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Wyoming in a 7 Day Adventure

Wyoming

Okay, here's a detailed 7-day Wyoming itinerary focusing on cultural experiences, historical sites, food, and some "best-kept secrets, "all while staying within a $200-$300 daily budget. This itinerary balances popular attractions with lesser-known gems and incorporates budget-friendly dining options.

I don't know how many times I have ventured through Wyoming's I-80 and never stopped to look at the beautiful and cultural places it has to offer. Make time on your trips, and don't power drive right through. Relax and visit some of the most unique parts of the country in the USA.

Assumptions:

* Budget: $200-$300 per day is a reasonable budget for one or two people, assuming you're not staying in luxury accommodation or eating at high-end restaurants every night. This itinerary prioritizes affordable lodging, picnic lunches, and moderately priced dinners.

* Transportation: This itinerary assumes you'll be renting a car. A car is essential for exploring Wyoming effectively. Budget approximately $50-$75 per day for car rental and gas.

* Accommodation: I'll suggest towns with a range of lodging options, from budget-friendly motels to mid-range hotels and vacation rentals. I'll assume an average of $75-$150 per night for lodging.

* Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary; feel free to adjust it based on your interests and energy levels.

Day 1: Arrival in Cheyenne - Wyoming's Capital City (Budget: $250)

* Morning (9:00 AM): Arrive at Denver International Airport (DIA). It's often cheaper to fly into Denver than directly into Wyoming. Pick up your rental car.

* Drive (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive north to Cheyenne, Wyoming (approximately 2 hours).

* Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Grab lunch at The Albany Restaurant & Bar. A Cheyenne staple known for its burgers and casual atmosphere. (Budget: $15)

* Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

* Wyoming State Museum: Immerse yourself in Wyoming's history and culture. Free admission. (2 hours)

* Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: Explore beautiful gardens, including a conservatory. Free admission. (1.5 hours)

* Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):

* Cheyenne Depot Museum: Located in a beautifully restored train depot, learn about the city's railroad history. (1.5 hours)

* Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Morty's Wood Fired Pizza. (Budget: $25)

* Accommodation: Check into your hotel in Cheyenne. Consider options like the Hitching Post Inn or Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cheyenne. (Budget: $100)

Day 2: Cheyenne Frontier Days History & Laramie (Budget: $230)

* Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

* Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum: Explore the history of Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the world's largest outdoor rodeos. (2 hours)

* Terry Bison Ranch: Take a train tour to see bison up close. (1.5 hours)

* Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at a park along the way to Laramie. (Budget: $10)

* Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

* Drive to Laramie (1 hour): Enjoy the scenic drive to Laramie.

* Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: Explore the remnants of the Wyoming Territorial Prison, where Butch Cassidy was once incarcerated. (2 hours)

* Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):

* Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Altitude Chophouse and Brewery in Laramie. (Budget: $30)

* Downtown Laramie: Stroll through downtown Laramie, browsing the shops and enjoying the atmosphere.

* Accommodation: Check into your hotel in Laramie. Consider options like the Holiday Inn Laramie or Days Inn by Wyndham Laramie. (Budget: $100)

Day 3: Snowy Range Scenic Byway & Saratoga (Budget: $220)

* Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

* Snowy Range Scenic Byway: Drive the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Highway 130) west from Laramie. This is a stunning drive through the Medicine Bow National Forest. Stop at scenic overlooks and hiking trails.

* Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the Snowy Range scenery. (Budget: $10)

* Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

* Hiking: Enjoy a short hike on one of the many trails along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway.

* Drive to Saratoga (1 hour): Continue driving west to Saratoga.

* Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):

* Saratoga Hot Springs Resort: Soak in the free hot springs in Saratoga.

* Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Firewater Public House in Saratoga. (Budget: $30)

* Accommodation: Check into your hotel in Saratoga. Consider options like the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort or Hobo Hot Springs Campground. (Budget: $100)

Day 4: South Pass City & Lander (Budget: $240)

* Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

* Drive to South Pass City (2 hours): Drive north towards South Pass City.

* South Pass City State Historic Site: Explore this well-preserved ghost town from the gold rush era. (2 hours)

* Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy near South Pass City. (Budget: $10)

* Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

* Drive to Lander (1 hour): Drive north to Lander.

* National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Headquarters: Visit the headquarters of NOLS, a renowned outdoor education organization.

* Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):

* Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Gannett Grill in Lander. (Budget: $30)

* Museum of the American West: Explore western art and artifacts.

* Accommodation: Check into your hotel in Lander. Consider options like the Holiday Inn Express Lander or Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge. (Budget: $100)

Day 5: Wind River Indian Reservation & Dubois (Budget: $250)

* Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

* Wind River Indian Reservation: Drive through the Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Be respectful of tribal lands and regulations.

* Wind River Hotel and Casino: Visit the Wind River Hotel and Casino for a glimpse into tribal culture.

* Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Have lunch at the Red Willow Restaurant inside the Wind River Hotel and Casino. (Budget: $20)

* Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

* Drive to Dubois (1 hour): Drive north to Dubois.

* National Bighorn Sheep Center: Learn about bighorn sheep and their habitat. (2 hours)

* Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):

* Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Cowboy Cafe in Dubois. (Budget: $30)

* Walk around Dubois: Explore the charming town of Dubois.

* Accommodation: Check into your hotel in Dubois. Consider options like the Stagecoach Inn & Suites or Super 8 by Wyndham Dubois. (Budget: $100)

Day 6: Grand Teton National Park (Budget: $270)

* Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

* Drive to Grand Teton National Park (2 hours): Drive north to Grand Teton National Park.

* Jenny Lake: Take a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake and hike to Inspiration Point for stunning views of the Teton Range. (3 hours)

* Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by Jenny Lake. (Budget: $10)

* Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM):

* Scenic Drive: Drive along the Teton Park Road, stopping at scenic overlooks like Oxbow Bend and Snake River Overlook.

* Menors Ferry Historic District: Visit this historic site to learn about the area's early settlers.

* Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM):

* Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Dornan's Pizza Pasta Company inside Grand Teton National Park. (Budget: $40)

* Sunset Viewing: Find a spot along the Snake River to watch the sunset over the Teton Range.

* Accommodation: Stay in Jackson, WY. Consider options like the Antler Inn or Motel 6 Jackson. (Budget: $100)

Day 7: Jackson & Departure (Budget: $100)

* Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

* Town Square: Visit the Town Square in Jackson, famous for its elk antler arches.

* Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum: Learn about the history of Jackson Hole. (2 hours)

* Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Enjoy lunch at Liberty Burger in Jackson. (Budget: $20)

* Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM):

* Drive to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) (30 minutes):

* Depart from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC).

Food Tour Alternatives & Budget Considerations:

* Instead of a formal food tour: Research local specialties in each town and try them at different restaurants. This allows you to customize your "food tour" and stay within budget.

* Picnic Lunches: Pack picnic lunches to save money on dining. Grocery stores are readily available in most towns.

* Happy Hour: Take advantage of happy hour specials at local bars and restaurants.

* Free Activities: Many of the activities listed, such as visiting museums and parks, are free or have low admission fees.

Best Kept Secrets & Tips:

* Talk to Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

* Off-Season Travel: Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for lower prices and fewer crowds.

* Scenic Drives: Wyoming is full of scenic drives. Take the time to explore the backroads and enjoy the scenery.

* Respect Wildlife: Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance.

* Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in the mountains.

Important Notes:

* Reservations: Make reservations for accommodations and rental cars in advance, especially during peak season.

* Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary; feel free to adjust it based on your interests and energy levels.

* Altitude: Be aware of the altitude and take it easy on your first day.

* Cell Service: Cell service can be spotty in some areas of Wyoming. Download offline maps and directions before you go.

This itinerary provides a framework for a memorable 7-day trip to Wyoming, balancing cultural experiences, historical sites, food, and natural beauty within your budget. Remember to verify before leaving places and amounts that are subject to change. If reservations are required in the busy season, make sure you make one, so you don’t miss out. Enjoy your adventure!

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