For quiet and solitude in the fall and winter months, wind your way to Carbon County, Wyoming. There is so much to keep you busy if you’d like, as well as plenty of options for relaxation and rejuvenation.
When my parents decided they wanted to come visit me, I’d already been in central Wyoming near Thermopolis for a few months, after moving here for a job and a love for the mountains. In July, they drove west from Indiana and brought with them their easy-going midwestern spirits, some random items I’d left behind in my childhood room, and a strong itch to go fly-fishing.
Our love for the American West–and particularly places like Cody, Wyoming–runs deep all year long. That’s why we’ve rounded up seven of the best ways to experience a Cody’s wide-open spaces this winter. Located just east of Yellowstone National Park and founded by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, it’s no wonder this western town is a treasure-trove of outdoor activity, making ‘natural distance’ easy. We think you’ll find there’s something fun for the whole family, no matter what the forecast says!
Cheyenne, Wyoming is a veritable goldmine for cowboy culture. Known worldwide as the home of the Daddy of ‘em all Rodeo and Cheyenne Frontier Days, this bustling city is Western through and through. But what if you happen to find yourself in Cheyenne at any other time during the year? We’re so glad you asked! Here are six chic ways to enjoy a side of Cheyenne you haven’t met yet. This unexpected take on Cheyenne is artistic, historic, and delicious—a perfect combination for year-round fun.
It’s one thing to see bison on the shoulder of the road; it’s something entirely different to stand on the shoulder of the road, hearing and seeing a pack of wolves communicate over your head. This is the difference between a self-directed tour and a guided Yellowstone wildlife tour.
I like to have room to breathe when I travel. For me, sharing a viewing platform with 50 other people doesn’t feel special; I’m trying to escape the seething mass of humanity, not meld with it. In the past, I thought I’d only find this space in the most remote parts of the American Midwest – but I was wrong. You can find your room to breathe in Wind River Country, Fremont County, Wyoming.
Who else feels like it’s high time for a vacation? For those of us traveling with the kiddos, what’s better than a place that caters to the relaxation needs of the adults, and the fun, playful spirits of the kids? Immerse yourself in the healing waters of the world’s largest mineral hot springs Wyoming, where family fun meets ultimate relaxation: Thermopolis.
The fascinating geology of your Yellowstone experience certainly doesn’t end at the park gate. With 360-degree views, you can see all of Dubois, as well as three types of mountain building processes (volcanic, tectonic, glacial) from the town overlook.
Riverton, Wyoming, is a special destination en route to Yellowstone for several reasons. The first is the access to Native American culture, due to the town’s location at the edge of the state’s only Native American Reservation. The second is the full calendar, which means whenever you pass through you’re likely to find an authentic Wyoming event to attend. Finally, you can reach all these Wyoming cultural experiences in Riverton via plane or on a road trip.
You could spend an entire weekend without leaving the grounds of the Wind River Hotel and Casino and have a rich, full holiday. Just beyond the doors of the largest of Wyoming casinos, though, you’ll find even more adventure and heritage in the heart of the state.