Experience Old West History, Fishing, and Incredible Food and Drink in Wyoming's Second-Biggest City

25.07.2023 - 10:36 / matadornetwork.com / Art

Casper is the second-largest city in Wyoming. In the least populated state in the country, that translates to just under 60,000 people. But don’t let the population size fool you. This centrally located city is a paradise for outdoor lovers that also has a thriving urban center, a diverse economy, and a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Photo: Emily Hart

Cosplay as a pioneer traveling on the Oregon Trail with Historic Trails West. The tour company offers several options for travelers to get a taste of an authentic covered wagon experience, from two-hour trips to one, three, and five night living history adventures. The multi-day adventures on covered wagon or horseback come complete with authentic Dutch oven meals and guides who have committed their lives to understanding, and helping others understand, this time in history.

Historic Trails West: Departure depends on experience.

Photo: Emily Hart

Located on the Casper College campus, the free-to-visit Tate Geological Museum houses over 6,000 fossils and mineral specimens. It opened in 1980 and has expanded over the years to become an excellent showcase of the rocks and animals from the region. The crown jewel, Dee the Mammoth, is an 11,600-year-old Columbian Mammoth who lived in the American West during the Ice Age. Other highlights include the Mineral Exhibits (focused on Wyoming’s resources and jade, the state gemstone), Nicole the Torosaurus (a fossil of a dinosaur similar to a triceratops), and the Mesozoic Marine exhibit that shows what life was like in the area during the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous period when the region was submersed by a tropical sea.

Tate Geological Museum: 2332 Lisco Dr, Casper, WY 82601

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Learn some history of Casper while enjoying an epic view of the city at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. The center traces the history of the 400,000 people who traveled the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails between 1841 and 1868. Interactive exhibits and thoughtful design help tell the story. Be sure to spend some time outside on the observation deck to enjoy the best view of the area.

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center: 1501 N Poplar St, Casper, WY 82601

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Take a break from outdoor adventure to stop into the well appointed Nicolaysen Art Museum. The museum houses contemporary and Western art with intriguing rotating displays from professionals as well as community members. More than 6,300 pieces make up the museum’s permanent collection that’s focused on local artists and those with ties to the area. The museum also has a large area for kids and adults alike to enjoy art