Skip to Content

12 Best & Fun Things to Do in Casper, Wyoming

Avatar of Kyle Kroeger Written By: Author Kyle Kroeger   | 10 min read

Posted on Last updated:

We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more ›

Casper, Wyoming, is the perfect place to spend your summer. It’s full of adventure, fun, and delicious food—and no matter what kind of food you like or how adventurous you are, you’re sure to find something new to try in Casper. Read on to learn the best things to do in Casper, Wyoming!

The city has a lot to offer regarding outdoor activities and entertainment. If you love being outdoorsy, Casper is the place for you.

12 Best & Fun Things to Do in Casper, Wyoming

Casper, WY, also has plenty of opportunities for art lovers, with several museums on display and an art gallery that hosts several exhibits throughout the year.

TL;DR

  • Most significant landmark – Oregon Trail
  • Best park – Rotary Park
  • Best free activity – Hiking at the Casper Mountain
  • Best activity for kids – Tate Geological Museum at Casper College
  • Best activity for adults – Fishing at the North Platte River
  • Best food – Ludovico Farm to Wood Flame at Gruner Brothers
  • Best all-around accommodation – Courtyard by Marriott Casper

Things to Do in Casper, Wyoming

1. Take a hike at Casper Mountain

Casper Mountain Skyline

Address: North End of the Laramie Mountains, Casper, Wyoming

One of the best free things to do in Casper, Wyoming, is to hike at Casper Mountain. You can find breathtaking views, lush forests, a wide variety of fauna, and magnificent pathways on Casper Mountain. With so much to do around this famous site, you won’t run out of options.

With an elevation of 8,130 feet, Casper Mountain keeps a watchful eye on the city below. Public parks, hiking routes, and even a folk museum are available to tourists on Casper Mountain.

Camping, cabin rentals, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, biking, and summer music festivals are all options in the area.

2. Set out the bait at the North Platte River

Fishing at North Platte River

Address: runs along Casper, Wyoming

With an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 fish per mile and a river that can be fished all year, it’s no surprise that the North Platte is a bucket-list destination for both newbies and experienced fly-fishing fans.

Book a day of fly fishing on the North Platte River and take in the stunning scenery of Wyoming. The sport of fly fishing can be enjoyed on half-day and full-day trips.

See Related: Best Unknown Destinations in the US

3. Stroll through the art galleries in Nicolaysen Art Museum

Nicolaysen Art Museum Building
image by Moto Lego is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Address: 400 E Collins Dr, Casper, WY 82601, USA

Modern and contemporary art from worldwide is collected, preserved, and shown at the Nicolaysen Art Museum so that families can learn from it and discover their creative side.

With nearly 6,200 items in the museum’s Permanent Collection, plan plenty of time for your visit. All types of art, from sculptures to drawings to fabrics to prints and photography, can be taught to children through this collection.

See Related: Things to Do in Paradise Valley, Montana

4. Relive history along the Oregon Trail

Wagon at Oregon Trail, Wyoming

Address: Casper, Wyoming, USA

US Route 26 is the starting point for the Oregon Trail Historic Byway, which begins at the state line between Wyoming and Nebraska. The closest we can come to stepping back in time is a trip with Historic Trails West.

There are additional options for overnight wagon trips and half-day horseback rides on the Oregon Trail. In addition to providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this beautiful site teaches visitors about the history of the Oregon Trail.

See Related: Friend Vacation Ideas

5. Revisit the Past at the Fort Caspar Museum

Fort Caspar Museum Landscape
image by Mike Goad is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Address: 4001 Fort Caspar Rd, Casper, WY 82604, United States

Visitors to the Fort Caspar Museum can see replicas of the Mormon ferry that served Casper from 1847-1849. Historical materials relating to the history of Fort Caspar and Casper and Natrona County and central Wyoming are the Fort Caspar Museum’s primary focus.

The Fort Caspar Museum even has an exhibit about the mummy that includes photos and stories about American Indian mythology.

See Related: Best Bars In Jackson

6. Be amazed at the display of the Tate Geological Museum at Casper College

Tate Geological Museum Mammoth Skeleton Exhibit
image by jabberwock is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Address: 2332 Lisco Dr, Casper, WY 82601, United States

Make the most of your time at the museum by making it informative! Casper College’s Geological Museum aims to educate students, scholars, and the general public.

Over 3,000 fossil and mineral specimens, including dinosaurs and a Columbian Mammoth that lived in the American West during the Pleistocene or Ice Age, are on display in this museum.

See Related: Best Museums in the US

7. View the stars indoors at the Casper Planetarium

Casper Planetarium and Skyline
image by Moto Lego is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Address: 904 N Poplar St, Casper, WY 82601, United States

Another historic site in Wyoming is its oldest planetarium. The Casper Planetarium has been open continuously since 1966.

Here, you may learn more about the night sky with regular presentations presented using the cutting-edge Mediaglobe-II projection system, comparable to what you’d see in an IMAX theater.

Here, visitors can learn how to recognize constellations, visit planets in the solar system, and study the more sophisticated processes involved in star birth.

8. Fall in love with nature at the Garden Creek Falls in Rotary Park

Garden Creek Falls
image by Adam Kennedy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Address: Garden Creek Waterfall, Casper Mountain, WY 82601, United States

You should definitely see Garden Creek Falls in Casper while you’re in Wyoming! Hiking and taking pictures in this area is a joy.

At the base of Casper Mountain, this waterfall in Rotary Park is one of Casper’s most popular, iconic mountain retreats. From the roaring river to the towering trees, you’re likely to rediscover your great love for nature.

The park features many picnic tables, iron footbridges, and a gazebo, making it the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon. Among the ponderosa pine and aspen trees, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to the city.

See Related: Famous Landmarks in Wyoming to Visit

9. Enjoy a Meal at the Ludovico Farm to Wood Flame at Gruner Brothers

Address: 1301 Wilkins Cir, Casper, WY 82601, United States

This is a place where you’ll find farm-to-flame goods created from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

In Casper, it’s hard to go wrong with Ludovico Farm to Wood Flame as a dining option. They serve some of the best Italian food in town and treat their customers like family. Food options include pizza, pasta, salad, dessert, and wine. Everything is so delectable that you’ll feel revitalized after eating there.

See Related: Things to Do in Jackson Hole in Winter

10. Spend a day outdoors at the Fremont Canyon

Fremont Canyon Bridge
image by Bureau of Reclamation is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Address: Fremont Canyon Rd, Wyoming, USA

If you’ve never been to Fremont Canyon, you’re missing out. As a result of the canyon’s proximity to Pathfinder Dam, Fremont Canyon is a great place to cast a fishing line from the riverbank and catch some fish.

You’ll also be rewarded with stunning views of the Goose Egg Formation when you fish the North Platte River at Fremont Canyon (known as the meadow).

Alcova Reservoir’s water connection to the canyon makes it one of the most picturesque kayak, canoe, or boat spots: excellent rock climbing, sightseeing, hiking, and mountain riding round out the package.

See Related: Bucket List Places to Visit in the US

11. Hustle through the busy Downtown Casper

Restaurant in Downtown Casper
image by Dougtone is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Downtown Casper is a hidden treasure for locals and tourists, bridging the gap between the city’s ancient roots and today’s fast-paced energy. The area can now be considered a historical site where you can do all the fun things you can think of.

Experience live music while strolling through the city’s ancient streets and window shopping. Downtown, there’s something for everyone, from monthly Art Walks and free activities in our year-round outdoor plaza to specialty crafted local drinks and brews at the neighborhood drinking hole.

12. Get the best winter experience in Hogadon Basin Ski Area

Man in Red Jacket Skiing

Address: 2500 Hogadon Road, Casper, WY 82604

Hogadon Basin Ski Area is a Wyoming ski resort located 11 miles south of Casper. The mountain’s 28 routes range in difficulty from easy to challenging. There are 20 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, and 40 percent expert trails. The mountain has a terrain park as well.

Groomed slopes, a state-of-the-art kitchen in the concessions, and snowboarders are all welcome. Some fun things to do in the area include downhill skiing and snowboarding.

There is also a restaurant in the ski area. In contrast to most resorts, Hogadon has its main building at the summit, making it pretty unique.

See Related: Most Beautiful Valleys in the US

How to Get Around Casper, Wyoming

As a tourist in Casper, Wyoming, you can get around the city in a few ways. The first is by buses running in and out of town that can take you to other areas of Wyoming, like Gillette or Douglas County.

If you want to exercise and see Casper at a slower pace, consider renting a bike! There are plenty of places around town to rent one and explore at your leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, try biking across the state line into Wyoming’s Wind River Range!

Another option is public transit. You can catch buses throughout Casper and take them to your destination using Google Maps’ public transportation mode (available on iOS and Android devices).

Hey, if that all sounds like too much hassle, there’s always the possibility of renting a car at Casper Airport.

FAQ

What is the best thing to do with kids in Casper, Wyoming?

Casper is home to a number of attractions that will keep your children entertained for hours. They’ll love the displays and the theater that Casper Planetarium has. Not only does this place provide fun, but it also offers knowledge to your little ones.

What are some fun things to do in Casper, Wyoming?

Another fun thing in Casper is going to the hiking trails in the mountains around town! You can bike or walk up many trails that lead into beautiful areas perfect for spring or fall hikes (depending on which season you’re visiting).

What are some things to do in Casper, Wyoming, when it’s raining?

When it’s raining in Casper, Wyoming, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your time here. The first stop on your city tour should be the Tate Geological Museum at Casper College.

This museum is filled with artifacts from the area’s past, including Native American artifacts and dinosaur fossils. You can also find artwork by local artists and visitors who have brought their pieces with them.

What are the best tourist attractions in Casper, Wyoming?

A ride on the Historic Trails West Living History Wagon Train Trail Treks is essential to your overall experience at the historic site of Wyoming.

It is one of the best tourist attractions. This is where you can experience the real roots of the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Trail, and Pony Express Trail, all while riding in a historic covered wagon or on horseback.

Related Resources