, you’re in luck. Within a couple of hours’ drive, you’ll find hot springs, wild mountain passes, dinosaur tracks, and some of the best small-town burgers you’ve ever tasted.
In this guide, we’re looking at
. Each one makes an easy day trip, and a few are worth stretching into a full weekend.
1. Soak and Stroll in Hot Springs State Park (Hot Springs County)
Drive about 30 miles north of Worland and you’ll roll right into
Thermopolis, home to
Hot Springs State Park in Hot Springs County. If you need a relaxing day, this is your spot.
- Soak in the hot pools: Enjoy the free bath house with naturally heated mineral water. The water averages about 104°F, perfect after a long week.
- Walk among the terraces: The hot water leaves bright mineral deposits that look almost otherworldly. The boardwalk makes it easy to explore.
- Bison viewing: There’s a small bison herd in the park. Drive the loop road and keep your eyes peeled.
I still remember my first soak there on a chilly spring day. The steam rising off the pools and the snow on the hills made it feel like something out of a movie.
Why it’s great from Worland: It’s close, it’s cheap, and it feels like a mini-vacation without a long drive.
2. Explore Dinosaurs and River Walks in Thermopolis (Hot Springs County)
Since you’re already in Thermopolis, make a full day of it. This town punches above its weight when it comes to things to do.
- Dinosaur-themed attractions: Check out dinosaur museums and dig sites where you can see real fossils and learn about the prehistoric world that once covered Wyoming.
- Wind River Canyon drive: Just south of town, U.S. Highway 20 runs through the dramatic Wind River Canyon. Steep cliffs, the river down below, and tunnels carved through the rock make this a must-drive route.
- Riverside picnic: Pack lunch and relax by the water on one of the shaded picnic spots around town.
This is a great trip if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who loves dinosaurs and dramatic scenery.
Pro tip: Time your drive through Wind River Canyon for late afternoon when the light hits the cliffs just right. Photos almost take themselves.
3. Walk the Wild West Streets of Cody (Park County)
About 90 miles northwest of Worland,
Cody, Wyoming in Park County is one of the most iconic small towns in the state. Founded by
Buffalo Bill Cody himself, it’s full of old west charm and modern comforts.
- Downtown Cody: Stroll Sheridan Avenue, check out western wear shops, art galleries, and classic bars.
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West: This huge museum complex is like five museums in one: western history, Native American culture, firearms, art, and natural history.
- Summer rodeos: In the warmer months, Cody hosts regular rodeos that feel like stepping into a real-life western movie.
If you only have time for one big day trip from Worland, Cody is hard to beat. It’s touristy, sure, but in a fun, “this is why we came to Wyoming” way.
4. Scenic Drive Toward Yellowstone’s East Entrance (Park County)
While Worland is a bit of a poke from Yellowstone itself, you can still enjoy a portion of the
Yellowstone-bound drive from Cody without going all the way into the park.
Head west from Cody on U.S. 14/16/20 toward the
East Entrance of Yellowstone. Even if you turn around before the gate, the journey is reward enough:
- Shoshone River Canyon: Dramatic cliffs line the winding highway as it follows the river.
- Buffalo Bill Reservoir: Stop at pullouts overlooking the water, especially at sunset.
- Short hikes and photo stops: There are several short, easy trails and viewpoints right off the highway.
If you’ve ever wanted those classic western-road-trip photos—big sky, twisting rivers, rocky cliffs—this drive delivers.
5. Discover the Trails and History of Lander (Fremont County)
About 120 miles south of Worland,
Lander in Fremont County offers a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
- Sinks Canyon State Park: Just outside Lander, the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern (“the Sinks”) and reappears down the canyon at “the Rise.” It’s a short drive and a fun walk with great mountain views.
- Hiking and climbing: Sinks Canyon has lots of easy trails, plus world-class rock climbing if you’re more adventurous.
- Downtown Lander: Grab a burger or a local beer and walk Main Street. It feels like a classic western town that’s grown up a bit, but not too much.
From Worland, this makes a satisfying full-day excursion. Leave early, spend the afternoon in Sinks Canyon, then unwind in town before heading home.
6. Follow the Oregon Trail History in Casper (Natrona County)
Head about 110 miles southeast to
Casper in Natrona County for a mix of history, food, and city comforts.
- National Historic Trails Interpretive Center: Learn about the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails. The exhibits are hands-on and surprisingly fun, even if you’re not a history buff.
- Casper Mountain drive: Drive up Casper Mountain for sweeping views of the plains and a cooler breeze in summer.
- Riverfront paths: Walk or bike the paved trails along the North Platte River.
If you’ve been craving a bigger grocery run or some different restaurant choices beyond what’s near Worland, Casper is a practical and fun day trip rolled into one.
7. Relax in Buffalo’s Quiet Western Charm (Johnson County)
About 120 miles east of Worland, you’ll find
Buffalo in Johnson County, sitting at the base of the Bighorn Mountains.
- Historic downtown: Wander the old brick buildings, western-style hotels, and antique shops.
- Clear Creek paths: Easy walking trails run along Clear Creek, perfect for a low-key afternoon stroll.
- Local eats: Grab a steak or burger at a local joint and soak up the small-town atmosphere.
Buffalo feels like the kind of place where nobody’s in a hurry. If you want a laid-back day away from home without a packed schedule, this is it.
8. Drive Crazy Woman Canyon (Johnson County)
For a more adventurous spin on your Buffalo trip, take a detour into the
Crazy Woman Canyon area of the Bighorn Mountains.
- Narrow canyon road: A rougher road (check conditions and drive something with decent clearance) winds through tight rock walls and along a rushing creek.
- Picnic stops: Pack a picnic and stop where the sound of the water drowns out everything else.
- Cooler mountain air: On hot summer days, this area can feel 10–20 degrees cooler than the plains.
This trip feels like a true “hidden Wyoming” experience. Just be sure to check the weather, since rain can make mountain roads tricky.
9. Hike and Fish Near Dubois (Fremont County)
Around 145 miles west of Worland, the town of
Dubois in Fremont County sits in a beautiful valley on the way toward the Teton area.
- Hiking trails: Trails around Dubois range from easy riverside walks to steeper routes with big views of rugged peaks.
- Fishing: The Wind River and nearby lakes and creeks offer good fishing. Ask a local shop for current conditions and good access points.
- Western flavor: Wooden boardwalks, log buildings, and a relaxed pace give the town a classic frontier feel.
This one is a bit longer as a day trip, so it works best if you’re up early and back late—or if you decide to stay overnight in town.
10. Wander Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (Park County side)
To the north of Worland lies one of the most underrated spots in the region:
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. You can reach the area using routes through Park County, combining it with time in towns like
Cody or other nearby communities.
- Cliff-top viewpoints: Peer down into deep canyons carved by the Bighorn River. Some overlooks feel like mini–Grand Canyon moments.
- Wildlife spotting: Watch for wild horses, bighorn sheep, and plenty of birds.
- Quiet trails: Many trails are short, easy, and rarely crowded, especially compared to more famous parks.
If you’re craving big scenery without big crowds, this is a great option from Worland.
Tips for Planning Your Worland Road Trips
- Check road and weather conditions: Wyoming weather can change fast, especially in the mountains.
- Fill up before you go: Distances may not be huge, but services can be far apart.
- Pack layers: It can be 85°F in Worland and 55°F in the mountains the same day.
- Bring snacks and water: Even short drives can feel long if you’re hungry and there’s no gas station in sight.
Final Thoughts: Where Will You Go First?
Living in or visiting
Worland, Wyoming, you’re in a sweet spot for quick adventures. In under two hours, you can:
- Soak in natural hot springs
- Walk historic western streets
- Drive through canyons and mountain passes
- Follow in the footsteps of pioneers and dinosaurs
So, which road trip from Worland sounds best to you—hot springs, museums, mountains, or old west towns?
I’d love to hear your ideas. Have you tried any of these routes, or do you have a favorite hidden gem near Worland that I missed?
Please share this post with friends or family planning a Wyoming getaway, and
drop a comment with your own tips, stories, or questions. Your experiences help other travelers discover the best things to do near Worland, Wyoming, and might inspire my next set of road trip ideas.
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