and itching to hit the road, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can find
. So if you’ve already explored everything close to home and want something new, this list is for you.
Below are 10 fun, easy
to help you plan your next weekend adventure.
1. Douglas & the Giant Jackalope (Converse County)
About an hour east of Casper along I‑25,
Douglas is a classic Wyoming town with a quirky twist: it calls itself the “Home of the Jackalope.”
What can you do there?
- Snap photos with the giant Jackalope statue downtown.
- Stroll around the historic railroad district and the old depot.
- Walk the streets to see old brick buildings and small shops.
- Visit local museums (check hours in advance, especially off‑season).
It’s an easy day trip from Casper and a fun place if you like small-town charm and roadside oddities. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll probably remember the Jackalope more than anything else you do on the drive.
2. Ayres Natural Bridge – Hidden Canyon Gem (Converse County)
Just a bit west of Douglas sits
Ayres Natural Bridge Park, one of those spots that locals love but travelers sometimes miss.
Located in a scenic canyon, this stone bridge crosses over a creek and looks like something out of a movie. From Casper, you’re looking at roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive, depending on stops.
Things to do at Ayres Natural Bridge:
- Walk under the natural rock arch and along the creek.
- Spread out a picnic on the grass in the park.
- Let the kids explore the playground areas and easy trails.
- Relax and watch the water drift by while you sit in the shade.
If you want a short, peaceful
road trip from Casper with a big payoff, this is an easy choice. Just remember to check seasonal access, as the park typically closes in winter.
3. Glenrock & the Deer Creek Museum (Converse County)
Only about 25–30 miles east of Casper,
Glenrock makes a simple half‑day escape when you don’t want to drive far but still want to get out of town.
Highlights in and around Glenrock:
- Learn about the Oregon Trail and local history at the Deer Creek Museum (hours can vary).
- Walk along the Deer Creek area and enjoy small‑town scenery.
- Grab a bite in town and chat with friendly locals.
From Casper, you can easily leave late morning, explore for a few hours, and be back home by dinner.
4. Thermopolis Hot Springs & State Park (Washakie & Hot Springs Counties)
This one stretches just beyond
Washakie County into Hot Springs County, but the approach from Casper takes you through
Washakie County and makes for a classic Wyoming weekend trip.
From Casper, expect roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive, depending on your route and stops in towns like
Worland.
Why go?
- Soak in the Hot Springs State Park mineral pools (free and paid options).
- Walk the trails and boardwalks by the colorful mineral terraces.
- Watch bison in the state park’s managed herd.
- Stop in nearby Worland (Washakie County) for food or a quick town stroll.
If you’ve never sat in steaming hot mineral water on a chilly Wyoming day, this road trip from Casper is a must.
5. Worland & the Heart of Washakie County
Worland, in Washakie County, makes a good stop on the way to other places, but it’s also worth a day trip on its own from Casper if you don’t mind a longer drive, around 2.5–3 hours.
What can you do there?
- Explore the small downtown and local shops.
- Walk or bike along local paths when the weather is nice.
- Use it as a jumping‑off point for nearby outdoor areas and scenic drives.
It’s a quieter destination, but if you enjoy the feeling of being in “real Wyoming” away from crowds, Worland gives you that wide‑open, laid‑back vibe.
6. Buffalo & Historic Downtown (Johnson County)
Head north from Casper on I‑25 and you’ll reach
Buffalo, in Johnson County, in about 2–2.5 hours. It’s a great base if you want a blend of Old West history and easy access to the
Bighorn Mountains.
In and around Buffalo you can:
- Stroll the historic Main Street with its Western‑style storefronts.
- Stop at local museums or historic hotels for a taste of cowboy history.
- Enjoy parks along Clear Creek with peaceful walking paths.
- Use Buffalo as a jumping‑off point for mountain drives into the Bighorns.
If you like Western novels and old‑timey saloons, Buffalo has that “step back in time” feeling without losing modern comforts.
7. Bighorn Mountains via U.S. 16 (Johnson County)
From Buffalo, you can drive west on
U.S. Highway 16 into the
Bighorn Mountains, sometimes called the “Sweet 16” route because the drive is so beautiful.
From Casper, you can do this as a long day trip (drive to Buffalo, then into the mountains) or stay overnight in Buffalo and explore more slowly.
Along U.S. 16 you’ll find:
- Mountain overlooks with huge views of forests, cliffs, and valleys.
- Trailheads for hiking, from short walks to longer treks.
- Picnic pull‑offs where you can eat lunch with mountain air and silence.
- Campgrounds and lodges if you want to stay the night.
If you’re craving cooler temperatures in summer or a true mountain escape, this is one of the best
scenic road trips near Casper.
8. Riverton – Gateway to Wind River Country (Fremont County)
Head west from Casper and you’ll reach
Riverton in Fremont County in roughly 2.5 hours (depending on route and traffic). The drive itself gives you big‑sky views, and Riverton works as a solid base for exploring the wider Wind River region.
In Riverton you can:
- Check out local shops and restaurants in town.
- Visit small museums to learn about regional and Native American history.
- Follow the riverfront areas for short walks and photo stops.
Riverton feels like a practical, working Wyoming town, but it’s also close to some of the state’s most beautiful country.
9. Lander – Trails, Climbing, and Small-Town Charm (Fremont County)
From Casper to
Lander, plan on about a 3‑hour drive, but the destination is worth it if you enjoy outdoor adventures and a cozy mountain‑town feel.
What to do in Lander:
- Explore the walkable downtown, with cafes, gear shops, and local restaurants.
- Head out to Sinks Canyon State Park just outside town to see where the river disappears underground and reappears downstream.
- Hike easy trails along the river or watch climbers scale the canyon walls.
- Enjoy summer evenings when the town comes alive with events and patios.
Lander is a great choice if you want a weekend road trip from Casper that mixes town comforts with easy access to nature.
10. Dubois – Cowboy Meets Mountain Village (Fremont County)
If you keep going northwest through Fremont County, you’ll eventually reach
Dubois, a small town with huge character. From Casper, it’ll be a solid 3.5–4 hour drive, so this one works best as an overnight or weekend getaway.
Why make the trip?
- Walk Dubois’ Western‑style main street, lined with wood‑front buildings.
- Check out local art galleries and shops focused on Western and Native themes.
- Use Dubois as a launch point for hikes, fishing, or scenic drives toward Togwotee Pass.
- Enjoy the feeling of being tucked between red hills, forests, and high peaks.
If you want a road trip from Casper that really feels like you’ve escaped everyday life, Dubois gives you that “edge of the wilderness” energy without being too remote.
Tips for Planning Your Casper Road Trips
To make the most of these drives from Casper into
Converse, Fremont, Johnson, and Washakie counties, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather – Wyoming conditions can change fast, especially in the mountains.
- Fill your gas tank – Distances between towns can be long, and services are sometimes limited.
- Bring layers – It might be warm in Casper and much cooler in the Bighorns or near rivers and canyons.
- Call ahead – Museums, parks, or local attractions can have seasonal hours.
If you’re like me, you might start out planning a simple afternoon drive and end up turning it into a full weekend once you see how many fun stops are within just a few hours of Casper.
Where Will You Drive Next?
Living in or visiting
Casper, Wyoming puts you in a great spot for exploring the heart of the state. From quirky Jackalope statues in Douglas to hot springs near Worland and mountain passes above Buffalo, you’ve got plenty of
short road trips waiting just beyond Natrona County.
Which of these spots would you visit first? Are you more of a hot springs person, a history buff, or a mountain‑trail explorer?
If you found this guide helpful:
- Share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Casper or looking for new weekend ideas.
- Comment with your favorite road trip from Casper or any hidden gems I missed in Converse, Fremont, Johnson, or Washakie counties.
Your ideas and stories help other travelers discover new places—and might just inspire my next round of road trip suggestions.
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