Most people are familiar with the well-known resort areas around Wyoming, but there’s more than just the western side of the state.
Actually, there’s plenty of beautiful country and things to do all across the Cowboy State and one underrated little town, in particular, should definitely be on the itinerary when you visit Wyoming. Filled with museums, boutiques, breweries, and crave-worthy restaurants, it’s still small enough to offer a taste of the good life Wyomingites have come to appreciate.
The town of Gillette on the eastern side of the state is often overlooked, but it has loads to offer.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Not only are there shops, museums, and fine dining in town, but it’s within driving distance of historic places like Buffalo and the Devil’s Tower National Monument. Plus, it even has an airport, so you can fly in if you prefer not to drive.
Gillette is home to the Frontier Auto Museum at 211 West 2nd Street.
Briana B/TripAdvisor This museum and antique store is the culmination of over half a century of automotive-related memorabilia collecting. This is no junk heap, either. You’ll be amazed and impressed at the pristine condition of vintage cars, gas pumps, signage, and more.
Stop in at the Gillette Brewing Company at 301 South Gillette Avenue for a cold one.
Gillette Brewing Company & Gone Postal Pizzeria/Facebook Boasting a selection of in-house brews alongside guest beers and a few other malt beverages, Gillette’s first microbrewery shares a space with a pizza place that also happens to make some pretty mouthwatering pies.
Stroll down the street to 214 South Gillette Avenue to the Crazy Woman Mercantile.
Crazy Woman Mercantile/Facebook You’ll want to spend hours browsing the wide, eclectic mix of unique jewelry, décor, handbags, knitted pieces, and other handcrafted items at this cute and quaint mercantile.
Take a break from the “city” with a trail ride through the wilderness outside of town.
Neil Weightman/Flickr Book a ride with any of the horse farms around Gillette or in nearby Rozette to spend a relaxing afternoon touring the countryside.
When it’s time for more refreshment, look for the Big Lost Meadery and Brewery at 106 South Gillette Avenue.
Big Lost Meadery and Brewery/Facebook If you’re looking for something a little different than a basic brewery, this Viking-themed meadery is just the thing. They’ll even serve your house-brewed mead in a horn for the full experience.
Tour the Durham Bison Ranch at 7835 Highway 59.
Durham Ranch Located on 55,000 acres about 35 minutes from town, you’ll find a fascinating ranch that specializes in raising bison. In addition to meeting the herd and enjoying the marvelous prairie landscape, you can also see the significant prehistoric sites at the ranch in addition to what pioneers from the homesteader era left behind.
Experience space at the Campbell County School District Planetarium, 1000 West Lakeway Road.
CCSD Planetarium/Facebook Who knew Wyoming had a state-of-the-art planetarium and that it was hidden in Gillette? Musical performances, light shows, and other exciting events take place under the 30-foot dome that displays breathtaking views of deep space, the Milky Way, and more than 8,000 stars.
Have at least one meal at the Prime Rib Restaurant and Wine Bar at 1205 South Douglas Highway.
gerard h/TripAdvisor There are many fabulous restaurants in Gillette, so you won’t be at a loss for choices when you visit. However, you won’t want to miss out on the delectable dishes at the Prime Rib. As you might have guessed, it is a steakhouse, and it’s one of the best in the state. The house dressing is amazing, the potato cheese soup is to die for, and the prime rib which, of course, they’re known for could change your life. Other recommendations include the crab-stuffed mushrooms, the shrimp, and the bacon-wrapped fillet.
What other underrated Wyoming towns do you enjoy visiting?
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Not only are there shops, museums, and fine dining in town, but it’s within driving distance of historic places like Buffalo and the Devil’s Tower National Monument. Plus, it even has an airport, so you can fly in if you prefer not to drive.
Briana B/TripAdvisor
This museum and antique store is the culmination of over half a century of automotive-related memorabilia collecting. This is no junk heap, either. You’ll be amazed and impressed at the pristine condition of vintage cars, gas pumps, signage, and more.
Gillette Brewing Company & Gone Postal Pizzeria/Facebook
Boasting a selection of in-house brews alongside guest beers and a few other malt beverages, Gillette’s first microbrewery shares a space with a pizza place that also happens to make some pretty mouthwatering pies.
Crazy Woman Mercantile/Facebook
You’ll want to spend hours browsing the wide, eclectic mix of unique jewelry, décor, handbags, knitted pieces, and other handcrafted items at this cute and quaint mercantile.
Neil Weightman/Flickr
Book a ride with any of the horse farms around Gillette or in nearby Rozette to spend a relaxing afternoon touring the countryside.
Big Lost Meadery and Brewery/Facebook
If you’re looking for something a little different than a basic brewery, this Viking-themed meadery is just the thing. They’ll even serve your house-brewed mead in a horn for the full experience.
Durham Ranch
Located on 55,000 acres about 35 minutes from town, you’ll find a fascinating ranch that specializes in raising bison. In addition to meeting the herd and enjoying the marvelous prairie landscape, you can also see the significant prehistoric sites at the ranch in addition to what pioneers from the homesteader era left behind.
CCSD Planetarium/Facebook
Who knew Wyoming had a state-of-the-art planetarium and that it was hidden in Gillette? Musical performances, light shows, and other exciting events take place under the 30-foot dome that displays breathtaking views of deep space, the Milky Way, and more than 8,000 stars.
gerard h/TripAdvisor
There are many fabulous restaurants in Gillette, so you won’t be at a loss for choices when you visit. However, you won’t want to miss out on the delectable dishes at the Prime Rib. As you might have guessed, it is a steakhouse, and it’s one of the best in the state. The house dressing is amazing, the potato cheese soup is to die for, and the prime rib which, of course, they’re known for could change your life. Other recommendations include the crab-stuffed mushrooms, the shrimp, and the bacon-wrapped fillet.
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