What is a Landmark?
From famous monuments and historical buildings, to geological formations and the rugged scenery of National Parks, Wyoming is full of both natural and man-made U.S. landmarks that aren’t to be missed. If you’re heading out west in your RV, be sure to check out some of the famous places that Wyoming has to offer.
What are Some Famous Landmarks in Wyoming?
- Yellowstone National Park
2. Grand Teton National Park
3. Buffalo Bill Center of the West
4. Independence Rock State Historic Site
5. Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
6. Devils Tower National Monument
7. Fort Laramie National Historical Site
8. Hot Spring State Park
9. Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site
10. Union Pacific Railroad Depot
Wyoming Landmarks
Here are 10 of the top Wyoming landmarks to check out on your next trip to this western state.
1. Yellowstone National Park
The very first National Park to be formed in the United States, Yellowstone National Park is a must see if you visit Wyoming. From viewing the iconic Old Faithful geyser, to hiking the many trails throughout the park, to the scenic drives which provide views of the Rockies, it’s worth a trip to see the beauty of this National Park.
Things to do near Yellowstone National Park:
One of great things about Yellowstone National Park is its proximity to Grand Teton National Park, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming where you can find skiing, shopping, and amazing food options. Need an RV to get you there? Here are some great RV rentals in the area — as well as the top 10 local campgrounds.
2. Grand Teton National Park
While Yellowstone may have Old Faithful, Grand Teton National Park offers visitors breathtaking mountain views, over 200 miles of hiking trails, and clear blue mountain lakes and streams where you can rent boats, fish, and raft. This wild and rugged land provides beautiful views and gives adventurers a greater appreciation of nature.
Things to do near Grand Teton National Park:
Located just down the road from Jackson Hole, WY, Grand Teton National Park is also close to Yellowstone National Park. It’s also not far at all from Bridger-Teton National Forest and Shoshone National Forest. Here are some great campgrounds in the area if you’re looking to stay near Jackson.
3. Buffalo Bill Center of the West
History lovers will enjoy the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY, which is a complex made up of five museums and a research library all dedicated to the history of the western United States. These museums include the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indians Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, and the Whitney Western Art Museum. There’s also a variety of western experiences visitors can enjoy such as museum tours, chuckwagon dinners, horseback rides.
Things to do near Buffalo Bill Center of the West:
Along with visiting Cody, Wyoming, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is located not too far from Yellowstone National Park, as well as Bighorn National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest. You can also explore Buffalo Bill State Park, which is right down the road. There are also several nearby campgrounds in Cody.
4. Independence Rock State Historic Site
Independence Rock is one of the most famous landmarks on the Oregon Trail. About 130 feet high, 1900 feet long, and 850 feet wide, this giant granite rock was a popular stopping place for pioneers traveling along the Oregon Trail. It became known as the Register of the Desert as members of the traveling wagon parties carved their names in the granite, marking that they had passed that way. Today, this landmark is part of the Independence Rock State Historic Site located near a rest area off Hwy 220 and can be accessed by a short trail leading to the rock.
Things to do near Independence Rock State Historic Site:
Independence Rock State Historical Site is a bit remote, with Casper, WY being the closest large city. Cheyenne, WY is located 3 hours away, and Yellowstone National Park is about a 5 hour drive northwest. Need an RV to get you there? Here are some great RV rentals in the area.
5. Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
The Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark is a sacred Native American site located in Bighorn National Forest. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a circular stone structure made from rocks and cairns about 80 feet in diameter. It’s one of the largest stone medicine wheels in North America and is still a sacred site used today. Those wishing to see the Medicine Wheel will also be able to enjoy Bighorn National Forest. The wheel is located down a 2-mile hike from the parking area and is closed during the winter months and during ceremonial use.
Things to do near Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark:
Since you’ll already be there, make sure to check out the rest of Bighorn National Forest for camping and hiking. Cody, Wyoming isn’t too far away, and Billings, Montana is only a few hours drive as well.
6. Devils Tower National Monument
In the northeastern part of the state, you’ll find the iconic Devils Tower National Monument. This towering stone was the first U.S. National Monument established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and provides excellent spots for hiking, wildlife sightings, and climbing. Devils Tower is also sacred site for many Native American Plains tribes and is known as Bears Lodge, in reference to the long parallel gouges down the side of the mountain that were made by giant bear claws in multiple Native American oral histories. One of the famous natural landmarks in the U.S., Devils Tower is not only incredible to view but a great place to learn about the local history of the area.
Things to do near Devils Tower National Monument:
After you’re done visiting Devils Tower National Monument, you can hop over the state line to South Dakota and visit Black Hills National Forest and Bear Butte State Park. Here are some great campgrounds to check out in that area if you need a place to park.
7. Fort Laramie National Historical Site
Another of the famous U.S. landmarks on the Oregon Trail, Fort Laramie was a 19th century outpost and military garrison that played a large role in the region’s history of westward expansion. From fur trading with local Native American tribes to a stopping place for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails, to a military outpost in conflicts with the Northern Plains Tribes, Fort Laramie has seen its share of history. Today visitors can see and learn about the past by visiting the buildings and ruins at the historical site and learn about life during the 1800s.
Things to do near Fort Laramie National Historical Site:
If you’re an Oregon Trail history buff, you can also visit Guernsey State Park and the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site to view preserved wagon ruts from the Oregon Trail, located nearby. You’re also a short drive away from Cheyenne, WY to the south or Glendo State Park to the north. Need an RV to get you there? Here are some great RV rentals in the area.
8. Hot Spring State Park
Located in Thermopolis, Wyoming, Hot Spring State Park is home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs. The main attraction is the Big Spring, which feeds the other hot springs where you can soak. It’s free to enter the state park and soak in the State Bath House with its indoor and outdoor soaking pools, although the other hot springs have entry fees. The state park also has picnic areas, a suspension bridge over the Big Horn River, and its own bison herd. It’s the perfect place to have lunch and soak away your stress in the mineral rich waters.
Things to do near Hot Spring State Park:
There’s plenty to explore in Thermopolis, including the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and the Hot Springs Historical Museum. You’re also about a 3 hour drive from Grand Teton National Park.
9. Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site
To round out an Oregon Trail history tour, stop by the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site to see the tracks left by actual covered wagons. The ruts are 5 feet deep and were cut into solid rock as the wagon trains crossed through Wyoming during the 1800s. Pair this landmark with Fort Laramie and Independence Rock, and you can follow the footsteps (or wagon wheel tracks) of the pioneers making their way west.
Things to do near the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site:
Guernsey State Park is right around the corner from the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site, and Fort Laramie is a short drive away. Glendo State Park is also a fun place to visit to the north, or you can head south to Cheyenne, WY to stop by the….
10. Union Pacific Railroad Depot
The old Union Pacific Railroad Depot in Cheyenne is the last of the impressive Transcontinental Railroad stations built in the 19th century. This famous building is now a National Historic Landmark and contains the Cheyenne Depot Museum. The museum tells the history of the station, the railroad, and features a giant model railroad town.
Things to do near Union Pacific Railroad Depot:
There’s all sorts of places to explore in Cheyenne, WY, but you’re also a short drive from Fort Collins, Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Planning an RV Trip to Wyoming
Wyoming is a historic and rugged destination with so much to offer, including a breathtaking array of natural spaces and remnants of the old west. And we’ve got plenty of info to help you enjoy your trip even more!
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Wyoming, as well as all the national parks in the country. And, of course, we always have your back when it comes to the best campgrounds and RV rentals. Now it’s time to get out and explore!
