The Last Bastian Of The West: WY You Should Visit Wyoming

Image credit: Jhamil Bader. Image courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism.

If one is the loneliest number, “y” is the most complicated letter in the alphabet.  The second to last character constantly plagues everyone’s minds. A simple “y” can lead you down an introspective rabbit hole.   Y am I here? Y am I reading this article? Y did I prioritize the known rather than the unknown? While I can’t answer those questions, I can tell you why you should go to Wyoming. 

Image credit and courtesy: Wyoming Office of Tourism.

We live in an era of mass connectedness. We access information quicker than any previous generation. As the world gets smaller, destinations compete for your travel. So, you are bombarded with promises of the best food, the most fantastic views, or the quickest flight. Everyone’s inner Anthony Bourdain shines when you arrive at that kind of place. The neon lights highlight mass-produced souvenirs. The fast-food chains reek of old oil and gastritis-inducing food. If you want to see the Wild West, why should you go somewhere that’s just like everywhere else? Wyoming stood the test of time. It remains true to history. When you see the wide expansions of sun-drenched prairies, you understand why getting away from the maddening crowd is good for the soul. I spoke with Glenn Gardner, Strategic Partnerships Manager at the Wyoming Office of Tourism, to learn why you should visit the last bastion of the west.

Image credit and courtesy: Wyoming Office of Tourism.

1. Why should someone visit Wyoming?

I am biased about why someone should go to Wyoming. I was born and raised there, and we are home to many outdoor recreational opportunities. 50% of state land is public land. Consequently, everyone can access iconic national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. You can explore the dunes of southwest Wyoming and fish at Devils Tower. The state is a great place to get away from crowds and noise. We are the smallest state by population size (approximately 560,000 residents) while the tenth largest in land mass. As a native Wyomingite, the whole state feels like one big small town where everyone wants to help their neighbors and community.

Image credit and courtesy: Wyoming Office of Tourism.

2. How does Wyoming honor its past and embrace innovation?

Agriculture and livestock farming laid the foundation of Wyoming.  Our state's modern roots sprung during the railroad expansions after the Civil War.  We embrace state-wide traditions from that era, such as the nightly summer rodeo in Cody.  Every town also participates by hosting their local rodeo.  Wyoming is home to many start-ups in the sustainable energy sector. We blend the past and present to create a vibrant community that honors its roots and wants to improve the world.

Image credit: Kimberly Irwin. Image courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism.

3. How can visitors give back to Wyoming during their visit?

People can bolster Wyoming's economy by supporting local businesses and organizations. We want visitors to enjoy all the beauty Wyoming offers and ensure they clean up after themselves by not leaving trash. We also want people to respect the wildlife by not approaching them.

Image credit and courtesy: Wyoming Office of Tourism.

4. What are some hidden gems travelers should experience while visiting Wyoming?

For the past 127 years, Wyoming has been home to Frontier Days, the world's largest outdoor rodeo, in Cheyenne. Frontier Days celebrates all of Wyoming's history. The festival has a Native American village that highlights Wyoming's indigenous history.

Image credit and courtesy: Wyoming Office of Tourism.