• Vibrant Rodeo Culture: Rodeo season thrives across the state, ranging from major celebrations like Cheyenne Frontier Days and Cody Nite Rodeo to smaller local community arenas.
• Historic Western Mainstays: Legendary gathering spots such as The Mint Bar in Sheridan and historic hotels like The Irma and The Occidental preserve authentic frontier history.
• Scenic Byway Road Trips: A network of 21 scenic byways connects travelers to lesser-known small towns, western museums, and natural hot springs like those in Thermopolis.
• Backcountry Outdoor Adventure: Beyond national parks, visitors can experience world-class fly fishing on the Miracle Mile, classic dude ranches, and hiking in the Wind River Range

This summer, Wyoming invites travelers to journey beyond the famous borders of Yellowstone and Grand Teton to experience an beautifully authentic slice of the American West. The Cowboy State shines with a vibrant, modern Wild West culture shaped by deep ranching roots, multigenerational traditions, and welcoming, community-focused businesses. From the action of local rodeos to the quiet beauty of wide-open plains, Wyoming offers an escape into a classic American lifestyle.

A summer road trip through the state reveals charming, lesser-known destinations connected by 21 scenic byways. Travelers can wander through historic towns like Buffalo, Thermopolis, Meeteetse, and Ten Sleep, where locally owned businesses, relaxing natural hot springs, and western museums share the history of the frontier. Iconic gathering places like The Mint Bar in Sheridan, The Irma Hotel in Cody, and The Occidental Hotel in Buffalo make the legendary stories of the Old West feel fully present today.

For those looking for outdoor adventure, the landscape provides endless opportunities for recreation outside the major parks. Visitors can cast a line for world-class fly fishing along the North Platte River’s famous Miracle Mile, enjoy a horseback ride at an authentic dude ranch, or hike through the rugged peaks of the Wind River Range. Wyoming truly provides a meaningful connection to nature, local heritage, and the true spirit of western culture.

Summer highlights across Wyoming include:

• Rodeo season throughout the state, from Cheyenne Frontier Days and Cody Nite Rodeo to smaller community rodeos and western celebrations that continue to shape Wyoming culture

• Scenic road trips through places like Buffalo, Thermopolis, Meeteetse and Ten Sleep, with historic hotels, hot springs, western museums and locally owned businesses along the way

• Historic western gathering places including The Mint Bar in Sheridan, The Irma in Cody and The Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, where stories of the Old West still feel present today

• Outdoor adventure beyond the parks, including fly fishing on the North Platte River’s Miracle Mile, horseback riding at dude ranches, hiking in the Wind River Range and scenic drives across Wyoming’s 21 byways