Things to do in Casper, WY

Casper is a unique place. It’s small enough to maintain a friendly, community feel while being home to amenities associated with a larger city. At the same time, it sits along the broad North Platte River and at the base of Casper Mountain, a stunning setting that gives easy access to quintessential Western landscapes. Whether you’re thinking of spending a weekend here or contemplating a move to town, Casper has plenty to explore. Here’s an introduction to all the area has to offer. 

Get Outdoors

If exploring the dramatic natural beauty of the West is high on your list, Casper won’t disappoint. Your options begin right in town. You can rent a tube and drift the North Platte River or take in the views of the prairie to the north and Casper Mountain to the south as you walk the Platte River Trails along the waterfront. 

When you’re ready to gain some altitude and enjoy the solitude of nature, you won’t have to travel far. Just seven miles south of downtown at the foothills of Casper Mountain, you’ll reach Rotary Park and the trailhead for Bridle Trail. There are more than 50 miles of trails on the mountain, giving you plenty of space for hiking and biking. 

Opportunities to enjoy being active in nature are available year round. In the winter, head to Casper Mountain for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Hogadon Basin Ski Area includes 60 acres of groomed trails for snowboarding and downhill skiing.   

The area also boasts superb hunting and fly fishing. If you’ve never cast a line before, you can book a trip with a local outfitter to get you started.     

Explore Area History

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center tells the story of westward expansion through a hands-on collection of artifacts and exhibits. 

For a taste of more recent history, visit the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, housed in a WWII Army Air base, and learn about the area’s veterans and their involvement in our nation’s wars. 

Enjoy the Arts

Casper is a vibrant center of culture with a surprising diversity of offerings. You can catch a live performance of classical compositions with the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. Or, find events ranging from the latest Broadway musical to top bands at the Ford Wyoming Center, an events facility with seating for 8,000. At one of Casper’s newest venues, the downtown David Street Station, you’ll find outdoor concerts and other events throughout the summer.

For visual arts, the Nicolaysen Art Museum features contemporary works from regional artists. Browse galleries scattered throughout the downtown shopping district to find something to add to your own collection.

Casper’s place as a regional center for the arts will only continue to grow. A new venue, The Lyric, is in the early stages of renovating a historic building, opening up multiple spaces for traveling and local artists, exhibitions, theatrical performances, and other events, and adding additional life to a thriving downtown. 
Downtown Casper also features several murals. Grab the list and explore downtown while savoring local talent.    

Shop

Even if you’re not in the market for a new pair of cowboy boots, you won’t want to miss Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters. Wander through 55,000 square feet of all things Western, including saddles, hats, clothing, accessories, home furnishings, treats, and gifts.

In the downtown shopping district nearby, you’ll find plenty of other local shops carrying books, apparel, gifts, art, sweets, and more.

Dine

There are more than 200 restaurants in Casper, giving you plenty of choices whatever the occasion. You can start your morning with a locally roasted brew at the quirky coffee shop The Bourgeois Pig, or enjoy the signature eggs Benedict at Eggington’s. 

For lunch and dinner, find options ranging from traditional American fare at the Fire Rock Steakhouse & Grill to Asian cuisine at Dsasumo or top-rated Mexican offerings at La Cocina.

Casper is also home to several breweries where you can pair local creations with classic pub food in a relaxed atmosphere. You can even combine local beer, great food, and live music at Blacktooth Brewery or Gaslight Social. 

Have a Blast with Kids

Casper is a family-friendly place to visit. Many of the things we’ve mentioned so far are great options that both you and your kids will enjoy. But there are a few additional things worth checking out that are especially suitable for families with younger kids.

On the campus of Casper, the Tate Geological Museum houses a collection of more than 3,000 fossils and minerals. Not far away, have a look at more recent animal specimens at the Werner Wildlife Museum. The collection includes animals from North America and around the world. Both of these museums are free. 

You can also check out the Family Aquatic Center for a great indoor option any time of year. In addition to a pool and kid-friendly areas, the facility features two water slides and hot tubs where you can soothe your muscles after doing everything else on this list. 

Making Casper Home

This is just a taste of what’s available in and around Casper. It offers a great lifestyle at any season of life, making it an ideal destination not only for a vacation but for relocation, too. The brand-new Nolan Townhomes, situated downtown, give you easy access to the amenities described here, with restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and the David Street Station all within a short walk. Visit The Nolan website to discover how you can make Casper home!