Mountains and plains on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway

Cheyenne is home to the world's largest outdoor rodeo, Frontier Days, which takes place at the end of July. But, you can experience the fun and excitement year-round at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. The Frontier Days celebration dates back to 1897, so there's a ton of rich history surrounding the event that the museum has preserved. As well as displaying an impressive collection of Western art, the museum also houses one of the nation's largest collections of historic horse-drawn carriages and wagons. It really captures the romance, thrills, and drama of the rodeo⁠—even if you don't get to experience it all firsthand.

Curt Gowdy State Park is probably the crown jewel of Wyoming's state park system. Spread across its 5.3-mile area are three reservoirs, rolling hills, prairies, and sharp granite cliffs that make up the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. Granite Springs is the largest reservoir with the best boating and rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing; Crystal is the smallest and has shoreline fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon; and North Crow is the least crowded, with more fishing opportunities. In addition to the activities on the water, the park contains 35 miles of trails, ideal for not only hiking, but also biking, and horseback riding.

Cruise into Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests for a ride on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway is open between Memorial Day (or thereabouts) and mid-November. Please be advised that the byway is usually closed outside of this period when snow makes the roads impassable. But when the route is clear, it's absolutely breathtaking. Today, it's seen as a scenic alternative to I-80, but its history predates the interstate. The Plains Indians and their ancestors called the area now protected by the forests home, and the route itself started as an 1870s-era wagon road. It was widened in the 1920s, paved in the 1930s, and had the distinction of being named America's second Scenic Byway in 1988. The byway goes from low prairie to high-altitude alpine forests, showing off some incredible wildlife and scenery along the way, and offering a taste of everything the Rockies have to offer. Make sure to stop at the Snowy Range Observation Point to soak up the beauty.

Step back in time at Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site. It was established in 1868, but since its main purpose was to guard the construction of the transcontinental railroad against attacks from Native Americans, it was only occupied until 1886. Despite its short lifespan, the fort played a huge industrial and cultural role in this vital section of the American West. Although few buildings and structures remain, it is still well worth a visit. Plus, it allows visitors to experience a real-life ghost town, arguably another emblem of the American West. There are plenty of interpretive signs to help bring to life what's left of the once-bustling hub.