Travel the USA (Visit Wyoming)

It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all fifty states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 50^th to visit is none other than Wyoming, abbreviated WY. Regardless of the order in which you explore them, the Cowboy State is worth exploring.

Visit state # 50

Wyoming is a trapezoid-shaped landlocked state in the Mountain Division of the western US mainland. It is bordered by Montana to the north and northwest, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Idaho to the west, Utah to the southwest, and Colorado to the south. Wyoming is the least populated of the US states. It is known for its striking landscape and is famous for its national parks, wild west history, and Aboriginal folklore and culture. The US gained the southwest region of Wyoming from Great Britain in 1846. Statehood was granted in 1890, making it the 44^th state.

The Cowboy State features one of the world’s largest intact temperature-zone ecosystems. This includes Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Grand Teton, in northwest Wyoming, is an extraordinary place featuring an abundance of wildlife, pristine lakes, rivers, forests, alpine terrain and more. It encompasses the Teton mountain range, a 4,000-meter Grand Teton peak, and Jackson Hole valley. Visitors are attracted to the park to observe its natural beauty, and to participate in mountaineering, hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, wildlife watching, boating, biking, and more. Wintertime is ideal for skiing, snowshoeing and other cold weather activities. Scenic drives in the region offer opportunities for photography and observing spectacular views. Yellowstone is a separate park that attracts visitors to witness its unique hydrothermal and geologic features. In 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park. The park consists of 2.2 million acres and the land features active geysers such as Old Faithful and wonders like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone River. Whether you come to play in the snow or observe winter ecology, or you prefer to connect to the land in warmer weather, a trip to the park is most memorable.

In addition to its magnificent parks, Wyoming offers many great cultural activities. Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a specialty museum located in Cody. Here, visitors can see an extensive collection of artifacts and information about the nation’s westward expansion. The center features five museums, each focusing on a different aspect of the American West to include Native Americans of the Plains, the environment, and firearms. Regional artwork is also on display and folks can take advantage of special lectures that focus on western traditions and take guided tours. The National Museum of Wildlife Art, in Jackson, is also a worthy place to visit. Come see bronze statues and an abundant collection of wildlife art that showcase animals in paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more. Half of the museum is a permanent exhibit and temporary exhibits make up the other half, enticing visitors to return to see new and exciting displays. Jackson is a picturesque town in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley and is home to three ski areas. It is surrounded by snowcapped peaks of the Grand Teton Range and the Gros Ventre Range and is considered to be a premium tourist area featuring immense recreational activities.

Wyoming is often called a natural wonderland because of its stunning national parks. Plus, there are a dozen state parks, five national forests, four wildlife refuges and more. Scattered throughout the state are charming towns rich in culture, history, and comforting amenities. Whether you head to the Cowboy State to embark on physical adventures in nature, or simply wish to kick back and relax someplace peaceful, Wyoming has it all.