Southeast Wyoming Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Southeast Wyoming? Our travel guide covers everything from top attractions to where to stay, eat, and visit next.


Introduction to Southeast Wyoming

Southeast Wyoming is a hidden gem in the Rocky Mountains, offering natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences. With numerous state parks, historic sites, and museums, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this region. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, Southeast Wyoming is the perfect destination for a memorable trip.

List of Places to Visit in Southeast Wyoming

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum

Located in the city of Cheyenne, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum commemorates the rich history of the American West. The museum houses a collection of over 100,000 artifacts, including photographs, costumes, and weapons. There’s also a Western art gallery and a research library.

Wyoming State Museum

The Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne offers a glimpse into the state’s past with exhibits on Native American culture, mining, and the state’s role in the American West. Visitors can also view a collection of historic firearms and artwork.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is a must-visit for history buffs. The site features restored buildings and exhibits that tell the story of the fort’s role in westward expansion and the conflicts with Native American tribes that took place in the 1800s.

Natural Attractions of Southeast Wyoming: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Medicine Bow National Forest

Covering over 2.9 million acres, Medicine Bow National Forest is a hiker’s paradise. Visitors can also go fishing, camping, and hunting. The forest also features stunning views of the Snowy Range Mountains.

Vedauwoo Recreation Area

With its unique rock formations and natural beauty, Vedauwoo Recreation Area is a popular destination for rock climbing, camping, hiking, and photography. The park is located just 20 miles east of Laramie.

Curt Gowdy State Park

Located between Cheyenne and Laramie, Curt Gowdy State Park is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. The park features three reservoirs surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Laramie Mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeast Wyoming

Pole Mountain Trail System

The Pole Mountain Trail System, located in Medicine Bow National Forest, offers over 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Visitors can enjoy stunning vistas of the Snowy Range Mountains and experience a range of difficulty levels.

Happy Jack Trail

The Happy Jack Trail, located in Vedauwoo Recreation Area, offers a 10-mile loop for mountain biking and hiking. The trail features stunning rock formations and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Southeast Wyoming: Activities and Tours

Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Tour

The Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Tour is a great way to take in the city’s rich history and architecture. The hour-long tour takes visitors past landmarks such as the Wyoming State Capitol and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.

Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site

The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is a fascinating place to explore the state’s history of crime and punishment. Visitors can take a guided tour of the restored prison cells and learn about some of the prison’s most notorious inmates.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southeast Wyoming

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum and explore the city’s historic downtown
Day 2 Hike in Medicine Bow National Forest and enjoy the stunning scenery
Day 3 Tour the Wyoming State Museum and visit the State Capitol building
Day 4 Spend the day relaxing at Curt Gowdy State Park
Day 5 Tour the Fort Laramie National Historic Site and learn about the fort’s role in the westward expansion of the United States
Day 6 Visit Vedauwoo Recreation Area for some rock climbing or hiking
Day 7 Take a trolley tour of Cheyenne and explore the downtown area

Food and Drink Scene of Southeast Wyoming

Must-Try Dishes

Bison Burger

The bison burger is a staple of the Wyoming food scene. Many restaurants in the region offer unique takes on this classic dish, such as adding bacon or jalapenos to the burger.

Rocky Mountain Oysters

While not for the faint of heart, Rocky Mountain oysters are a local delicacy in Wyoming. These deep-fried bull testicles are often served with a side of hot sauce.

Local Beverages

Wyoming Whiskey

Wyoming Whiskey is a popular local brand that produces small-batch bourbon. Visitors can take a tour of the distillery in Kirby and sample some of the whiskey.

Snowy Mountain Brewery

Located in Saratoga, Snowy Mountain Brewery is a popular spot for craft beer lovers. The brewery offers a wide range of beers, including the popular Yampa Valley Gold.

Where to Stay in Southeast Wyoming: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Little America Hotel

The Little America Hotel in Cheyenne offers luxurious accommodations and excellent amenities, including a fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant.

Snowy Mountain Lodge

Located in the Snowy Range Mountains, Snowy Mountain Lodge is a beautiful bed and breakfast that offers stunning views and comfortable accommodations.

What to Buy in Southeast Wyoming: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Wyoming-Made Crafts

Souvenir shops throughout the region offer a range of handmade crafts, including pottery, quilts, and jewelry. These items make great gifts for friends and family back home.

Western Apparel

Southeast Wyoming is known for its western heritage, and visitors can find a range of western apparel at local shops. Popular items include cowboy hats, boots, and leather jackets.

Local Culture and Customs of Southeast Wyoming

Southeast Wyoming has a rich history of cowboy culture, rodeos, and western traditions. Visitors should be aware of the importance of respecting local customs and traditions, such as the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo that takes place each July.

Best Time to Visit Southeast Wyoming

The best time to visit Southeast Wyoming is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are in full swing. The fall months of September and October also offer stunning foliage and less crowded tourist attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southeast Wyoming

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Spend time exploring the region’s natural beauty.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Forget to check the weather before heading out on outdoor activities.
  • Leave trash or litter in natural areas.
  • Fail to plan ahead for accommodations and activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southeast Wyoming

Southeast Wyoming is a safe region for tourists, but visitors should be aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities, such as hiking and climbing. It’s important to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and be aware of potential hazards in the natural environment.

Health in Southeast Wyoming

Visitors to Southeast Wyoming should be prepared for the effects of high altitude, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. It’s important to stay hydrated and to acclimate to the altitude gradually.

Getting to Southeast Wyoming: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southeast Wyoming

The Cheyenne Regional Airport and the Laramie Regional Airport offer flights to and from major cities in the region.

Bus Stations Near Southeast Wyoming

Greyhound offers bus service to Cheyenne, Laramie, and other cities in the region.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Southeast Wyoming by car or by taking the Denver-Airport to Cheyenne Shuttle.

How to Get Around in Southeast Wyoming

Car rentals are available at the airports and in major cities in the region, and taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Southeast Wyoming: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Denver, Colorado

Located just two hours from Cheyenne, Denver offers a host of attractions, including museums, parks, and breweries. Visitors can also explore the vibrant downtown area and enjoy the city’s renowned food scene.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Southeast Wyoming. Visitors can view the iconic four presidential faces carved into the mountainside and learn about the history of the American West.

Conclusion

Southeast Wyoming offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and friendly local community, it’s no wonder that many tourists return year after year. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Southeast Wyoming is a destination that should not be missed.



    Buford
    Centennial
    Cheyenne
    Laramie
    Medicine Bow
    Rawlins