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Sometimes you just need to take a break from the constant grind of daily life. If you are looking for a place to learn, relax, and unwind, check out a few of these top Casper, Wyoming, locations. 1. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center A visit to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a great way to learn about the history of Wyoming and the other Western states. The Center features a large collection of hands-on exhibits that cover Wyoming as well as nearby areas including Oregon and California. The Center also highlights the history of the Pony Express Trails. more Your visit to the Historic Trails Interpretive Center will begin with a film, followed by the opportunity to explore eight different historical galleries. In addition to the educational experience, you can also enjoy beautiful views of Wyoming from the Center. The Center hosts special events including film night featuring "Time Travels Through the American West" and History Bee competitions which test participant's knowledge of local history. 2. Casper Planetarium There are few activities that are more insightful than a visit to the Casper Planetarium. Take a trip to the star-studded planetarium and expand your knowledge of the solar system. Visitors can choose from a series of available shows including "Adrenaline Universe," "Back to the Moon for Good," and "Cosmology." The planetarium holds up to 57 people and projects a life-like film on the 30-foot diameter dome which will make you feel like you are in outer space. Be sure to check out the calendar for upcoming special events, including a telescope workshop and the Amazing Astronomers of Antiquity event. 3. Tate Geological Museum The Tate Geological Museum is a free center that is located within Casper College. The museum was created with the goal of offering hands-on educational resources to the local community. Today, they have over 6,000 fossils and minerals on display. The staff members are dedicated to sharing this unique center with each visitor, answering questions, and personalizing the experience as much as possible. Just a few of the exhibits you can view at the Tate Geological Museum include Dee the Mammoth, the Pleistocene Exhibit, and the Mesozoic Terrestrial Exhibit. The museum also hosts a Saturday club and frequently occurring dinosaur digs. 4. The Science Zone The Science Zone features a collection of unique and interesting exhibits for all ages. The Tot Shop is a hands-on area that is perfect for toddlers who are working on developing their fine motor skills. The Sun, Earth, Universe exhibit offers hands-on activities for older children to create and explore. The Science Zone also hosts STEM events including teen game nights, family days, and Idea Labs. Admission to the Science Zone starts at just $4 for adults, $3 for children, and annual members and children under the age of 2 are free. Get out of the house this weekend and explore the city of Casper. There are many insightful, educational, and exciting activities ready for you to explore. Image via Flickr by jabberwock

Looking for a unique, romantic idea for your next date night? You want to set the scene and break the ice or deepen your lasting connection, and planning the complete experience takes careful consideration. Whether you've been married for ages or sparks are just starting to fly, plan the perfect date night at one of these three Casper restaurants. 1. FireRock Steakhouse When you're on the lookout for the ideal date night destination that features award-winning steaks seared to perfection on a wood-fired grill, FireRock is the place to be. Let the maître d' pour you a glass of your favorite vintage while you enjoy the inviting atmosphere and elegant Western decor. more With the restaurant's small-town, feel-good vibe and the aroma of oak hardwood smoking on the grill's open flame, you're going to have a terrific experience. Why not order a plate of the maple pecan crusted pork medallions or try the mouthwatering St. Louis Style barbeque ribs? FireRock is at 6100 E. Second St and is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 2. Silver Fox Steakhouse Casper's original dining hotspot, the Silver Fox Steakhouse, is the perfect place to have your next romantic night on the town. A 2016 people's choice for best overall restaurant, this casual, comfortable steakhouse led by Chef Ambrosin welcomes you and your date to dinner. This chophouse is best known for its aged, trimmed steak and fresh seafood. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., you can share a happy hour plate that includes their signature bacon knots, mushroom supreme, and marinated beef maki, or try the deep-fried lobster, a local favorite. Come on in for mud pie Mondays, and you'll get a free slice with your date-night dinner. Visit the friendly staff at the Silver Fox Steakhouse at 3422 Energy Ln. The restaurant is open Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to  10 p.m. 3. Bosco's Italian Restaurant There's a dinner date, and then there's a date at Bosco's. This hip joint makes for a fun night with its red checkered table cloths, brick walls, and classic pizzeria vibe. Talk the night away in an intimate candlelit setting while you dine on delicious, upscale Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Don't be fooled by Bosco's facade. They tout an excellent wine list and an extensive menu. Try the classic homemade fettuccine with ham, chicken, and broccoli or the traditional veal piccata over your favorite pasta. Both come highly recommended, as does the rich and creamy chicken primavera, and the portions are large enough to share. Grab your partner and head to Bosco's at 847 E. A St. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and closed on Sunday and Monday. A restaurant that offers an enticing menu and an intimate atmosphere makes the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable date night. Which one on our list captured your heart? Image via Flickr by Lachlan

Winter in Casper can be a gorgeous time of year. When the first snow falls fresh and blankets your neighborhood with a layer of shimmering white, it can be absolutely magical. However, it doesn't take long for the beauty to turn on you, leaving you cold and riddled with cabin fever. You are desperate for a vacation but are saving your money, and time off, for the classic summer vacation. Compromise with your wallet by planning a staycation at one of the following hotels. 1. La Quinta Inn Casper Casper has a lot of fun to offer, and museums are one of its most abundant activities. Stay at La Quinta Inn and enjoy a good night's rest, a complimentary breakfast, and maybe a soak in the spa before enjoying a day of educational fun! You'll be practically equidistant from the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, the Tate Geological Museum, the Werner Wildlife Museum, and the Fort Casper Museum. Take the family on a museum tour and end at the Casper Planetarium for an out-of-this-world look at the galaxy and all it has to offer. more 2. Ramada Plaza & Conference Center by Wyndham Casper Perhaps museums are a little too slow of a pace for your family. Maybe you need a little excitement during the winter lull. If that's the case, check in to Ramada Plaza by Wyndham and get ready to immerse yourself in an adventure. Race against the clock and work with your family to find clues and solve puzzles to escape a tricky situation. With three escape room locations ( Escape 307, Into the Vortex Escape Rooms, and Nearby Wind Escapes) and multiple scenario options at each location, you'll be sure to find a few challenges up your family's alley. Afterward, relax in the pool and spa area at the hotel as a reward for a job well done. 3. Travelodge by Wyndham Casper Though it may be the dead of winter, you and your family can certainly pretend it's the middle of summer by going to an indoor water park. Stay at Travelodge and trade the pool at the hotel for an entire center full of water-based fun. Enjoy Casper Family Aquatic Center's 23,500 square feet, which include water slides, lap pools, a lazy river, and hot tubs. Enjoy relaxation and feel refreshed as your kids burn off all that stored up energy. If a water park doesn't pique your interest, take the family to the roller rink and boogie the night away, or get competitive at the bowling alley. Whether you're looking for a relaxing or exciting break during the cold winter months, Casper proves you don't have to go far from home to feel like you're on vacation. Enjoy free breakfast, cable, Wi-Fi, and in most cases, indoor pools and spas before and after a day full of fun with the family. Most hotels are even pet-friendly, so even the four-legged family members can enjoy the adventure too. Don't break the bank or waste your hard-earned time-off during the dreary winter months; choose a cost-effective staycation the entire family will enjoy. Image via Flickr by sipes23

Winter may strike dread into the hearts of some, but not you! You love the brisk, chilled air and want to make the most out of the snowy season. If you've already rolled up an army of snowmen, gone sledding down the local hills, and had your fill of snowball fights, perhaps a ski trip is the next winter activity to cross off the list. Casper, Wyoming, has a good number of options for the novice or advanced skier in you. Hogadon Basin Ski Area Located on Casper Mountain, Hogadon Basin Ski Area is the closest ski destination to Casper, so you won't have to travel far for your snowy adventure. With 28 different trails, you're sure to find the perfect slope for your experience level. There is also a terrain park for those wishing to show off their skills and tricks. Hogadon Basin Ski Area offers season passes, daily tickets, group rates, and race programs. Don't know how to ski? No problem — The Hogadon Basin Snowsports School can help with lessons for all ages. If you're hungry after a day of shredding the slopes, stop by the food court in the lodge before you leave. more Snowy Range Ski Area In Laramie, nestled into the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Snowy Range Ski Area is a bit farther than Hogadon but well worth the trip. With 33 trails of varying difficulty, Snowy Range Ski Area certainly offers what its name suggests — range. Snowy Range offers day passes or season passes. It also offers Mountain School for those wishing to advance their knowledge or those who need to begin by learning how to put skis on. If you've been to Snowy Range in the past, you may remember the licensed child care center. Now it's a free-to-use space called Kid's Corner that's open to everyone but requires a parent or guardian to be present. Snowy Range offers a cafe, bar and grill, and coffee shop but does not offer lodging. You won't have to look too far, however, and some hotels even offer shuttles to the base. Meadowlark Ski Lodge If you're looking for a cozier, more rustic vibe, Meadowlark Ski Lodge is the place for you. Located in Ten Sleep, within the Big Horn Mountains, Meadowlark feels like a getaway without having to go very far. Wake up each morning looking out onto Meadowlark Lake at Meadowlark Lake Lodge; picturesque nature will give you the breath of fresh air you needed and allows you to escape into nature. The lodge offers a small menu of homemade foods for when you need to refuel between runs. Meadowlark Lake Lodge also offers hiking, fly fishing, and wildlife viewing and photography if you need a break from the slopes. The Ski Lodge offers 14 trails,  and while it has fewer options than the aforementioned ski areas, Meadowlark Ski Lodge's selection of runs will not disappoint. All three locations offer rentals, but Meadowlark also offers snowmobile rentals for yet another activity to add to the fun. Wyoming offers endless amounts of winter fun, and with lodges that offer other activities besides skiing, you'll be able to plan the perfect getaway catered to your family or friends. Image via Flickr by Traveloscopy

Casper has a long and storied history, spanning all the way back to prehistoric times. For interested residents and visitors, Casper's many historic sites provide exciting destinations that allow a visitor a glimpse into the past. Here are our favorite three historic sites that showcase Casper's incredible history. more Independence Rock Sitting about 50 miles southwest of Casper is a large mound of granite jutting out of the ground. This landmark was a popular spot for emigrants who were headed west during the beginning days of America. They carved their name into the granite surface, which stands a staggering 136 feet high and spans 24.81 acres. Surrounded on all sides by dramatic landscape, it's a great place to get a feel for the sacrifice and struggle made by these early settlers who made their way to their new home hundreds of miles away. Check out the many different names carved into the stone surface or just appreciate the richness of history that surrounds you at this picturesque historic site. Independence Rock is located on Highway 220. Thanks to its enormous size, it's hard to miss. Bishop House The M.L. Bishop House museum was built in 1907 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Bishop family were integral to the development and success of Casper. They established themselves in Casper in the 1890s after M.L. Bishop was appointed postmaster to the burgeoning community. He was also the founder of one of the town's first religious communities, earning him an even more prominent role in Casper history. Bishop House remains almost exactly the same as it was when it was constructed and is one of the best ways to step back in time and see how this influential family lived. The Bishops lived in the home for more than 100 years, and it is the only house museum in Casper. The Bishop House museum is located at 818 E 2nd St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It's operated by the Cadoma Foundation. Tate Museum The Tate Museum is one of only a handful of geology and paleontology museums in Wyoming and, as such, is a must-visit for visitors wanting to know more about the ancient past. Wyoming played an important role in the Earth's past, and the museum shows the richness of life that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Favorite exhibits at the Tate Museum include Dee the Mammoth, a complete mammoth skeleton dated at over 11,600 years old. There are also over 3,000 fossils and minerals on display. Lectures are held regularly, and the museum staff is very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions! The Tate Museum is located at 125 College Dr. on the grounds of Casper College; look for the life-size bronze T. Rex outside to find it. There are many other historic sites in Casper to explore, but these three serve as some of the best introductions to the rich and varied history of the area. https://www.flickr.com/photos/igboo/1602458243/sizes/l Image via Flickr by .Larry Page

Winters in Casper are super chilly, with temperatures dipping below freezing. However, that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of affordable family outings to take advantage of. Here are four of our favorite winter fun destinations in and around Casper. more Casper Mountain Trails Center Casper Mountain Trails Center is one of the best places to go cross-country skiing. With over 26 miles of maintained trails, you can explore the stunning landscape of Casper Mountain. Once darkness falls, popular portions of the trail are lighted for a unique night-time skiing experience. There are cross-country trails available for all levels, from experienced to first-time skiers. If you and your family want to be a little more adventurous, 30 miles of backwood and snowshoe trails wind their way through the park. All equipment can be rented at the center if you don't have your own. The center is located on Micro Rd. Casper Ice Arena Take your winter fun indoors at the Casper Ice Arena. This huge rink is a great place to get some exercise when the temperature plummets. Take the little ones for skating lessons or enjoy skating with the whole family. Hockey teams are also based out of the arena, which is a great opportunity if you have kids interested in taking up the sport! Annual passes are available as well as individual day admission. On-site skate rentals are affordable for families without their own skates. Casper Ice Arena is located at 1801 E 4th St. Hogadon Basin Ski Area Snow comes early to Casper and residents benefit from the less-packed ski slopes. Hogadon Basin Ski Area is not only stunningly beautiful but also offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The Hogadon Basin Snowsports School is a great way for your kids to learn how to navigate the slopes and be taught by seasoned professionals. There are 27 different trails available, covering a variety of difficulty levels. A ski lift makes access to all of them a breeze. The lodge at the Hogadon Basin Ski Area offers equipment rentals. Be sure to check and make sure the trails you want are open: some close down after inclement weather to ensure trail safety. The resort is located at 2500 W. Hogadon Rd. Casper Family Aquatic Center It may be freezing outside, but the Casper Family Aquatic Center keeps it summer all year round! Take your family to blow off some steam at this super fun water center and enjoy exciting attractions like water slides, a zero-depth entry pool, and a lazy river. A whirlpool hot tub is a perfect place to relax and warm up after a chilly day. All pools are heated and comfortable, and experienced lifeguards are on duty during open hours. The Casper Family Aquatic Center is over 23,500 square feet with plenty of activities for all ages. It's located at 1801 E 4th St. Water-based exercise classes are also available, along with swimming lessons for the little ones. They're open seven days a week and different passes and admission rates are available. These are just a few of the many family winter activities offered in Casper. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bensonkua/6625045137/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Benson Kua

Having fun with your family is always a great way to spend the day, and if you live in or near Casper, Wyoming, you'll be happy to know there are lots of places that offer a family-friendly experience everyone can enjoy. Whether your family likes adventures, exploring something new or learning about the world around us, there's something for every type of family in this city. more Of course, deciding where to go can be a tedious process that normally requires extensive research to find out the best places for family fun. Luckily, we've taken the labor out of finding the best place to spend time with your family in Casper. Below, we've broken down three places where we think you and your family will have a blast together. Whether your kids are curious, adventurous, or explorers at heart, everyone will find something they like on our list. The Science Zone Starting things off, for those too curious to sit still, you'll want to consider The Science Zone located directly in Casper. Here, you'll get to discover all of the amazing things that make up the world we live in. Explore exotic and strange animals of the past and present, build incredible structures like a proper engineer, and even go hands-on in a scientific lab. Whether your kids want to learn something new or discover something completely unheard of, you won't get much cooler than The Science Zone. 5150 Rock Gym If adventure is what you desire, you and your family have to check out the 5150 Rock Gym. Bring the entire family and experience rock climbing without the need to hike up a mountain. You'll be taken on a tour of the facility and be shown the ropes to properly climb so you can have the best experience possible. It's even great if you're looking for somewhere to work out, hence the gym moniker. All in all, the 5150 Rock Gym is one of the best places in the area for a day filled with family fun. Hogadon Basin Ski Area Located 11 miles south on Casper Mountain, the Hogadon Basin Ski Area is one of the best places to bring the family and have some fun in the winter months. You'll have your choice of either skiing or snowboarding, regardless of how much experience you have. This is what makes this ski resort so family-friendly. If you decide to visit in the summer or fall, there's a runner's trail where you and your family can work up a sweat. Regardless of what time of year you visit, you're sure to have an amazing time. As you can see, it's clear any of these places will provide an amazing experience for you and your family that's fun-filled and quite enjoyable. No matter what your family is into, whether it be adventures, exploring, or learning something new, Casper offers some of the best attractions you'll find in the entire state of Wyoming. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonasb/5571080053/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Jonas B

This fall, move away from the main roads of travel and take time to enjoy the colorful autumn scenery of Wyoming byways. These “roads less traveled” will take you on tours of paved and unpaved roadways that explore Wyoming's National Forests, mountain terrain, high deserts, and steep canyons. Here are six of our favorite fall drives you can't afford to skip. more Beartooth Highway Newly accepted into the National Register of Historic Places, Beartooth Highway is the highest paved road in Wyoming. This scenic 68-mile route can be accessed from the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and travels through Custer, Gallatin, and Shoshone National Forests before entering Yellowstone National Park via its northeast entrance. Black Hills Scenic Byway Also known as U.S. Highway 385, this byway starts in Newcastle, Wyoming, and continues 78 miles toward South Dakota's western border. This scenic drive showcases a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees, allowing motorists to enjoy landscapes of lush green and bright colors. Additionally, local cities along the route offer tourist opportunities, including shopping, museums, hiking, fishing, and ghost town tours. Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway Following U.S. Route 16, Cloud Peak Skyway is located in north-central Wyoming, between Buffalo and Ten Sleep, and shares a boundary with Bighorn National Forest. During this 47-mile drive to experience the views of Cloud Peak Wilderness, travelers are treated to views of gold- and yellow-toned aspen trees that make their home in the Big Horn Mountains. Flaming Gorge / Green River Basin Byway Located in southwest Wyoming and connecting two roads separated by the Green River, this 100-mile route takes travelers around Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area's centerpiece, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Visitors will experience the uniqueness of the area via high deserts, breathtaking rock formations, and herds of wild horses, pronghorn, and mule deer. Red Gulch / Alkali Scenic Byway A spare tire, drinking water, and food are recommended while heading out on this mostly unpaved 34-mile route through the Bighorn Basin. While there are no gas stations, towns, or stores along the Red Gulch / Alkali Scenic Byway, those choosing to embark on this adventure during the open months of May through October are rewarded with local history, colorful landscapes, caves, table rocks, and canyons along the way. Star Valley Scenic Byway Having just recently received official recognition as a byway, Star Valley Scenic Byway is Wyoming's newest scenic byway. Mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks create the perfect environment for colorful landscapes travelers can enjoy during the 80-mile drive. For those looking for a little more adventure, you can climb Salt River Canyon and Salt River Pass before completing your hike atop the 7,610-foot peak of Snake River Canyon. https://www.flickr.com/photos/11498990@N02/23982130818/sizes/l Image via Flickr by norm_oliver

Casper, WY attracts many outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to some of the most amazing natural sites in the country. If you're an avid angler, you'll be glad to know that the area offers many excellent fishing opportunities too. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll be able to find a fishing location that suits you. Check out these four great fishing spots around Casper. more The North Platte Lodge Located about 30 miles southwest of Casper in Alcova, North Platte Lodge is a favorite spot for fly fishing enthusiasts. It's situated in the Grey Reef area on the banks of the lower part of North Platte River, providing access to 17 miles of privately owned river frontage for fishing. Grey Reef is a tailwater fishery that's known for its exceptionally large trout. While you can do other forms of fishing, it's highly recommended that you fly fish. There are many fly fishing shops around North Platte Lodge offering fishing gear, equipment rental, boat rental, river reports, and licenses. If you're planning to fish there, it's a good idea to book in advance because the lodge can only accommodate eight guests at a time. North Platte River in the City Many anglers who want to catch big fish in the North Platte River make the short trip to the Grey Reef area. What they don't realize is that there's a large number of big fish living in the waters of the river that flows through Casper. There's an abundance of rainbow, brown, and cutbow trout in this part of the river. Water levels and clarity vary depending on the location and time of the year. When the water is clear to lightly stained, fishing in the city can be fantastic. Bryan Stock Trail Pond Situated on Bryan Stock Trail road just north of the North Platte River, Bryan Stock Trail Pond is another great place to fish within city limits. This pond contains a wide variety of fish. It was stocked with rainbow trout in 2017 and catfish in 2015, providing fun and rewarding fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels for many years to come. Bear in mind that gas motors are not permitted on the pond. You can use a motor-less boat, inflatable boat, or float tube instead. Miracle Mile Located about 30 miles southwest of Casper, the Miracle Mile is one of the most popular fishing spots in the area. This 5.5-mile stretch on the North Platte River is situated just below the Seminoe Reservoir dam. With about 4,000 fish per mile, it's a fertile tailwater that gives you an opportunity to catch trophy trout and walleye. While you can fish from a boat, you'll get better results with wade fishing. Fishing is a favorite pastime among the locals in Casper. As such, you can expect to find many fishing shops, amenities, and tour agencies in and around the city. If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to sign up for an instructional fishing tour. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bugeaters/2501399689/sizes/l Image via Flickr by bugeaters