Wyoming may be mostly known for the legendary Yellowstone National Park, but there’s never a shortage of things to do in this lovely state. Escape everyday life and find your sense of adventure in a state that’s part natural beauty and part Wild West. Stand at the top of a peak of one of Wyoming’s majestic ranges, cast a line in one of the countless rivers, or enjoy a small town rodeo. Whatever you choose, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Book your Wyoming vacation rental today. Without further ado, here are the most unforgettable destinations to check out in Wyoming on Independence Day.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Home to the iconic Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park is a top travel destination not just in Wyoming but in the country! With its abundant wildlife, rugged wilderness, and the world’s largest concentration of geysers and thermal features, Yellowstone has over two million acres of land to explore. Although you might think of barbecue and fireworks when you think of Fourth of July, Yellowstone was created as a monument to the spirit of American heritage, making it the perfect place to celebrate the United States of America.
2. Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is actually a valley, 48 miles long and six to eight miles wide, encompassed by mountain barriers on all sides. Mountains streams collect here as they join the Snake River, providing Jackson Hole with many outdoor recreation activities. Of course, there’s skiing in the winter, but summer is great for wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, and bird species like ducks, geese, and even swans.
3. Gillette
Welcome to the Wild West. Gilette, in the northeast corner of Wyoming, is the perfect midway point between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, and only an hour away from Devils Tower. Pick a vacation rental here to make the most of your Wyoming adventures while soaking in the rolling hills and sagebrush-covered plains. Then, enjoy a true small-town Fourth of July celebration with a Firecracker 4 Mile road race, parade, and fireworks.
4. Cheyenne
Cheyenne is not only home to the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, but also a world-class destination for mountain biking, climbing, and camping. Tour the Wyoming State Capitol building which was built in 1890, or visit the Wyoming State Museum, the Cheyenne Depot Museum, and the Historic Governor’s Mansion. Then, celebrate your Fourth of July with a bang, because the day always ends with an immense fireworks display.
5. Cody
Cody, Wyoming was founded in 1896 by the famous Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody as a hospitality center. Known as the “Wildwest way into Yellowstone,” Cody is located just 50 miles from the east entrance and 80 miles from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Be sure to experience all the Cody has to offer with nightly rodeos, gun fight re-enactments, cowboy music and the world-class Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Outdoor adventure opportunities include rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, fly-fishing, horseback riding or river rafting, and Cody’s downtown has fine restaurants, art galleries, and unique shopping Cody truly has something for everyone!
6. Casper
If you’re coming to Wyoming for the great outdoors, Casper is the place for you. Spend the afternoon biking across Casper Mountain, floating down the North Platte River on inner tubes, or fly fishing for blue ribbon trout. Casper Mountain is only a fifteen-minute drive from the river that intersects the downtown meaning that you can pack a lot of adventure in your vacation. Originally, Casper was the only point of convergence between the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express Trail, and the best way to experience this town is along the dozens of crisscrossing trails that span the area.
7. Thermopolis
Known for Hot Springs State Park, the most visited state park in Wyoming, Thermopolis is fun for the whole family. This “hot spot” of history and geology is a great place to experience archaeological history and culture. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a mineral pool or touring the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Then, learn some ancient Native American history at the Legend Rock Petroglyph.
8. Green River
Attention all thrill-seekers and nature lovers! Green River offers world-class fishing and wildlife watching, river rafting, kayaking, and swimming. With its combination of beautiful scenery and rugged outdoors, you’ll find everything you need for a fun-filled family vacation. There are over 30 miles of marked mountain biking trails and hiking trails among the rock formations. You can also take a tour of the Wild Horse Loop, or kayak at the Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel at Expedition Island. The adventure never ends!
9. Wind River Country
Voted “Best of the Road” by Rand McNally, Wind River Country boasts world-class outdoor recreation opportunities ranging from internationally known climbing in Sinks Canyon, trout fishing, hiking, and camping. Explore over 2,000 miles of alpine streams and hike mountain peaks over 13,000 feet above sea level. Visit Chief Washakie and SacajaweaÂ’s gravesites and learn about the Wind River Indian Reservation and the tribes who live there. Then, travel back in time by visiting ghost towns, gold mines, and historic pioneer trails. With multiple communities to explore including Riverton, Lander, Dubois, Historic South Pass/Atlantic City, Shoshoni, Hudson, and the Wind River Indian Reservation, you’ll never run out of things to do.
10. Laramie
With a location close to Vedauwoo Recreation Area and the Snowy Range Mountains, Laramie is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. With a wide range of outdoor activities including fishing, camping, and a beautiful mountain range to explore, there will be enough activities to keep the entire family entertained. Take a little break from the great outdoors by spending the day shopping downtown, visiting one of the many renowned museums, or just getting a taste of local culture. It’s also the home of the American Heritage Center, the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, and the University of Wyoming. Maybe you can combine your Fourth of July vacation with a college tour trip!