Wyoming is one of the most historic states. From dinosaurs roaming the land millions of years ago, to Native Americans making their mark thousands of years ago, to pioneers braving the way west hundreds of years ago, there’s so much to learn about our history. To catch a glimpse of the past, take this historic Wyoming road trip and travel through every era.
Our state may be relatively young, but our history is absolutely incredible!
Google Maps Click HERE for an interactive map!
The Cheyenne Depot Museum will be your first stop!
Facebook / Cheyenne Depot Musuem The Cheyenne Union Pacific Depot is the last of the grand 19th century depots along the Transcontinental Railroad,. It was the most elegant station built by Union Pacific west of its Council Bluffs headquarters. Today, the station is preserved as museum, and there’s a great restaurant on site.Learn more about the museum here.
Next, head up to Guernsey State Park. Here, you’ll find stunning history right in front of your eyes! The Oregon Trail Ruts show the sheer number of wagon trains that made their way through our state on their way out west. Ruts are carved into the ground here as evidence of the westward migration’s impact on land.
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Devil’s Tower is your third stop!
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donahoe No Historic Wyoming Road Trip would be complete without a visit to the country’s first National Monument. Devils Tower is a fascinating and sacred geologic wonder.Read more about this landmark and its legends here.
Head on up to the sacred Medicine Wheel on Medicine Mountain next.
Flickr / Kevin Baird The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is North America’s Stonehenge. This mysterious stone wheel was laid thousands of years ago by Native Americans and is still a sacred site. The path up is steep, but the tranquil summit is worth it.
Get some rest and enjoy a meal at the historic Irma Hotel in Cody before continuing on your route.
Flickr / Kent Kanouse This 1900s era hotel was once the most elegant in the country! Now, it stands as a testament to Buffalo Bill and his worldwide legacy. Even if you choose to sleep elsewhere, be sure to visit for their delicious Prime Rib Buffet.
Onward! The next monument you’ll travel to is Independence Rock.
Flickr / Kevin Baird Independence Rock was a significant marker to travelers on the Oregon Trail. If the wagon trains made it here by July 4th, they had a chance to get through the Sawtooth Mountains before snow made their journey treacherous. Learn more about this timeless landmark here.
One days’ travel (via Wagon) from Independence Rock, you’ll find Devils Gate.
Flickr / Wayne Hsieh Devils Gate was too narrow for wagons to pass, so travelers had to take a detour. Many still stopped and carved their names into this pass, which serves as a bit of a register of the West. Luckily, it’s only about a 10 minute drive away nowadays.
Next up, head to the Upper Green River Rendezvous Site in Daniel.
Facebook / Upper Green River Rendezvous Site The annual Rocky Mountain Rendezvous was held here from 1825-1840. Trappers and mountain men sold their furs and replenished their supplies at the lively event! Trappers, Natives, and even European Travelers made their way to this celebration. Today, the nearby community of Pinedale hosts a similar celebration each July.
Your final stop is Fossil Butte, a National Monument dedicated to those here long before people walked the earth.
Flickr / Carole Jacobs-Carre This 7,500 foot high butte is 52 million years old, and a top destination for fossil hunters. Stop by the visitors center to see more than 300 fossils pulled from the area, including a 13 foot crocodile and the oldest articulated bat.
Are you planning to take a Wyoming Road Trip this year, or next? Start planning now and you’ll be able to catch the best of the Cowboy State! Be sure to share your favorite photos from your journey with Only In Your State, in our Wyoming Nature Lovers Facebook group!
Google Maps
Click HERE for an interactive map!
Facebook / Cheyenne Depot Musuem
The Cheyenne Union Pacific Depot is the last of the grand 19th century depots along the Transcontinental Railroad,. It was the most elegant station built by Union Pacific west of its Council Bluffs headquarters. Today, the station is preserved as museum, and there’s a great restaurant on site.Learn more about the museum here.
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr / Jerry and Pat Donahoe
No Historic Wyoming Road Trip would be complete without a visit to the country’s first National Monument. Devils Tower is a fascinating and sacred geologic wonder.Read more about this landmark and its legends here.
Flickr / Kevin Baird
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is North America’s Stonehenge. This mysterious stone wheel was laid thousands of years ago by Native Americans and is still a sacred site. The path up is steep, but the tranquil summit is worth it.
Flickr / Kent Kanouse
This 1900s era hotel was once the most elegant in the country! Now, it stands as a testament to Buffalo Bill and his worldwide legacy. Even if you choose to sleep elsewhere, be sure to visit for their delicious Prime Rib Buffet.
Independence Rock was a significant marker to travelers on the Oregon Trail. If the wagon trains made it here by July 4th, they had a chance to get through the Sawtooth Mountains before snow made their journey treacherous. Learn more about this timeless landmark here.
Flickr / Wayne Hsieh
Devils Gate was too narrow for wagons to pass, so travelers had to take a detour. Many still stopped and carved their names into this pass, which serves as a bit of a register of the West. Luckily, it’s only about a 10 minute drive away nowadays.
Facebook / Upper Green River Rendezvous Site
The annual Rocky Mountain Rendezvous was held here from 1825-1840. Trappers and mountain men sold their furs and replenished their supplies at the lively event! Trappers, Natives, and even European Travelers made their way to this celebration. Today, the nearby community of Pinedale hosts a similar celebration each July.
Flickr / Carole Jacobs-Carre
This 7,500 foot high butte is 52 million years old, and a top destination for fossil hunters. Stop by the visitors center to see more than 300 fossils pulled from the area, including a 13 foot crocodile and the oldest articulated bat.
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