100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Wyoming (WY) is located in the western United States and has the smallest population of all U.S. states. Two thirds of Wyoming are covered by mountains and high plains, and visitors can admire the wild West’s stunning landscapes in national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The state’s economy relies on oil, natural gas, and coal extraction. The capital and largest city is Cheyenne.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Wyoming Abbreviation WY Capital Cheyenne Largest city Cheyenne (Population: 65 168) Current time 1:54 Time zone MST (UTC-7), the state observes Daylight Saving Time MDT (UTC-6) Population 576,850 (#50 most populous US state) Area 97,818 sqmi (#10 largest US state) Admitted to the Union July 10, 1890 (#44 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Wyoming
The capital of the State of Wyoming is Cheyenne. Its story began on July 5, 1867, when the Union Pacific Railroad announced plans to establish its headquarters there. New settlers named the community Cheyenne in honor of the Cheyenne people who lived in the area. In 1869 Cheyenne first became the capital of the Wyoming Territory, and after admission to the Union in 1890 it became the capital of the new state.
🏙️ Largest City in Wyoming
The largest city in Wyoming is Cheyenne, which had a population of 65,168 in 2023. The second most populous city is Casper with 58,720 people, and the third largest is Gillette with 33,796 residents.
🕒 Time in Wyoming
The current time in Wyoming is 1:54. The entire state observes Mountain Standard Time (MST, UTC-7) and switches to daylight time every year from March to November, MDT (UTC-6).
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Wyoming
In 2023 Wyoming had only 576,850 residents, which ranked 50th among U.S. states by population.
📍 Area of Wyoming
Wyoming’s total area is 97,818 sqmi, of which 97,092 sqmi is land and just 721 sqmi is water. Wyoming is the 10th largest state in the USA.
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Fun Facts About the State of Wyoming
🧩 Which States Border Wyoming
Wyoming borders six U.S. states. To the west is Idaho, to the north Montana, to the east South Dakota and Nebraska, to the south Colorado, and to the southwest Utah.
📅 Date of Wyoming Statehood
Wyoming was admitted to the Union on July 10, 1890 as the 44th state, succeeding the Wyoming Territory.
📛 Wyoming State Nickname
Wyoming uses the official nickname “The Equality State,” which underscores how important equal rights are to the state. In 1869 Wyoming became the first state to grant women the right to vote and to hold elected office. In 1924 Nellie Ross became the first woman in America elected as a state governor.
The unofficial nickname “The Cowboy State” reflects Wyoming’s long history with cattle ranching and cowboy culture in general. It was especially fitting in the 19th century, when Wyoming was one of the main centers of cattle ranching in the United States.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Wyoming
The highest mountain in Wyoming is Gannett Peak at 13,809 ft, part of the Wind River Range. The peak was named in 1906 after American geographer Henry Gannett, regarded as the father of American cartography.
🏞️ Rivers in Wyoming
The longest river in Wyoming is the Snake River with a total course length of 1,078 mi. It is followed by the Green River 727 mi, the North Platte River (720 mi), the Yellowstone River (692 mi), and the Niobrara River (568 mi).
🎓 Universities in Wyoming
The largest university in the state is the University of Wyoming, founded in 1886 with its campus in Laramie. It enrolls more than 11,000 students, and the official school colors are brown and gold.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Wyoming
The State of Wyoming uses ZIP code ranges 820xx-831xx and 834xx. You can look up a ZIP code for any address on the USPS website, and you can read more in the article ZIP Codes in the USA.
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Weather in Wyoming
The best time to visit Wyoming is summer, when pleasant temperatures invite hiking and national park trips.
Spring in Wyoming brings changeable weather, with temperatures usually ranging from 28 °F to 43 °F. Snow melts at lower elevations, which can cause flooding in some areas. Snow cover lingers at higher elevations, which limits access to certain trails. As spring progresses, rainfall totals tend to rise.
Summer in Wyoming brings comfortable temperatures between 59 °F and 77 °F. Lower elevations are warmer, while mountain areas sit near the lower end of the range. Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up, yet summer is still the best season for travel.
Autumn in Wyoming is marked by unstable weather and falling temperatures. In September they hover around 50 °F to 66 °F, and by November they drop to 25 °F–46 °F. Rainfall is generally minimal.
Winter in Wyoming is long and cold, with temperatures usually staying below freezing at 18 °F–32 °F. Strong winds make the season feel even harsher. Snow is not frequent in the lowlands, while the mountains can receive up to 250 cm.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Wyoming
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What to See in Wyoming
1️⃣ Yellowstone National Park
The Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world, established on March 1, 1872. The park is famous for its geothermal features, with the top attraction being the Old Faithful geyser, which regularly shoots water to an average height of 144 ft.
Yellowstone spans three states, and visitors can enjoy the park’s scenery on more than 900 mi of hiking trails. Wildlife is abundant, with highlights that include grizzly bears, bison, wolves, coyotes, and cougars.
2️⃣ Buffalo Bill Center of the West
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a complex of five museums in Cody near Yellowstone, dedicated to the culture and history of the American West. The museums offer a compelling look at Native cultures, the nature and art of the Wild West, firearms, and the life of the legendary adventurer Buffalo Bill. Interactive exhibits and demonstrations make it engaging for all ages.
3️⃣ Grand Teton National Park
The Grand Teton National Park in northwest Wyoming is known for its high peaks and wildlife. The park lies within the Teton Range, whose highest peak is, unsurprisingly, Grand Teton with an elevation of 13,776 ft.
Visitors will find excellent conditions for hiking, climbing, camping, and wildlife watching. You can spot herds of bison, elk, moose, bears, and pronghorn. Grand Teton sits just south of Yellowstone, and the two parks are often visited on the same trip.
4️⃣ Devils Tower National Monument
The monumental rock formation known as Devils Tower looks like a giant stone pipe organ rising 866 ft above the rolling landscape. The tower is sacred to Native peoples and today is a popular destination for climbers, with a hiking trail that circles the base.
Thanks to minimal light pollution, it is also a favorite place for stargazing. Devils Tower was the first U.S. national monument, proclaimed on September 24, 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
5️⃣ Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world’s largest western and outdoor rodeo festival, held every July. The program includes rodeo competitions, country concerts, parades, and other classic western activities.
Visitors can tour an Indian village, watch the traditional parade, or enjoy the amusement park. The first festival took place in 1897, and even those who are not fans of western culture will come away impressed.
6️⃣ Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park lies in the town of Thermopolis and is known for its thermal springs, where water flows at a constant 135 °F. Visitors can enjoy soaking in mineral waters at local bathhouses, where the water is cooled to a comfortable 104 °F. Trails let you explore the area, with chances to see herds of bison.
7️⃣ Wind River Range
The Wind River Range offers perhaps the very best alpine hiking and climbing in all of Wyoming. The area includes several peaks over 9,843 ft, including Gannett Peak, which at 13,809 ft is the highest point in Wyoming. Trails deliver beautiful views of lakes, glaciers, and wild landscapes. Conditions are also excellent for backcountry camping.
8️⃣ Fossil Butte National Monument
This area in southwest Wyoming is famous for exceptionally well preserved fossils of fish, plants, and other organisms from the Eocene, 34 to 56 million years ago. You can visit the protected Fossil Butte site and learn about the fossils along a signed trail. During the summer season there are also special tours and programs.
9️⃣ Jackson Hole Valley
The picturesque Jackson Hole Valley sits ringed by mountains near Grand Teton National Park and is beloved by skiers and nature lovers. Summer favorites include hiking and rafting, while winter draws both downhill and cross-country skiers. The town of Jackson provides all the necessary amenities, including shops and restaurants.
🔟 National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge is a protected area near the Idaho border that serves as a winter sanctuary for thousands of elk. In the winter months, visitors can take sleigh rides and observe elk herds up close. You may also spot other wildlife such as coyotes, bison, swans, and eagles. For details on elk migration or ecology, stop by the visitor center.
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Largest Cities in Wyoming
The table shows the ten largest cities in the State of Wyoming in 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary mission is the census.
City County Population 1 Cheyenne Laramie 65,168 Map of Cheyenne 2 Casper Natrona 58,720 Map of Casper 3 Gillette Campbell 33,496 Map of Gillette 4 Laramie Albany 32,152 Map of Laramie 5 Rock Springs Sweetwater 22,954 Map of Rock Springs 6 Sheridan Sheridan 19,543 Map of Sheridan 7 Evanston Uinta 11,807 Map of Evanston 8 Green River Sweetwater 11,496 Map of Green River 9 Riverton Fremont 10,923 Map of Riverton 10 Jackson Teton 10,639 Map of Jackson -
Sports Teams in Wyoming
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
There is no NHL team from Wyoming.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
There is no NFL team from Wyoming.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
No team from Wyoming plays in the NBA.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Wyoming has no team in MLB.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
Wyoming has no club in Major League Soccer.
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Wyoming State Symbols
Wyoming State Symbols
Wyoming law defines a number of state symbols, and here are some of them.
Flag of Wyoming
The state flag was officially adopted on January 31, 1917, when the governor of Wyoming signed the bill. The flag features a dark blue field bordered in white and red. In the center is a white bison representing the local fauna. The bison bears the Wyoming state seal.
Wyoming State Seal
The design of the Wyoming state seal was approved on May 10, 1893, and underwent minor changes in 1921. The seal depicts a statue of a woman holding a banner above her head that mentions equal rights. In 1869 Wyoming became the first U.S. state to grant women the right to vote. Two male figures flank the woman, representing agriculture and the mining industry.
State Song
The official state song since 1955 has been Wyoming. Judge Charles E. Winter wrote the lyrics while traveling by train in the summer of 1903, and Earle R. Clemens composed the music. The song was chosen for its patriotism, celebrating Wyoming’s natural beauty and history.
State Bird
Wyoming’s bird symbol since 1927 has been the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), which is commonly found throughout the state. The meadowlark traditionally heralds the arrival of spring with its song and is also the state bird of several other states.
State Mammal
Wyoming’s official mammal since 1985 has been the American bison (Bison bison), whose likeness appears on the state flag. The bison is closely tied to Wyoming’s history and especially to its Native peoples. It symbolizes strength, endurance, and the freedom of open plains. Large herds can be seen in Yellowstone National Park.
State Flower
The castilleja (Castilleja linariifolia) is widespread across Wyoming and is known for its striking blooms in shades of red to orange. Because of the shape of its flowers, it is nicknamed the “Indian paintbrush,” and Native peoples used it in traditional medicine. It became a state symbol on January 31, 1917.
State Tree
The plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides) became a state symbol in 1947 at the urging of schoolchildren and their teachers, who wanted to highlight the tree’s importance to local ecosystems. Cottonwoods commonly grow along rivers and streams throughout the state and can reach heights of up to 98 ft.
State Fish
Wyoming’s state fish since 1987 has been the Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), a native species in the rivers of Yellowstone National Park. The spotted trout is important to the state’s recreational fishing and was chosen as a symbol of the purity of local waters.
State Gemstone
Wyoming is known for deposits of quality nephrite that occur from the southern end of the Wind River Mountains in the west to the Platte River near the town of Guernsey in the east. Green nephrite symbolizes the resilience of the state’s people, and its 1967 designation also aimed to support interest in mineral extraction and processing.
State Sport
Rodeo was declared Wyoming’s official state sport in 2003. Cheyenne hosts the traditional Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the largest and oldest rodeo-related events in the world.
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