Wyoming Is A State Of Wonders
Published Nov 03, 2009
Wyoming is replete with arts, parks and rich history in every corner. Cultural attractions, recreational opportunities and abundant natural assets offer a variety of experiences throughout the state.
Wyoming boasts more than 18 million acres of public land, historic sites and 35 state parks. Lakes across the state offer bountiful watersports and recreation.
“Every corner of the state has historic, even prehistoric sites,” says Gary Shoene of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.
Old military installations, the Carissa gold mine and dinosaur excavations beckon visitors, as do museums, art galleries, Old West experiences and festivals of all stripes.
Wyoming is a state of firsts.
Yellowstone was named the first national park in 1872, and 19 years later, Shoshone became the first national forest. Wyoming now has nine national forests.
Devil’s Tower in Northeast Wyoming became the first national monument in 1906.
Yellowstone, in the Northwest portion of the state, is one of the Earth’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Best known for geothermal marvels including Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone boasts thickly forested mountains and crystalline alpine lakes. Backpacking, camping, hiking, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, mountain and cross-country skiing are among the activities visitors enjoy.
Jackson Hole is the quintessential Wyoming town, steeped in Old West tradition. The gateway to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole hosts more than 3 million visitors annually. Skiing is a popular winter activity at one of several resorts in Teton County. In summer, outdoor concerts, festivals, art shows and athletic events fill the calendar.
The headwaters of the Snake River are located in Teton County. The river offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing and relaxed, scenic floating.
Also located in Northwest Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park has world-renowned scenery with its spectacular jagged peaks, pristine lakes and bountiful wildlife.
Scenery, history and adventure continue in Northeast Wyoming. Bordered by the Big Horn Mountains, South Dakota, Montana and the Thunder Basin National Grassland, the Powder River and Devils Tower National Monument, where the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind was filmed, entice visitors. With a long American Indian heritage, the region is home to a number of historic sites and points of interest, including Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Bridger’s Ferry and Fort Phil Kearny, which hosts the annual Bozeman Trail Days.
Walk in the steps of the Sundance Kid in the town where he got his name. Visit Gillette for hunting, camping and bird watchers. Cheyenne, state capital and home to the annual Frontier Days Rodeo, is a gateway for visitors entering on Interstate 80. Prairies of Southeast Wyoming give way to several mountain ranges. The towns of Laramie, Saratoga, Encampment, Sinclair and Rawlins have a frontier flavor.
A stark landscape and vast natural treasures, including mineral riches and ancient fossils, fill Southwest Wyoming. Fossil Butte National Monument and Fort Bridger, the last stop in Wyoming for early pioneers traversing the country, give a sense of history. Visitors can view nearly 2,000 wild horses living in management areas.
“There are so many opportunities here,” Shoene says. “We’re blessed with all of the seasons, offering recreational opportunities all year long.”
Story by Claire Ratliff
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