Top 12 Historic Landmarks in Wyoming

Wyoming’s history includes many different Native American tribes, buffalo, European explorers, and even crime and mayhem. In 1890, Wyoming became the 44th state to join the union.

One of this state’s biggest and most well-known achievement is that it was the first state to give women the right to vote.

Leaders hoped that this law would help bring more women to the state.

By land area, Wyoming is the 10th biggest state in America. However, there are a little more than 555,000 residents here making it the least populated state.

Wyoming has an interesting history and several interesting facts such as:

• Wyoming produces 40 percent of the nation’s total coal, making it the leading producer in the United States
• In 1949, 17 people, 55,000 cattle, and 105,000 sheep were killed in Wyoming by a massive blizzard
• Thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt, Devils Tower, a sacred site for Plains Indians, became the first national monument in the United States on September 24, 1906

If you are interested in visiting Wyoming’s historic sites soon, make sure your car is fully covered first by entering your ZIP code above and comparing at least three to four auto insurance policies!

Top 12 Historic Landmarks in Wyoming

#1 – Buffalo Bill Center of the West

The center is named after the town’s founder, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Located in the historic town of Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West includes five family-friendly museums:

• Draper Natural History Museum
• Buffalo Bill Museum
• Plains Indian Museum
• Whitney Western Art Museum
• Cody Firearms Museum

In one space, you can learn about stories from Yellowstone and the American West. Together, these museums feature something for everyone, including kid’s activities, galleries, and exhibitions.

Adults will pay $19 for a ticket to this museum, children ages five and under are free, and other ages will pay between $12 and $18 for admission.

#2 – National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

You will find the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper. Visitors come here to learn more about the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails.

The center offers interesting exhibits and attention-grabbing programs to help guests of all ages to learn more about the trails, as well as their purpose and history. You can trust that they provide you will accurate and real-life historical information.

Admission is always free and hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

#3 – Museum of the Mountain Man

Museum of the Mountain Man is located in scenic Pinedale. Since 1990, this museum has been preserving and interpreting the history of the fur trade in the Rocky Mountains. Here you can view permanent and rotating exhibits that feature history, art, and rare artifacts.

The Museum of the Mountain Man also features various talks on subjects such as gold mines or historic cabins.

It is open between May 1st and October 31st from 9 am to 5 pm each day of the week. It is closed for the winter during the months of November through April.

For admission, visitors age 13 and up will pay $10, senior citizens will pay $8, and children 12 and under are free.

#4 – Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center

Found in Grand Teton National Park, the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center can provide you with all of the information you need to enjoy this beautiful area. The staff can help with planning your trip, provide permits for boating or backpacking, and give you information about camping.

Rangers conduct various programs during the day to help you learn more about the area and its history. Children can even become a junior ranger by completing a worksheet and attending a ranger workshop.

Here you will also find a stunning collection of Native American Indian artifacts from the Vernon Collection. Visitors can also enjoy a short movie about Grand Teton National Park during their stop here.

Contact the visitor center directly as hours can vary. Admission is free.

#5 – National Museum of Wildlife Art

The tourist town of Jackson Hole is home to National Museum of Wildlife Art. If you love art, wildlife, or both, this museum is for you. Permanent exhibits include:

• Conservation Art Gallery
• John Clymer Studio
• Children’s Discovery Gallery

This art museum is arguably one of the best art museums in the Rockies; in fact, more than 65,000 people visit this art museum each year.

Hours vary by season, so contact the museum when planning your visit. Admission prices are $14 for adults, $12 for visitors age 60 and over, $6 for children ages 5 to 18, $2 for each additional child, and children under five years of age are free.

Audio wands are given to each visitor at no additional charge.

#6 – Uncle Tom’s Trail

If you are feeling rather adventurous, check out the historic Uncle Tom’s Trail. This steep stairway descent can be found running from the south rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone close to the base of Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Constructed in 1898, this trail was built by “Uncle Tom” H. F. Richardson when he was given the go-ahead from the federal government to operate a ferry on the Yellowstone River.

This historic trail was part of the tours “Uncle Tom” offered along the river.

Due to a decline in business, 1906 was the last year the tours were operated. However, the National Park Service has since maintained and improved the trail.

Check with Yellowstone National Park for operating hours and more information.

#7 – Fort Caspar

Fort Caspar is a reconstructed 1865 military post in Casper. It was strategically placed at a major river crossing on the transcontinental telegraph trail corridor of the Oregon, Mormon, Pioneer, California, and Pony Express trails.

The regional history museum is located here and features exhibits of prehistoric peoples, western emigrant trails, ranching, Plains Indians, and the frontier army.

There is something here for visitors of all ages, whether it be exploring the post, shopping for a Wyoming souvenir, or learning more about the history of the west.

Kids ages 12 and under receive free admission, kids ages 13 to 18 are $1, while adults are $1.50.

#8 – Wyoming State Museum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpP9ew3RvYE

The Wyoming State Museum is aptly located in the state’s capital of Cheyenne. The Wyoming State Museum prides itself in serving as an educational, historical, and cultural institute. Their goal is to teach about and preserve the human and natural history of Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West.

Here you can learn about coal miners, natural wildlife, ranching, dinosaurs in Wyoming, and the first people to call Wyoming home.

Admission is free for guests of all ages. The museum is closed on all state and federal holidays, as well as Sundays. Hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm.

#9 – Old Faithful

One of the oldest and most visited sites in Wyoming is that of Old Faithful. Located in Yellowstone National Park, this display of geological force attracts guests of all ages and backgrounds.

While most geyser eruptions are impossible to predict with any regularity, Old Faithful has only lengthened the time in between eruptions by 30 minutes over the last 30 years. Not only can you marvel at its wonder, but this is also an ideal area for scenic hiking.

Located within walking distance is the Old Faithful Inn, one of the few remaining log hotels in the United States. You can even enjoy a meal here.

Admission is free, however, check with the park regarding hours as they can vary by season.

#10 – Devils Tower

Another natural tourist attraction in Wyoming that brings many visitors each year is Devils Tower. This unique geologic feature protrudes out of the rolling prairie of the Black Hills at 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River.

With hundreds of parallel cracks, this formation is one of the best traditional crack climbing areas in North America. Devils Tower is both a natural and cultural site.

Educational programs are available for both children and adults. Camping and hiking are just a few of the outdoor activities available at or near this site.

A private vehicle with no more than 15 people can enter the park for only $15. Pedestrians or bicyclists over the age of 16 are charged $5. The park is open 24 hours, weather permitting.

#11 – Old Trail Town

The town of Cody is also home to Old Trail Town, which has been dubbed as the best real western experience in the Rockies. No matter your age, you can enjoy this unique opportunity to get a first-hand experience at an old trail town and get to know the Western heritage.

Old Trail Town is one of Cody’s most popular family friendly sites.

Here you will get to visit original cabins used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, as well as a saloon that the Hole-in-the-Wall-Gang frequented.

Adults pay $9 for admission, seniors over the age of 65 pay $8, kids ages 6 to 12 are $5, and kids five years old and under are free. Old Trail Town opens each year in May for the season, contact them directly for hours and season duration.

#12 – Wyoming Dinosaur Center

The history of Wyoming is incomplete without dinosaurs. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis aims to help educate and further research into the world of these prehistoric and mysterious creatures.

Children and adults alike will both find hours of learning and fun here. You can explore the exhibits, participate in dinosaur digs and other activities, or take a class. There are even kid’s dinosaur digs.

Admission prices are $10 for adults, $8 for kids between the ages of 4 to 12 and seniors 60 and over, and veterans. Kids three years old and under are admitted free of charge.

The museum is open seven days a week year round. Hours are 8 am to 6 pm May 15th through September 15th, and 10 am to 5 pm September 16th through May 14th.

Traveling Safely in Wyoming

Does Wyoming sound like a place you want to visit now? If so, before you hit the road, we have five safety tips you may want to take into consideration:

– Have the Right Coverage

Before leaving for your Wyoming trip, be sure that you have the right insurance coverage. It is important to review your policy at least every six months before its auto-renewal. You should get three or four quotes to make a good comparison.

While it can be tempting to make a decision based solely on the price of a car insurance policy, you should take into account other factors such as the reputation of the carrier, customer service, and any other benefits they offer.

– Know the Landmarks You Want to See

You may be anxious to hit the road, however, to make your trip easier and more convenient, you should plan out which landmarks you want to see. This step can also save you time on the road.

– Map Your Trip Ahead of Time

Once you have decided which landmarks you will visit, map out your route. Knowing which roads you will take and what order you will visit the landmarks in will also be a time-saver and make your trip more enjoyable.

– Tune-Up Your Car Ahead of Time

Now is also a good time to make an appointment for a tune-up for your vehicle, especially if it has been a while since your last one.

Having your vehicle checked and tuned up before leaving can help ensure that your vehicle will work up to par and that you will not experience any car trouble along the way.

– Travel with An Emergency Kit

Finally, be sure to pack an emergency kit. This kit should include:

• Road flares
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Water
• A blanket
• Extra snacks

If you are traveling during spring or winter, it would also be wise to bring along spare clothing that is warm and a shovel. Traveling with at least a half full gas tank is also recommended.

Looking to visit Wyoming soon? Enter your ZIP code below first and find the best auto insurance rates for you before hitting the road!