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7 Perfect Destinations For A Long Weekend In Wyoming

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7 Perfect Destinations For A Long Weekend In Wyoming


Why should you be interested in exploring Wyoming? It is such a vast, unfathomable emptiness. In truth, there lies its beauty. Plus, the scenery here is part crazy, part spectacular. It has some of America’s most beautiful parks, including Yellowstone and the breathtaking Teton National Park. You can swim, hike, and fish — all to your heart’s content. You can also climb hills, paddle lakes, watch scintillating sunsets, and mingle with many wild animals, including bison, pronghorns, and elk. But you need a cozy, beautiful base, preferably a small, laid-back town. If you are sold on the idea, discover below the seven perfect destinations for a long weekend in Wyoming.

Medicine Bow

Beautiful landscape near Medicine Bow, Wyoming.

Speaking of beautiful scenery and top-notch outdoor adventure, Medicine Bow is grossly underrated. You can come and drive along Highway 130, a picturesque stretch with several overlooks and car pullouts. You will find many accessible trails, lakes, serene campgrounds — and, most of all — views that no one can exchange for the world. You can float down the Medicine Bow River, paddle Mirror Lake, explore the quiet woods and scenic trails at the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, and catch rainbow trout at East Allen Lake. You can also amble through the downtown area, pop inside C-Spear Restaurant (they serve fresh and delicious chicken tacos), and catch a glimpse of the area’s history at the Medicine Bow Museum, including early life on the prairies. Chances are, you will enjoy every minute of your trip. Time to sleep and looking for an old-timey feel? Head over to the nearby Elk Mountain Hotel, a secluded, historic spot where you can watch herds of deer grazing in the fields.

Buffalo

 The Occidental Hotel Lodging and Dining in Buffalo, Wyoming.
The Occidental Hotel Lodging and Dining in Buffalo, Wyoming. Editorial credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock.com.

Buffalo is backdropped by the pine-speckled Bighorn Mountains, known for hunting, camping, and fishing adventures. Amid the beautiful mountain scenery, you can go and swim at Lake DeSmet — or just sit on its shores and inhale the gorgeous waterfront views. Learn about the lake’s eerie history, including tales of a mythical sea serpent named Smetty. The town features several eye-catching murals, which a first-time visitor will want to admire and explore. “The OX,” as the Occidental Hotel is known, is among the town’s most famous landmarks. It boasts more than 140 years of history and includes an elegant 1908 Historic Saloon. Plus, it is conveniently located on Main Street, right at the center of the action. Drive to West Ten Sleep Lake if you can — it will take an hour — and access the Cloud Peak Wilderness. This area is beautiful and provides a world of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities. From the trailhead at the West Ten Sleep Lake, hike to Lake Helen or even Misty Moon Lake. Back in town, there is the Buffalo Theatre, if you are a movie-goer, and the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, which provides tidbits of the area’s history.

Sheridan

Wyoming's legendary meeting place, the Mint Bar
Wyoming’s legendary meeting place, the Mint Bar. Editorial credit: Sandra Foyt / Shutterstock.com.

Aside from pheasants and wild turkeys, Sheridan has a bison preserve, the unshaded but beautiful Soldier Ridge Trail, delicious ice cream spots (Scoops Ice Cream and Cowboy Creamery ‘Western-style), and the Don King’s Western Museum, which offers a glimpse of everyday life in the Old West through the years. Kendrick Park, formerly Pioneer Park, has a few bison and elk that roam a 20-acre pasture land, thanks to the care provided by the City of Sheridan. The park sits right in the heart of town. Stroll through the town’s historic downtown area, an old-timey space dotted with legendary watering holes, including Black Tooth Brewery, Weston Wineries Tasting Room, and the iconic Mint Bar, the oldest in Sheridan. Drive along the paved highway that runs over the crest of the Bighorn Mountains to get a good feel of the land and enjoy jaw-dropping views. Time to sleep? Sheridan Inn, associated with one of the West’s most legendary figures, is cool, cozy, and filled with nostalgia. It is on Broadway Street.

Thermopolis

Hot Springs State Park,Thermopolis, Wyoming
Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Thermopolis is a cute, dainty town whose history features notorious outlaws such as Butch Cassidy. You will find many old buildings here in a space that partly looks frozen in time. You can start with cooling your body at the public bathhouse ( Thermopolis can be hot) — before heading over to one of the town’s most famous attractions: The Dinosaur Museum. Alternatively, after bathing, you can stay around and see buffalos inside Hot Springs State Park, go soothe your soul at the famous Star Plunge, or just mill around the downtown, exploring its array of shops and restaurants. Ava’s Silver and Rock Shop on Shoshone Street keeps opals, agates, and several other beautiful and unique rocks. If you are an amateur rockhound, you must not miss this hidden gem. If you do not like hotel chains and are looking for a unique stay, check out Coyote Run Tipi Retreat, a family-run establishment magically removed from all the humdrum.

Cody

Main Street in downtown Cody, Wyoming
Main Street in downtown Cody, Wyoming. Editorial credit: SL-Photography / Shutterstock.com.

Named after “Buffalo Bill,” as Colonel William F. Cody has been known in popular culture, Cody has that Old West feel that only a handful of other towns in the West have. The landscape accentuates the cast, especially with all the expansive ranches, big skies, and rolling scenery. You will feel small here when arraigned against nature’s intimidating vastness. Some fun sites to explore include Shoshone National Forest, which hosts almost half of the world’s active geysers. The Wild West is known to have had a wild side, including murders and gunfights. Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and catch a glimpse of all the guns on display, all of which played a part in the area’s history and culture. Float down the Shoshone River — or watch its tumbling rapids. Similarly, there is the trout-filled Beck Lake, Alkali Lake, with its geese and waterfowl, and City Reservoir. Stay at the Cody Cowboy Village, a cute, homey motel on the edge of town loved for its cowboy theme.

Lander

Downtown historic district of Lander, Wyoming
Downtown historic district of Lander, Wyoming. Image credit: Chevsapher via Wikimedia Commons.

Lovely Lander is another Wyoming treasure that knows how to entertain visitors and whip up memorable weekends. Lander hosts the Sinks Canyon State Park, which can alone fill up an entire weekend. Its hallmarks include the entertaining noise of roaring water, beautiful wildflowers, a peaceful pond, and, most of all, a waterfall that sinks into a mysterious cave. In the backdrop is the Wind River Mountains, which has 19 of Wyoming’s 20 highest peaks. To learn bits and pieces of local history, spend some time at the Museum of the American West and see the curation of authentic buildings and the beautiful garden landscape. Finally, Mill House on Main Street is not a mill but a beautifully designed hotel, a stroll away from some of the best restaurants in town. Sleep here if nightfall finds you around.

Laramie

The University of Wyoming campus in Laramie
The University of Wyoming campus in Laramie. Editorial credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com.

Laramie hosts the University of Wyoming, established as a land grant university in 1886. Expect, therefore, a palpable touch of vibrancy and a more diverse menu of offerings, especially restaurants. Plus, Laramie is full of art, western history, and outdoor adventure sites. Sweet Melissa, for example, serves the best vegetarian food on Earth. Think carrot cakes, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. If you are looking for artsy stuff, visit the University of Wyoming Art Museum and see the paintings and prints, including some eye-catching 19th-century Japanese productions. There is the University of Wyoming Anthropology Museum as well — and Regal Fox Theater — if movies are up your alley. For staying, skip the hotel chains. Instead, head over to the more authentic and intimate Vee Bar Guest Ranch. You will love the fabulous view of the river, possibly see a mouse (or a coyote), and enjoy awesome rides, all spiced up with great food, including delicious vegetarian options.

The Takeaway

Wyoming has been called the last bastion of the American West. It is known for breathtakingly beautiful parks, fun-filled rodeos, and vast, empty spaces. It may not have the white-sand beaches of Florida, but what it has in crazy landscapes, including verdant valleys and tumbling rapids — more than compensates. To get a good feeling of the Equality State, set base in any of the above-listed towns. They are the seven perfect destinations for a long weekend.

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Casper veteran David Giralt joins race for Wyoming U.S. House seat

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Casper veteran David Giralt joins race for Wyoming U.S. House seat


CASPER, Wyo. — David Giralt, a Casper-raised military veteran and conservative Republican, has announced his candidacy for Wyoming’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The congressional seat is being vacated by Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman, who launched a campaign in December for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Cynthia Lummis. […]



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Rivalries and Playoff Positioning Highlight Week 11 Wyoming Girls Basketball Slate

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Rivalries and Playoff Positioning Highlight Week 11 Wyoming Girls Basketball Slate


It’s Week 11 in the 2026 Wyoming prep girls’ basketball season. That means it’s the end of the regular season. 3A and 4A schools have their final game or games to determine seeding before the regional tournament, or if a team is locked into a position, one last chance to fine-tune before the postseason. Games are spread across four days.

WYOPREPS WEEK 11 GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE 2026

Every game on the slate is a conference matchup. Several rivalry contests are part of this week’s schedule, such as East against Central, Cody at Powell, Lyman hosting Mountain View, and Rock Springs at Green River, just to name a few. Here is the Week 11 schedule of varsity games WyoPreps has. All schedules are subject to change. If you see a game missing, please email david@wyopreps.com.

CLASS 4A

Final Score: Laramie 68 Cheyenne South 27 (conference game)

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CLASS 3A

Final Score: Lyman 40 Mountain View 26 (conference game)

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CLASS 4A

Final Score: Evanston 41 Riverton 39 (conference game)

Final Score: Natrona County 42 Kelly Walsh 38 (conference game) – Peach Basket Classic

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Final Score: #4 Thunder Basin 64 Campbell County 32 (conference game)

CLASS 3A

Final Score: #1 Cody 77 Worland 33 (conference game) – 5 different Fillies with a 3, and Hays led the way with 34 points.

Final Score: #2 Lander 49 Lyman 34 (conference game)

Final Score: #4 Wheatland 51 Douglas 40 (conference game)

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Final Score: #5 Powell 48 Lovell 42 (conference game)

Final Score: Burns 56 Torrington 43 (conference game)

Final Score: Glenrock 78 Newcastle 30 (conference game)

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CLASS 4A

Rock Springs at #2 Green River, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)

#4 Thunder Basin at #5 Sheridan, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)

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#1 Cheyenne East at #3 Cheyenne Central, 6 p.m. (conference game)

Jackson at Star Valley, 6 p.m. (conference game)

CLASS 3A

#3 Pinedale at Mountain View, 4 p.m. (conference game)

#1 Cody at #5 Powell, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)

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Buffalo at Glenrock, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)

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CLASS 3A

Newcastle at Buffalo, 12:30 p.m. (conference game)

Glenrock at Rawlins, 3 p.m. (conference game)

Torrington at #4 Wheatland, 5:30 p.m. (conference game)

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Wyoming Boys 4A Swimming & Diving State Championships 2026

4A Boys State Swim Meet for 2026 in Cheyenne

Gallery Credit: David Settle, WyoPreps.com





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Political storm in Wyoming as far-right activist caught handing checks to lawmakers

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Political storm in Wyoming as far-right activist caught handing checks to lawmakers


Controversy has engulfed Wyoming’s state legislature after a conservative activist was photographed handing checks to Republican lawmakers on the state house floor, in an incident that has highlighted intra-conservative divisions and the role of money in the Cowboy state’s politics.

The political storm started on 9 February, when Karlee Provenza, a Democratic lawmaker, took a photo showing Rebecca Bextel, a conservative activist and committeewoman for the Teton county Republican party, handing a check to Darin McCann, a Republican representative, on the legislative floor. Marlene Brady, another Republican representative, stands in the photo’s background, a similar piece of paper pinched between her fingers.

“You have a person from the richest county in the country coming down to Cheyenne to hand out checks on the house floor,” Provenza said. “I have never seen something so egregious.”

Questions around the checks were soon swirling, and answers weren’t forthcoming. When asked what Bextel gave to her, Brady told a reporter for local outlet WyoFile: “I can’t remember.”

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Then Bextel herself addressed the incident. “I raised $400,000 in the last election cycle for conservative candidates, and I will be doubling that amount this year,” Bextel wrote on Facebook on 11 February. “There’s nothing wrong with delivering lawful campaign checks from Teton county donors when I am in Cheyenne.”

Since then, it has emerged that the checks came from Don Grasso, a wealthy Teton county donor, who told the Jackson Hole News and Guide that he wrote the checks for Bextel to deliver to 10 Freedom caucus-aligned politicians. Grasso said the checks were intended as campaign contributions, and were not tied to specific legislation. It is unclear how many checks were ultimately delivered, but two of four confirmed recipients include the speaker of the house, Chip Neiman, and John Bear, the former head of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus.

The Wyoming house has formed a legislative investigative committee, and the Laramie county sheriff’s office said they’d open a criminal investigation.

Bextel declined to answer questions from the Guardian. Brady, McCann and Bear did not respond to requests for comment.

Neiman said he considered the criticism a “wraparound smear campaign”. He said: “It never once crossed my mind that this was bribery.

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“These legislators, myself included, are now guilty until we can prove that we’re innocent. How is that right in this country? Isn’t that a little bit backwards?”

The scandal has highlighted long-standing divisions in Wyoming’s Republican party, which in recent years has seen a growing divide between old school, more moderate conservatives and a harder-right Freedom Caucus.

Several former Republican lawmakers forcefully condemned their colleagues for accepting the checks, and a local Republican party branch called for the lawmakers’ resignations.

Ogden Driskill, a Wyoming Republican senator, told the Guardian he does not consider Bextel’s actions to be illegal, but that “just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should”.

Bextel has spent years pushing against housing mitigation fees in Wyoming, and Driskill noted that she distributed the house floor checks just days before a bill she had publicly supported was set to be heard. Bextel was registered as a member of the press, not as a lobbyist when she delivered the checks.

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“Ethically and morally, it’s bankrupt to a massive degree,” Driskill said.

Neiman said that he and other legislators who received checks have supported similar bills in the past: “Bribery is paying somebody to do something they would not otherwise do.”

Nationally, the 2024 election cycle saw record-spending from the mega-wealthy, as well as dark money groups. Wyoming followed the trend, in a tense red-on-red primary season.

For those gearing up to campaign this year, Teton county, the richest in the US, and Bextel’s picturesque home turf, is an essential stop. Its extreme wealth gives it a foothold on the national level as well. Palantir chief executive Alex Karp and Donald Trump attended an annual Republican leadership fundraiser at Jackson Hole in 2024, and JD Vance attended the same one in 2025.

Bextel pulls dollars from Teton county into the Freedom Caucus side of Wyoming’s conservative split. She hosted no-press-allowed meet and greets earlier this year benefitting leading candidates for Wyoming’s governor and open US House seat.

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In an interview with the Open Range Record, a media network she co-founded, Bextel said controversy around the checks was solely because she was making “even playing field” in Wyoming against the state’s more moderate Republicans, who she calls “George Soros” candidates. She said that she will be sure to keep raising money – just away from the legislative floor.

“I guess I’m gonna ask all the gentlemen and gentleladies to step outside the Capitol while I hand them a check,” Bextel said. “Let me be clear: I’m doubling down.”

But it’s not just wealthy local donors putting their weight behind the factions. Last election cycle, out of state groups spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on anonymous and often inaccurate mailers.

“These actors, especially from the far right, they like to push the bounds of the norms,” said Rosa Reyna Pugh, an organizing and advocacy consultant at Western States Center, an Oregon-based non-profit focused on democracy in the western United States. “They like to see what policies they can kind of push, and see where they can play a piece,” Reyna Pugh said.

While Neiman and Driskill fight politically, they do agree on one thing: summer will bring an expensive and brutal campaign season.

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“You’re going to see more dark money than you’ve ever seen. We’ve done absolutely nothing to enforce it. Our secretary of state has not even made a slight attempt to deal with it,” Driskill said. “You’re going to see lots and lots of outside money and I think you’re seeing it on both sides.”

As national questions swirl around pay-to-play politics and profiteering in the Trump administration, Provenza wants better for the Cowboy State.

“We should not be aligning ourselves with how the federal government is conducting itself or how federal elections conduct themselves,” Provenza said. “We owe something far better and more honest to the people of Wyoming than that.”



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