Spend a week this fall exploring Southeastern Wyoming

Continue exploring local lore at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. A premier cultural and historical center, the museum features the most extensive collection of carriages west of the Mississippi and permanent exhibits on the history of Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and celebration of Western Heritage.

Take a break at Black Tooth Brewing Company in their relaxing yet vivacious tasting room. Enjoy a fresh pint from a wide range of Black Tooth brews and opt for lunch from the food truck—from Thai food to Pierogis, you never know what you’ll find here.

Finish your history tour at The Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility, the only accessible Peacekeeper Missile Alert Facility left in the world. Explore the history of the Cold War and delve into the daily lives of missileers, topside personnel, missile technology, the Cold War, and the deactivation of this missile system.

Treat yourself to an exceptional dinner at The Metropolitan Downtown. The Met serves innovative twists on comfortable classics, such as Italian bison sausage pasta, Thai kale, and arugula salad, and grilled cheese with a cup of spicy tomato bisque. 

Pack up your hotel and head for Laramie down Hwy. 210, known as Happy Jack Road. This scenic route is sure to dazzle with the fall foliage ablaze in color. Stop at the Bunkhouse Bar and Grill on your way to fuel up on American favorites like country fried steak or bunkhouse ribeye, or grab some sandwiches to go for a picnic at Curt Gowdy State Park. While you’re here, explore the hiking trails amongst the golden aspens. Keep your camera ready for pronghorn antelope and mule deer, not to mention the breathtaking autumn scenery. 

From there, take the gravel road to Vedauwoo (pronounced Vee-Duh-Voo) to see gravity-defying ancient rock formations as high as 500 feet. These enormous Sherman granite rocks offer breathtaking views from the top of these formations. You may even have the opportunity to see a moose while hiking in the area. From here, head toward I-80 to stop at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument to snap a selfie with the 13-foot sculpture of the 16th president of the United States on your way to Laramie.

Laramie offers many places to stay, including charming bed and breakfasts like the Mad Carpenter Inn with hand-sculpted ceilings and handcrafted trim or a dude ranch like the Vee Bar Guest Ranch. Rancher or trapper cabins are also available at Albany Lodge tucked into a canyon at the base of the Snowy Mountains.

After a long day, it’s time to indulge in a decadent dinner. The Altitude Chophouse & Brewery offers creative food selections and craft beers in one place. Try the cedar plank salmon, blackened pork medallions, or a brew burger with award-winning microbrews or a glass of wine.

Spend the day exploring downtown. Follow a map of the Laramie Mural Project to immerse yourself in Laramie culture through art. Drop in and out of shops that strike your fancy to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs of your western adventure. 

Make a stop at the UW campus and visit the University of Wyoming Geology Museum to view dinosaur bones before making your way to the Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the prison was built in 1872, housing violent and desperate outlaws (including the notorious Butch Cassidy) for 30 years.

End your last day in Laramie at Cask: 307 for tapas and wine on tap. Don’t overindulge! You’ll be heading down Hwy 130 bright and early to Centennial, Wyoming, to check into the Mountain View Historic Hotel & Café in Snowy Range. 

Wake up refreshed, pack a picnic lunch, and explore Medicine Bow National Forest. You’ll want to wander around to take pictures of the gorgeous fall colors of the willow, cottonwood, and aspen that envelop you. Keep a keen eye out for wildlife like beaver, moose, deer, and elk. 

Next head west on 130 to the Mirror Lake picnic area for lunch, where you might see moose and elk. Make a stop at Lake Marie for the perfect photos with the falls, its wide pond and small wooden footbridge before descending into the Platte Valley. On your way out of Medicine Bow National Forest, you’ll travel through the small community of Ryan Park, passing by the famous Brush Creek Ranch lodge and spa, a favorite for celebrities visiting Wyoming. 

Continue toward Riverside and Encampment, turning south on Hwy 230. At the T to Riverside and Encampment, continue south to check into your new accommodations. You’ll find many western-inspired lodging to choose from like the Cottonwood Cabins in Riverside or Platt’s Rustic Mountain Lodge and B&B in Encampment.

Highway 70, known as Battle Pass, is aflame in fall colors and ideal for a morning drive. Make sure to tour the Ghost Town of Battle where you’ll find a ruin, rest stop, and Continental Divide Trail. From here, head back to the Grand Encampment Museum and explore the rich collection of over a dozen historical buildings filled with artifacts representing the timber, mining, and agricultural history of the Encampment valley at the turn of the 20th century. Famished, you’ll want a hearty lunch at The DiVide in Encampment offering steaks, burgers, pizza, Italian fare, a salad bar, and more. 

Head back north along Hwy. 230 to Hwy. 130 to Saratoga. Saratoga has many delightful places to stay. Consider soaking away your cares in the healing waters of Saratoga’s natural mineral hot springs teepee-covered pools and 70’ hot pool at Saratoga Hot Springs Resort. History buffs will want to stay at the historic Hotel Wolf. This establishment first opened on New Year’s Eve in 1893 and is within walking distance to shopping and free natural hot springs.

After your great outdoor adventures, it’s time for a relaxing soak at the Hobo Hot Springs. The pool is free and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit Wyoming’s third oldest brewery, Snowy Mountain Brewery, and sample the lovingly crafted batches of beer made with water from the Snowy Range and the Sierra Madre Range. Whiskey fans will want to sample the unique whiskey selection at Firewater Public House. Dine like a cattle baron at the Hotel Wolf Restaurant, offering a wide selection of aged prime rib and hand-cut steaks. Kick back in their old-time saloon, complete with swinging doors and a pool table before retiring to your room.

Journey on to Rawlins and check into the hotel before exploring the award-winning downtown Main Street. You’ll find a variety of educational walking tours, including the Art Tour featuring 12 murals highlighting the history and natural beauty of south-central Wyoming. Weave in and out of the shops as you find treasures to remind you of your Wyoming vacation. For dinner, make it easy and grab a few slices of your favorite pie at Shogunz Pizzeria & Bar. 

Before heading home, you must visit The Wyoming Frontier Prison, offering guided tours, a new exhibit on the current Wyoming State Penitentiary, and the prison museum. Browse through the Old Pen Gift Shop and stroll the City of Rawlins walking path that leads to the old prison cemetery.