The 7 Best Things to Do in Casper Wyoming

Located just about in the middle of the state, Casper’s the second largest town in Wyoming and a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. With easy access to hiking, biking, world-class angling (one of the best places in the country for blue-ribbon trout), and rivers and lakes aplenty, it’s a great jumping-off point for both watery and wintery wonderlands with a smattering of history and culture thrown in. If you’re looking for things to do in Casper, head outside.

In fact, it’s the only place in the country where the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails all converged, making it an iconic and essential place in American history. If you never thought of visiting this surprising city of Casper, don’t ask WY – ask WY not.

Ride a Covered Wagon Along the Oregon Trail

If you’ve ever dreamed of what life would’ve been like as one of the original pioneers, don’t miss the chance to get a taste of the West on a Historic Trails covered wagon ride along the Pony Express. It’s one of the best things to do in Casper and a genuine bucket list experience that harkens back to the days of early Americana, you’ll pass actual Oregon Trail Wagon Ruts and markers, big skies, and wildlife aplenty as you traverse across Wyoming’s wide-open spaces.

They offer day trips or extended overnight treks (3-5 day) complete with teepee campouts and chuckwagon cookouts – a meal cooked over the open flame. The overnights will even have you fording the river – just like the video game!

Go Back in Time at the National Trails Interpretive Center

An interactive and hands-on look at what it was like for the 400,00 early settlers heading West, the National Trails Interpretive Center is one of the most well-done museums I’ve seen in a while and completely FREE. It’s a great place to get your bearings and a refresher course if you don’t entirely remember your American history (guilty).

With seven galleries, it’s a textbook come to life. You can ride in a simulated wagon, push a handcart to see if you have what it takes to make it over the Rocky Mountains, sit in a stagecoach, and watch a multimedia film about the harrowing journeys. Pro Tip: Bring your camera because the overlook offers one of the best views of Casper.

Have a Snow Day at Hogadon Ski Area

Hogadon is your friendly local ski hill for powder hounds and snowshoe enthusiasts. With just one lift and 28 runs, it’s not the biggest, most developed ski resort, but it’s also not the easiest. Only 20% of the trails are rated beginner, so it’s a great spot for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders to practice their turns without the crowds of a  Vail or Breckenridge or take in the views above treeline. Prefer to stay warm? You can also hike or bike there in summer.

Stretch Your Legs at Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park

Skirting along the North Platte River just outside the city, EKW as the locals call it, is a great place to kayak, bird watch (see upwards of 100 species any time of year), camp, or simply enjoy the outdoors. A family-friendly, developed playground for recreation and picnicking, there are boat rentals, volleyball courts, and well-maintained trails for hiking and biking.

Explore Historic Downtown Casper

In operation since the early 1900s, Lou Taubert’s is a third-generation ranch wear store with an insane nine floors of Wild West gear. An institution in town, it’s the place to stock up on all your boots, hats, and souvenir needs. Cool off with a treat from old-timey ice cream shop the Rialto Soda Fountain, which has a laundry list of flavors, nostalgic décor, and carousel horses.

Catch a flick at one of the historic movie theaters, or peruse the cute boutiques, Mustard Seed, Cadillac Cowgirl, and Floral Rhino, while admiring the old architecture. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to a slice at Racca’s, which has authentic coal-fired Napoleon-style pizza, or splurge on a big ‘ole hand-cut, dry-aged steak at Firerock. When you’re ready for a nightcap, pop by Backwards Distilling Company for locally made spirits and creative cocktails.

Get a Living History Lesson

There are a number of easy day and weekend trips from Casper for both history buffs and naturalists. Just an hour away, Independence Rock State Historic Site is an important landmark on the Oregon Trail, while Register Cliff State Historic Site, where the westward explorers signed their names, is an hour and 40 minutes out of town. On the National Register of Historic Places, Fort Fetterman is also right outside city limits and offers an interesting insight into an old trading post.

Enjoy the Outdoors

For recreational pursuits, Hell’s Half Acre is an insane otherworldly landscape just 30 miles away and the setting for the movie Starship Troopers, full of caves, deep ravines, and unique rock formations. Ayres Natural Bridge is just 40 miles east, while amazing fishing, boating, and lake life can be found at Pathfinder Reservoir, Alcova Lake, and Fremont Canyon.

Two hours away from Casper Wyoming, the world’s largest mineral hot springs, Thermopolis, awaits where you can soak your cares away before exploring the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, an excavation center and fossil museum. Further afield, the iconic Devils Tower National Monument is three hours away, while Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are about four.

Where to Stay: Ramkota Hotel

Pet-friendly and centrally located with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast, the Ramkota hotel shuttle will take you anywhere for free within a few mile radius, including the airport.

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