Most people are familiar with what the western side of the Cowboy State has to offer. Between Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks and the awesome skiing and touristy things to do in Jackson Hole, there's plenty to keep you busy and happy without ever going any further east than the Shoshone National Forest. If that's how you've experienced Wyoming, you've certainly had an amazing time, but there's so much you're missing out on in the rest of the state. In fact, here are 10 overlooked treasures that make a trip to eastern Wyoming more than worth it.
1. Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, 100 Fort Street, Buffalo
In 1900, Jim Gatchell opened a pharmacy in Buffalo. It was a popular stop for many in the area such as settlers, ranchers, cowboys, and Indians. Over the years, the well-liked pharmacist received numerous gifts from his customers including buggies and wagons, rifles and other firearms of the day, and loads of Native American artifacts. After Jim passed away, the family donated his collection to Johnson County, and the museum was built to house and display it all.
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2. Ponderosa Café and Bar, 115 Main Street, Hulett
Yes, the Ponderosa looks like a small-town diner, but it's the place to go for a gourmet meal when you're in Hulett or the vicinity. It's less than 10 miles from Devil's Tower, so it's a great place to stop for exceptional meals in the dining room from the distinctive seasonal menu or even top-of-the-line bar food favorites in the saloon.
As one of the first theaters in Wyoming, the Wyo is a historic place that also happens to offer first-class entertainment. Where else in Wyoming can you experience The Met in high definition, or enjoy fabulous live music and plays? With a vision to be a significant performing arts center for the region, the Wyo more than meets its goal.
4. Don King Museum, 184 North Main Street, Sheridan
Touring Don King's Saddlery is an attraction all its own. It's a veritable warehouse filled with handcrafted saddles, hats, tack, and more. The saddlery is only the tip of the iceberg, however. Just off the rope shop is a massive museum that houses more than 30 years of memorabilia collected by the King family. From saddles to wagons, guns to artwork, and a number of Indian artifacts thrown in for good measure, it's easy to spend hours at this eastern Wyoming spot.
This 1,000-acre historic fort includes two battle sites that were central to Red Cloud's War in the late 1860s. On the tour, visitors can view historic landmarks, archeological artifacts, and specific locations of combat lines. There's more than enough interesting things at the fort to keep you busy for hours including a bookstore, videos, interpretive exhibits, and a wildlife habitat, too.
6. Cook Lake Campground, Black Hills National Forest
A large section of the Black Hills National Forest is in Wyoming, and the Cook Lake Recreation Area in our neck of the woods is delightful. It's the perfect place for camping on the eastern side of the state and offers opportunities for various water sports and other outdoor activities, as well, including hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Take a look and see:
7. Trail End State Historic Site, 400 Clarendon Avenue, Sheridan
Once the home of the Kendrick family in the early 1900s, this over 13,700 square foot mansion is now a museum. The original Kendrick, John B., served as a governor of Wyoming and as a U.S. Senator. Considering the family's affluence, a tour of this museum offers a different than usual glimpse of life in the early days of the Cowboy State and is an excellent opportunity to see how the other half lived.
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8. Campbell County Rockpile Museum, 900 West 2nd Street, Gillette
Built around a famous and historic pile of rocks, you'll learn everything you've ever wanted to know and more about local and regional history at this museum. The rockpile is where the first settlers in the area centered their claims, and it served as a landmark to travelers, signifying that they'd arrived in Gillette. In addition to viewing exhibits filled with fossils, Native American artifacts, wagons, rifles, and other Old West memorabilia, there are interactive events for visitors including a dress-up activity for kids.
9. Hoofprints of the Past, 344 Nolan Avenue, Kaycee
The Kaycee area is rich in cultural heritage, and it all comes together at Hoofprints of the Past. Western events in the area including the Outlaw Era, the cattle boom, the Johnson County War, the Dull Knife Battle and more are shared with visitors in the exhibits displayed throughout the museum. A post office, mercantile, school house, and blacksmith's shop are just a few of the fascinating historic, artifact-filled displays you'll see here.
10. Aladdin General Store, 3983 Highway 24, Aladdin
There are only five 19th-century mercantiles still left in Wyoming, and Aladdin has one of them. Operating as a general store since 1896, everything about it is original from the windows and cabinetry to what's left of the wallpaper peeling off the walls in the upstairs antiques attic. That's not to say that the inventory isn't new, though the same types of goods are still sold at this general store including clothing, fishing supplies, hardware, groceries, and beer.
What must-see spots in eastern Wyoming are your favorites?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
With a state as rugged and vast as Wyoming, hidden gems can be found around every corner, whether you're looking for a quiet hike sans the crowds, a one-of-a-kind roadside stop, or a scenic overlook that feels like the whole world is yours to explore. Hand-picked for families, history buffs, and solo travelers alike, when you stumble upon these off-the-beaten-path, overlooked hidden gems in Wyoming, you'll discover a whole world of new reasons to fall in love with the beauty and history of the Cowboy State!
Talk about a literal hidden gem! Wyoming's Periodic Intermittent Spring is aptly named — this one-of-a-kind waterfall and spring appears and reappears on a cycle, much like the geysers of Yellowstone. Every 18 minutes, visitors will see water start to bubble up and appear seemingly out of nowhere, cascade down a rock face, and just as quickly disappear. The spring takes a 1.5-mile hike to reach but is definitely worth it.
It's perhaps no secret to long-time residents that Wyoming is jam-packed with prehistoric remnants, from dinosaur bones to ancient marine fossils to native artifacts. Yet somehow, this small-town hidden gem has gotten lost in the shuffle! Just a short stroll away from a nearby rest stop, the Pine Bluffs "Windows On The Past" Archaeology Site is an actual archaeology dig that has a museum built on top of it. Mammoth bones, arrowheads, and other ancient remains are just the start of what you'll discover here - you'll also find a pretty nature trail on site to stretch your legs.
The Snowy Range Scenic Byway is a stunning drive that should be on every Wyomingite's bucket list. Tucked off to the side, a castle-like structure beckons travelers to pull over and provides views south to Rocky Mountain National Park, west toward Medicine Bow Peak, the Sierra Madre Mountains, and Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area, and east toward the Laramie Mountains. This is true 360-degree beauty!
Of all the ghost towns in Wyoming, there are a few that seem to get the most attention. Others, like Jeffrey City, get overlooked. Unlike the mining camps of the late 1800s, Jeffrey City is a recent ghost town - and technically, only a semi-ghost town at that. Jeffrey City was a booming little town in the 1950s with the discovery of uranium Gas Hills. Not long after, though, the Atomic Age took over and the industry collapsed seemingly overnight, as did most of the townsfolk. Today, this living ghost town isn't entirely empty, but its unique remnants of the past make it one of the coolest places to visit on a Wyoming ghost town adventure.
Just when you think you've seen everything Yellowstone has to offer, even more fantastic surprises pop up! Moose Falls is created by Crawfish Creek, and while it only drops 30 feet (a diminutive cascade in comparison to the others found in the park!), Moose Falls certainly boasts one of the prettiest settings. And ... it's heated.
Beck Lake in Cody may not be a secret to locals, but it deserves some extra recognition! This beautiful body of water is a stunner in every season. And what perhaps makes it extra special is it provides frontage to Beck Lake Park AND the Beck Lake Park Bike Trails, meaning it's a one-stop shop for both recreation and beauty.
Tucked away in central Wyoming, Castle Gardens is a unique natural wonder and historic site in one. Beautiful sandstone sculptures, carved by Mother Nature herself, fill the landscape, and visitors are welcome to explore and awaken their imagination via the crushed gravel nature trail. But that's not all here! The area holds a treasure trove of historic Native American rock art (or petroglyphs), specifically in the Shield Style.
Up to 13,000 feet of classic cars, neon, and vintage Americana awaits visitors at Gillette's Frontier Relics and Auto Museum! Guests will find photo ops galore, a gift shop, and incredible displays of antiques. This hidden gem in Wyoming is certainly worth a drive to visit, no matter which corner of the state you're coming from!
9. Western Wyoming Community College, Rock Springs
As previously mentioned, Wyoming is pretty big on dinosaurs! But perhaps no place is bigger on them than Western Wyoming Community College where FIVE life-sized dinos are on display. Believe it or not, you won't find that at any of our state's other museums, or even on Wyoming's official (or unofficial) dinosaur trail. Pop on by for a cool, non-touristy thing to do and a taste of Wyoming's ancient past.
The Brinton Museum, located in Big Horn country, offers a unique peek into the life of Western art collector, Bradford Brinton. This beautifully curated museum is surprisingly overlooked given how phenomenal it is, and visitors of all ages and abilities will find displays to ogle over. The grounds and scenery are just as gorgeous too, and visitors can even dine at the on-site, garden-to-table café after perusing the three floors of indigenous artifacts, artwork, and beautifully presented modern pieces.
There is no shortage of phenomenal hikes in Wyoming, from backcountry trails to grueling peak summits to leisurely strolls through Wyoming's rolling, untouched landscapes. The Soldier Ridge Trail near Sheridan is the latter - and wildly overlooked! But while you certainly won't find yourself 14,000 feet above sea level, you WILL feel like you're on top of the world.
The Cowboy State is packed with one-of-a-kind natural wonders, historical sites, and small-town secrets, all of which are worth a visit! Of course, it'll take a lifetime to explore all of Wyoming's hidden gems, so be sure to start ASAP!
If you have any favorite small businesses or off-the-beaten path spots that deserve some love and attention, let us know.
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Depending on where you live in the Cowboy State, some of the coolest hidden gems in Wyoming are actually just local secrets - like this national monument tucked away in our state's SW corner. Of course, you can always hit up Wyoming's hotspots too!
