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When people think of wildlife in Wyoming, it's tough to ignore Yellowstone National Park. However, there are several amazing spots in and around Casper that are teeming with diverse wildlife, from birds and deer to the famous Pronghorn antelope and gray wolves. If you're in the area looking for something to do outdoors, check out these best places to see wildlife near Casper, Wyoming. Casper Mountain Casper Mountain in Central Wyoming boasts amazing nature and wildlife views within its forests, and outdoor enthusiasts can spot myriad native fauna, including bear, elk, red deer, foxes, and countless species of birds. Home to several nature walks, campgrounds, and activity areas, Casper Mountain has plenty to offer. It is also home to Garden Creek Falls and Rotary Park, where visitors can enjoy nature all year round. more Platte River Trails Platte River Trails is one of Casper's most-loved central Wyoming spots for birdwatching. On the trails, you can spot several types of birds of pretty, including bald eagles, red-tail and red-shoulder hawks, and owls. Set up a picnic in Platte River's many recreation areas or keep your eye out at one of the designated wildlife viewing spots to catch glimpses of Wyoming's legendary animals. You can also bring your dog on your hike or kayak on the Platte River. Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, just 6 miles from Casper, is one of Audubon Wyoming's designated bird habitats. You can see around 100 different migratory species in a given season, and you can pick a spot from over 40 different picnic areas to relax and watch for Wyoming's native birds. Enjoy your hike along scenic trails and watch for whitetail and mule deer, antelope, prairie dogs, squirrels, and three different fox species. Little Red Creek Little Red Creek is a local nature hub for fishing enthusiasts in Natrona County, Wyoming. With a large variety of native freshwater fish, like river trout and freshwater bass, the stream offers some amazing fly fishing and catch-and-release opportunities. While you're waiting for a catch, keep a lookout for deer species, hares, foxes, bear, moose, and elk. Reshaw Park Reshaw Park in Evansville, Wyoming, is an 8-minute drive from Casper and has a long history spanning back to the days of the Oregon Trail. With historical Fort Clay and the Reshaw Bridge within the park, nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike will fall in love with the beautiful landscape. You can spot a multitude of Wyoming's native and migratory bird species and pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, and even grizzly bears and gray wolves. Martin's Cove Martin's Cove is another awesome historical site for nature and history enthusiasts. With over 933 acres of rugged landscape, you can explore the legend of the Mormon and Oregon Trails. Watch for antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, bears, foxes, and the many bird species flying in Wyoming's open skies. It may be a 55-mile trek outside of Casper's city limits, but Martin's Cove in Natrona County is something you won't want to pass up. Image via Pixabay.com

There's always something to do in Casper, Wyoming. This fall, the town will be bustling with activities, festivals, and gatherings of all sorts. If you're looking for something interesting to do this fall, make sure you check out these six neat events coming to Casper: 1. Wyoming Photo Fest, Sept. 17-28 For a collection of the best photos from around the state, be sure to stop by the Casper Artist Guild from Sept. 17-28. The Wyoming Photo Fest calls all photographers to send in their best work. They choose the top 100 photos and put them on display at the artist guild's building for all to enjoy. They put the photos on display shortly after the deadline ends Aug. 30. The public will be allowed to vote for the best ones and they will announce the winners Sept. 20. more 2. Jazz Night, Oct. 2 Show up for the jazz or the great drinks at the Backwards Distilling Company for a great night. From 6-9 p.m., you'll be able to enjoy live jazz music from Coulter & Co. Jazz Trio. and order specialty cocktails mixed with spirits made on-site. This is a perfect date-night idea. 3. Crimes of the Heart, Oct. 11-13, 18-20 The Casper Theater Company is putting on a play called Crimes of the Heart for two weekends in October. This play will take us back to the mid-20th century to explore the lives of three sisters who explore their dysfunctional family. This tragicomedy should bring in a decent crowd, so make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time. 4. Casper Antique & Collectors Club's Super Flea, Nov. 2-3 If you love antiques and collectibles, make sure you stop by the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 2-3. This flea market will bring collectors from all over to give you the opportunities to shop for that special item you've been looking for, or discover something new. 5. Craft Fair, Nov. 15-16 If you love working with your hands, plan for the Community Recreation Foundation's annual craft fair Nov. 15 from 3-8 p.m. and Nov. 16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Over 200 booths of crafts from local artists and creators will be open to the public at the Casper Events Center. Peruse and shop pottery, jewelry, painted items, woodworks, and all sorts of hand-made items at one of the biggest craft fairs in Wyoming. 6. Downtown Christmas Parade, Nov. 23 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Head downtown on Nov. 23 for the annual Christmas Parade. Starting at 6 p.m., you'll get the chance to see all kinds of floats and characters. No Christmas parade is complete without a visit from St. Nick himself, so make sure you bring the kids to enjoy a night of lights and music. Come together and enjoy what makes Casper the great city it is. The citizens of Casper are proud to call this town our home. Casper's citizens are always thinking of new ways to bring us together as a community and family through events like these. Image via Pixabay.com

Now that warmer weather has finally arrived, it's the perfect time to plan a fishing trip. Luckily, there are lots of great fishing spots around Casper for residents and visitors to enjoy. Let's take a look at some of these spots and what they have to offer. 1. Bryan Stock Trail Pond Located along Bryan Stock Trail road just north of the North Platte River, the Bryan Stock Trail Pond is a fishing oasis within the Casper city limits. You'll find a wide variety of fish in the pond, including channel catfish and rainbow trout. It's a great spot for beginning fishermen as well as old pros. While gas motors are not allowed on the pond, motor-less boats are welcome or you can try out an inflatable fishing tube. more 2. Fremont Canyon As you venture into Fremont Canyon, you'll find a stretch of great fishing that starts at the Pathfinder Dam and continues on to the power plant just above Alcova Reservoir. This part of the North Platte River is heavily populated by rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Midges, baetis, caddis, and tricos all hatch here and are a popular choice of bait for locals. Nymphing, dry-fly, and streamer fishing are the best techniques to use in the canyon. In addition to an incredible fishing experience, the Fremont Canyon also provides beautiful scenery. Country music fans may recognize it from the music video "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Everyday" by Luke Bryan. 3. North Platte River - Casper The stretch of the North Platte River that runs through town is another great spot for trout fishing. Dozens of rainbows have been spotted near the Tate Pumphouse and the I-25 train tresses. Water levels and clarity of the river may vary depending on your location, the time of day, and the weather. However, when the water is clear, the fishing is incredible. 4. Miracle Mile Located just below the Seminoe Reservoir Dam, the 5.5-mile stretch of the North Platte River known as the Miracle Mile is packed with trout and walleye. With a population of 4,000 fish per mile, you're sure to catch the trophy size fish of your dreams. In fact, when the river is frozen during winter months, the Hawg Ice Fishing Derby, one of the largest ice fishing derbies in the country, is held here. During liquid months, you can try your luck in one of the area's walleye tournaments. There are several camping spots along the banks, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. 5. Grey Reef The Grey Reef section of the North Platte River is considered one of the best spots for rainbow trout fishing in the country. On average, your catch will weigh between three and six pounds, but a lucky few have been known to catch a 20-pounder. If you don't own a boat, there are several great access spots for wading and bank fishing. These are just some of the best fishing spots in Casper. No matter which one you choose to fish, you're sure to have a great time. Image via Flickr by USFWS Mountain Prairie

The weather is warming up, and Wyoming is an exceptional place to enjoy spring. Filled with blooming wildflowers and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, you're going to want to get out there before summer kicks in. Here are five terrific Casper area parks where you can enjoy springtime with the family or your four-legged friends. 1. Crossroads Adventure Playground Located at 1081 N. Poplar, Crossroads Adventure Playground is the ideal destination for active families. There's nothing like it in the city. This inviting playground touts a tree fort, slides, swings, bridges, bouncy toys, and more. For parents, a portion of the play area is fully enclosed, so that no one can toddle off. more Located right near Platte River Parkway Trail, load up the kids in a stroller or wagon and take a family nature walk. Why not meander over to Mike Lansing Field, home of the Casper Ghosts baseball team and catch a game? If you can dream it, you'll find it at Crossroads Adventure Playground. 2. Riverview Park Your first stop at Riverview Park, located at 1032 East L St., should be its beautiful mural. More than 45 volunteers added their creative flair to this heartwarming September 11th memorial. This park also offers a variety of fun outdoor activities like horseshoes, handball, pickleball, boating, and fishing. 3. Paradise Valley Park Grab the whole family and head out to Paradise Valley Park, located at 31 Begonia St. This park is near the Paradise Valley Country Club and features fun activities for everyone. There's a fitness course, tennis courts, and walking paths. The recently updated playground features swings, a rock climbing wall, and two zip slides. There's even a set of bongos for the musically inclined. 4. Morad Park Don't leave man's best friend behind on your next park adventure. Leash up the whole pack, and take a trip out to Morad Park, located at 2800 SW Wyoming Blvd. Dogs love a day at outside just as much as their humans do, and at Morad Park, they're allowed to run free. The park is in a preserved natural area bordered by the North Platte River. When you arrive, look for the signs along the pathway that lead you to the leash-free zones. Remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times while exploring the trails, and pick up after your pet. The park also offers benches and picnic tables where you can rest. 5. Amoco Park Amoco Park, located at 1007 W. First St., is home to the beautiful Bart Rea Learning Circle. A glow-in-the-dark labyrinth, it's a relaxing place to visit for yoga, story time, and meditation whenever the mood strikes you. The park has a picnic area, a large parking lot, and clean, well-maintained restrooms. Summer brings the joy of a white water feature, and you can access the trail system, which is just a short walk from the Tate Pumphouse. Get outside and enjoy Wyoming's spring season. There's a park near you that's bursting with life. Image via Flickr by flowcomm