Casper, WY

Casper – The Friendly Town

Set in a valley created by the meeting of the Laramie Mountains and North Platte River, Casper is home on the eastern side of the frontier state of Wyoming. Casper is a city that is growing and because of this, it ambiguously blends the line between urban sophistication and the untouched beauty of the west. Being connected with its environment, Casper’s residents and visitors take advantage of the numerous opportunities for world-class outdoor adventure. It’s the perfect place to set off on a mountain biking trip through its rolling hills or on an afternoon fishing for trout on the North Platte River. Downtown Casper, while a relatively sleepy town, still has lots to fit into a weekend. It is filled with western style shops and restaurants, historical museums and very friendly people. Art aficionados will love the Nicolaysen Art Museum, one of the few contemporary art museums in the state, with a focus away from the sometimes-repetitive “frontier” theme often seen across Wyoming.

Because of Casper’s history as a place of ranching and cowboy culture, the warmer months see some of the best bull riding in the U.S. In June is the College National Finals Rodeo and July has the Central Wyoming Central Fair and Rodeo. August is the Beartrap Summer Festival that transforms the Casper Mountain meadows and woods into a country music lover’s paradise with headliners like Joan Osborne and Wynonna Judd as well as burgeoning local artists and performers. To truly get away from it all, hopping in the car and heading to Thunder Basin National Grassland is an absolute must. Completely undeveloped and pristine, Thunder Basin provides game hunting, fly-fishing, hiking and off-the-grid rustic camping. Although Casper does have great lodging available from major brand hotels, is unique to really experience Wyoming is by staying at one of the area’s guest ranches. They allow visitors to experience a luxurious version of the Old West, complete with horseback riding, target shooting and gourmet campfire barbecues.