10 Bucket List Experiences to have in Wyoming this Fall

Content Produced in Partnership with Travel Wyoming

An easy road trip from Denver, Southeast Wyoming is brimming with bucket list experiences waiting to be uncovered. As the least populated state in the country, its vast wilderness offers endless fall adventures for those seeking solitude and natural beauty through vibrant foliage, historic sites, and outdoor exploration beyond popular spots like Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons.

Whether you’re exploring the dramatic peaks of the Snowies, meandering the golden aspens of Medicine Bow National Forest, discovering hidden hot springs, or taking in the charming small towns and scenic byways, Wyoming promises unforgettable moments for anyone looking to venture off the beaten path this autumn.

Feed Bison by Train

Straddling the Colorado-Wyoming border, at any given time, the Terry Bison Ranch is home to 30-100 bison split into three herds plus other farm favorites like ostrich and horses. Open year-round, they offer train tours with different cars based on the season to which the animals amble up to the train like children to an ice cream truck. It’s a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals while enjoying the rustic charm of the ranch on a self-made tram that feels like a Disney ride transported out west.

Make or Shop for Authentic Western Wear

Get crafty making your own custom cowboy hat from Wild J Trading in Cheyenne where you get to pick out your own bands, branding and accents to create a piece that’s unique to you. For a more traditional Western shopping experience, envelop yourself in leather looking for hats and boots at the Wrangler in Cheyenne or Martindale’s in Laramie to add some Western flair to your wardrobe.

From Grapes and Grain to Glass

Wyoming’s rich agricultural landscape provides a unique backdrop for tasting the region’s finest locally produced beverages. With only five wineries in the state, Table Mountain Vineyard in Torrington (Wyo Wine) is one of just two that grows its own grapes, offering an authentic taste of Wyoming terroir. For another chance to sip and swirl, there are fewer than ten distilleries crafting small-batch spirits. Pine Bluffs Distilling, in particular, shines with its craft cocktails made from house-made bourbons, whiskeys, gin, and vodka, all made from locally sourced grains for a true farm-to-glass experience.

Fill Your Heart and Stomach at Local Feel Good Food Spots

The Bread Doctor in Torrington has a great story where the local ER doc opened a bakery to create opportunities for his daughter with Down’s Syndrome, while the Sugar Mouse in Laramie offers cupcakes for a cause, getting their start as a bake sale to save girls from sex trafficking. They’re expanding to include a basement playroom complete with a kids’ cupcakery, dress-up room, and “mouse museum” for children in need, and also host traditional English tea parties. That’s tea we can get behind.

Sleep Unique at a Haunted Mansion or Dude Ranch

Stay at a historic B&B to hear the stories, tidings and possible hauntings of yesteryear at the Nagle Warren Mansion in Cheyenne. The breakfast was a surprising highlight as Jas the owner was classically trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris (with the same instructor as Julia Child!). Dude ranch more your speed? Vee Bar Guest Ranch offers an all-inclusive experience complete with campfire cookouts, wagon rides, horseback riding, fishing, and all the charms of cowboy life beloved by celebrities and locals alike.

Learn About the Colorful Characters of Wyoming’s Past

Tour the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site to see where infamous inmates like Butch Cassidy were housed and take a “cell-fie” in the penitentiary. You’ll learn about the state’s most nefarious characters, see their living quarters (ball and chains, hammocks, broom factory, and all), and hear tales of outlaw life in the Wild West.

Explore the Mountain Air

Get your adrenaline rush in Medicine Bow National Forest by renting side-by-sides (4×4 off-road vehicles) to get off the beaten path. Albany Lodge Outfitters provides rentals and guided tours of vibrant fall foliage or carve through fresh powder on a snowmobile in the winter months, allowing you to explore the rugged terrain in all its glory, spot wildlife (we saw a moose and fox!), and discover remnants of historic frontier towns—all set to the stunning backdrop of Wyoming’s wild landscapes.

See Wild Horses

Deerwood Ranch is the first BLM-certified wild horse ecosanctuary on private land in the U.S. They offer guided tours of the 4,700-acre working ranch to see wild horses roaming across open meadows and flowing rivers of the Snowy Range. It’s a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Sleep Overlooking the Mountains in an Old Fire Lookout

For a truly unforgettable overnight and a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, spend the night at the Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout. Perched atop a 55-foot tower, this unique accommodation offers panoramic mountain views that are well worth the climb (if you’re not afraid of heights). Be prepared for a rustic adventure, as there is no AC and the restroom facilities are at ground level. But for those seeking solitude and sweeping vistas, it’s a truly one-of-a-kind getaway.

Relax and Rejuvenate in Teepee-Covered Hot Springs

For a unique and tranquil escape, book a stay at Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, where guests have exclusive access to mineral-rich pools with a history of healing first discovered by Native Americans. Enjoy a soak in the adults-only teepee pools, which pay tribute to the area’s original settlers, or unwind in the family-friendly main hot springs pool. For a more rustic, no-cost alternative, Hobo Hot Springs by the North Platte River is open 24/7 and completely free to the public.