For hundreds of years, the Casper area has been a natural travel route through the West. So, it is obvious that the best route to Yellowstone National Park passes through Casper’s diverse and adventurous community. Even better: you get to experience the best of the West and enjoy quintessential Wyoming adventures with smaller crowds, all in one place. Before you hit the road, take some expert advice from locals who share their tips on what to do when you’re here to make your trip grand.
One of the most unique things about Casper is the easy access to the wide-open spaces of Wyoming. With gems like Casper Mountain, Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, North Platte River, and the untouched open plains, you’re never far from your next outdoor adventure.
Just 10 minutes from downtown, Casper Mountain is truly in Casper’s backyard and is the perfect place to camp, hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, or take a drive. Stretch your legs with a short hike in Rotary Park that takes you to Casper Mountain’s hidden waterfall, Garden Creek Falls. — Wayne S.
The Casper you see today has been created from a rich past that includes American Indian trails, fur trappers, pioneers, a thriving oil and gas industry, abundant outdoor recreation, dinosaurs, and the Wild West. Top spots to soak up Casper’s history include Fort Caspar Museum, the Tate Geological Museum, the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
Book a tour on the Oregon Trail by Conestoga wagon with Historic Trails West. — Amanda S.
With anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 fish per mile and a river that’s fishable year-round, it’s no surprise the North Platte River is a bucket-list destination for novice and experienced fly-fishing enthusiasts. The river flows through the heart of the city and puts blue-ribbon fishing within easy reach of all travelers.
Whether you’re a pro angler or you’re casting a line for the first time, I’d recommend booking a guide, they truly know our blue-ribbon waters. — Luke G.
When you think of Casper, our iconic landscapes, wide-open spaces and unmatched outdoor recreation might be some of the first things that come to mind. What you might not know is that the culinary scene is on the rise here in the heart of Wyoming. Casper is home to Wyoming’s best burger (Branding Iron), according to the Travel Channel, the best mac ‘n cheese (HQ BBQ), according to Southern Living Magazine and a craft brewing and distilling renaissance according to Matador Network.
No trip to Wyoming is complete without a stop at Backwards Distilling Company. With artistic craft cocktails made locally sourced and distilled, there’s something for everyone on the menu. — Michael S.
The wild, open spaces of Wyoming serve as the perfect inspiration for all types of creative pursuits, and Casper’s vibrant arts, music, and performing arts scene proves it. From diverse museums to art galleries and live music to Wyoming’s first opera, Casper serves up an array of cultural offerings.
Make sure you take some time to visit the Nicolaysen Art Museum, or as locals call it, the NIC. With exhibits ranging from local artists to works from Picasso and Rembrandt, there’s a lot to see and experience. — Katie M.
Some of the earliest buildings in Casper are still standing strong in present-day downtown Casper. With the best shopping, dining, and live music, downtown is where Casper’s rich history meets the present day, and it is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike
Attending an event at David Street Station is an absolute must-do; whether it’s movie night, a concert or a big festival, you can’t miss this amazing part of downtown Casper. — Mikki M.
If saving money is on your vacation to-do list, look no further. From affordable lodging and dining to a long list of free things to do, you don’t have to spend a lot to have a great time in Casper. Slow down and get a historic downtown walking map from the Casper Visitor’s Center and peruse where Casper’s history meets today’s busy city center.
Many of Casper’s amazing museums have free admission, including the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Tate Geological Museum, Werner Wildlife Museum, Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, and Good Aviation and Veterans Museum. — Kerstin E.
Casper has a jam-packed, year-round events calendar with live music, arts festivals, beer and food festivals, theatre, cultural events, and more. Browse the list of signature events on Visit Casper’s website or in the 2020 Casper Guide to see what’s happening while you’re here.
There is live music playing somewhere nearly every single day in Casper. Whether it’s a national headliner at the Casper Events Center or a local band at a brewery, you’ll be sure to find a place to enjoy live music while you’re here. — Leah V.
Casper is the perfect mix of outdoor recreation and touchable history, making it an ideal location for a family vacation for all ages. Whether its biking and hiking, skiing and snowboarding, or floating and fishing the North Platte River, you’ll find plenty of active adventures. Learning is fun, too, at the many museums and historical spots to explore around town.
Some of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon are learning everything you can about dinosaurs at the Tate Geological Museum followed by a run through the splash pad at David Street Station, or a visit to The Science Zone for some hands-on science or Art 321 for an interactive art class. — Nicole C.