Lisa & Cory
Visiting Wyoming
Sinks Canyon State Park
This beautiful location is where we took our "Save the Date" pictures. Visit the “Sink”, where the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie river (pronounced puh-POE-zha) flows into a cave and goes underground. Then travel a quarter-mile down the canyon and feed the enormous fish where it reemerges from the ground at the “Rise”. Frye, Worthen Reservoir, Fiddler’s , and Louis mountain lakes are easily accessible by vehicle (some via dirt road). Hike about one and a half miles to Popo Agie Falls and enjoy a refreshing slide off the rocks into the frigid pool below. (https://windriver.org/slide-down-popo-agie-falls) There are abundant fishing and hiking opportunities in the park.
Hot Springs State Park
Drive through the scenic and winding Wind River Canyon through three hardrock tunnels (honk!) to reach the park in Thermopolis. Take a short walk to see the mineral terraces along the Bighorn River created by the mineral hot springs; the suspension foot bridge spanning the Bighorn offers a unique view of the river and the terraces. Make sure to visit the resident herd of Bison that make their home in the area. Then have a relaxing swim at one of two hot springs pools in town (we prefer the Star Plunge), but save some energy for the water slides!
Wyoming Dinosaur Center
Located in Thermopolis, this is a truly unique destination. The Center houses a fantastic museum with a large collection of skeletons of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. In addition, you can visit (and participate in!) an active dig site minutes away and experience paleontology up close and personal.
Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary
Located on a working ranch on the Wind River Reservation, 230 wild horses reside here. Visit the horses, and learn how they shaped Native American culture at the visitor center.
Boysen Reservoir
Enjoy Boysen Reservoir or the nearby Lake Cameahwait (Bass Lake) for fishing, swimming, boating or (our favorite) kayaking. The area is surrounded by wonderful camping opportunities.
Wind River Hotel & Casino
Table games and slot machines are available at the largest casino in Wyoming. Explore Araphao culture in the Northern Arapaho Experience Room, which hosts Native American singers and dancers every Tuesday during the summer.
South Pass City
Get a glimpse of the old west in this beautifully restored gold mining town. There are 45 historic structures sitting on just under 400 acres to see, including the large Carissa Mine (make sure to book a tour in advance). If you're on an extended trip before the wedding, Gold Rush Days happens the second week in July and includes activities such as vintage base ball, anvil blasting, gold panning, music, stage coach rides, and more. When you're done visiting the past, head over to nearby Atlantic City for a great meal at Miner’s Grubstake.
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway & Bear Tooth Pass Highway
Start this epic journey just outside Cody, Wyoming by driving up the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Then continue to the top of the world on the Beartooth Highway. This route is typically only open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day due to snowpack, and offers some of the most beautiful vistas anywhere. This has been an annual trek for us for several years now. We can't recommend this highly enough; it truly is a bucket list item.
Grand Teton National Park
River rafting, horseback riding, fishing, boating, hiking, and of course beautiful scenery and epic wildlife are all available at this location just south of Yellowstone.