While family vacation plans have changed for many, this summer is slated to be filled with road trips and weekend getaways in destinations that have family-friendly offerings and plenty of space.
Sitting just off Interstate 25 in the middle of Wyoming, Casper is a popular stopping point for travelers visiting Wyoming’s national parks and monuments, like Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Devils Tower National Monument. And while it’s on The Road to Yellowstone, Casper is a destination that’s known for wide-open spaces, friendly locals and outdoor spaces that are made for hiking, adventures and exploration.
“Casper is one of those places that has the best of both worlds for family travelers,” said Amanda Scherlin with Visit Casper. “We have all the amenities that parents look for when traveling with kids and are within minutes of a waterfall, hiking trails, biking trails and incredible landmarks, as well as family-friendly dining options.”
In Casper, travelers will find a variety of lodging accommodations, from flagship hotels with heated pools (currently open to one family group at a time) to riverside lodges and mountaintop bed-and-breakfasts. Plus, Casper and Natrona County have campgrounds that are open to residents and visitors with sites that look out over Alcova Lake and Pathfinder Reservoir.
“We know that many families are looking to create positive memories this year,” said Brook Kaufman, CEO of Visit Casper. “We want to be part of their experience and make sure that families feel safe and comfortable while they’re here.”
With two reservoirs—Alcova Reservoir and Pathfinder Reservoir—and the North Platte River, it’s easy to play in Casper’s snow-fed waters. Both Alcova and Pathfinder have public access points, campgrounds and marinas.
Casper sits at the base of Casper Mountain, which is filled with numerous hiking and biking trails of all levels of difficulty, from easy jaunts to hardcore mountain biking routes. The mountain also has numerous campsites that offer unobstructed views of the star-filled sky, with minimal light pollution.
Beyond hiking and biking trails, take your family back in time with a walk down the Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail where you’ll see dinosaur fossils still in their natural setting.
For hands-on activities that are sure to entertain family members of all ages, there are a handful of must-see museums in Casper. The Nicolaysen Art Museum is featuring the work of female artists all year long, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Casper Community College is also home to the Tate Geological Museum and Werner Wildlife Museum.
Casper is one of the only places in the country where historic trails (Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express) converge. Learn more about Casper, Wyoming and its family-friendly offerings at VisitCasper.com.
