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Whether you're commuting to work or on a family road trip, you should always be prepared in case of an emergency while on the road. The easiest way to stay prepared is to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Let's talk about some of the items your kit should contain. Maintenance Tools Every vehicle emergency kit should contain some basic maintenance and repair tools. The most basic of these tools is your car's maintenance manual, your insurance card, and a business card for the local repair shop. While you might be able to look up this information on your smartphone, it's always a good idea to keep hard copies available. You never know when your phone service might go down. more The most common emergency you'll probably face while on the road is a flat tire, so be sure to keep a properly maintained spare tire, a tire jack, and a tire iron in your car. You'll also want to keep a can of Fix-A-Flat or other tire sealer in your car so you can plug any leaks. Make sure to get your car to a repair shop as soon as possible. It's never a good idea to drive too long on a spare tire or a tire with a leak. Doing so is dangerous and can actually damage your vehicle. Another common issue you might face is a dead battery. Make sure to keep jumper cables or an emergency battery booster handy. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with how those items work ahead of time so you don't panic in an emergency situation. Survival Items Hopefully, you don't get stranded in the middle of nowhere for long periods of time before help can arrive in an emergency. If you do find yourself in such a situation, having survival items on hand can make the circumstances less dire. Common survival items that you should keep in your kit include first aid equipment, a flashlight, matches, energy bars, and bottles of water. Paper maps are also essential. Again, you never know when your phone might go dead or service might not be available. If you're traveling through a cold climate, it's a good idea to have an ice scraper, a mylar space blanket, and extra clothes. Comfort Items Making sure you're comfortable, even in emergencies, can help you stay calm and relaxed. That's why it's a good idea to keep comfort items in your emergency kit. You'll probably end up wishing you had toilet paper, paper towels, an umbrella, or a phone charger, if you haven't already packed them in your car. It's also a good idea to keep a spare change of clothes handy. There's no reason to sit around in damp or dirty clothes if you don't have to. That would just add more stress to the situation. By making sure you're prepared for just about any emergency situations, you'll be able to drive with less stress and a lot more confidence. Image via Flickr by State Farm

Whether you live in Casper or are visiting the area, it's well worth your time to explore the city's many museums. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast, there's a museum to suit your tastes. Let's take a look at some of these museums and what they have to offer. 1. The Nicolaysen Art Museum The Nicolaysen Art Museum is home to a vast art collection featuring works by artists ranging from European masters to contemporary artists from Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. In 2009, the Nicolaysen received accreditation from the American Association of Museums, an honor reserved for only the most prestigious museums in the nation. The museum encourages participation from the community by hosting special exhibits such as art shows featuring work created by local students and the Casper Photography Association. The museum also hosts lectures and workshops, allowing visitors to learn about its diverse collection and art in general. more 2. Fort Caspar Museum At the Fort Caspar Museum, visitors can step back in time to explore a reconstructed 1865 military post. The fort once served as a major crossroads on the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, Pony Express, and transcontinental telegraph trails. The area was also once home to several tribes indigenous to Wyoming, including the Shoshone, Crow, and Lakota. Special exhibits at the museum explain how these tribes and various settlers once lived.  Special events at For Caspar include cooking demonstrations, archeological digs, and battle reenactments. At the Fort Caspar Museum Store, you'll find a variety of unique gifts including handmade Native American crafts. 3. Werner Wildlife Museum The Werner Wildlife Museum allows visitors to explore the natural wonders of Wyoming, as well as creatures that inhabit other areas of the United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Since its founding in 1964, the museum's collection has grown to include 400 bird, fish, and mammal specimens. The museum is also home to The Lair, an interactive learning exhibit that kids of all ages can enjoy. Visitors to the museum also have the opportunity to explore gardens, feed birds, and have a pleasant picnic. Special events at the Werner Wildlife Museum include lectures, photography classes, and live animal demonstrations. 4. Tate Geological Museum If you've ever wanted to find out what Wyoming was like in prehistoric times, the Tate Geological Museum is a must-visit. One highlight of the museum's collection is Dee the Mammoth, an 11,600-year-old Columbian Mammoth whose bones were unearthed just north of Glenrock, Wyoming. Dee was carefully reconstructed by Tate staff and is now the star of the Pleistocene exhibit. Another interesting exhibit is the  Mesozoic Marine display. During the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras, the land that is now Wyoming was covered with water and home to creatures such as ichthyosaurs, mosasaurs, and hybodont sharks. These creatures and others are now on display in the Mesozoic Marine section. These are just some of the interesting museums located in Casper. Consider a visit so you can learn about the art, history, and natural treasures of Wyoming. Image via Flickr by jabberwock

If you're in search of a great book to read, there are several wonderful bookstores in the Casper area. Let's take a look at some of these stores and what they have to offer. 1. Wind City Books Wind City Books has been a Casper favorite since 2007. The store sells a wide range of books, from the hottest best-sellers to lesser-known works. A great selection of audiobooks is also available, as well as a variety of children's books and educational toys. If you can't find it on the shelves of Wind City, the friendly staff is happy to order it for you. The store also plays host to book signings by Wyoming authors and writers' workshops. Wind City Books has become a place for the Casper community to come together to celebrate a love of reading. more 2. The Book Exchange The Book Exchange prides itself on selling gently-used books at a fair price. While you'll find popular novels among the merchandise, you're also likely to stumble upon a rare, out-of-print gem. You can also bring your used books to The Book Exchange and trade them in for something new to read. 3. The Knowledge Nook The staff at The Knowledge Nook believe that the best way for children to learn is through reading and play, which is why they've created a store that encourages both. You can find a wide range of books suitable for all ages from infant to young adult. The Knowledge Nook also carries a wide variety of educational toys that encourage children to exercise their imaginations as well as educational supplies for teachers. The store plays host to a variety of activities including book signings, workshops for educators and students, and storytime. If your child has a birthday coming up, The Knowledge Nook staff is happy to host that as well. 4. Wonder If you're looking to explore the spiritual side of life, Wonder is the perfect destination. In addition to books that are both enlightening and educational the store also carries a selection of unique gifts. For that special someone, consider buying a beautiful guardian angel statue or a blessing jar. They might also appreciate a calming crystal, candle, or wind chime. Whatever you need to soothe your soul, you're sure to find it at Wonder. The friendly staff is happy to answer any questions you might have on your spiritual journey. 5. Blessed Are They Blessed Are They is a religious bookstore that caters to a Christian audience. While the store carries a variety of books to help those seeking to grow in their faith, it also sells religious jewelry and pendants, inspirational posters, and even coffee mugs. The friendly owners will make you feel truly blessed with their kind and graceful service. Whether you're looking for a gift suitable for a Catholic or Protestant-leaning friend, they're happy to help you find something that's just right. These are just some of the great bookstores in Casper. Whatever you're looking for, there's a store that's right for you. Image via Flickr by Spidere

If you're looking to buy a new SUV, the 2019 Jeep Wrangler is a great option. With seven trim levels to choose from, there's a Wrangler that suits any lifestyle. Let's discuss the different trim levels and how they might fit your personality. Sport The Wrangler Sport is perfect if you're just looking for a basic SUV to get you from Point A to Point B while still being fun to drive. It comes equipped with a 3.6-Liter V-6 engine that puts out 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An all-new zipperless Sunrider soft top allows you to enjoy stunning views and fresh breezes while a ParkView rearview camera allows you to maneuver with ease. more Sport S If you're looking for something a little more sophisticated, you might consider the Sport S. It features a Direct-Injection Turbo Engine with eTorque Mild Hybrid System that gives it better fuel efficiency. The S model's top is also removable but instead of a soft top, it's a three-piece black modular hardtop. Sport Altitude The Sport Altitude, with its gloss black grille throats, headlamp inserts, and fender badges, is for those who want to stand out in a crowd. Adding to its striking appearance is an all-black Freedom Top hardtop and 18-inch five-spoke gloss black wheels. Inside, you'll find seats with premium black cloth upholstery and black accent stitching. Sahara For something even bolder and a little more rugged, look no further than the Sahara. The 18-inch polished aluminum wheels with tech gray spokes and body-color fender flares give it a confident stance. In just seconds the Sahara can transform into an open-air ride thanks to a Sky One-Touch Power Top removable rear-quarter windows. Sahara Altitude The Sahara Altitude, featuring gloss black grille throats, headlamp inserts, low-gloss black fender badges, and gloss black fog lamp bezels is like the Sahara's more daring cousin. Its edgy look is capped off by a body-color three-piece Freedom Top hardtop. Rubicon If you're always up for an adventure, then the Rubicon is for you. It features 33-inch all-terrain tires and high clearance fender flares. The higher tires give the Rubicon an impressive 10.8-inch ground clearance while providing exceptional durability and traction. Front and rear electronic locking differentials work to ensure that power is equally distributed to the Rubicon's wheels for maximum traction when you're crawling over rocks. The Rock-Trac 4x4 System gives the Rubicon a heavy-duty two-speed transfer case capable of handling any terrain. Moab For adventure seekers who appreciate a little bit of luxury, the Moab is an excellent choice. On the outside, you'll find rugged features such as a dual power-dome vented hood, front and rear black tow hooks, and Jeep Performance Parts rock rails. On the inside, luxurious amenities include heated front seats with soft-touch leather trim and a heated steering wheel also wrapped in soft-touch leather. These are the available trim levels for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler. Each has its own distinctive features. Consider a test drive so you can see which one works best for you. Image via Flickr by SoulRider.222

The Jeep name has been synonymous with off-road capability for decades. Their latest creation, the 2020 Gladiator truck, stays true to this philosophy. No matter the trip, whether it be to the office or the outdoors, the Gladiator Overland makes each journey feel like an adventure. Here are a few reasons why off-roaders love the 2020 Gladiator Overland: Off-Road Power The 2020 Gladiator Overland comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that gives the truck 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. You have the choice between a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission that makes each ride smooth. Its four-wheel-drive system gives the Gladiator that iconic Jeep capability that lets you tackle almost any road condition. Properly equipped, the Gladiator tows up to 7,650 pounds and can handle a best-in-class 1,600 pounds in payload. In short, this is one of the most off-road-ready pickup trucks money can buy. more Truck-Bed Wrangler The 2020 Gladiator takes everything off-roaders love about the Wrangler and sticks a truck bed on it. The Gladiator is the perfect balance between the capability and performance of a Wrangler and puts a practical spin on it. This means you have a vehicle that can maneuver like a Wrangler and haul dirt-bikes like a powerful truck. It's the ultimate outdoors vehicles. Off-Road Gear Each Gladiator comes with all the gear you need to navigate any terrain. Rear and front electronic locking differentials, protective rock rails, 2-inch FOX shocks that keep your ride smooth, and more give you the confidence you need to forge your own paths. The available forward-facing TrailCam Off-Road Camera helps you find the best path forward. Tow hooks let you help our lesser vehicles in times of need. The 2020 Gladiator is ready for any level of adventure. Interior Style It's not all about what's under the hood — this Jeep keeps you comfortable and entertained in its cabin filled with exciting features. Use many of your favorite phone apps through your dashboard-mounted touch screen via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Relax in the Overland's cloth or leather-trimmed seats, which seat five people. Equip your Gladiator with the removable Bluetooth speaker so you can take your music on the go even when you're out of your truck. Heated front seats and steering wheel keep you comfortable in the toughest winter weather. The list of features you'll find in the 2020 Gladiator Overland goes on to give you one of the most all-inclusive, exciting trucks for your travels. Customizable One of the greatest parts about this Jeep is you can customize it to your heart's content. Give it the trailer tow package to unleash its top towing capacity. Give it the premium LED lighting package to navigate nighttime trails with ease. Choose from the multiple hard- and soft-top options available to the Gladiator. It's easy to build a Gladiator that's perfect for your adventures with these and more great options. When you're ready to explore the 2020 Gladiator Overland for yourself, stop by Fremont Motors for your test drive. Find out why off-roaders are raving about this dynamic Jeep truck. Image via Jeep.com

What was a rumor has been given substance — Ram will be introducing a new midsize truck in the near future. Around 2022, we should be seeing Ram's vision for a smaller truck rolling into dealerships. Though not many details about the project are known just yet, it has been confirmed that the truck is in the works. Here's what we know about the upcoming midsize Ram truck: All-New Truck This all-new midsize Ram truck is so new it doesn't have a name yet. It's possible Ram may resurrect a name from similar models that have gone out of production, but it's just as likely it will be the start of a new era. This truck will be smaller than the heavy and light duty, which is the Ram 1500. In a time when larger and stronger trucks are seeing a rise in popularity, this truck will be a solid option for drivers who don't need the power and size from the bigger models. more What We Know We know Ram has made an official announcement that they are following through on their plans to create the unnamed midsize truck around 2022. Right now, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ram's parent company, is looking for a cost-effective way to produce the new truck. There is currently no Ram model that falls into the midsize truck category, so they will have to start from the beginning to produce it. The last midsized truck FCA produced was 2011's Dodge Dakota. What to Expect FCA CEO Mike Manley recently said in an interview with Automotive News that Ram is striving to fill in the gap their lack of a midsize truck leaves. "I want that problem solved, frankly, because it's a clear hole in our portfolio," Manley said in the interview. Since the midsize Ram will be smaller than the car company's other options, we can expect to see a smaller pricetag. In order to lower the costs for customers, the truck will likely be built in their Mexico factories, though that's not certain just yet. Ram's Current Trucks Though Ram has plans for an all-new midsized truck, we can rest assured that it will maintain its current reliable lineup. Once we get the new midsized worker, it will fill a hole in Ram's offerings. The light-duty Ram 1500's sales promise a solid future for the working person's truck. From there, the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickups fulfill the heavy-duty truck needs of America. The specialty Ram Chassis Cab, Ram Promaster City, and Ram Promaster give us the business vehicles we need to keep our cities running smoothly. With this spread of hard-working and trust-worthy vehicles, we're excited to see what they do with the smaller truck class. Keep an eye out for more news about Ram's plans for their all-new truck. When they release it to the public, you can expect our team at Fremont Motors to be ready to give it a test drive. We can't wait to see what the future of the truck world will look like. 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

Trails are in abundance in Casper, Wyoming. But if you've already hiked and biked enough green-circle, family-friendly trails, you should try some of the great challenging adventures in the area. Explore Wyoming's natural beauty and get in a solid workout at these challenging trails you should try near Casper. 1. Casper Mountain If you're looking for the most trails in one location, head to Casper Mountain. Go to the Casper Mountain Trails Center for a quick lunch before exploring the nearly 26 miles of trails nearby. Whether you're into cross-country skiing, trail-running, mountain-biking, snow-shoeing, or plain-old hiking, this is the headquarters for those looking for trails. Every visit to Casper Mountain can be as new as you want to be. Try a new trail, or find your new repeatable favorite. more 2. Bridle Trail Bridle Trail at Rotary Park, which is almost 5 miles long and sees a 1,200-foot elevation change, is one of the most challenging mountain bike trails you'll find in the area. The ride lasts from an hour to 90 minutes and covers many types of terrains. The trail is well-marked, so you can focus on getting through the challenging course without getting lost. Take on the thrilling declines as fast as your skill level allows, and get in a serious workout as you travel up 1,300 feet over 1.6 miles. This trail is open to hikers and joggers, so make sure you give them a safe space or watch for oncoming cyclists if you're in the first group. Enjoy a beautiful day with views of Casper and Garden Creek Falls at this top-level trail. 3. Eadsville Trail Looking for something less challenging than the Bridle Trail? Check out the Eadsville Trail. It's a moderate-level path that runs for 2.9 miles and has a 321-foot elevation gain. You can start hiking this trail at the Nordic Center or Skunk Hollow. It's open to hikers, bikers, snowshoers, and trail runners. It's a loop trail and is open year-round. 4. Twin Peaks Trail If you want to get the blood pumping, head to the nearby Twin Peaks Trail. It's 5.9 miles long, has a 1,778-foot elevation gain, and is perfect if you're looking for a challenging trail. This out-and-back-style trail is mainly occupied by hikers. It offers some great opportunities to see some wildlife, including antelope, chipmunks, and birds. 5. Glendo State Park For a challenging trip, try Glendo State Park. It has over 45 miles of single-track mountain bike trails for you to explore. The difficulties range from moderate to expert, so you can find a trail that suits your skill level or pushes your boundaries. These trails are also open to hikers who want to spend some time outside. One of the best parts of the Casper area is the huge number of outdoor experiences available nearby. Get outside and enjoy nature at these trails, or explore to find your own. No matter how you like to take on the trail, the possibilities are endless. Image via Flickr by markturnerimages

The 2019 Jeep Renegade may be one of the smaller vehicles in the Jeep family, but you don't have to be big to be bold. The Renegade offers drivers a stylish exterior, functional interior, and plenty of capability while on the road. There are seven trims, including three Limited Edition options, so you can customize a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. Here are some of the standout features you will find on the Jeep Renegade. Bold Look The 2019 Renegade offers drivers a bold exterior with bright color choices, including Solar Yellow, Omaha Orange, Colorado Red, Jetset Blue, as well as a variety of white, black, and grey shades. Limited Edition models also come with some unique colors, such as a teal color called Bikini. more Exterior features you will find on the Renegade include a redesigned front fascia, optional LED or halogen headlamps, and premium LED taillamps that have a distinctive Jeep Brand look. The Renegade comes with MySky, an open-air removable panel sunroof that allows you to see the sky while on the road. Both panels can be removed and easily stored in the rear cargo area. Performance Drivers looking for power behind the wheel will find it under the hood with two engine options. The first choice is a 1.3-liter turbo engine with direct injection and a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers up to 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. It also has Engine Start/Stop Technology which adds to the efficiency of the vehicle, delivering up to 32 miles per gallon. The other engine available is a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine. It pushes out 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. This engine also delivers reduced emissions due to power and torque. Typically, you can choose between a front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4x4 system; however, not all trims have an FWD option. The 4x4 models are designed with a rigid body structure so that the Renegade can deliver impressive handling. Two 4x4 systems are available: Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low. Both include a rear axle disconnect system that will switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive when you need it. Functional Interior Inside the 2019 Renegade you will discover a Uconnect infotainment system that puts everything you need within reach. The Uconnect 4C NAV comes with an 8.4-inch intuitive touch screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include the SiriusXM All Access Package, and Bluetooth capability, which are accessible via voice command. Drivers can turn their Renegade into a 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot that can be accessed while on the go with up to a 50-feet radius. The available SiriusXM Guardian gives you remote access to your vehicle and helps you locate your Renegade, start your vehicle, and access roadside assistance. The 2019 Jeep Renegade is a bold choice for drivers who know that great things come in small packages. With a sleek look that delivers exceptional performance in the city and off-road, you can take your new Renegade anywhere. For more information about the Renegade, you can visit Fremont Motors today. Image via Jeep.com

The 2019 Dodge Durango is an SUV that promises its drivers plenty of power, performance capabilities, and convenience at their fingertips. This SUV comes in eight trims with the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, giving you lots of options for customization. Here are some of the best features you will find on the Dodge Durango. Power Three engine options are behind the power of this SUV. The first is a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. This engine comes standard under the hood of the Durango SRT, which is without a rear-wheel drive option. It gets up to 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine features variable valve timing and fuel saver technology. It is paired with an automatic eight-speed transmission and can reach up to 22 miles per gallon on the highway. It gets up to 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. more The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has the best highway mileage with 26 miles per gallon for rear-wheel drive models or 25 miles per gallon for all-wheel drive models. Performance With such powerful engines, the Dodge Durango also delivers on performance. The 3.6-liter engine can tow up to 6,200 pounds while the 5.7-liter HEMI engine can tow up to 7,400 pounds. If you decide to go with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine, you get a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. The trailer sway control feature applies brake pressure to help eliminate sway while you are on the road. Two all-wheel drive systems are available with the Durango to enhance handling and traction on a wide range of road conditions. Other features include the available SRT Mode and standard electric steering. To ensure your safety on the road, features available with the Dodge Durango include parking assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop, blind spot monitoring, and electronic stability control. Convenience You will find plenty of space and features that cater to your every need inside the Durango. With the available fold and tumble second-row captain's chairs and 50/50 split-folding third-row seats, you have enough room to seat seven or the ability to utilize the 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are down. The available Uconnect 4C NAV gives you an 8.4-inch touch screen that has Android Auto integration and Apple CarPlay support. Drivers also have access to navigation, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM Guardian, which provides remote access to your vehicle. Passengers can enjoy a dual-screen Blu-ray entertainment system with HDMI that allows them to watch videos from two 9-inch seatback-mounted screens. The 2019 Dodge Durango has many standout features. Whether you want a powerful engine, impressive towing capabilities, or a vehicle you can take on any terrain, the Durango delivers everything you are looking for in a vehicle. Additionally, the SUV includes a wide range of interior features, so you have the convenience of accessing everything you need, no matter where your next adventure takes you. For more information about the Durango, you can visit Fremont Motors. Image via Dodge.com

With summer on the way, it's time to start planning activities that the entire family can enjoy. Luckily, there's plenty to see and do around Casper during the summer months. Let's talk about some of these activities and why you should add them to your summer to-do list. Pools and Aqua Parks While the indoor facilities at Casper's Family Aquatic Center are open year-round, it's during the summer that the fun really starts to heat up. That's when the city's outdoor pools and aqua parks are open for business. At the Mike Sedar Aqua Park, you can enjoy a giant water slide, a splash pad, and a lazy river. The park also features a climbing wall, zero depth entry, and in-water benches. You can also enjoy a swim at the pools located in Washington Park, Marion Kreiner Park, and Paradise Valley. more If your child is celebrating a summer birthday, the city's pools offer special birthday party packages. For beginning swimmers, the Family Aquatic Center offers lessons taught by Red Cross-certified instructors. You can even learn how to swim like a mermaid. Parks and Trails The city of Casper maintains several parks that are perfect for summer play and exploration. Amoco Park and Yesness Park are great areas for hiking and fishing. At Riverview Park, you can enjoy activities like handball, pickleball, and horseshoes. If you're looking to stay in shape, Paradise Valley Park offers a fitness course and lighted tennis courts. The Morad Park, which features the Platte River Trail and a picnic area, also has a special area where your canine companions can roam off-leash. Dogs can also play and swim at the Lake McKenzie Dog Park. Museums Whether you're into science, history, or art, the museums of Casper have something for everyone. At the Bishop House, Casper's only historic home that allows tours, you can see how the town's residents lived during the city's first economic boom. Constructed in 1907, it's the first multi-story brick house built in Casper. The Fort Caspar Museum takes you even further back in time to when Native Americans, mountain men, fur traders, and emigrants all lived in the Casper area. The reconstructed fort stands at the crossroads of the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Pioneer Trail, the California Trail, and the Pony Express Trail. The Nicolaysen Art Museum's 8,000-piece permanent collection features works from contemporary artists, renowned Western artists, and Old World masters. Children of all ages will enjoy creating and exploring in the museum's Discovery Center. Exciting exploration also takes place at the Science Zone, a hands-on science center that kids and adults can both enjoy. Casper Municipal Golf Course The Casper Municipal Golf Course features three unique nine-hole courses that are fun for all skill levels, yet challenging enough the most seasoned golfers. The course offers a junior golf program over the summer as well as private lessons. These are just some of the fun things you can see and do in Casper this summer. Get out there and have some fun! Image via Flickr by madmiked

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