1. Stroll Old Town Greeley, Colorado (Weld County)
Approx. drive: About 45–55 minutes southwest
County: Weld County, CO
Just across the state line,
Greeley, Colorado is an easy and relaxed day trip from South Greeley. Old Town Greeley has a small-city feel with plenty to do.
- Walk around the historic downtown and check out the murals.
- Grab lunch at a local diner or taco spot.
- Pop into small shops for antiques, books, or local art.
If you’re used to wide-open Wyoming spaces, Greeley feels like a mini-city getaway: busier streets, more restaurants, and a different vibe. It’s a nice change of pace without driving all day.
2. Catch a Game or Show at the University of Northern Colorado (Weld County)
Approx. drive: About 1 hour
County: Weld County, CO
While you’re in the Greeley area, you can swing by the
University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Even if you’re not a student, the campus is a fun place to explore.
- Watch a college baseball, basketball, or football game (depending on the season).
- See if there’s a concert, theater performance, or dance show.
- Walk the campus paths and enjoy the big trees and green spaces.
If you’ve ever missed the energy of a college town, this is a simple way to tap into it for a few hours.
3. Hike & Picnic at Curt Gowdy State Park (Albany County, WY)
Approx. drive: About 35–45 minutes west
County: Albany County, WY
Just over the line from Laramie County into
Albany County,
Curt Gowdy State Park is one of the easiest and most rewarding short trips from South Greeley.
Here you’ll find:
- Well-marked hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Reservoirs where you can fish, paddleboard, or kayak.
- Plenty of picnic areas with great views.
On a warm day, pack a cooler, some folding chairs, and a fishing rod. The red rock formations, pines, and water make it feel like a mini-vacation, even if you’re only out for the afternoon.
4. Explore Downtown Laramie, Wyoming (Albany County)
Approx. drive: Around 1–1.25 hours west
County: Albany County, WY
If you’re craving a classic Wyoming college town,
Laramie is a must. It’s packed with Western history and has a walkable downtown.
Things to do:
- Browse local shops on 2nd and 3rd Street.
- Grab coffee or a craft beer at a local spot.
- Check out street art and old brick buildings.
On one of my own quick trips, I ended up talking with a local shop owner about winter storms and Wyoming ranch life for almost half an hour. That’s the kind of laid-back interaction Laramie is great for—it just feels friendly.
5. Visit the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site (Albany County)
Approx. drive: Around 1–1.25 hours west (near Laramie)
County: Albany County, WY
History buffs should add the
Wyoming Territorial Prison to their road-trip list. It’s one of the most fascinating historic sites near South Greeley.
What you’ll find:
- An old stone prison that once held outlaws, including the famous Butch Cassidy.
- Exhibits on frontier law and life in the late 1800s.
- Restored buildings and grounds you can walk around.
It’s a good spot for families, too—kids often get hooked on the “Wild West jail” idea pretty fast. If you’ve ever wondered what early Wyoming justice really looked like, this is your chance.
6. Historic Stop in Kimball, Nebraska – “The High Point of Nebraska” (Kimball County)
Approx. drive: About 1–1.5 hours east-southeast
County: Kimball County, NE
Head into
Kimball County for small-town Nebraska charm.
Kimball calls itself the “High Point of Nebraska,” and while the official high point is a bit off the main road, the town makes a fun quiet escape.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk around downtown and see the historic buildings.
- Check out local cafes or diners for a simple, hearty meal.
- Look for viewpoints over the rolling Plains—on clear days, the sky feels endless.
This area has that wide-open, big-sky feel that’s perfect if you want a calm drive, light traffic, and room to breathe.
7. Scenic Driving & Birdwatching in Banner County, Nebraska
Approx. drive: Around 1.5–2 hours east
County: Banner County, NE
Banner County is quiet, rural, and full of scenery that sneaks up on you. It’s not a tourist hotspot—and that’s part of the charm.
Here’s how to enjoy it:
- Take back roads and enjoy ridge-top views and rolling hills.
- Watch for hawks, eagles, and other birds circling the fields.
- Bring a camera for those long, empty-road shots that scream “Great Plains.”
If you like drives where you hardly see another car, this area is ideal. It’s the kind of place where you can turn down the radio, roll down the window, and just listen to the wind.
8. Step Back in Time in Fort Laramie, Wyoming (Goshen County)
Approx. drive: About 1–1.25 hours north
County: Goshen County, WY
In
Goshen County, the
Fort Laramie National Historic Site is one of the most iconic historic stops in eastern Wyoming. It once served as a major military post and a key stop on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.
At Fort Laramie, you can:
- Walk through restored buildings and old barracks.
- Explore exhibits about pioneers, Native tribes, and soldiers.
- Stand along the river and picture wagon trains crossing the plains.
If you’re interested in the old West, this is a powerful place. It’s easy to imagine what it felt like to arrive here after weeks on the trail.
9. Relax in Torrington, Wyoming – Small-Town Rivers & Parks (Goshen County)
Approx. drive: About 1–1.5 hours north-northeast
County: Goshen County, WY
Torrington is a friendly town along the North Platte River and makes a simple day trip from South Greeley when you just want a change of scenery.
Consider:
- Strolling through local parks and along the river.
- Trying a mom-and-pop cafe for breakfast or lunch.
- Checking local event calendars for fairs or small festivals.
It’s not flashy, but that’s part of why it works. If you’re burned out on crowds, Torrington is a good place to slow down.
10. Fishing & Boating at Glendo Reservoir (Platte County, WY)
Approx. drive: Around 1.5–2 hours northwest
County: Platte County, WY
If you’re dreaming of water, head to
Glendo Reservoir in
Platte County. It’s one of Wyoming’s popular spots for boating and fishing.
What you can do:
- Fish for walleye and other species (check current regulations).
- Launch a boat or bring kayaks and paddle along the shore.
- Set up a picnic with lake views and sandstone cliffs around you.
On hot summer days, Glendo feels like a totally different world compared to windy open plains. Just remember sunscreen, plenty of water, and maybe a light jacket—the wind can still pick up.
Tips for Planning Your South Greeley Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from South Greeley, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check the weather: Wind, snow, and summer thunderstorms can all hit fast in Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska.
- Gas up early: Some stretches between towns don’t have many services.
- Pack layers: It might be warm in the afternoon and chilly after sunset, especially near water or at higher elevation.
- Carry snacks and water: Even a 1-hour trip can easily turn into a longer adventure.
Think of these trips like a menu—you don’t have to “order” everything at once. Try one or two weekend getaways, then see which places you want to revisit.
Where Will You Go Next?
You don’t have to fly across the country to find something new. Within a couple of hours of
South Greeley, you can wander historic forts, stroll busy college towns, fish quiet lakes, or cruise through empty back roads under huge skies.
Have you done any of these
out-of-county road trips from South Greeley?
Which one are you planning to try next?
I’d love to hear your ideas and stories:
- Did you discover a great diner in Greeley or Torrington?
- Have a favorite hiking trail at Curt Gowdy or around Glendo?
- Know a hidden scenic overlook in Banner or Kimball County?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments so other travelers from South Greeley can plan their own adventures. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near South Greeley, Wyoming.
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