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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

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