and looking for fun things to do nearby? Or maybe you live in Mills and just need a quick escape for the day (or a simple weekend trip) without driving across the whole state.
You’re in luck.
Mills sits in a great spot right by Casper, but once you drive out of Natrona County, a whole world of wide-open spaces, western history, and mountain views opens up. Below are
All within a few hours’ drive, most much less.
1. Glendo State Park (Converse County) – A Classic Wyoming Lake Day
If you’re craving water, sunshine, and big skies, head southeast from Mills to
Glendo State Park in Converse County. It’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive, an easy half-day or full-day trip.
At Glendo, you’ll find:
- Boating and fishing on a large reservoir
- Swimming beaches for cooling off in summer
- Mountain biking and hiking trails with great lake views
- Plenty of picnic spots right by the water
If you have a boat, this is one of the best nearby lakes to launch. But even if you don’t, you can still fish from shore, walk along the water, or just sit back and watch the boats go by.
I like to pack a simple cooler—sandwiches, chips, and a couple of camp chairs—then find a quiet corner of shoreline. It’s the kind of place where time starts to slow down, especially toward sunset.
2. Ayres Natural Bridge (Converse County) – A Hidden Gem Off the Interstate
About an hour east of Mills, tucked away from I-25, you’ll find
Ayres Natural Bridge, a beautiful stone bridge carved out by LaPrele Creek.
Why go?
- Natural rock bridge you can walk under and photograph
- Shaded picnic areas right along the creek
- Grassy areas where kids can run and play
- Short walking paths and plenty of spots to sit and relax
It feels like a small, green oasis in the middle of Wyoming’s open country. If you’re driving east toward Douglas or beyond, this is a perfect stop to break up the trip. It’s also ideal if you want a low-key afternoon that doesn’t require a lot of hiking.
3. Douglas, Wyoming & The Jackalope (Converse County) – Quirky Small-Town Fun
About 50–60 miles east of Mills lies
Douglas, Wyoming, the self-proclaimed “Home of the Jackalope.” If you enjoy small-town main streets and a bit of roadside Americana, this is a fun little road trip.
In and around Douglas, you can:
- Track down the town’s famous jackalope statues for photo ops
- Stroll the historic downtown with its shops and old buildings
- Learn a bit of local history at area museums and displays
- Grab a bite at a local café or diner
The drive from Mills is an easy straight shot on I-25, so it’s a great choice if you don’t feel like winding mountain roads but still want to get out of Natrona County and explore more of central Wyoming.
4. Wind River Range Gateway: Lander, WY (Fremont County)
Head west from Mills and you’ll eventually roll into
Lander in Fremont County, a friendly mountain town and gateway to the
Wind River Range. Expect around a 2.5–3 hour drive, depending on your route and stops.
Why Lander works well as a road trip from Mills:
- Easy access to hiking in the foothills of the Wind River Range
- Scenic drives along Sinks Canyon (just outside town)
- Local restaurants and laid-back breweries
- Small-town vibe with a bit of outdoor-adventure energy
Think of Lander as a base camp. You can enjoy a relaxed stroll through town, then head up into the mountains for a short hike or just a scenic drive if you don’t feel like walking much.
5. Sinks Canyon State Park (Fremont County) – Where the River Disappears
Just outside of Lander sits
Sinks Canyon State Park, one of the most interesting natural spots in Wyoming and a fantastic adventure from Mills.
Here, the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River does something strange:
- It vanishes underground into a limestone cavern (“the Sinks”).
- Then, about a quarter-mile downstream, it reappears at a calm pool called “the Rise.”
Things to do:
- Walk the short paths to see both the Sinks and the Rise
- Watch the huge trout at the Rise—it’s like a natural aquarium
- Try easy canyon hikes with great rock-cliff views
- Have a simple picnic near the water
If you like places that feel a bit mysterious without being hard to reach, Sinks Canyon is perfect. You can do it as a day trip from Mills (with an early start) or as part of a weekend in Lander.
6. Thermopolis & Hot Springs State Park (Washakie County Gateway)
While
Thermopolis itself is just over the line in neighboring Hot Springs County, you’ll drive through
Washakie County on the way from Mills, typically passing through the town of
Worland. It’s a beautiful drive and one of the best short “mini-vacations” you can take from central Wyoming.
Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis offers:
- Natural hot springs where you can soak and relax
- A colorful mineral terrace flowing with steaming water
- Bison herds you can often see from your car
- Walking trails and river views along the Bighorn River
You’ll likely pass through parts of Washakie County on the way, so you can:
- Stop in Worland for gas, snacks, or a quick meal
- Enjoy the wide-open Bighorn Basin scenery
If you’ve never soaked in a natural hot spring before, this trip from Mills is a must-do at least once.
7. Bighorn Mountains from the South: Kaycee & Surroundings (Johnson County)
North of Mills,
Johnson County opens the door to the southern end of the
Bighorn Mountains. A good starting point is the small town of
Kaycee, roughly 1.5–2 hours from Mills.
This area is perfect if you enjoy:
- Quiet country roads and big-sky views
- Exploring routes that lead toward the Bighorn National Forest
- Learning about Wyoming’s ranching and outlaw history in the wider region
From Kaycee, you can explore nearby backroads (check conditions—some are better in dry weather) or continue north toward the heart of the Bighorns. Even if you just drive through, the rolling hills and distant mountain views are a refreshing break from everyday life.
8. Buffalo, Wyoming (Johnson County) – Western Charm at the Foot of the Bighorns
Further up I-25 and US-87, around two hours from Mills, you’ll hit
Buffalo, a classic western town right at the base of the Bighorn Mountains.
In and around Buffalo, you can:
- Stroll the historic downtown with its old brick buildings
- Find views of the Bighorn Mountains rising to the west
- Check out historic sites and local museums in the area
- Use Buffalo as a launch point for a scenic drive into the Bighorns
Buffalo makes a great full-day road trip from Mills. You can drive up in the morning, walk around town, have lunch, then head a little way up into the mountains in the afternoon before heading back.
9. Worland, Wyoming (Washakie County) – Gateway to the Bighorn Basin
On your way toward Thermopolis or the northern Bighorn Basin, you may find yourself passing through
Worland in Washakie County. It’s about 3 hours from Mills, depending on route.
Why add Worland to your out-of-county list?
- It’s a comfortable midpoint stop on longer scenic drives.
- The town sits in the wide-open Bighorn Basin, surrounded by big views.
- You can stretch your legs, grab a coffee or late breakfast, and fuel up.
If you like to “road trip just to road trip,” Worland and the surrounding basin give you that pure wide-horizon Wyoming feel—long straight roads, distant mountains, and changing light all day long.
10. Scenic Backroads Toward the Bighorn National Forest (Johnson & Washakie County Routes)
For travelers who love wandering a bit off the beaten path—but not too far—consider designing your own loop drive that dips into
Johnson County or
Washakie County, then swings back toward Mills.
Ideas for a DIY scenic loop:
- Head north from Mills into Johnson County, then angle toward foothill roads that inch closer to the Bighorn National Forest.
- Or drive west through Washakie County, exploring quiet highways and side roads across the Bighorn Basin.
Tips:
- Check road conditions before you go, especially in spring and fall.
- Bring extra water, snacks, and a paper map—cell service can be spotty.
- Start with a full tank of gas from Mills or Casper.
This kind of drive isn’t about one single “must-see” attraction. It’s about the journey itself—watching the land slowly rise, roll, and change, with the mountains teasing you on the horizon.
Planning Your Road Trips from Mills, Wyoming
A few quick pointers to make these
out-of-county road trips from Mills smoother:
- Check the weather: Wyoming can change from sunny to snowy faster than you’d expect, especially near the mountains.
- Gas up early: Some stretches between towns are long. Don’t count on every little dot on the map having a gas station.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, evenings can cool down, especially near lakes and at higher elevations.
- Keep it flexible: Part of the fun is being open to detours—maybe a side road, a small-town café, or a scenic pullout you didn’t plan on.
If you’re visiting from out of state, you’ll quickly see why
short drives in Wyoming can feel like a full-blown adventure—even when you’re just going a couple hours from Mills.
Share Your Mills, WY Road Trip Ideas
Exploring
Converse, Fremont, Johnson, and Washakie Counties from Mills gives you a little bit of everything—lakes, hot springs, mountains, quirky small towns, and long open roads.
Have you taken any of these road trips from Mills?
Do you have a favorite lakeside picnic spot, canyon hike, or mountain overlook nearby?
I’d love to hear about it.
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a Wyoming road trip—it might just inspire their next adventure.
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