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If you’re planning a trip to Wyoming, you won’t want to miss the many fascinating museums the state has to offer. From history and wildlife to art and science, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting museums you can visit in Wyoming.
One of the most interesting, must-see museums in Wyoming is the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne. Here, you can learn about the state’s rich history, from early Native American settlements to the present day.
The museum features exhibits on everything from the state’s geology and wildlife to its role in the Civil War and the development of the railroad. You’ll also find artifacts and exhibits highlighting the state’s many cultural contributions, including its famous rodeos and cowboy culture.
Another of the most interesting museums you won’t want to miss is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. This massive complex is made up of five different museums, covering everything from art and firearms to natural history and the American West.
With over 7 acres of exhibits, you could easily spend an entire day exploring all this museum has to offer. Whether you’re interested in the history of the Old West or the art of Frederic Remington, you’re sure to find something fascinating at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY
If you are a fan of wildlife and art, then the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a must-visit destination for you. This museum, founded in 1987, houses more than 5,000 artworks representing wild animals from around the world.
The museum’s remarkable stone building looks like a fortress nestled into the hillside, making it a perfect facade for an organization housing incredible nature art made by global creatives. From the outside, the museum looks like a natural rock outcropping, while inside this building lies some of the world’s finest wildlife art.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is one of the largest collections of wildlife art in the United States, featuring works by famous artists such as Carl Rungius, Robert Bateman, and John James Audubon. The museum also features rotating exhibits that showcase different aspects of wildlife and nature, making it a great place to visit multiple times.
The museum’s permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other works of art that depict wildlife in all its forms. You can see everything from majestic elk to tiny songbirds, all captured in stunning detail by some of the world’s most talented artists.
In addition to the art, the National Museum of Wildlife Art also offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and classes for all ages. These programs are designed to help visitors learn more about wildlife and nature, as well as the art that depicts them.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves wildlife, art, or both. With its incredible collection of works by some of the world’s most talented artists, as well as its educational programs and rotating exhibits, this museum is sure to inspire and delight visitors of all ages.
Wyoming State Museum
2301 Central Ave, Cheyenne, WY
Located in Cheyenne, the Wyoming State Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the state’s history. The museum was established in 1895 and is organized under the Cultural Resources Division of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Its functions are guided by state statute to collect, preserve, and interpret a diverse range of objects, including history, art, anthropology, and natural history.
The Wyoming State Museum offers a wide range of exhibits covering natural history, paleontology, art, industrial developments, and more. You can learn about the state’s early inhabitants, from the Native Americans to the pioneers who settled the area. The museum also has exhibits on the state’s geology, flora, and fauna, including a display of Wyoming’s state fossil, the Knightia.
One of the highlights of the Wyoming State Museum is the exhibit on the state’s political history. You can see artifacts from the state’s earliest days, including the original copy of the state constitution. There are also exhibits on the state’s role in the Civil War and World War II.
The Wyoming State Museum is a great place to take the whole family. There are interactive exhibits that allow you to experience what it was like to live in Wyoming in the past. For example, you can try your hand at using a telegraph or see what it was like to ride in a stagecoach. Admission to the museum is free, making it an affordable way to spend an afternoon.
The Wyoming State Museum is a fascinating look into the state’s past. With exhibits on everything from geology to politics, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a must-visit museum in Wyoming. It is located in Cody, Wyoming, and is home to five museums, all under one roof. The center is dedicated to the American West, including its history, art, Native American heritage, the natural science of Yellowstone, and the development of the firearm.
Whitney Western Art Museum
The Whitney Western Art Museum is one of the five museums at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It is home to an extensive collection of Western art, including paintings, sculptures, and prints. The museum features works by some of the most famous Western artists, such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.
The Whitney Western Art Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the American West through art.
Draper Natural History Museum
The Draper Natural History Museum is another museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It is dedicated to the natural history of the American West. The museum features exhibits on the geology, wildlife, and ecology of the region.
Visitors can learn about the animals that call the American West home, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. The Draper Natural History Museum is a great place to learn about the natural world of the American West.
Cody Firearms Museum
The Cody Firearms Museum is one of the most comprehensive firearms collections in the world. The museum features over 7,000 firearms, including guns used by famous Western figures such as Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley.
The museum also features exhibits on the history of firearms and their development over time. The Cody Firearms Museum is a great place to learn about the role that firearms played in the history of the American West.
Plains Indian Museum
The Plains Indian Museum is dedicated to the art and culture of the Plains Indians. The museum features exhibits on the history, art, and culture of the Plains Indians, including exhibits on their clothing, weapons, and tools. Visitors can learn about the traditions and customs of the Plains Indians and their way of life. The Plains Indian Museum is a great place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the American West.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is an excellent museum to visit in Wyoming. It is home to five museums, each with its unique focus, making it a great place to learn about the history, art, and culture of the American West.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
4610 Carey Ave, Cheyenne, WY
If you’re looking for unique and interesting museums in Wyoming that celebrate the heritage and pioneer spirit of the American West, then the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is a must-visit. This premier cultural and historical center in Southeast Wyoming offers year-round programming, exhibits, and activities that bring the thrilling history of the world’s first outdoor rodeo to life.
The museum features a vast collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and exhibits that showcase the history of Cheyenne and the Old West. You can see antique horse-drawn carriages, wagons, and early automobiles, among other fascinating items. One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the Historic Carriage Collection, which features over 100 carriages, wagons, and sleighs that date back to the 1800s.
The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is also home to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame, which honors the cowboys, cowgirls, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. You can learn about the history of the rodeo and the legends who have helped make it what it is today.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. These include lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities that are designed to engage visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational experience, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is definitely worth a visit.
American Heritage Center
2111 E Willett Dr, Laramie, WY
If you are interested in exploring Wyoming’s history, the American Heritage Center (AHC) is a must-visit museum. Located on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, the AHC is the repository of manuscripts collections, rare books, and university archives.
The AHC’s extensive collections began with the papers of longtime UW faculty member, administrator, librarian, and Wyoming historian Grace Raymond Hebard and now contain nearly 70,000 cubic feet of historically important documents and artifacts. The AHC is among the largest non-governmental archives in the world.
The AHC’s galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the reading room is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm by appointment. You can contact the AHC at 307-766-3756 or [email protected] to schedule a visit.
The AHC offers a wide range of exhibits covering various topics, including the history of Wyoming, the American West, and the United States. You can also explore the AHC’s virtual exhibits on its website. The AHC’s Discover History Blog provides insights into the museum’s collections and history.
If you are a researcher, the AHC offers research guidance to help you get started. The AHC also participates in Wyoming History Day, an annual event that encourages students to explore Wyoming’s rich history.
Wyoming Dinosaur Center
110 Carter Ranch Rd, Thermopolis, WY
If you’re interested in dinosaurs, then the Wyoming Dinosaur Center is a must-visit museum. Located in Thermopolis, this museum has been named one of the top ten dinosaur museums in the world. With over 58 mounted skeletons and hundreds of displays and dioramas, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center is sure to educate, inspire and capture the imagination of children and adults alike.
One of the center’s main attractions is Jimbo, a 106-foot-long Supersaurus. Stan, a 41-foot T-Rex, and two Velociraptors are also on display. You can join one of the center’s Dig for a Day program and get in on the hunt for fossils. The area around the museum is rich with dinosaurs, and it’s also home to the Hot Springs State Park.
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is one of the few dinosaur museums in the world to have excavation sites within driving distance. The museum offers guided tours of the excavation sites, where visitors can see real dinosaur bones being unearthed. The center also has a working fossil preparation laboratory, where visitors can watch technicians clean and prepare fossils for display.
In addition to its impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center also features exhibits on prehistoric mammals, marine reptiles, and other ancient creatures. The museum’s gift shop is stocked with a variety of dinosaur-related items, including books, toys, and fossils.
Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site
4001 Fort Caspar Rd, Casper, WY
If you’re interested in Wyoming’s rich history, then you must visit the Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site. Located in Casper, Wyoming, this museum is a fully reconstructed frontier outpost that offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
The museum features exhibits on prehistoric peoples, Plains Indians, ranching, the energy industry, and the City of Casper, as well as the western emigrant trails and frontier army. You can explore the fort buildings, reconstructions of the Mormon ferry and a section of the Guinard Bridge, and interpretive exhibits in the museum.
The Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site is open daily from May 1 to September 30, from 8 am to 5 pm. The fort buildings are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission for adults is $4, making it an affordable and educational experience for the whole family.
Visitors to the museum will get a sense of what life was like for soldiers and pioneers in the 19th century. You’ll learn about the history of the fort and its role in protecting pioneers and settlers on their journey west. The museum also offers educational programs for school groups and other organizations.
The Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site is a must-visit for anyone interested in Wyoming’s rich history. With its informative exhibits, reconstructed fort buildings, and affordable admission, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Museum of the Mountain Man
700 E Hennick St, Pinedale, WY
If you’re interested in the history of the American West, you should definitely check out the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale, Wyoming. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the mountain men who explored the western wilderness in the 19th century.
The Museum of the Mountain Man has an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide a comprehensive overview of the western fur trade’s historical significance. Some of the notable items in the collection include Jim Bridger’s rifle and the finest Native American sheephorn bow still in existence. The museum also shares a comprehensive collection of Rocky Mountain fur trade journals.
The museum first opened in 1990 and continues to develop new exhibits. It is open from May 1 through November 1, and during the winter season by appointment. The suggested duration of a visit is 1-2 hours.
If you’re planning a visit to the Museum of the Mountain Man, it’s worth noting that it is located at 700 E. Hennick Street in Pinedale, Wyoming. You can reach the museum toll-free at 1-877-686-6266 or locally at 307-367-4101. For more information, you can visit the museum’s website at www.mmmuseum.com.
Tate Geological Museum
2332 Lisco Dr, Casper, WY
If you’re interested in geology, paleontology, and mineralogy, you should definitely visit the Tate Geological Museum in Casper, Wyoming. The museum was founded in 1980 through a gift from Marion and Inez Tate and has been a regional Earth Science Education Center ever since.
The Tate Geological Museum is one of the few museums in Wyoming that focuses on geology and paleontology. The museum has a collection of over 3,000 fossil and mineral specimens, including dinosaurs and Dee the Mammoth, an 11,600-year-old Columbian Mammoth who lived in the American West during the Pleistocene, or Ice Age.
The museum’s exhibits are designed to educate visitors about the Earth’s history and how it has changed over time. You’ll learn about the different types of rocks and minerals, the history of life on Earth, and the geological processes that have shaped our planet.
One of the most popular exhibits at the Tate Geological Museum is the Hall of Dinosaurs. This exhibit features a variety of dinosaur fossils, including a Triceratops skull, a Stegosaurus skeleton, and a Tyrannosaurus rex tooth. The museum also has a collection of casts of dinosaur tracks from the area, which visitors can touch and examine up close.
The Tate Geological Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and admission is free. The museum also offers educational programs and tours for school groups and other organizations. If you’re interested in geology and paleontology, the Tate Geological Museum is a must-visit destination in Wyoming.
Final Thoughts
Wyoming is home to a wide variety of interesting museums that cater to different interests and preferences. Whether you are interested in history, art, science, or culture, there is a museum in Wyoming that will satisfy your curiosity.
Some of the must-visit museums in Wyoming include the Wyoming State Museum, which showcases the state’s incredible lineage, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which houses five museums that focus on different aspects of the American West.
The National Museum of Military Vehicles is also a must-visit museum for anyone interested in military history, while the Plains Indian Museum is a great place to learn about the traditions and culture of the Plains Indians.
If you are interested in natural history, the Tate Geological Museum and the University of Wyoming Geological Museum are both worth a visit. These museums have impressive collections of fossils, minerals, and other geological specimens that will fascinate both adults and children.
For art enthusiasts, the Nicolaysen Art Museum and the Whitney Western Art Museum are two museums that you should not miss. The Nicolaysen Art Museum features contemporary art from Wyoming and the surrounding region, while the Whitney Western Art Museum has an extensive collection of Western art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Wyoming’s museums are a testament to the state’s rich history, culture, and natural resources. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, exploring these interesting museums will give you a deeper appreciation into the past, present, and future. of the great state of Wyoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some interesting museums in Wyoming?
Wyoming has a variety of interesting museums that cater to different interests. Some of the most popular ones include the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, and the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale. Each of these museums offers unique exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and culture of Wyoming.
Are there any museums in Wyoming dedicated to Western art?
Yes, there are several museums in Wyoming that focus on Western art. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody has a dedicated Western art museum, which features works by famous artists such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper also has a collection of Western art, as well as contemporary art and regional artifacts.
What is the Buffalo Museum in Wyoming?
The Buffalo Museum, also known as the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, is located in Buffalo, Wyoming. It is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the American West, with a particular focus on the Powder River Basin area. The museum has exhibits on Native American culture, early settlers, and the cattle industry, among other topics.
What are some historical museums in Wyoming?
Wyoming has several very interesting historical museums that showcase the state’s rich history. The Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne has exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to the state’s role in the space race.
The Fort Caspar Museum in Casper focuses on the history of the region, including the Oregon Trail and the Pony Express. The Campbell County Rockpile Museum in Gillette has exhibits on the coal mining industry and the history of the region.
Does Wyoming have any unique and interesting wildlife museums?
Yes, Wyoming has several museums that focus on wildlife. The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson has a large collection of wildlife art, as well as exhibits on conservation and ecology.
The Draper Natural History Museum, also located in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, has exhibits on the ecology and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
How much does it cost to visit the Wyoming State Museum?
Admission to the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne is free. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and closed on Sundays and state holidays.
