowds. To some, they’re familiar favorites – to others, they’re new opportunities to discover the unique wonders and history of the Cowboy State. Whichever camp you fall into, these 12 hidden gems in Wyoming are definitely worthy of a spot on your travel list this year, either as part of a larger road trip or as a quick family day trip.
1. Pilot Butte Wild Horses Scenic Loop, Green River
Wild Horse Canyon Road, Wild Horse Canyon Rd, Green River, WY, USA
For most Wyomingites, Pilot Butte is an iconic and easily recognizable landmark, no matter which direction you're traveling. But when was the last time you got up close and personal with this slice of Wyoming's landscape? And, when was the last time you slowed down to appreciate the wild, untamed beauty of the area?
The Pilot Butte Wild Horses Scenic Loop is a 24-mile overlooked off-road scenic byway near Green River that offers unparalleled opportunities to see Wyoming's majestic wild horses at their most free — set against a stunning backdrop of Cowboy State's high-desert country. On your driving loop, you'll also enjoy other wildlife sightings including desert elk, rabbits, coyotes, hawks, and eagles. You're also just a short jaunt from the magnificent Flaming Gorge! Note that four-wheel drive is strongly recommended on this loop, as well as some binoculars.
The Pilot Butte Wild Horses Scenic Loop is a 24-mile overlooked off-road scenic byway near Green River that offers unparalleled opportunities to see Wyoming's majestic wild horses at their most free — set against a stunning backdrop of Cowboy State's high-desert country. On your driving loop, you'll also enjoy other wildlife sightings including desert elk, rabbits, coyotes, hawks, and eagles. You're also just a short jaunt from the magnificent Flaming Gorge! Note that four-wheel drive is strongly recommended on this loop, as well as some binoculars.
2. Hell's Half Acre, Casper
U.S. Highway 26, US-26, Casper, WY, USA
Forty miles northwest of Casper lies an otherworldly badland landscape that doesn't get the attention of its far eastern Wyoming counterparts, despite (contrary to its name) sprawling over 320 acres. Visitors to this unexpected region won't find much in the way of development (or shade) - only the towering, multicolored ridges, caves, and scarps of a landscape that was naturally carved eons ago. The delicate nature of this eerie and wonderous landscape also means you'll have to enjoy the sweeping views of Hell's Half Acre from a distance, but they're well worth the stop.
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3. Menors Ferry Historic Site, Moose
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Teton Park Road, Teton Park Rd, Wyoming, USA
Step into the past at this unique pioneer village that dates all the way back to the 1890s! While visitors often cite the Chapel of Transfiguration in Grand Teton National Park as a must-stop, the nearby Menors Ferry Historic District is relatively overlooked.
At the turn of the century, William (Bill) D. Menor settled beside the Snake River and built the ferry that transported people across the river. It also uniquely moved sideways in the river. Along with preserved 19th-century barns, cabins, a well, and more, the district features a working general store. And talk about spectacular views…Menor couldn't have chosen a better place to settle after crossing the Snake!
At the turn of the century, William (Bill) D. Menor settled beside the Snake River and built the ferry that transported people across the river. It also uniquely moved sideways in the river. Along with preserved 19th-century barns, cabins, a well, and more, the district features a working general store. And talk about spectacular views…Menor couldn't have chosen a better place to settle after crossing the Snake!
4. Buffalo Bill Dam, Cody
Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center, 4808 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY 82414, USA
We've already said that Wyoming is full of larger-than-life sights … and that includes a few man-made ones as well! Towering a whopping 350 feet, the Buffalo Bill Dam is the largest and most powerful dam in Wyoming and is nothing short of impressive — especially during peak spring runoff. While many ogle this behemoth dam from afar, we definitely encourage you to stop and see this landmark up close.
Visitors have the opportunity to walk across the entirety of the dam and stare down into the churning water of the Shoshone River 280 feet below, as well as gaze out over Buffalo Bill Reservoir to the west. You'll find plenty of neat art pieces and fun educational tidbits to explore in the area, or just browse the on-site visitor center to really learn how this incredible feat of engineering was accomplished!
Visitors have the opportunity to walk across the entirety of the dam and stare down into the churning water of the Shoshone River 280 feet below, as well as gaze out over Buffalo Bill Reservoir to the west. You'll find plenty of neat art pieces and fun educational tidbits to explore in the area, or just browse the on-site visitor center to really learn how this incredible feat of engineering was accomplished!
5. Crazy Woman Canyon, Buffalo
Crazy Woman Canyon Road, Crazy Woman Canyon Rd, Wyoming 82834, USA
With so many sights filling Wyoming's borders, it makes sense that our state would be equally full of scenic byways from which to enjoy them. Crazy Woman Canyon near Buffalo isn't an officially designated scenic byway, but it should be! This stunning section of roadway along the Powder River in Bighorn Mountain country packs an incredible amount of beauty into just 25 miles. Hop in the car and enjoy vibrant, soaring views of one of Wyoming's most beautiful canyons, which is equally filled with gorgeous (and vertigo-inducing) overlooks and scenic pull-outs, like Loaf Mountain Overlook, Elgin Park, and Tie Hack Reservoir. Historically, this canyon was known to harbor a number of dangers including falling rocks, tribal attacks, and even as a getaway hideout for outlaws (like Butch Cassidy).
Note that this route is not recommended for RVs or large/heavy vehicles due to bridge weight limits and the narrow, winding route.
Note that this route is not recommended for RVs or large/heavy vehicles due to bridge weight limits and the narrow, winding route.
6. Happy Jack Road, Cheyenne
Happy Jack Road, Happy Jack Rd, Cheyenne, WY, USA
Many of the best parts of our state take some patience and a little extra hiking to get to and Happy Jack Road between Laramie and Cheyenne is no exception. Will you see some fantastic rock formations and stunning prairie expanses from the road? Absolutely. But if your goal is to get from Point A to Point B as fast as possible, you'll be missing out on the best parts of this interstate alternative!
Our recommendation: make this a day trip of its own in the height of spring when the colors and wide open spaces are at their most vibrant. There are several reservoirs just off the main road, as well as numerous hiking trail networks that take travelers off the main stretch and into some lush green oases that are completely unexpected, plus close-up views of those aforementioned rock formations. Curt Gowdy State Park isn't too far away either if you'd like to camp and extend your stay! But for many, this scenic side trip is the highlight of their visit.
Our recommendation: make this a day trip of its own in the height of spring when the colors and wide open spaces are at their most vibrant. There are several reservoirs just off the main road, as well as numerous hiking trail networks that take travelers off the main stretch and into some lush green oases that are completely unexpected, plus close-up views of those aforementioned rock formations. Curt Gowdy State Park isn't too far away either if you'd like to camp and extend your stay! But for many, this scenic side trip is the highlight of their visit.
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7. National Museum of Military Vehicles, Dubois
National Museum of Military Vehicles, 6419 US-26, Dubois, WY 82513, USA
Humbling, awe-inspiring, and educational all rolled into one, the National Museum of Military Vehicles is a unique stop that all ages will love to visit. Hundreds of authentic military crafts, a meticulously curated weaponry vault, and countless insightful displays from WWII through the present showcase history in a remarkable way. And to be sure, this is no ordinary small-town museum! With over 160,000 square feet of American military memorabilia, galleries, collections, and re-creations on display here, the NMMV is a truly special place. Come Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day, visitors are often in for a few additional treats.
8. Lost Twin Lakes, Cloud Peak Wilderness
Lost Twin Lakes, Wyoming 82834, USA
For some, the Lost Twin Lakes is a bucket list hike. For others, the lure of Wyoming's more prominent ranges are too irresistible. This means you'll definitely find some solitude here during quiet hours! The hike to Lost Twin Lakes is a 10.3-mile loop with spectacular meadow-dotted scenery from start to finish. You'll be climbing nearly 2,000 miles total, but the moderate burn is well worth it, especially if you stop to rest your legs at Mirror Lake on the way up! The incredible jewel-blue colors of the two lakes are a mesmerizing sight, so take your time relaxing by the water. It's also important to note that the weather in this portion of the wilderness is unpredictable — snow in July is a common occurrence, so always be prepared for the unexpected!
9. Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, Powell
Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, 1539 Rd 19, Powell, WY 82435, USA
While perhaps no secret to locals, the Heart Mountain Museum and Interpretive Center remembers and immerses visitors in the experience of the thousands of Japanese-Americans who were confined here during WWII.
This overlooked piece of both American and Wyoming history is a heartbreaking one, but the stories are still relevant today - in fact, the entire area is a National Historic Landmark Site. Over 14,000 individuals were held captive right here in Powell at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, making it the third-largest city in Wyoming at the time.
Open year-round, visitors to Heart Mountain will have the opportunity to learn through interactive exhibits, first-hand tours of the remaining camp structures, and more. While unaffiliated with the center itself, the trail to Heart Mountain is located just a few miles away.
Open year-round, visitors to Heart Mountain will have the opportunity to learn through interactive exhibits, first-hand tours of the remaining camp structures, and more. While unaffiliated with the center itself, the trail to Heart Mountain is located just a few miles away.
10. Teton Raptor Center, Wilson
Teton Raptor Center, 5450 WY-22, Wilson, WY 83014, USA
Unbeknownst to many, Wyoming's wide-open spaces aren't just beautiful…they're also home to some incredibly rare birds of prey! The Teton Raptor Center focuses on large bird rehabilitation, research, and conservation in the Mountain West. They hold public demonstrations and guided "meet-the-resident" opportunities weekly by reservation where visitors have the opportunity to see just how magnificent these raptors are up close!
11. NCAR Supercomputing Center, Cheyenne
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NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, 8120 Veta Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82009, USA
Techies and curious learners alike will find plenty to enjoy at this unique high-tech facility in Cheyenne! Inside, a variety of scientific and state agency data is stored and modeled, allowing better understanding of the interactions between weather, agriculture, drought, energy production, geology, and more. Supercomputer and behind-the-scenes tours are available by reservation and are great for all ages. Particularly during chilly winter months, this hidden gem is one of the coolest and most unique places to visit in Wyoming.
12. Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, Shell
Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, Greybull, WY 82426, USA
Did you know Wyoming has an official dinosaur trail? Our state is positively overflowing with incredible prehistoric remnants, which are beautifully displayed and curated in a variety of educational museums around the state, as well as home to a number of unique fossil dig experiences. But Red Gulch is particularly special! Much like our state's landscape is hiding wagon wheel ruts from its Oregon Trail days, so too is it hiding another kind of trail as well. Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite is the only place in the state where you can - quite literally - walk where dinosaurs once did. The boardwalk makes this incredible historic site accessible for all ages, but visitors will also have the opportunity to go down to the footprints themselves.
No matter how much you get out and explore, there’s always something new to discover in the Cowboy State! Have you ever been to any of the places on this list? Do you have any favorite hidden gems around Wyoming that we should know about? Let us know in the comments!
While you’re out and about exploring our state, don’t forget to fuel up! These small town steakhouses in Wyoming are off the beaten path, but well worth the detour. And if you wish to turn your daily adventures into overnight stays, make sure to check out cozy vacation rentals near you.
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More to Explore
Hidden Gems In Wyoming
What are some natural wonders in Wyoming?
Wyoming is home to incredible hidden gems. In fact, all over the Cowboy State you can find extraordinary places to visit and explore. But, what many people don’t realize is that many of the best hidden gems in Wyoming are actually its natural wonders. Below are just a few natural wonders I recommend placing at the top of your bucket list:
- Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
- Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park
- Devil’s Tower
- Fossil Butte National Monument
- Heart Mountain
What are some other outdoor activities in Wyoming I should check out?
When many people think of Wyoming, they think of a destination with sagebrush and open fields. But, when it comes to the list of places to visit in Wyoming, the list is long. There is so much to see and do in the state, that once you begin to explore, it is easy to fall in love with Cowboy State. Here are just a few outdoor activities in Wyoming you need to consider:
- Gannett Peak
- Granite Hot Springs
- National Historic Trails Center
- Hole-In-The-Wall Outlaw Hideout
- Leigh Lake
- Grand Targhee Ski Resort
What are some of the best hikes in Wyoming?
One of the best ways to see the beauty of the Cowboy State and many of its hidden gems is on a hike. While we could recommend dozens and dozens of hiking trails to explore, the following are just a few that should be at the top of your list:
- Mystic Falls Trail
- Register Cliff
- Pat O’Hara Trail
- Heart Lake Trail
- Teton Crest Trail
- Medicine Bow Peak