1. Explore Downtown Gillette’s Murals and Local Shops
Start your visit in
downtown Gillette. This area has been getting a fresh new look, with colorful murals, art installations, and locally owned shops.
Walk a few blocks and you’ll see painted walls showing everything from western scenes to modern designs. They make perfect photo backdrops, especially in the evening light.
Pop into:
It’s an easy way to stretch your legs after a long drive on I‑90 and get a feel for Gillette’s community vibe.
2. Tour the Rockpile Museum and Step Back in Time
If you only have time for one museum in Gillette, make it the
Campbell County Rockpile Museum. The name sounds funny, but it’s one of the best ways to learn what life was like on the high plains.
Inside you’ll find:
The museum is family-friendly, with hands-on exhibits kids can touch. It’s not huge, so you can see a lot in an hour or two.
Tip: Ask the staff for local tips. The people who work here usually know about current events, seasonal things to do, and hidden spots that don’t always show up online.
3. Enjoy a Local Brew at Gillette Brewing Company & The Railyard
Looking for a relaxed evening after a day on the road? Head to
Gillette Brewing Company & The Railyard downtown.
This spot mixes:
On busy nights, you’ll see everyone from locals in work boots to travelers in hiking gear. If you’re not a beer drinker, you can still enjoy the food and hang out.
If you like trying local flavors when you travel, this should be near the top of your Gillette to‑do list.
4. Visit the Durham Bison Ranch (And Meet the Bison Up Close)
Just outside Gillette, the
Durham Bison Ranch is one of the largest bison operations in the world. If you’ve ever wanted to see a real bison herd roaming the plains, this is your chance.
The ranch offers:
Watching these huge animals move as a herd across the open land feels like stepping into an old western movie. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll remember this stop for a long time.
5. Take a Scenic Drive to Keyhole State Park
About 30–40 minutes northeast of Gillette, you’ll find
Keyhole State Park, a local favorite for water and outdoor fun.
Here you can:
- Swim or wade in the lake on hot summer days
- Fish for walleye, bass, and other species
- Camp in one of the park’s campgrounds (book early in summer)
- Enjoy wide-open Wyoming skies and stars at night
Pack a cooler, some snacks, and maybe a fishing rod. Even if you’re not camping, a few hours by the water is a nice break from driving and sightseeing.
6. Day Trip to Devil’s Tower National Monument
One of the biggest reasons travelers stay in Gillette is its easy access to
Devil’s Tower National Monument, about 1.5 hours to the northeast.
This towering rock formation rises more than 800 feet above the surrounding landscape. It’s sacred to many Native American tribes and famous from the movie
Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
When you visit, you can:
Pro tip: Go earlier in the day during summer. Parking fills up quickly, and the sun can be intense in the afternoon.
7. Learn About Coal and Energy on a Mine Tour
Gillette calls itself the
“Energy Capital of the Nation” for a reason. Campbell County is home to some of the largest open-pit coal mines in the United States.
Several local operators, often partnered with tourism groups, offer
coal mine tours where you can:
- See massive haul trucks and machinery up close
- Learn how coal is mined and transported
- Understand the role energy plays in this region
You’ll need to
book ahead and bring photo ID, as these are working industrial sites. If you’re curious how the lights stay on across the country, this is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look.
8. Hike, Bike, or Stroll Dalbey Memorial Park (Fishing Lake)
If you want something low-key inside Gillette itself, head to
Dalbey Memorial Park, also known as
Fishing Lake.
Here you’ll find:
- A walking path around the water
- Space to fish from the shore
- Play areas for kids
- Plenty of grass for picnics and relaxing
On warm summer evenings, locals come out to walk dogs, push strollers, and relax by the water. It’s a nice way to unwind, especially if you’re staying in a nearby hotel.
9. Catch a Local Event, Rodeo, or Game
Gillette loves its events. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
- A rodeo or fair-style celebration
- A high school or college sports game
- Livestock shows and agricultural events at the Cam-Plex facility
- Concerts or community festivals
The
Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facilities just east of town is a big hub for rodeos, RV rallies, and trade shows. If you enjoy seeing how a community comes together, check the event calendar before your trip. You might be surprised by what’s happening during your stay.
10. Use Gillette as Your Base for a Classic Western Road Trip
One of the best “things to do” in Gillette is actually what you can reach
from Gillette. It makes a great base for exploring northeast Wyoming and beyond.
From Gillette, you can:
- Head east to Devil’s Tower and the Black Hills of South Dakota
- Drive west toward Bighorn National Forest for mountain views and hiking
- Link your trip from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park, with Gillette as a comfortable overnight stop
You’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants, and basic services in town, which makes planning easy. After a long day of scenic driving, it’s nice to come back to a hot shower, a good meal, and maybe a local beer.
Final Tips for Visiting Gillette, Wyoming
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers the most outdoor options.
- Pack for the weather: Even in summer, evenings can be cool. In winter, it can be very cold and windy.
- Book tours ahead: Especially mine tours and ranch visits, which can fill up or have limited schedules.
Gillette might not be as famous as some bigger western towns, but that’s part of its charm. You get real Wyoming life—energy, ranching, wide skies—without big crowds.
What Would You Do First in Gillette?
Are you more excited about:
- Seeing bison on the open range?
- Walking around Devil’s Tower?
- Grabbing a craft beer downtown?
If you’ve visited Gillette or Campbell County, what did you enjoy most?
Share your favorite Gillette experience in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend planning a Wyoming road trip. It might just inspire their next stop on the open road.
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