Ever get the feeling that you were born in the wrong era? Dream of duels at dawn, saloon showdowns, and the freedom of wide-open spaces? Well, Wyoming is your time machine with a twist, where the Wild West isn’t just a chapter in a history book—it’s a living, breathing lifestyle. Here, we trade in our horses for horsepower and our wanted posters for gritty ad campaigns, but the spirit? Oh, it’s as wild as ever. Let’s tip our hats to the quirkiest corners of the Cowboy State, where history and modern-day mischief ride side by side.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yes, it’s as wild as it gets with geysers and grizzlies, but let’s not forget the human spectacle. Watching tourists try not to get gored by bison is the real natural wonder.
2. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
A dive bar that’s seen more spurs and cowboy hats than a rodeo. It’s where the Old West meets drunken karaoke, proving that cowboys had their own version of entertainment.
3. Cheyenne Frontier Days
It’s not just a rodeo; it’s the “Daddy of ’em All.” A place where you can watch a man get tossed by a bull, then buy a t-shirt to commemorate his bad decision.
4. Elk Hunting Seasons
Nothing says “Wild West” quite like hunting, and Wyoming takes it to another level. Here, elk aren’t just majestic creatures; they’re potential freezer stock.
5. The Tattoo Culture in Casper
Think the Wild West was all about clean-cut cowboys? Casper’s thriving tattoo scene tells a different story. It’s where ink meets the inkwell of history.
6. Dive Bars Galore
Every town has its watering hole where stories are taller than the drinks are strong. These dive bars are less about the décor and more about the lore.
7. Elks Clubs
Where the community spirit of the Old West lives on. It’s fraternal orders meets bingo night, proving that cowboys need community too.
8. The Wyoming Meth Project
A modern-day outlaw, meth is the villain in this part of the West. The project’s gritty ads are like wanted posters, calling out the enemy within.
9. The Sundance Kid’s Hideout
Because what’s the Wild West without a little outlaw lore? Visit the hideouts and feel slightly rebellious for the afternoon.
10. Historic Trail Routes
Walking the same paths as pioneers and cattle drives, you might just feel the ghost of a cowboy at your side. Or it could just be the wind.
11. Western Swing Music
The soundtrack of the Wild West, alive and well in Wyoming. It’s where you can two-step to tunes that have echoed through the plains for centuries.
12. The Rodeo Circuit
From local affairs to big-time events, rodeo is the state sport. It’s where being thrown in the dirt is a badge of honor.
13. The Wyoming Frontier Prison
Nothing says “tough” like an old-timey prison tour. It’s educational, in a “glad I wasn’t around back then” kind of way.
14. The Jackalope
Wyoming’s mythical creature, because even the Wild West needs its own version of a unicorn. Stuffed and mounted in bars and shops, it’s folklore you can photograph.
15. Rock Springs
A town built by coal miners and outlaws, where the wild spirit is carved into the landscape. And yes, they have dive bars.
16. Wind River Reservation
Where the story of the West includes its first inhabitants. It’s a chance to see the Wild West from a perspective that Hollywood often misses.
17. Ghost Towns
Scattered across the state, these abandoned places hold stories of boom and bust. It’s history, unfiltered and uncensored.
18. Cowboy Poetry
Yes, it’s a thing. It’s where the soul of the cowboy is put into words, proving that tough guys do, in fact, write poetry.
19. Wild Horse Herds
Seeing these symbols of freedom and resilience, you can’t help but feel a connection to the untamed spirit of the West.
20. The State Fair
It’s where the Wild West comes full circle, blending tradition with the quirks of modern life. Plus, where else can you see a cow made of butter?
21. The Spirit of Independence
More than a place, it’s the ethos of Wyoming. It’s living proof that the Wild West isn’t just a time period; it’s a state of mind.
The Wild, Wild West Lives On
Wyoming is where the frontier spirit is alive and kicking, with a side of modern-day challenges and charms. It’s a place that honors its past while writing its own rules for the future. So if you’re looking for an adventure that’s part history lesson, part dive bar crawl, Wyoming’s got you covered.
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
Discover chilling tales from America’s spookiest roads, complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena, in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest
Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / CrackerClips Stock Media.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.