My two books, Cedar Ridge and One More Last Chance, are set in Wyoming, and because of that, this beautiful state holds a very special place in my heart. There’s something unforgettable about Wyoming — the wide-open skies, the rugged landscapes, the quiet beauty, and the small-town warmth that makes everything feel a little more meaningful.
It’s the kind of place that stays with you.
Whether you’re drawn to breathtaking mountains, charming western towns, or unforgettable outdoor adventures, Wyoming has a little bit of everything. So if you’re planning a visit, here are some of the tourist spots you’ll absolutely love exploring.
1. Yellowstone National Park
You really can’t talk about Wyoming without mentioning Yellowstone. It’s one of the most iconic places in the country, and for good reason. From geysers and hot springs to waterfalls, canyons, and incredible wildlife, Yellowstone feels like stepping into another world. The park is known for its famous landmarks and first-timer-friendly planning resources, and it remains one of Wyoming’s biggest travel draws.
If you love nature, photography, or simply seeing something awe-inspiring in person, Yellowstone is a must. It’s the kind of destination that reminds you just how grand and beautiful the world can be.
2. Grand Teton National Park
If Yellowstone is dramatic, Grand Teton National Park is breathtakingly elegant. The jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and wildlife create the kind of scenery that doesn’t even look real. Grand Teton sits just north of Jackson and is famous for both its mountain skyline and excellent wildlife viewing.
This is the place for scenic drives, hiking, boating, peaceful views, and those quiet moments where you just stop and stare. If you’re someone who loves mountain landscapes, this destination will absolutely steal your heart.
3. Jackson
Jackson is one of those towns that feels both adventurous and charming at the same time. It’s a great home base for exploring Grand Teton, but it also has plenty of personality of its own. With western character, local shops, restaurants, and access to unforgettable outdoor experiences, it’s easy to see why so many travelers love stopping here. Travel Wyoming notes that Grand Teton is just minutes north of Jackson, making the town an ideal launch point for park visits.
If you want a mix of natural beauty and small-town atmosphere, Jackson is definitely worth adding to your list.
4. Devils Tower National Monument
There’s something almost mysterious about Devils Tower. Rising dramatically from the landscape, it’s one of Wyoming’s most striking and memorable landmarks. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, look up, and just take it all in. Wyoming tourism highlights Devils Tower among the state’s best-known national treasures, and its appeal includes hiking, climbing, and stargazing.
Even if you’re not planning a major adventure, the sheer presence of this monument makes it worth the visit. It’s unique, powerful, and unlike anything else.
5. Cody
If you want to experience Wyoming’s western spirit, Cody is such a fun place to visit. Named for Buffalo Bill Cody, this town is full of Old West charm and history. It’s also one of the scenic routes travelers use when heading toward Yellowstone from the east.
Cody feels like the kind of place where stories live — which is probably one reason I find Wyoming so inspiring in the first place. It has character, heritage, and a sense of adventure woven right into it.
6. Cheyenne
For a mix of history, culture, and cowboy pride, Cheyenne deserves a spot on your itinerary. As Wyoming’s capital, it gives visitors another side of the state — one that blends heritage, rodeo culture, and community. Wyoming tourism highlights rodeos, museums, and cultural experiences as part of what makes the state memorable, and Cheyenne is a natural place to enjoy that side of Wyoming.
If you enjoy places with a strong local identity and a deep sense of tradition, Cheyenne is well worth a stop.
7. Scenic Drives and Small-Town Stops
One of the best things about Wyoming isn’t just one destination — it’s the journey between them. Scenic routes through the state offer breathtaking mountain views, forests, rivers, and those wide-open landscapes Wyoming is so loved for. Travel Wyoming specifically recommends routes into Yellowstone that pass through places like the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, Shoshone National Forest, Grand Teton, Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, and Beartooth Scenic Highway.
Sometimes the best memories come from those unexpected roadside moments: a quiet overlook, a charming local café, or a town that feels like it belongs in a novel.
A Little Wyoming Trivia
Here’s a piece of trivia I love: Wyoming is known as the “Equality State” because it was the first government to grant women the right to vote and hold office. That legacy is still recognized by the state today.
Final Thoughts
Wyoming is more than just a beautiful place on the map to me. Because Cedar Ridge and One More Last Chance are set there, it feels deeply personal — a landscape filled with heart, memory, and inspiration. It has the kind of beauty that feels both wild and comforting, dramatic and peaceful all at once.
So if Wyoming has been on your travel list, let this be your sign to go. Explore the parks. Visit the small towns. Take the scenic route. Stand beneath the mountains. Watch the sky stretch on forever.
You just might fall in love with it the way I did.
