Casper, Wyoming is a city full of interesting history, rich culture and traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. As fall turns into winter, say hello to mornings spent playing in fresh powder, afternoons spent exploring museums, and evenings spent cozied up next to a crackling fireplace. No matter your travel or adventure preferences, the One and Only Casper has it all.
There is no shortage of museums to explore when you’re in Casper, Wyoming. Escape the cold and immerse yourself in one of the 11 museums and cultural centers in town. Check out the Tate Geological Museum and meet Dee, an 11,600-year-old Columbian wooly mammoth and peruse over 3,000 fossil and mineral specimens. Or head over to the Werner Wildlife Museum, where guests can explore exhibits dedicated to the local wildlife of Wyoming. With many of the animals hibernating through the cold winter season, this is a great way to experience firsthand the critters indigenous to the region. At The Science Zone, families can learn about strange and exotic creatures from across the globe, learn about their own reflection, and explore their mechanical side. Take to the skies at the Casper Planetarium to expand your universe in the full-dome presentation theater.
History buffs should start off at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center to get an overview of the entire area. With seven galleries dedicated to Native American history, early explorers, and emigrant travel corridors, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the rich heritage of the region. From there, make a trek out to the Fort Caspar Historical Site, a fully reconstructed frontier outpost from the 1800s. At the Bishop House, experience over 10 decades of frontier history. Exhibits at Salt Creek Museum also paint a picture of the era through the life and times of the Salt Creek Oilfield employees. Head over to the Good Aviation and Veterans Museum where you can see relics from a different era like WWII vintage planes. Pay homage to lives lost in service at the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, housing nearly 700 veteran stories from all branches of service spanning the Spanish-American War to modern times.
Finally, round off your Casper museum tour at the Nicolaysen Art Museum + Discovery Center. Affectionately dubbed the “NIC” by locals, this museum showcases American art from the central Rockies to the high plains. With over 25,000 square feet of galleries to explore, you’re bound to find artistic inspiration here!
Bury the hatchet this winter at Oil City Axe Company and take a break from the cold Wyoming winter. Let your inner lumberjack make an appearance and square off against friends and family as you take turns trying to hit the target (think batting cages meet giant darts).
For parents interested in bringing their children, have no fear! Oil City Axe Company is a family-friendly facility with giant Jenga and Connect 4 sets, as well as, arcade basketball, and even kid-friendly axe throwing courses.
For parents interested in bringing their children, have no fear! Oil City Axe Company is a family-friendly facility with giant Jenga and Connect 4 sets, as well as, arcade basketball, and even kid-friendly axe throwing courses.
Let your creative side shine at one of Casper’s two do-it-yourself art studios and create the ultimate souvenir to bring home with you. At Artisan Alley sign up for acrylic paint classes, wood sign workshops, and pottery courses. Enjoy a glass of wine under the guidance of local artists and create your own masterpiece. At Pottery By You, take workshops for pottery painting, glass fusing, silver clay jewelry, and mosaics. Whether you’re traveling solo, on a romantic retreat, or with the whole family, there’s something for all skill levels at these studios.
Reserve your seat before you get to Casper, Wyoming by making your class reservations online.
Reserve your seat before you get to Casper, Wyoming by making your class reservations online.
The temperature outside may be cold, but inside Casper’s hottest breweries and distilleries, it’s toasty warm. Enjoy a handcrafted spirituous drink at one of these local bars. At Backwards Distilling Company, visit Wyoming’s premier small-batch distillery in the heart of downtown. This family-owned and operated business offers tastings and mixed cocktails featuring their Ringleader Vodka, Sword Swallower Rum, Contortionist Gin, and Strongman Gin.
Get hoppy and check out one of Casper’s five breweries. Frontier Brewing Company is a downtown small-batch brewery. Swing by with an empty growler and choose your pour, or, stay awhile and enjoy live music and games. At Gruner Brothers Brewing, crack open a cold one and take refuge from the cold in their expansive 22,000-square-foot taproom and restaurant. Owned and operated by (you guessed it) the Gruner Brothers, this brewery is located in the old Casper Petroleum Club and offers epic views of Casper Mountain throughout.
Visit Backwards Distilling Company’s Facebook page for weekly take out specials. Try rotating cocktails like the Backwards Bloody Mary and the Commodore Nutt.
Looking for something a little more family-friendly? Check out Mountain Hops Brewhouse, where adults can enjoy a pint of the Missing Link Milk Stout, while the kiddos can partake in a glass of homemade root beer. Oil City Beer Company also homebrews soda and is another great family-friendly alternative — sample a flight of their craft beers, or get a pint of their classic Red Ale. Finally, at Skull Tree Brewing, partake in a diverse menu of housemade brews. While this taproom is the smallest of the lot, it’s a local favorite. Discover why by sampling one of their fruited sours, an oatmeal stout, a “winter warmer,” or the hatch green chile infused ale.
Visit Backwards Distilling Company’s Facebook page for weekly take out specials. Try rotating cocktails like the Backwards Bloody Mary and the Commodore Nutt.
Wishing for warmer days? Then have no fear, the Casper Family Aquatic Center is here! It might seem counterintuitive to take a dip in the midst of a cold Wyoming winter, but the Casper Family Aquatic Center is an indoor and temperature-controlled water park. With hot tubs, a lap pool, a lazy river, and two water slides, this stop is bound to be a hit with the kiddos.
No towel? No problem! You can rent pool towels for $1 each. And, if you find you need swim goggles, swim diapers, nose clips or ear plugs, you can purchase what you need at the reception counter.
No towel? No problem! You can rent pool towels for $1 each. And, if you find you need swim goggles, swim diapers, nose clips or ear plugs, you can purchase what you need at the reception counter.
Everyone knows about downhill skiing, but do you know about Nordic Skiing? Casper Mountain, located 30 minutes south of town, is a Nordic skiers paradise. Also known as cross-country skiing, this form of outdoor recreation is a lowkey, hassle-free way to explore Casper’s sprawling backcountry. Start at the Casper Mountain Trails Center and glide through 26 miles of pristine and well-kempt Nordic trails. This sport is a local favorite and offers an alternative to downhill skiing. Get outfitted at a local shop and discover miles of idyllic Wyoming wilderness.
Improve your balance and glide when cross-country skiing with proper technique by transferring your weight and driving your leg forward. Practice a bit off-trail beforehand and you’ll be better equipped to optimize your stride.
Improve your balance and glide when cross-country skiing with proper technique by transferring your weight and driving your leg forward. Practice a bit off-trail beforehand and you’ll be better equipped to optimize your stride.
Similar to Nordic skiing, snowshoeing is a blend of cross-country skiing and hiking. This is an excellent budget-friendly, beginners sport — all you need is a pair of snowshoes and a trail to traverse. Snowshoeing requires minimal gear, making it easy to get outfitted at any one of Casper’s outdoor stores. Once you’ve strapped on your extra-large footwear, there’s practically no limit to where you can explore. Travel like a local and check out the Copper or Eadsville trails for prime snowshoeing terrain or discover Casper Mountain’s rugged landscape on foot, and pass through blankets of pristine snow.
Relish in the opportunity to explore Casper’s backcountry and pack a picnic. You won’t regret the added opportunity to stop and languish in the majesty of the Wyoming wilderness.
Relish in the opportunity to explore Casper’s backcountry and pack a picnic. You won’t regret the added opportunity to stop and languish in the majesty of the Wyoming wilderness.
When it comes to perfectly packed powder, epic downhill terrain, and amazing scenery, Casper Mountain has it all. Get your adrenaline pumping at the Hogadon Basin Ski Area this winter. This small resort is ideal for athletes of all experience levels and types, and offers 92 acres of skiable and snowboardable runs. Located 20 minutes south of town, Hogadon is also a resort and lodge, with rental facilities onsite, lifts, a full-service bar, and restaurant.
Ski areas are typically open to the public from November through April, depending on snow conditions. Always call ahead to confirm the condition of the ski range.
As one of Wyoming’s most popular winter sports, snowmobiling is a guaranteed way to get your blood pumping. Over 30 miles of meticulously groomed trails await adrenaline junkies just 20-25 minutes south of town. Get the gear you need at a local retailer, purchase a permit, and hit the trail. Start off at Beartrap Meadow, or make your way through the network of trails on Casper Mountain. Explore areas only accessible on snowmobile, and experience firsthand the thrill of cruising a whole new world of winter fun.
It’s paramount that riders maintain safe distances from one another, wear the proper equipment, and ride with lights. To optimize visibility, avoid “snow dust” or cold, dry snow patches where trail visibility is poor.
It’s paramount that riders maintain safe distances from one another, wear the proper equipment, and ride with lights. To optimize visibility, avoid “snow dust” or cold, dry snow patches where trail visibility is poor.
Yes! You can fish all season long. Come day or night, rain or shine, there’s no stopping Casper anglers. In fact, talk to the locals, and they’ll tell you the biggest fish are caught in the wintertime. So trust the experts and don’t let the ice and snow slow you down, check out the many ice-fishing opportunities in the area. Head 30 minutes northwest of town to the Goldeneye Reservoir and fish this fertile waterway for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Or, head an hour southwest of Casper and visit the Pathfinder Reservoir where there are rainbows and walleye aplenty.
PowerBait is fine, but go beyond the playdough-like substance and use some natural baits. Leeches, minnow, mealworms, and nightcrawlers are excellent under the ice. The local sporting goods stores, like Rocky Mountain Discount, carry fresh live bait all year. (Credit: An Expert: Dave Zoby)
PowerBait is fine, but go beyond the playdough-like substance and use some natural baits. Leeches, minnow, mealworms, and nightcrawlers are excellent under the ice. The local sporting goods stores, like Rocky Mountain Discount, carry fresh live bait all year. (Credit: An Expert: Dave Zoby)
Nothing paints a picture of a perfect winter getaway more than ice skating. Celebrate the season downtown at the David Street Station outdoor ice skating rink. Open from the end of November to mid-February every year, this ice rink has become a mainstay for Casper locals and visitors alike. Participate in a post-Thanksgiving skate, a Christmas tree lighting, or a romantic Valentine’s Day on the ice. No matter the occasion, the David Street Station rink is a fun and affordable must-visit.
You never know what kind of fun activities and seasonal events you’ll find at David Street Station. Check their online events calendar for movie nights, skating with Santa, and more.
You never know what kind of fun activities and seasonal events you’ll find at David Street Station. Check their online events calendar for movie nights, skating with Santa, and more.
