Photo Credit: Diana Volk

Yellowstone

Ahhhh, Yellowstone. We’re kicking this list off with perhaps the most obvious choice, but after hearing how many Wyoming Folks haven’t been to Yellowstone on their own volition, we think it’s well placed. Yellowstone National Park is a densely-packed experience of mountains, forestry, wildlife, lakes and geysers so hot they’ll make #4 on this list seem like ice-baths. You looked at number four on this list just now, didn’t you? That’s ok, skip around at will, you’re free to do so, this is Wyoming. Back to Yellowstone, despite what our neighbors to the north like to pretend, Yellowstone is located MOSTLY in Wyoming and you really don’t have to leave the state to enjoy what it has to offer. You can spend plenty of time, even days in Yellowstone enjoying any number of outdoor recreational activities: backcountry camping, hiking, boating, bicycling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, fishing, snowmobiling… just to name a few. Old Faithful is a trusty geyser named for its frequent eruptions, about one every 74 minutes. Enjoy a routine eruption or two, and be on the lookout for a glimpse of the wildlife around – seriously, everything from bears, coyotes, wolves, bison and ravens are all around. Yellowstone is home to 67 species of mammals, 330 species of birds, five amphibians and six species of reptile. Just please, don’t try to soak in a geyser or load any wildlife in your Sequoia. Yellowstone had enough drama last year.

Grand Tetons

If you’ve not ever been to Jackson Hole, it’s time for a trip. Grand Teton National Park is just north of Jackson, and will absolutely take your breath away, and do so well before you get close to the mountain tops of the 12,000+ foot peaks of the range. Incredible wildlife, amazing lakes, gorgeous terrain and hundreds of miles of trails filled with views and scenery guaranteed to up your Instagram game. (Tag us, @WyomingMagazine, we might just share your shot). Ride bikes, paddle canoes, visit Jenny Lake, Mormon Row, Inspiration Point and a must-do is to float the Snake River. The fly fishing is out of this world, definitely add that to your list of things to do! Did we mention horseback riding? Who are we kidding… just visit the park, give yourself plenty of time and take it all in, anytime of year. You’ll be glad you did.

Devil’s Tower

If you’ve never heard of Devil’s Tower, you’ve been living under a rock. Speaking of under a rock, you should visit Devil’s Tower! Not only is it America’s first national monument, but a sacred place for many Northern Plains Native American tribes. A visit to nps.gov will allow you to read oral histories and sacred narratives from the 1930’s detailing the Tower’s significance to American Indian culture. There is a 1.3 mile paved path around the tower where you can view and experience the monument from close-up. If you want a closer look, registration to climb is free and easy, and there are many routes to climb for an up close and personal experience of the tower. To paint the picture, it is essentially an important piece of history sitting at 4,200 feet featuring an additional 867 feet of straight-up rock sticking up out of the ground. Go check it out.

Hot-Tubbing

Not that awkward party at Chad’s place where he always invites seven people to sit in his six-seater. No, we’re talking about hot-tubbing Wyoming Style. Grab your nose plugs (it’s an acquired smell, you’ll get there) and head up to Thermopolis Wyoming for some therapeutic soaking in mother nature’s healing waters. We are talking about 8,000 gallons per day running down the colorful terraces along the Bighorn River. You’ll soak in natural hot springs, see bison herds, walk the swinging bridge and leave feeling refreshed and invigorated – albeit, a little stinky. Use hashtag #WyomingHotTub and tag us at @WyomingMagazine, we’ll follow back.

Cheyenne Frontier Days

A hoedown of epic proportions. Mark your calendars folks, this is Wyoming’s biggest party. PRCA Rodeo, World Championship Bull Riding, nightly performances by some folks you might know including in 2017 Brantley Gilbert, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Sawyer Brown, Jason Aldean and a whole lot more. Indian Village, Rodeo, music, old west, pancake breakfasts and fun, friendly people. Put on your party boots, and head towards Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21st-30th for a great highlight of your 2017 in Wyoming. May the horse be with you.

Go Fish

No not that cool card game you played when you were six. (If you still play it, that’s ok too) But, that’s not what we’re talking about. No, we’re talking about actual, real-life fishing, real-life streams and real-life fun. Where you ask? Well, Wyoming is a state where many streams and ponds offer quality fishing, but we’re here to tell you the when, not so much the where. Every year, Wyoming takes part in a “Free Fishing Day” during National Fishing and Boating week – usually scheduled on a warm day in early June. On this day anglers are allowed to fish free of charge on public bodies of water. So grab your stick, find some string, dig up a worm and cast away with some friends. Watch our social channels for more info on exact dates. Sounds fishy, we know… but it’s legit.

Ice Cream in Centennial

I scream, you scream, we all scream when we drive on Highway 287. But seriously, no road is too dangerous for the sweet sweet reward of a double-dipped mint chocolate chip in a larger than life waffle cone from the country junction in Centennial Wyoming. What’s up in centennial? Stop by this homemade ice cream shop and get the local scoop.

UW Football Game

If you have yet to catch a Wyoming Cowboys Football Game, don’t skip this one. Being that we have only one university in our fine state, the Cowboys are everyone’s favorite team. Coming off a most excellent year (1st place finish in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Concerence in 2016), the excitement in the air is sure to carry over into next season. It’s loud, it’s proud, it’s gold and it’s brown. So paint up, hit up War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming and join in a celebration of song, some dance, a bit of football and a whole lot ’o’ WYO.

Longmire Days

If you’ve read Craig Johnson’s “Longmire” novels, or seen the hit Netflix series, you’ll most definitely want to check out the real-life setting of Absaroka County, Johnson County Wyoming. Buffalo, the town that somehow made this list twice… host the annual Longmire Days Festival early to mid-July. Watch Herd & Scene, at HerdandSceneWY.com to follow the happenings of Johnson County. They actually have some great happenings going up in that neck of the woods. Longmire Days… go.

Meet every resident in Buford

That’s right, every single resident. Which, if you include the mayor and all of the mayor’s men… is approximately one person. You can drop by, meet the town, see the town, and dang near be the town for whatever duration you decide is best for you and your crew. Buford. One and done.

Come get stuck on our escalators

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got an escalator. As a matter of fact, we have 2. These two vertical transportation methods can be quite an exhilarating ride. Take the ups, take the downs, no height requirement for these two glorious rides. Both escalators are located in the heart of Wyoming’s friendly ghost town, Casper. One in First Interstate Bank, and one in Hilltop National Bank. If you plan right, you might be able to sneak in a visit to both in the same day.

Occidental Bluegrass jam

Join the likes of western legends like Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall gang, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, and plenty of others at the Occidental Saloon and Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming. This is the part of the magazine where you obtain some special “insider info” as this every Thursday Bluegrass Jam may be one of Wyoming’s best kept secrets when it comes to down-home local fun. Musicians from all over the area band together for a night of fun, frolicking, beer, and bluegrass. The best cream soda you’ve never had flows just down the road at Mishap Brewery, if that’s a little bit more up your alley.

Indian Relay

The Sheridan WYO Rodeo in Sheridan, Wyoming has all kinds of fun including boot kick off contests, rodeo, street dances where they close all of Main Street and of course the Budweiser Clydesdales always make a delivery… but we’re putting one specific event as a must do in 2017: The World Champion Indian Relay Races. We’d call this “edge of your seat” entertainment, but when the relays get going, no one is really sitting down. Teams consist of one rider, three different horses, two holders and a mugger. (Don’t worry, you’ll be mostly safe in the stands) The race starts with a startling gunshot and what ensues thereafter is an epic thrill ride of wild horses, flying dirt, painted faces and the occasional, sometimes frequent, spill off a horse. The competing teams give it everything they have for $50,000 in cash and prizes. It’s tough to explain, but you won’t regret it. July 12, 13, 14 and 15th. Good warm up for #5 on the list.

Run the Casper Marathon: June 4 th 2017

If getting to the gym more often is a part of your New Year’s resolution, (is it?) then why not give yourself something to motivate the hustle? Casper hosts a full and half marathon along with a pasta dinner the weekend of June 3rd. Registration is Friday and Saturday and Sunday is race day. If you’ve had a goal to run a marathon or half marathon, now’s your chance in Wyoming’s friendly ghost town, Casper. More info can be found at RunWyoming.com #RunWithTheHerd

Cody Firearms Museum

Do you like guns? You’ll like ‘em a whole lot more after you pay a visit to the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody, Wyoming. The firearms museum is home to the most comprehensive collection of American firearms in the world. That’s right, the WORLD. With over 7,000 firearms and more than 30,000 firearm related artifacts, you’re guaranteed to find something that’ll blow your hair back. Just make sure you keep the business ends pointed away from yourself. Check out the Colt-Paterson 1839 revolving shotgun, tell ‘em Wyoming Magazine sent ya.

Hulett Ham & Jam

Well folks, this might not be the one to bring the kids to, but if you’re traveling without young ones, you’ll not forget the Wednesday in 2017 that you visited Hulett, Wyoming. Mid-week during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, arguably the largest motorcycle rally in the world, Hulett hosts a party on what is known as “Wyoming Wednesday.” Thousands and thousands of bikes funnel in from the black hills. The Rodeo Bar in Hulett boasts a FREE pig roast and live music. That’s right, a classic ham and jam. The ham is delicious, but it’s the crowd you’ll experience that will make this visit unforgettable. Stop by, get your protein and enjoy a ride on the wild side at the Hulett Ham & Jam. (Pro Tip: Plan this one around #3 if you’re trying to knock these out efficiently.)

PrisonFest 2017

No, you didn’t read that wrong. We had many a debate here at Wyo Mag about what event would be our “Wild Card” pick… and the winner, (deservedly so, I might add) was PrisonFest: and “pen to pen” fun run in Rawlins, Wyoming wearing authentic prison uniforms. Yes, it’s an event we always hope we wouldn’t participate in, but made into fun. Don’t tell me you’ve never wondered what runnin’ away from prison would be like? You’ll run from the current state penitentiary to the Historic Frontier Prison. After the run in your most prison-y prison uniform, you’ll congregate for a barbeque, live music, awards and games for all ages. Make Andy Dufrain proud, run away from prison at PrisonFest 2017. Follow us @WyomingMagazine for more info.