All about Wyoming
When to visit
Unless you want to attend Cheyenne Frontier Days, the city’s annual 10-day outdoor rodeo, complete with country concerts and a carnival (which happens in July), you’ll want to avoid visiting Wyoming in the summertime. The spring and fall are the best times to go because the national parks and other outdoor recreation areas have fewer visitors, and you’ll have a better chance to see wildlife. Winter is key if you want to ski at one of the state’s nine resorts.
Getting around
Having a car is your best bet for getting around Wyoming during your visit. The state features many small towns, most without public transportation options, and even huge attractions, such as Yellowstone National Park, don’t offer any public transport within the park. If you don’t have a car to use in Wyoming, you can check out the Express Arrow Bus, which provides 10 routes within the state for you to take advantage of.
Traveler tips
Chili is king in Wyoming, so it should be no surprise that one of the most impressive chili cook-offs happens here. The annual Chugwater Chili Cook-Off is just a short drive from Cheyenne, and it’s not to be missed—it happens the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend in June. Try the Bunkhouse Bar & Grill in Cheyenne for another family-friendly cowboy atmosphere—they have great food (including Rocky Mountain oysters) and live country music every Friday and Saturday night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wyoming famous for?
Wyoming is famous for its national parks—such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton—and skiing and snowboarding resorts like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The state is also well known for its cowboy culture, wild-west history, small-town charm, dude ranches, and specialties such as bison burgers and spicy chili.
Why is Wyoming the least populated state?
There are multiple reasons why Wyoming has fewer people than any other US state, but the main reason is the state’s landscape and weather. The state varies from flat prairies to rugged mountain regions, and the winters can drop to freezing at about 11°F (-11°C). Plus, tornadoes and wildfires are a possibility every year.
Does Wyoming get snow?
Yes, Wyoming gets snow—it even has nine ski resorts because of all the snow it gets throughout winter. Snow in Wyoming can fall anytime from October through May, but the months with the heaviest snowfall are March and April. The snowiest part of Wyoming can be found in the town of Moose.
What is Wyoming’s favorite food?
Wyoming has many unique dishes to try. Aside from chili, which is loved and made throughout the state with all types of meat—elk, bison, beef, and pork, to be exact—other favorites include cutthroat trout, bison burgers, country-fried steak, rack of lamb, and Rocky Mountain oysters. Chokecherry jam is also a big favorite.
What is the most visited place in Wyoming?
The most visited place in Wyoming is Yellowstone National Park, which should come as no surprise as the park attracts more than three million visitors a year and is home to the Old Faithful geyser. One of the most visited cities in Wyoming is Jackson, where the National Elk Refuge is.
What animals is Wyoming known for?
Wyoming is known mainly for bison, the state’s national animal, but it also serves as a natural habitat for elk, moose, wolves, bears, mule deer, cutthroat trout, mountain lions, and more. You can also see wild horses at the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lander.