Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Wyoming
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Lisa Sammons
Author
The Cowboy State is an incredible place, and come June, many of us are on the hunt for fun things to do in Wyoming in summer. There are so many great Wyoming summer activities that it can be a bit overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Whether you’re heading out with the whole family in tow, want a fun outing for you and a few friends, or you’re traveling solo, there’s plenty to entertain you here. Check out a few of our favorite things to do in Wyoming in summer:
Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Wyoming
The kids are out of school and it’s the perfect season for a summer vacation. From quick day trips to extended vacations, there’s so much to enjoy here! We’re lucky enough to have plenty of wonderful trips in Wyoming, and there’s no better time to get out and explore.
1. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
There's not much we can say about Grand Teton National Park that hasn't been said before. This is an absolutely magical place that belongs on every traveler's bucket list, and it's not just one of the best Wyoming summer activities - it's one of the best summer activities for anyone in the country. There are more than 300,000 acres here, and the pristine land is full of trails, wildlife, lakes, and waterfalls. It's an indescribably beautiful area no matter the season, but summer brings an even wider variety of experiences, since you can go paddling, rock climbing, and more.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, United States
Perhaps the only place in the state more beautiful than the first park on our list is the incomparable Yellowstone National Park. It's famous all over the world for its incredible beauty, and from hiking to kayaking, you can find virtually limitless activities to enjoy here. Summer is a particularly amazing time to visit this amazing national park thanks to all the fun water activities and the multitude of tours that are available. If you don't feel up for planning an epic adventure through the park, check out the guided tours available through Viator - they'll allow all the fun with none of the work!
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3. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, WY 83025, USA
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Best Beaches In Wyoming To Visit This Summer
We may be a landlocked state, but there’s no shortage of great lakes in Wyoming that provide fun on the water. Beautiful beaches abound here, and it’s the season to get out and explore! Whether you love recreational opportunities on the water or just like to chill out on the shoreline, there’s plenty to enjoy at these great Wyoming beaches.
4. Sandy Beach (Fremont Lake)
Sandy Beach at Fremont Lake, Forest Rd 749, Pinedale, WY 82941, USA
This freshwater lake in the Bridger-Teton National Forest features incredibly clear water that's absolutely stunning. Views of the mountains make this place look straight off of a postcard. The water is pretty shallow along the shoreline and suitable for kayaks and canoes. It's a great place to settle down for a picnic. Note that the water here is extremely cold, so be prepared before leaping in for a swim!
5. Boysen State Park Swim Beach
Boysen State Park, 120 Boysen Dr, Shoshoni, WY 82649, USA
Boysen State Park is right along the Boysen Reservoir, in the dead center of Wyoming. It's a sprawling 35,000-acre park that's quite underrated, and you'll find a ton to do here. One of our favorite things to do in the summertime is visit the Boysen State Park beach. Whether you're looking to enjoy a bit of swimming or head out boating on the reservoir, this is a beautiful area. It's also a great place for fishing, with walleye, crappie, largemouth bass, and plenty of other species all residing within the reservoir.
6. Guernsey State Park
Guernsey State Park, 2187 Lake Side Dr, Guernsey, WY 82214, USA
Guernsey State Park is a pretty cool destination - it's even home to a medieval-looking castle. The campgrounds here are wonderful, making it an excellent place to spend the night in nature. However, if you're visiting in the summertime, the sandy beach should definitely be at the top of your to-do list. The manmade reservoir is a popular spot for boating and fishing, and it's perfect for swimming. The miles of trails here all provide great views of the surrounding rocky landscape.
Parks To Visit In Wyoming This Summer
Wyoming is home to 10 National Park Service-managed sites, plus we have another 12 state parks. Each is certainly worthy of a visit. These designations aren’t freely handed out, after all: to receive a label as a state park or national park, a site has to have natural beauty, historical importance, and recreational opportunities. All of these places are quite amazing and perfect for summertime fun!
7. Glendo State Park
Glendo State Park, 397 Glendo Park Rd, Glendo, WY 82213, USA
Glendo State Park is a beautiful place, and it's easy to see why it's so popular. There are nearly 50 miles of trails here, plus it's home to the reservoir that shares its name. Glendo Reservoir is a great place for fishing, boating, and swimming. Most impressively, there are 550 campsites here! It's one of the best places for camping in Wyoming in summer, and the multitude of activities means you'll have a great time whether you stay just one night or a whole week.
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8. Bighorn National Forest
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming 82834, USA
National parks have a tendency to get all the attention, but you do not want to miss out on our beautiful national forests, too. Bighorn National Forest spreads over hundreds of thousands of acres, and it's got 1,200 miles of trails, incredibly diverse scenery, and plenty of opportunities for recreation. There are some really beautiful lakes within the Bighorn National Forest, and it's a remote area where you'll feel completely at peace and away from your worries. This is some of the most undeveloped land in the entire country, and it's definitely worthy of a visit at any time of year. However, it's especially lovely when the summer wildflowers are in bloom and you can enjoy time at the lakes.
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9. Keyhole State Park
Keyhole State Park, 22 Marina Rd, Moorcroft, WY 82721, USA
Keyhole State Park is one of our favorite state parks in Wyoming, and the easy access to the magnificent Keyhole Reservoir makes it one of our favorite things to do with kids in Wyoming in summer. The beach here is wonderful, with bright blue water surrounded by gorgeous landscapes that will have you forgetting you're in a land-locked state. The park is open year round, but amenities like camping, fishing, and boating (not to mention that beach!) will have you especially grateful for a summer visit.
Best Free Summer Activities In Wyoming
Times are tough, especially if you have a large family. It can be tough to afford a lavish trip or expensive outing. Luckily, you don’t have to have a big budget to have fun in the Cowboy State. There are plenty of free things to do in Wyoming in summer that will allow you to have a great time for nothing more than the cost of gas.
10. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, 710 S Lions Park Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001, USA
Many only think to visit botanical gardens in the springtime, but these are wonderful attractions that often have something going on all year round. The Cheyenne Botanic Garden is one of the most stunning sites in all of Wyoming, and there are seasonal plants blooming throughout the warm months. You'll find both native and imported fauna here. The outdoor gardens are perfect for a stroll on a warm day, and you can always head inside the Conservatory if you need some time indoors. The Children's Village is a kid-friendly area with tons of interactive exhibits. This is one of our favorite things to do with kids in Wyoming in the summer thanks to the variety of activities available.
11. Jackson Town Square
Jackson Town Square, 10 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
Jackson's town square is the heart and soul of this beautiful town. It's a lovely park that's world famous for its elk antler arches, but there's plenty more to see here besides those. The square is surrounded by local businesses, restaurants, and galleries, and you can easily make an entire day trip of a visit here. Throughout the summer, various events and farmers markets take place in the square, and there are all kinds of family-friendly activities. Of course, there's nothing like an al fresco picnic in the park, too - it's one of our favorite romantic things to do in Wyoming in summer!
12. Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, 1 Teton Park Rd, Moose, WY 83012, USA
There's so much to do in Grand Teton National Park that it's easy to get overwhelmed, but one spot you don't want to miss out on is the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. This unique visitor center features outdoor sculptures, and once you head inside, you'll find even more to discover. Important information about weather conditions within the park is helpfully posted right by the entrance, and the center is filled with artwork and sculptures. Park rangers provide educational demonstrations and are available to answer all your questions. During the warm summer months, it's a great place to briefly get out of the heat and into the AC on a visit to Grand Teton National Park!
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Wyoming
There are events and festivals in Wyoming throughout the year, celebrating the seasons as they change, our western heritage and history, and just the general fun about life in our state. Summertime brings a whole slew of seasonal festivals – check out a few of our favorites:
13. Laramie Downtown Farmers Market
Laramie, WY, USA
The Laramie Farmers Market is a great opportunity for residents of Laramie and its suburbs to support local producers. You can find the freshest Wyoming-grown produce here, plus an array of crafts, cocktails, art, and even to-go meals! This is one of the best farmers markets in Wyoming and it's a perfect place to shop small.
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14. Green River Rendezvous
Pinedale, WY 82941, USA
The Green River Rendezvous is one of the most unique festivals in Wyoming. It's held annually each July and is a reenactment of the original event, which took place in the 1830s. The festival honors the mountain men, trappers, and Native Americans that gathered here to barter items with one another.
15. Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne Frontier Days, 4610 Carey Avenue, 1210 W 8th Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001, USA
It doesn't get much bigger or more Western than the Cheyenne Frontier Days. This summer rodeo has been celebrated since 1897. It's one of the largest rodeos in North America, and the event has evolved to include major music acts, an old frontier town, a chuck wagon cookoff, a carnival, bull riding shows, and multiple parades. This is one family-friendly event you don't want to miss!
Wow! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a road trip this summer! Share your summer plans in the comments!
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