Located in central/eastern Wyoming on I-25, Casper, Wyoming’s second city, is a worthwhile destination in its own right and very popular with tourists year-round. The town is loaded with Western history and culture, shopping and entertainment, and excellent opportunities to immerse oneself in the outdoors.
Casper is located right at the foot of the Laramie Mountain Range on the North Platte River and stretches back to the mid-1800s, to the Mormon trails days. Visitors can seek out these historic trails or kick back and enjoy everything the town has to offer.
There’s plenty of fine art and world-class museums here for those so inclined, while national retail chains, family-run outlets and plentiful antique stores will keep shoppers happy.
Highlights
Nicolaysen Art Museum: features a large offering of contemporary art of the Rocky Mountains.
Wyoming Science Adventure Center: located inside the Nicolaysen Art Museum (3rd floor), the science center features many interesting interactive science exhibits.
Casper Planetarium: located on Poplar Street, the planetarium teaches kids and adults about star constellations and the life and death of a star under a simulated night sky.
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center: is an excellent museum covering the westward trails, including the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express routes.
Historic Trails West: travel along the original Mormon and Oregon trails aboard a wagon train, or ride a horse as American Indian warrior.
Independence Rock: the ‘Register of the Desert’ was on the Oregon Trail and features the carved names of riders of yesteryear; head south on Highway 220.