Intro
To Omaha, Wyoming is "somewhere" out west. To Scottsbluff, Wyoming is just across the state line. Ask Scottsbluff folks where things are happening and they will surely mention some places in Wyoming.
Wyoming is the gate to the Yellowstone National Park (take Interstate 80 to Cheyenne, play around for awhile, then continue on Interstate 80 to exit #211. Head North on US. 287 into the park). Wyoming is also home to the Grand Teton National Park, Devil's Tower, and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
As the "Equality State," Wyoming was the first state to allow women to vote (1869), and the first state to have a woman governor (1925). More Wyoming History
Nebraska Neighbors
There is little chance that Cheyenne will ever escape their association with the old west. People expect to see Indians and cowboys walking around. Come to think about it, that is what you see. Cheyenne has taken advantage of its contribution to the history of the old west and keeps it alive today.
The Cheyenne Rodeo has a reputation all its own. This is where the biggest names in the Rodeo circuit show up. If there is anything you want to see happen in the Rodeo ring, this is where it is going to happen. With many rodeo records; Cheyenne has everything but the credit for the first rodeo.
Each year, Cheyenne draws over 100,000 folks for its Cheyenne Frontier Days Celebration, the world's largest rodeo and celebration. After recently completing its 50th year of the successful celebration, and getting bigger and better every year, I would expect the trend to continue. If you ever have the opportunity to be in Cheyenne during the celebration, there is a good chance you will make reservations with your hotel to guarantee a room for the next year. Cheyenne knows how to do celebrations right.
Traveling west on I-80, Cheyenne is 40 miles past the Nebraska-Wyoming border. Cheyenne is the capitol of Wyoming.
Casper is North of Cheyenne on Interstate 25. If you find yourself in Casper, you are very close to the Yellowstone National Park (well about 5 hours away). Casper doesn't make me think about the wild wild west but Casper is cool.
Laramie does no less to bring up thoughts of the old west than Cheyenne does. The city gets its name from Fort Laramie, which was built to protect early settlers along the Oregon Trail. Fort Laramie was originally Fort William but was renamed Fort Laramie after an early trapper, Jacques la Ramie.
Laramie is west of Cheyenne on Interstate 80.
Jackson is known for its great snow skiing. Jackson being in the northwestern part of Wyoming, makes it have easy access to Yellowstone National Park, which is in Wyoming's northwest corner near Jackson Hole, a valley near the Teton Range wildlife reserve. Jackson Hole's Teton Village is the home to the annual Grand Teton Music Festival that features classical music.
National Parks
Yellowstone National Park needs no great explanation. No matter where you are from, you have heard of Yellowstone National Park. What is important to people in Nebraska (tourist and residents), is that it is only one state away. Please be careful with fires.
Yellowstone National Park also extends into a portion of Idaho and Montana. Take Interstate 80 exit #211. Go North on US. 287 into the park.
The Grand Teton National Park directly south of Yellowstone is the second largest attraction in Wyoming.
President Theodore Roosevelt designated Devils Tower as the first National Monument in 1906. It is the state's third ranking attraction, following Yellowstone and the Tetons. The volcanic rock structure stands out with its unique long vertical scars made by large bear claws of the ancient Native American spirit world. You can make your own version with a large plate of mashed potatoes and a fork.
Find out even more?
For more information on Wyoming, check out the Wyoming Official State website, and the Yellowstone NPS.
And:
- Carbon County Tourism
- Converse County Tourism
- Flaming Gorge Tourism
- Wind River County Tourism
- Yellowstone County - Cody Tourism
