6 Must Visit Tourist Attraction In Wyoming

Famous for its extraordinary wildlife, legendary Wild West history, and the kinds of landscapes you remember forever, Wyoming is an exhilarating yet idyllic refuge. Its vast and diverse countryside yields innumerable adventures. Spot a bald eagle catching a fish from the water. Shred the slopes of the Tetons. Discover wild horses galloping across the plains. We could go on. But Wyoming isn’t just about the rugged and the rustic. Plush alpine resorts outfitted with fireplaces, spa suites, and alfresco cafes offer an indulgent counterpoint to the state’s unspoiled wilderness. No matter your preference, there’s a special place in Wyoming for you; here are 6 of our favorites.

# Grand Teton National Park

The Grand, Middle, and South Tetons rising above flower-filled alpine meadows is a spectacular sight, to put it mildly. From afar, the wild mountain landscape astounds. Up close, the park's plants and animals fill visitors with wonder. The regal, glacier-topped Rocky Mountains of Grand Teton National Park are home to an astonishing array of wildlife: elk, bison, bears, bald eagles, wolves, mountain lions, trumpeter swans, and other creatures.

# Jackson

When people talk about "Jackson," they might be referring to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or the town of Jackson or just that area in general. Either way, they're talking about an awesome, wild endpoint. Regional attractions amply supplied with wildlife are plentiful, from the National Elk Refuge to the Antelope Flats to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. (Admittedly, that last one's short on true-life critters.) Skiing and outdoor sports are big here too, naturally. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort was ranked the number-one place to ski in North America this year by SKI Magazine.

# Cody

The old traditions of the Wild West thrive in Cody, the town that was founded by Buffalo Bill himself. One of the most popular things to do here? Experience the celebrated stories and legends of the frontiersmen, cowboys, and Native Americans who lived in the area more than a century ago at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Then create your own Cody adventure: Catch a real rodeo show, go trout fishing on Monster Lake, or camp and hike at Buffalo Bill State Park.

# Cheyenne

It's the largest city in Wyoming. It's also the capital of the state. But Cheyenne nevertheless maintains some serious small-town charm. The walkable downtown shopping district is jam-packed with Western-themed stores and unique mom-and-pop shops. Other points to see include the Wyoming State Capitol building (it was modeled after the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.) and Cheyenne Frontier Days. The latter is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world and takes place annually in mid- to late-July.

# Casper

Called a "mecca for fly-fishers" and also known as the "Gateway to the Tetons," Casper is the place to go for nature-centered excitement in Wyoming. The landscape here is particularly diverse: You'll find everything from alpine meadows to lakes to skyscraping mountains. For a bit of an education on the region, head to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, which details the history of Western expansion via informative displays, for a side of history with your outdoor adventures.

# Yellowstone National Park

Supervolcanoes. Bears. Geysers. Herds of elk and bison. Yellowstone, one of the United States' great unspoiled national treasures, is rife with dramatic scenes and bestial beings. So we're not surprised that America's first national park is visited annually by millions. Though you can go boating on park lakes, try horseback riding or llama packing, or hike on more than 1,000 miles of trails, arguably one of the greatest things in Yellowstone is, quite simply, taking in the views of its iconic spots, from Old Faithful to the gorgeous Lower Falls. Bring your camera, your binoculars, and your sense of adventure.