What is Wyoming Known for? Discover Wyoming’s Famous Facts, Foods, and Landmarks

Wyoming is known as the home of iconic national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, rolling plains, and charming towns. No matter how long you’ve lived in Wyoming, there’s something new to learn about the state. So, what is Wyoming known for?

At Redfin, we’ve got the answers for you. Whether you’re searching for an apartment in Cheyenne or a home in Jackson, read on to find out what makes Wyoming such a special place to call home.

Job opportunities and economy

Wyoming is known for its energy industry, particularly in oil, natural gas, and coal, tourism, and agriculture. Some of the state’s major companies include the University of Wyoming, Wyoming Medical Center, and Peabody Energy.

Wyoming’s top five employers

• University of Wyoming
• Wyoming Medical Center
• State of Wyoming Government
• Peabody Energy
• Cheyenne Regional Medical Center

Famous tourist attractions

• Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, is home to geothermal features like the Old Faithful geyser, colorful hot springs, and wildlife like bison and grizzly bears. You can explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, hike trails like the Upper Geyser Basin, and camp in the park’s wilderness.
• Grand Teton National Park, located south of Yellowstone, features towering peaks, alpine lakes, and the Snake River. You can hike trails like Cascade Canyon, drive scenic routes like the Teton Park Road, and enjoy photography spots along the Teton Range.
• Jackson Hole is a scenic valley surrounded by the Teton Range and Gros Ventre Range, with outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Activities include exploring Jackson Town Square, taking a tram ride up Rendezvous Mountain, and visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
• Devil’s Tower National Monument, located in northeastern Wyoming, is a unique geological formation and sacred site for Native American tribes. You can hike trails around the tower, learn about its formation at the visitor center, and enjoy rock climbing on its vertical columns.
• The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody showcases the history and culture of the American West through exhibits on Buffalo Bill Cody, Plains Indians, firearms, and natural history. Visitors can also explore galleries like the Whitney Western Art Museum and attend educational programs and events.

Did you know? Rodeo is Wyoming’s official state sport.

Comforting regional cuisine

Wyoming’s cuisine is influenced by its cowboy culture and Western traditions, featuring hearty dishes and game meats. Buffalo (bison) steaks and burgers are popular, often grilled over an open flame for a robust flavor. Rocky Mountain oysters, battered and fried bull testicles, are a unique local delicacy. Wyoming also embraces comfort foods like chicken-fried steak and trout from its pristine mountain streams.

Top restaurants in Wyoming

• Snake River Grill in Jackson
• The Kitchen in Jackson
• The Local in Jackson
• Silver Dollar Bar & Grill in Jackson
• Bella’s Bistro in Saratoga

Arts scene and entertainment

Wyoming’s cultural landscape is defined by its rugged frontier spirit, Native American heritage, and stunning natural wonders. The state’s art is celebrated in institutions like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, which showcase art and artifacts reflecting Wyoming’s wildlife and Western heritage. Cities like Cheyenne and Jackson have plenty of theaters, galleries, and music venues that reflect Wyoming’s adventurous spirit and artistic creativity.

Five great museums in Wyoming

• Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne
• Museum of the Plains Indian in Cody
• Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis
• National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper
• Draper Natural History Museum in Cody

World-renowned landscapes

Wyoming’s natural land formations include the iconic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, such as the Teton Range. You’ll also see Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features, including Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. The state features vast plains and plateaus, including the Red Desert and the Bighorn Mountains, providing diverse habitats for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike. There are plenty of mountain towns in Wyoming that embrace the state’s charming mountain lifestyle.

National and state parks in Wyoming

• Yellowstone National Park near Mammoth
• Grand Teton National Park near Moran
• Curt Gowdy State Park near Hirsig
• Glendo State Park near Glendo

Popular Wyoming phrases

In Wyoming, you’ll learn expressions that reflect the state’s wide-open spaces, cowboy culture, and natural wonders. 

• “Buffalo Bill Cody” is an iconic figure that represents the rodeo traditions that still thrive in towns like Cody and Cheyenne.
• “Barking squirrels,” are a name for prairie dogs.
• “Greenies,” are Colorado residents.

More things Wyoming is known for

• Equality State: Wyoming’s nickname, the Equality State, reflects its pioneering role in granting women the right to vote and hold public office, embodying principles of equality and justice.
• Cowboy culture: Wyoming celebrates its cowboy heritage with rodeos like Cheyenne Frontier Days, ranching traditions, and historic sites like the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum in Rawlins.
• Fossil Butte National Monument: Fossil Butte National Monument preserves one of the world’s richest fossil deposits from the Eocene Epoch, showcasing ancient fish, plants, and other prehistoric specimens.
• Wyoming State Capitol: The Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne is an architectural landmark, reflecting the state’s history and culture, with its golden dome and historic chambers open for public tours.