Whether you’re out to earn your turns or braaap it up, Laramie is high on “we’re coming back next winter” lists all over the country. But we’re here to make the case that it should be on “we’re coming back this summer” lists.
Winter in Cody looks like trails through the forest, abundant wildlife, history of the American West, downhill skiing, and everything in between!
Here at Visit USA Parks, we live for cross-country road trips. They are simply the best way to take in the expanse of the American West. But after six hours at the wheel, there is no amount of sugary truck stop snacks that can keep you going (and we encourage safe, alert driving at all times!). It’s much better to pull over in a place like Platte County, Wyoming, where there’s so much to do you might even spend an extra night.
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.