When you usually think of Wyoming you think of exploring national parks like the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Rightfully so, both spots are gorgeous. Maybe you even imagine jet-setting out to Jackson Hole to saunter down the ski slopes or snowboard for the winter season. What you may not consider is the quaint town of Casper.
Sitting at the base of Casper Mountain in central Wyoming is the mountain town of Casper. Known for the Hogadon Basin Ski Area, Casper offers so much more to locals and visitors alike. Whether you are passing through or planning a stay for an upcoming getaway or a wonderful weekend winter ski trip, grab a wooden rocking chair and soak up the Western spirit of downtown Casper with these 20 things to do.
1 Breakfast at Bluebird Restaurant
If you love to channel those easy like Sunday morning vibes, check out the Bluebird Restaurant for Sunday breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Enjoy the cozy vibes of this quaint local spot and be sure to check the big black chalkboard when you first arrive for any daily specials.
2 Brunch at Rib & Chophouse
Brunchin it? Check out Rib & Chophouse. Choose from selected breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. This is definitely the spot that is the perfect place to meet family and friends. Order up a huckleberry specialty cocktail or a slice of their giant mud pie for dessert - the ideal choice for anyone with a sweet tooth. This place also serves as a great private event space for all of your celebratory needs. If you are into haunted history, ask about the resident ghosts as well!
3 Dine at Wyoming Ale Works
If you want a taste of Wyoming, swing by Wyoming Ale Works. Girlfriends gather for a girls' night out while the boys gather around the bar stools for a good old catch-up. Catch a game on one of the big-screen TVs while you order up a beer flight. The staff is incredibly helpful and kind, so if you want to know what is good to order, ask for recommendations from a local and enjoy a casual, kickback meal.
4 Dinner at Hokkaido Ramen
Didn't think you could get good ramen or sushi in Wyoming? Think again. Hokkaido Ramen offers an array of Japanese dishes. From fried rice to sushi to traditional ramen, this spot is sure to please the most curious and exotic of palettes.
5 Drink a Craft Beer at Bull Horn Brewing
Are you a craft brewer connoisseur? Order up a beer flight at Bull Horn Brewing. Enjoy some classic bar food and catch a game or sporting event on the big screen TVS. The perfect spot for a crew night out. This is also a great way to support small businesses and local business owners.
6 Eat a Giant Cinnamon Roll at Johnny J’s Diner
If you love a good old-fashioned breakfast, brunch, or lunch, head over to Johnny J’s Diner for a trip back in time. Classic American food is served in a 50s-style setting with an easygoing vibe. While you wait for your table, fill in a dot on the map of the United States to indicate where you are visiting from. Maybe you will even find someone who has already marked off your hometown! If you have a sweet tooth, order up a giant cinnamon roll or pecan roll, which you will find fresh out of the oven awaiting your arrival at the hostess stand.
7 Enjoy Eggington’s
If you are all about that early morning weekend breakfast or brunch, then you are going to want to book a table at Eggington’s. This casual and warm diner draws in early birds with its wide selection of breakfast and lunch choices. From savory to sweet and everything in between, Egginton’s is always an egg-cellent idea.
8 Grab a Slice of Pizza at Racca’s Pizzeria
That’s Amore! Take a break from all of your downtown Casper shopping and grab a slice of pizza at Racca’s Pizzeria while channeling the vibes of the Italian coastline. Request your own culinary creation or order up a signature combination. Be sure to try their prosciutto, which is flown in from Italy. Oh and save some room for dessert. This place is known for its Nutella pizza and Nutella nuggets. Yum!
9 Make a Marble
If you are looking for a hands-on experience, check out PH Glass Studios for an interactive glassblowing class. It is not just any glass you will be making either, but your very own marble. Watch a demo from the pros and then grab a pair of goggles and get your glow on at your very own marble-making station. Glassblowing has never been so much fun!
10 Order a Steak at FireRock Steakhouse
Feeling fancy? Head over to FireRock Steakhouse and order a big juicy steak. Enjoy a glass of red wine while you wait for your sizzling steak to arrive at the table. Enjoy the warm bread skillet along your side salad and take in the sights of this casual yet cozy Wyoming steakhouse.
11 Peruse Grant St. Grocery & Market
If you are looking for some specialty groceries during your Casper visit, stop by the Grant St. Grocery & Market and stock up on a handful of groceries. You can also enjoy freshly baked donuts on the weekend as well as lunches to go and even fresh seafood options for your weekly dinner table.
12 Pick Up Snowshoes from Casper Mountain Sports
Winter weekend in Wyoming? (Try saying that five times fast). Pick up snowshoes from Casper Mountain Sports and head up Casper Mountain to the snowshoeing trails. Make sure you pay ahead of time for a day pass and watch out for the cross-country skiers who share the trails.
You may hear a snowmobile off in the distance from time to time, but for the most part, you will enjoy the crunch of the crisp white snow beneath your snowshoes as you walk through the tranquility of the forest that only winter in Wyoming can offer the senses.
13 Rock on at the Tate Geological Museum
If you are down for all things dinosaurs, then you have got to stop by the Tate Geological Museum. Part of Casper College, the Tate Geological Museum is a free admission spot in Casper that totally “rocks.” (See what we did there). Ask for Russell, fondly known as Russ, to show you around, and tell you all about the dynamic dinos that roamed the Earth millions of years ago. It is totally dino-mite. For a free educational stop, this is a place you definitely want to check out.
14 Shop the Streets of Downtown Casper
Whether it is a sunny Saturday or a wintery weekend, spend the morning or afternoon strolling and shopping the streets of downtown Casper. Pop into iconic stores like Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters and shop for a classic cowboy hat or a pair of cowboy boots. Pick up some super cute finds at boutiques like the Floral Rhino or visit second-hand bookstore Bookin’ It for a cozy read. Take a seat at the Rialto Soda Fountain and keep your eyes out for any ghosts roaming around this historic hotspot built in 1928.
15 Ski the Slopes at Hogadon Basin Ski Area
If you are a skier or snowboarder, head over to the slopes of Hogadon Basin Ski Area. Lay low on the bunny slopes and enjoy a magic carpet ride back up the hill then test your skills with a more challenging run and hop the chairlift back up the mountain while enjoying the wintery sights.
Do not forget to look for the beaded tree with beads and the occasional pair of bras or panties. Hey, when in Rome, or in this case Wyoming. You can always hit the slopes and enjoy a night ski if you like to hit the ski runs after the sun has dipped behind the mountains with the glow of the moonlight leading the way down the mountain.
Planning a winter ski trip this season? Good news! If you book a ski trip from February 5, 2025 - February 9, 2025, or March 12, 2025 - March 16, 2025, you will receive 15% off of these select dates.
16 Stop by Garden Creek Falls in Rotary Park
Another great option for an outdoor walk is a stop by Garden Creek Falls in Rotary Park. A sight for all seasons, this hidden waterfall trickles down Casper Mountain in spring and summer, but starts to slow down in fall and winter when temperatures drop. If you visit in winter, you will get to catch a rare glimpse of a frozen waterfall.
17 Tour the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
Did you know that Casper Wyoming is the center where four frontier trails converged? That is right. Casper is the spot where the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails all crossed, which means there is a lot of history here. A modern west experience for locals and travelers alike, the National Historical Trails Interpretive Center is a must-see destination while visiting Casper. Not only does it have historical information relevant to Wyoming, but it also offers a fantastic view of Casper.
18 Try a One-of-a-Kind Cocktail at Backwards Distilling Company
Come join the circus at Backwards Distilling Company. Inspired by the owner's love for the circus, Backwards Distilling Company creates high-quality spirits that are carefully orchestrated chaos, bringing together the finest ingredients to create small batches of spectacular spirits and delectable cocktails for your sipping pleasure. Mocktails are also available.
19 View the Art Galleries at the Nicolaysen Art Museum
Channel your inner art critic and head over to the Nicolaysen Art Museum. Fondly referred to as the “Nic,” the Nicolaysen Art Museum is home to both contemporary and traditional Western art. Enjoy a tour by one of the curators or enjoy a self-guided tour through the studio.
20 Wander the Werner Wildlife Museum
A short walk from the Casper College campus lies the Werner Wildlife Museum. This natural history museum houses 450 animals, birds, and fish. The museum’s primary focus is native Wyoming wildlife, but it also houses birds and animals from around the world. Come with questions because the museum curators are so knowledgeable, they will impart all of the fun facts on you. Bonus: This museum is free for all.
The next time you plan a long weekend getaway, head West to Wyoming and plan your next outdoor adventure in Casper, Wyoming.
