Whether you are looking for a great place to stop on your way to Yellowstone, Jackson Hole or in town for the famous College National Finals Rodeo, or just looking for a taste of the wild west; there are so many things to do in Casper Wyoming! I recently visited my sister in this small town in central Wyoming and fell in love.
Our List of Best Things to do in Casper Wyoming
Casper, Wyoming, is a charming city with a variety of activities and attractions for tourists and locals alike. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Casper is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and art aficionados. Here are some of the best things to do in Casper, Wyoming.
1. Experience the True Wild, Wild West
If you are in Wyoming, you have to add some wild west experiences to your itinerary. Luckily, there is no shortage of these kinds of things to do in Casper Wyoming.
Photo Credit Historic Trails West flexoffers
Kick things off by taking a tour in a historic covered wagon. Historic Trails West offers a few different tour options, I would recommend the Dutch Oven Evening Wagon Trail Trek.
You have the option of riding in the wagon or by horseback to your dinner destination; a cowboy-worthy Dutch Oven Cookout! This tour is a great way to experience the history of the west and your little ones are sure to walk away with some new hands-on knowledge. Book your tour here.
Here’s a tip from a local insider! If you aren’t up for a full wagon tour, you can pull your very own handcart at Martin’s Cove near the Alcova Reservoir.
While Alcova Reservoir is 45 minutes from Casper, it is definitely worth a visit in the summer. Alcova Resort offers rentals for boating, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. It’s a great area for families looking for a little extra adventure!
2. Take a Hike
The summer may be short in Wyoming, but when the sun is shining there is endless beauty to explore. In Casper, that Wyoming beauty is pretty easily accessible which is a huge bonus for families with little ones!
I highly recommend adding Rotary Park & Garden Creek Falls to your list of outdoor activities and must-dos during the summer months. It is right at the base of Casper Mountain so it is easy to get to, and once you have parked it is just a 10-minute walk to the waterfall.
Short, easy, and rewarding! If you are up for it, you can also hike up to several lookout platforms for a great view of Casper or head on the full 1.3-mile loop that will take you over the falls.
Keep in mind, that this area is a starting point for many other trails. If you just want to see the falls, make sure to follow the lower trail or you may end up taking a longer hike than anticipated.
3. Night Ski or Snowboard at the Hogadon Basin Ski Area
Photo Credit Visit Casper
If you are visiting in the winter or early spring, Casper Mountain’s Hogadon Basin Ski Area is worth a visit. While these may not be the most famous slopes in Wyoming (we’re looking at you Jackson Hole), they are open for night skiing which is a unique and worthwhile experience. Plus, you are sure to catch an epic sunset while you’re up there!
Get your lift ticket and check current conditions here.
4. Cast a Line in the North Platte
Casper is one of the best fishing destinations in the world, so even though I am guessing you are not an avid fisherman, casting a line in the North Platte River is a worthwhile experience.
You can book a tour with one of the many fishing guides and outfitters in Casper or just head out on your own to any public-access point along the river.
If fishing isn’t your jam, you can take a nice walk along the Platte River Trails that wind through town. I recommend parking near the Tate Pumphouse Trail Center and starting your walk from there. There is tons of information about Casper’s community trail system here.
5. Stroll Downtown Casper
Casper’s Downtown has plenty of shops and restaurants worth popping into, but the shining jewel for families is David Street Station. It is without a doubt the heart of downtown.
From December-January, it becomes a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink and a giant real-life Christmas tree. In the summer, there is a splash park for little ones to cool off in. This is also where you will find events going on like outdoor concerts and movie nights.
Photo Credit Casper Mural Project
Here are some other stops you should make downtown:
- Explore the 9 floors of the historic Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters (it’s cool to watch them shape cowboy hats and they have over 10,000 cowboy boots in stock to peruse!)
- Visit Metro or Scarlowe’s for coffee
- Walk around and find the murals done by the Casper Mural Project
- Grab a drink at Backwards Distilling Company or Blacktooth Brewing Company
- Pop in and out of any stores that catch your eye- there are plenty of local treasures to be found
6. Visit Casper’s Unique Kid-Friendly Museums & Planetiarium
Photo Credit Casper College
It’s no surprise that there are tons of indoor things to do in Casper when you consider that snow and cold weather can stretch on for 6+ months here! Both the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center and Tate Geological Museum are truly great, especially for families. Best of all, admission is free to many of them.
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
At the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, there are fun interactive exhibits about the Oregon Trail and Pony Express. You can even take a virtual wagon ride.
Fort Caspar Museum
Visit a recreated 1865 military outpost that is situated at a significant river crossing along the transcontinental telegraph, Mormon Pioneer, Oregon, and California trails.
Nicolaysen Art Museum
Through stimulating encounters with modern art, the Nicolaysen Art Museum teaches and enriches the local community.
Tate Geological Museum
The Tate Geological Museum is home to Dee the Mammoth, an 11,600-year-old Columbian Mammoth who lived in the American West during the Ice Age, and 3,000 other fossil and mineral specimens.
Casper Planetarium
The Casper Planetarium is currently closed and hopefully will reopen soon. There you can see the wonders of the city of Casper’s night sky.
7. Head to the Rodeo (or one of Casper’s other Yearly Events & Festivals)
I highly recommend checking out Casper’s Event calendar to see what events are going on around town. They have a very active community and chances are there will be something worth checking out, from rodeos to Taco Festivals and outdoor concerts.
You can see all the events going on here.
8. Grab a Bite to Eat
You might be surprised to find out that Casper has some pretty great eats. For breakfast, I would recommend grabbing a bagel sandwich from Metro or sitting down for eggs benedict at Eggington’s. Both are conveniently located downtown.
When it comes to lunch, there’s no better choice than Grant Street Grocery & Market. This is more than just food, it’s an experience. This historic neighborhood market has yummy soups, salads, and sandwiches. If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, they also have donuts and croissants (the croissants are some of the best I have ever had… and I’ve been to Paris). Check out their Instagram to see what they are serving up!
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Racca’s Pizzeria or Firerock Steakhouse.
9. Visit Fremont Canyon
Fremont Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located just a short drive from Casper, Wyoming. Carved by the North Platte River over millions of years, the canyon offers breathtaking views of towering cliffs, rugged rock formations, and crystal-clear water.
During the summer months, visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking. The canyon’s steep walls provide a challenging terrain for rock climbers, with routes ranging from beginner to advanced.
Hikers can explore several trails, including the 2.5-mile Roundtop Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding landscape. Learn more here.
That’s a wrap on the best things to do in Casper Wyoming! If you are ever headed down I 25, keep in mind that the friendly people of Casper have got some secrets up their sleeves. This is no sleepy little town, it is actually a place bursting at the seams with history and adventure. Let us know in the comments below on your favorite things to do in Casper Wyoming!
Map of Things to Do in Casper Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Casper Wyoming
What can you do in Casper for free?
Historic Trails Interpretive Center,
Tate Museum
Werner Wildlife Museum Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum and War Bird’s Museum
Casper Mountain
Platte River Trails
Downtown Walking Tour
David Street Station
What can you do in Casper with kids?
There is plenty to do for the whole family whether it be museums, hikes, parks or shops downtown.
When is the best time to visit Casper?
For general outdoor tourist activities, the best time to visit would be from June to late August.
Pin-It for later: Best Things to do in Casper Wyoming
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As someone who live in Casper I believe you should add Johnny Js and peaches to the list of food places. Peaches is the best fast food place in town and Johnny Js is the cutest 50’s styled diner in town.
I still can’t understand why people rate Peaches so highly.
I do however agree with your recommendation of Johnny Js! Good food and fun atmosphere.