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My Destination Story
Discover Wyoming in Winter Transcript
Speaker (in Portuguese): I could barely breathe…the wind…the birds…the cold…the silence.
Speaker: Being from Brazil, I'm really only used to warm weather. So, to break up my daily routine, I decided to take a trip to Wyoming. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, try something new, see what I was capable of. I had never seen so much snow before; I couldn't believe my eyes. Once I got used to snowshoeing, I just realized that I was walking on water and it was fish swimming beneath me, and it was an incredible feeling.
I used to always wake up in a rush, rush to see the world to get things done, to feel productive. Being more disconnected and not having my phone with me all the time just made me feel very present, and I was able to experience waterfalls and lakes and mountains, and just take it all in.
I had heard about Wyoming before and seen pictures of it, but it wasn't until I was there in person and saw it with my own eyes that I understood why people say it's so magical. What I learned about myself here in Wyoming is that I am capable of a lot more than I thought of.
Speaker (in Portuguese): Travel is my therapy. What's yours?
Winter in Wyoming
Explore the vast nature of the historic Old West.
Nature dominates in Wyoming, where the Great Plains meet the epic Rocky Mountains. Throughout the state you'll find countless ways to experience the great outdoors, such as natural hot springs, scenic overlooks, world-class skiing and so much more. Also notable is Wyoming's storied role in the mass westward migrations of the 19th century, the Old West aesthetic that accompanied that era and the cowboy lifestyle that persists throughout the state. Put all together, Wyoming offers a nature, beauty and history-filled itinerary that you won't want to miss!
Start your trip in Casper, a city that was established in the mid-19th century as many people migrated West in search of land to call their own.
Today, Casper is a top-ranked family-friendly small city in the West, according to Forbes Magazine, and nestled between Casper Mountain and the North Platte River, it's quite beautiful, too! The surrounding areas offer lots of nature activities, such as fishing and hiking, and the city itself delivers more cowboy relics from the Old West era.
Where to Stay:
Courtyard by Marriott Casper
Residence Inn by Marriott Casper
What to Eat:
Enjoy homemade honey wheat bread in a charmingly old Casper home at The Cottage Cafe.
Follow the neon lights to Johnny J's Diner for an authentic 50's style experience.
Grab a steak at one of Casper's earliest fine dining establishments, The Silver Fox Steakhouse.
Hike Casper Mountain to the beautiful Garden Creek Falls.
Shop from over 10,000 pairs of cowboy boots at Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, a Casper institution for 100 years.
Fish the famous Miracle Mile river system.
Next, journey to Thermopolis, a town in Hot Springs County, Wyoming, known for, you guessed it-- hot springs.
In fact, the name Thermopolis comes from the Greek for "Hot City," and Thermopolis claims the world's largest mineral hot spring, known as "The Big Spring." You can enjoy the springs for free, thanks to an agreement formed with the native Shoshone and Arapaho tribes. Also unique about Thermopolis: dinosaur fossils were found in the area. You can see them at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.
Hot Springs Hideout
Elk Antler Inn
El Rancho Motel
For pancakes that are bigger than your plate, grab breakfast at Thermopolis Cafe.
After soaking in the hot springs, grab a cold one at One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company where they specialize in craft beer.
Experience the joys of small-town diners, with a stop at local favorite, Black Bear Cafe, known for hearty portions and homemade biscuits.
See the fossils at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, one of the largest and most unique fossil collections in the world.
Behold the pink-hued rock walls dating back to the Precambian period on the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byways.
Take the plunge at Hot Springs State Park.
Head to Jackson, and get ready for the most action-packed leg off your trip.
This stop includes the iconic Grand Teton National Park, where pristine lakes, majestic mountains and over 300 kilometers of trails stand as tribute to the people who have protected it over the years. Add to those, the world-class skiing offered in Jackson Hole, and you'll start to get an idea of what's in store. The vast wildlife population of the area is honored throughout Jackson, from the National Museum of Wildlife Art to the Jackson Town Square that's enshrined with elk antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge.
Springhill Suites Jackson Hole
The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa
Go to Picnic, a new restaurant voted "best new restaurant" by locals, according to Jackson Hole Traveler.
Visit Dornan's for their popular pizza and pasta, or to dine beside a teepee.
Some say the buffalo burger at Local is the best around. See for yourself.
Go horseback riding at a real dude ranch at Turpin Meadow Ranch.
Hit the slopes at Snow King Mountain Resort.
Give ice fishing a try at Jackson Lake.
Snap a photo of the T.A. Moulton Barn, which is positioned in front of a picturesque mountain background, and considered "The Most Photographed Barn in America," by Atlas Obscura.
Get ready for a wilderness experience unlike any other.
Yellowstone National Park comprises over 9,000 square kilometers, and contains within it natural features such as stunning canyons, lush forests, racing rivers, hot springs and the famous Old Faithful Geyser. Oh, and the whole thing rests atop a volcanic hot spot! Put on your hiking shoes and trek through the park, keeping an eye out for some of the park's animal inhabitants: bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
Lake Yellowstone Hotel
Old Faithful Inn
Dine on the majestic shore of Yellowstone Lake while enjoying fresh fish or wild game dishes at Lake Hotel Dining Room.
For a beef burger by local ranchers go to Wiley's Canteen at Lake Lodge.
Enjoy a meal in a cabin that pays tribute to the Old West at the Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room.
See Old Faithful's exciting eruption.
Behold the majestic and colorful Grand Prismatic Spring.
Discover the Waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
United Stories
Home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, Wyoming is an outpost of rugged beauty and diverse wildlife, with a welcoming spirit, Western flair and Native America heritage.
Grand Teton National Park offers visitors the chance to experience adventures all year round, from summer hikes and fishing, to camping and winter snowshoeing.
Following Wyoming's Park to Park Highway
Follow this Wyoming road trip from Cheyenne to Dubois, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.