When planning our trip to Yellowstone from Denver, we were looking for a fun place to stop half way to split up the drive. I had seen a post about Casper, Wyoming on pinterest and it looked like such a cool, family friendly town. Turns out it’s the perfect half way stop when you are coming from Colorado and a treasure trove of things to do! From great restaurants, hiking, shopping and awesome museums, you’ll find an activity for everyone.
Casper is the second largest city in Wyoming and is known for it’s rich western culture and pioneer history. It’s located in central Wyoming at the base of Casper Mountain and along the North Platte River. The town is so picturesque, with endless mountain views and big-city amenities. If you are headed to Yellowstone or Grand Teton, Casper is a must visit!
Having two littles with us, it was important to find activities that were both family friendly and in relative close proximity to each other since we only had one day to explore. With the help of the amazing folks at Visit Casper, we came up with the following:
What to do
The National Historic Trails Center
When in Casper, be sure to visit the The National Historic Trails Center. Enjoy hands-on exhibits that teach you and your kiddos about what life was like for the over 400,000 pioneers who traveled West between 1841 and 1868. Be sure to check the calendar on the NHTC wesite for upcoming events. We were lucky enough to get to enjoy a kid’s program, as well as a reenactment of a pioneer wedding!
- Admission is FREE
- Open 7 days a week 8-5pm
- Check the website calendar for free kid’s programs
Pack a lunch and enjoy a view of Casper from the outdoor patio I must admit we didn’t really know what to expect by looking at the website but it was fantastic! My favorite was the river crossing simulation and Sophie loved panning for gold.
Note: Wyoming is still advising visitors to wear masks indoors, so be sure you #travelsafe 
Tate Geological Museum
Located on the Casper College campus, Tate Geological Museum houses a collection of over 6,000 fossil and mineral specimens perfect for all your dinosaur lovers! We were lucky enough to have Russel, one if the staff members show us around. He was so fantastic with Sophie and ran from exhibit to exhibit with her, answering a million questions.
- Admission is FREE
- Open Monday thru Saturday 9-4pm
- Address: 2332 Lisco Dr.
A highlight is surely Dee the Mammoth who towers over the space. Dee is an 11,600 year old Colombian Mammoth who lived in the American West during the Ice Age. He was found in Wyoming during an oil dig!
Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters
Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters is a 100 year old Casper institution. Boasting over 4 stories of western wear and memorabilia, everyone is sure to find something!
We knew we wanted to get some new boots and hats from here before coming to Casper so we had high expectations. And I have to say what sets this place apart from any other western outfitter I have been to, is the STAFF . Steffen was fitted for his first ever Stetson, which was then customized to his preference right there! Dave is like a hat magician. We also found him some gorgeous new boots with the help of one of Tauberts’ amazing team members.
Never one to leave empty handed, I also scored a new straw hat which I love!! Sophie picked the cutest little western outfit as well.
Casper Mountain
Just outside of town you will see Casper Mountain. This is a great place to hike, bike or just take a really pretty drive. Our views of the city were affected by the recent smoke from the wild fires but I can imagine it’s absolutely breathtaking, as there are many overlooks on your way up the mountain.
We chose to do the quick walk to Garden Creek Falls. There is also an easy 1.3 mile loop trail but we were running out of daylight, so we chose the quickest route. It’s a beautiful little spot where the kids can play in the stream and climb on big rocks. We loved it!
Where To Eat
We had an amazing lunch at C85 Branding Iron. It’s a gourmet burger restaurant – I’m talking wacky/amazing things on burgers. Sauerkraut, cream cheese, grilled pineapple, bacon jam… the burger menu is awesome! The garage doors were open to the street and the atmosphere was just such a cool vibe. Also, the milkshakes were FANTASTIC – regretfully I did not get a photo because they disappeared as soon as they hit the table.
We enjoyed iced coffees and pastries at Borgeouis Pig. The decor is so cute and it’s right smack dab in the middle of town! It was perfect to grab a drink and continue our stroll through the shops.
Other restaurants we heard great things about:
- Johnny J’s Diner (50s-style diner)
- Metro Coffee
- Eggington’s (very popular, get there early or expect a wait)
- Wyoming Ale Works
- Gruner Brothers Brewing (they have a great patio that overlooks the city)
- Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House
- Racca’s Pizzeria
Where To Stay
We were in Casper in our Travel Trailer, so we stayed at River’s Edge RV & Storage. I wish we had spent more time here because it’s located right on the Platte River which was so beautiful. They have chairs set up by the river and even a game of horseshoes. I did use the showers and they were impeccable! They also have a playground and a basketball court which is a huge plus when you are traveling with kids.
Overall, I can’t say enough good things about Casper. I didn’t really know what to expect from a town seemingly in the middle of nowhere but it was so beautiful, the people were so kind – we easily could have spent several more days exploring!
Pin these for when you find yourself in Wyoming!
