From famous monuments and historical buildings, to geological formations and the rugged scenery of National Parks, there are tons of amazing Wyoming landmarks that are worth seeing. Of course, the best way to see these is by road tripping and the best way to road trip is in an RV.
Planning to go camping in Wyoming soon? Here are the top 10 Wyoming landmarks that should be part of your itinerary.
Top Landmarks in Wyoming
Wyoming Landmarks
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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
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.
There are tons of places to camp near this national park. That said, we recommend camping in Yellowstone itself if at all possible.
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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
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.
Again, we highly recommend camping in the national park if you can. It really enhances the overall experience.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
History lovers will enjoy the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY. This 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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
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.
Ponderosa Campground is one of our favorite places to stay in Cody and gives you easy access to all the area has to offer.
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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Independence Rock State Historical Site is a bit remote, with Casper being the closest large city. Things to do in Casper include checking out the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center as well as the Tate Geological Museum.
Cottonwood Campground is a good choice for camping near Independence Rock. The fee is low and the scenery is gorgeous.
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.
Note that the wheel is located down a 2-mile hike from the parking area and is closed during the winter months and during ceremonial use.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
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 offers attractions such as Old Trail Town.
Bald Mountain Campground is super closeby and offers a lovely escape into nature with some beautiful views.
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 and provides excellent spots for hiking, wildlife sightings, and climbing.
Devils Tower is also a sacred site for many Native American Plains tribes and is known as Bears Lodge. This is 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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
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.
Wondering where to park the RV? Try Belle Fourche River Campground, which is run by the NPS and located on the grounds of the national monument.
Fort Laramie National Historic 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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
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.
Chuckwagon RV Park is just two miles from the historic site and is a wonderful place to call home for a few days.
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 Bighorn River, and its own bison herd. It’s the perfect place to have lunch and soak away your stress in the mineral rich waters.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There’s plenty to explore in Thermopolis, including the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and the Hot Springs Historical Museum.
As far as camping goes, Eagle RV Park is nearby and offers excellent accommodations for RVers.
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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Guernsey State Park is right around the corner from the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site, and Fort Laramie is a short drive away. The aforementioned Glendo State Park is also a fun place to visit to the north, or you can head south to Cheyenne.
Guernsey State Park has campsites available, and since it is so close to the historic site, it just makes sense to stay there.
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.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There’s all sorts of places to explore in Cheyenne. We recommend Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and Wyoming State Museum.
Cheyenne RV Resort By RJourney is a great place to set up camp while you explore everything the city has to show you.
Planning an RV Trip to Wyoming
Wyoming is a historic and rugged destination with so many amazing Wyoming landmarks to discover. Want more to do? Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Wyoming, as well as all the best campgrounds around.
