Secrets Around Yellowstone, from Ghost Towns to Fly Fishing

Old Trail Town, where Buffalo Bill Cody originally laid out the town of Cody, is a ghost town untouched by time. Tour living history by walking through several genuine Old West buildings, including the original cabins used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. You'll see rare Native American artifacts and even step foot inside the very same saloon where Cassidy’s “Hole-in-the-Wall Gang” used to hide out.

This surprisingly beautiful reservoir is one of Wyoming's most interesting hidden gems. The Buffalo Bill Dam, known formerly as the Shoshone Dam, is an engineering marvel tucked away on the side the mountain canyon. Hop in an electric buggy for a tour that brings you right up to the dam, and learn about its construction and storied life in a fun and interactive way.

The best part? The tour is free!

Considered by many to be the highlight of the whole park, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has to be seen to be believed. The drive offers astounding views of the rugged cliffs and rushing waterfalls, and if you time it just right, you'll catch sight of the iconic rainbow featured in so many of the canyon's stunning photographs. Bonus: The Yellowstone River and Yellowstone Lake above the falls have some pretty awesome fly fishing, especially during the salmonfly hatch in mid-July.

Fish aren't the only wildlife worth discovering in the Yellowstone region! With a drive through Lamar Valley, you can get in touch with nature without leaving your car. Foxes, bear, and herds of bison and elk are all common sights on this scenic route, but be prepared to take your time: The bison have a habit of causing some amusing traffic jams.

Want the best experience? Visit early in the morning when you'll beat traffic and get a better chance at seeing the animals.

No visit to Wyoming is complete without a visit to the Mammoth Hot Springs. These otherworldly springs are crazy hot (which means no swimming), but can be experienced from winding boardwalks that wrap around the park.

It gets pretty warm, but here's a tip: The visitor's center serves ice cream to help you cool off.

Our Lady of The Rockies is an incredible 90-foot statue that sits atop the Continental Divide overlooking Butte, Montana.

The second-tallest statue in the United States (after The Statue of Liberty), the massive likeness of the Virgin Mary even has a secret entrance that you can peek inside, but be prepared to be moved: The walls are covered in letters and mementos left by visitors in memory of their loved ones.

For a really interesting experience, head 18 miles east of Butte and visit Montana's Ringing Rocks, which are exactly what they sound like.

The rocks in this strange geologic area let out a mysterious chime when tapped lightly with a hammer. No one is sure exactly why, but if a boulder is removed from the pile, it doesn't ring anymore!

Make sure to bring your own hammer.

The great thing about a trip to Norris Hot Springs is that it feels like you're visiting a world-class spa, but without the world-class prices. A dip in the hot springs will only cost you $7.

Every night, the rich mineral water is pumped into the pools, only to be recycled back into the environment later that evening, which is good for you... and the environment.

Hidden inside the Mormon Row Historic District of Grand Teton National Park, the T.A. Moulton Barn is an iconic landmark that you've probably seen before, even if you don't remember where.

Set against a backdrop of blue mountains, herds of wild bison, and grassy valleys, this rustic building is, literally, the most photographed barn in America. When you see the view, you'll understand why.

Built as part of a larger farm between 1912 and 1945, the T.A. Moulton Barn is now frozen in time as the last remaining building from the Moulton family homestead.

One of the most beloved portions of Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake offers a slew of activities that range from action-packed extreme sports to low-impact wildlife observation hikes.

Jenny Lake is also a fantastic place for fly fishing. There's a boat dock at the south end of the lake (make sure you get a permit from Teton Park), but if you're more of a boots-on-the-ground angler, there's some great trails circling the lake that provide access to the water.

Expect to find both cutthroat and lake trout.

Jackson Lake offers fantastic fishing and boating, and a variety of fun activities that make it a perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors. And its beach is ranked among the best park beaches in America. Rent a boat and set off to catch some cutthroat, lake trout, or brown trout!

Old Faithful is an iconic American landmark that's been inspiring awe since it was discovered in 1870, and it's just as incredible today as it was more than a century ago.

Easily the most recognized, celebrated, and studied geyser in the world, Old Faithful, true to its name, erupts every hour and a half to the delight of onlookers who've come far and wide to catch a glimpse of its dramatic spout.

Show up when they open the park at 8:00 a.m.—you'll beat the crowds and get a classic photo op.

One of several rivers in Yellowstone National Park, Firehole River has a pretty unique feature: It's naturally heated by the nearby hot springs, making it almost 20 degrees warmer than other rivers!

Surprisingly, its heat also makes it a pretty great fishing spot, earning it the title of "strangest trout stream on Earth." Don't be surprised if you see large billows of steam rolling out of the waters as you reel in a big one.

Located just six miles from the western entrance to Yellowstone, Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA not only offers the quiet location, friendly staff, and big camping lots you've come to expect, but also features a few more fun amenities such as an espresso stand, mini golf, an indoor pool, and a fudge shop!

It's a popular place to stay, but there's tons of room and everything is kept clean and orderly, making it a relaxing stop on your fishing trip. Pro tip: cook your daily catch over a campfire if you're not in the mood for their nightly BBQ dinner.

As the only major falls in Idaho not used for irrigation or hydroelectric projects, Both Upper and Lower Mesa Falls has been painstakingly preserved to maintain its spectacular sights and sounds.

You can access both falls easily via well-maintained paths and viewing areas, each of which offers stunning views of the natural wonders.

Make sure to bring your fishing gear, because you'll find tons of trout in the stretches of the Snake River above and below the falls.

Be sure to pop in to the lovingly restored Mesa Falls Lodge while you're there.