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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

From the moment it was first launched over two decades ago, Dodge Durango set high standards for a crossover SUV. Not only did it raise the bar when it came to all-around performance and sturdiness but also regarding all-terrain vehicle aesthetics. The Durango is indeed a very good-looking SUV, and its looks have been continuously improving with each new model and generation. more The 2018 Dodge Durango not only continues that tradition but brings it to new heights by introducing new trim levels and appearance packages. The available trims are SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT. In addition to these trims, there are multiple appearance packages available to improve upon an already great vehicle. The Blacktop Package This appearance package is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to add a little style to your Dodge Durango. Available on the SXT Plus, GT, and R/T trims, the Blacktop Package adds gorgeous 20-inch gloss black wheels with matching mirrors and badges. Another available option is the awesome performance hood featuring an air induct and LED fog lamps that were previously only available on the SRT. The Brass Monkey Appearance Package Another appearance package available on the GT and R/T models is the Brass Monkey. The 20-inch brass monkey wheels and the gloss black grille will definitely make your Dodge Durango look special. Just like with the Blacktop package, Durango SRT's spectacular looking air induct is also available for the Brass Monkey appearance package. Anodized Platinum Appearance Package When conceiving appearance packages for the Durango models, Dodge didn't forget the Citadel trim drivers, so the Anodized Platinum package is only available for them. Stylish features such as the exterior badging and lower side sills, standard second-row captain's chairs, or the platinum chrome-plated interior accents add elegance to your Durango. Rallye Appearance Package On top of the Blacktop or Brass Monkey packages, Dodge also offers Durango GT buyers the chance to offer their car a race-inspired design with the new Rallye appearance package. The company realized many of its customers want a Durango that looks like the top SRT trim but are perfectly satisfied with GT's 295-horsepower V-6 engine. The result was an appearance package that offers the fascia, lights, and performance hood that were previously only available on the top trim, therefore offering GT drivers the best of both worlds. Rallye is available in seven different colors: DB Black, Granite, In-Violet, Octane Red, Granite, Redline Red, Vice White, and White Knuckle. Also, unlike other appearance packages, it doesn't limit any of the Durango's performance capabilities, so it will still be able to tow up to 6,200 pounds. There are many reasons why the Dodge Durango is one of the most successful SUVs on the market and has been for quite some time. Dodge, however, does not rest on its laurels, and the 2018 model has brought many additions to an already great car. The new appearance packages have definitely raised the bar when it comes to how an SUV should look. https://www.flickr.com/photos/76969036@N02/43061421765/sizes/l Image via Flickr by David Guo's Master

The past few years have seen a large increase in popularity for crossover multipurpose vehicles. However, when it comes to hauling your entire family and all their stuff, the minivan continues to be a top choice. When you are considering your next family car, there are many factors to consider such as interior comfort, safety, and technology. The 2018 Dodge Caravan scores high marks in all these areas. more Space and Comfort Long drives with the family can be precious memories or stressful nightmares. The vehicle you use plays a big part in things going one way or the other. First of all, the noise and vibration levels on the 2018 Dodge Caravan are exceptionally low, so no matter how far the destination is, you and your family won’t be disturbed by the noise of the road. The seats are spacious and comfortable for all passengers, and if you don't need all seven seats, the Stow 'n Go system easily allows you to turn passenger space into cargo room. Because families come in different shapes and sizes, the Caravan has 81 possible interior configurations to perfectly suit your family's particular needs. Safety When it comes to your family, there's nothing more important than safety. Features like the safety cage, high-strength unibody, and engineered crumple zones, coupled with the car's sturdy body structure, all offer excellent impact protection in case an unfortunate collision occurs. However, prevention is a better alternative, and the 2018 Caravan comes with many active and passive safety systems that help the driver avoid problems as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The antilock brake system and electronic stability control greatly increase the chance of retaining control of your car in difficult situations, while systems such as the blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-path detection, and rear back-up camera all help the driver know everything happening around the vehicle. Technology We all know kids get bored on long trips. However, the modern technology inside the 2018 Dodge Caravan offers many ways to keep them entertained. All the car's main functions can be accessed via a 6.5-inch color touchscreen that controls the multimedia center. Other classic options like AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, and navigation are also available. Additionally, Bluetooth technology allows everyone in the car to connect their own devices. There's also a 9-inch flip-down monitor for the back rows that can either be used along with the DVD entertainment system or other devices via the HDMI port. This offers plenty of fun options for people sitting in the back no matter how far the destination is. If you have a large family and you're looking for a vehicle that can handle carpool to cross-country road trips, look no further than the 2018 Dodge Caravan. The interior space, smooth ride, and modern technology features will turn every trip into an adventure for you and your loved ones. Image via Dodge.com

Hugely successful since its launch in 2005 and better with each new generation, a big part of Chrysler 300's huge success is down to the fact that it has something for everyone. This large sedan offers enough comfort for those who value a smooth ride but has enough power under the hood to satisfy the more adrenaline-seeking drivers. The smooth and sophisticated styling of the 300 appeals to all. Whether you are looking to impress during a night on the town or in the carpool lane, the 300 gets noticed. The available trim levels offer deep levels of personalization, so you'll be able to find a style of the Chrysler 300 that fits you best. more 300 Touring and Touring L The Chrysler 300's Touring trim delivers in the performance department, with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine being capable of generating 292 horsepower. The eight-speed automatic transmission makes sure all that power is smoothly passed on to the wheels, adding to the car's comfort. The Touring trim also comes with an impressive number of options, such as 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, Apple and Android connectivity, and an excellent six-speaker sound system. The Touring L adds or enhances some features, like the larger 18-inch wheels or the addition of a sunroof. 300S and Limited If you're a sporty driver and a thrill-seeker, Chrysler built the 300S especially for you. The larger 20-inch wheels also come with performance tires, and the suspension is sport-tuned to improve the car's cornering ability. For an additional thrill, transmission paddle shifters are available, as well as rear-wheel drive and a more powerful V-8 engine. The Limited version adds some styling features, like gorgeous fully polished aluminum wheels, a driver's seat that remembers your best seating position, or real black olive ash burl interior bezels. 300 C If you're the kind of person who has a distinct passion for driving in style, your best fit is the Chrysler 300 C. Although it definitely doesn't neglect its reputation as a sporty sedan, the 300 C offers everything Chrysler has to offer for luxury and comfort. The 20-inch wheels come standard, as does a suspension system that has been specially tuned to offer the smoothest and softest ride possible. Other significant additions are the adaptive xenon headlights, a rear window sunshade, panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon 19-speaker sound system that delivers crystal clear sound quality. Every Chrysler 300 offers an incredible driving experience but is also packed with many modern safety features, both active and passive, to minimize any risk of an accident and also to keep everyone in the car safe in case something unfortunate does happen. Modern cars are no longer expected to only do one thing right, and the 300 certainly fits the description, proving it can be a beauty and a beast at the same time. Image via Chrysler.com

Although traditionally the vibrant natural display of spring and summer is considered a more fertile ground for love to grow, there's something magically unique about autumn and the way it makes people feel. Fall's fragile balance between summer's spectacular abundance and winter coming to take it all away inspires all of us to capture the moment and share it with our loved ones. Here are some special ways couples can share this amazingly beautiful season. more Take a Camping Trip The best way to experience all the natural colors and flavors the season has to offer is by leaving the concrete city behind and getting reacquainted with Mother Nature. Take your date hiking, for a bike ride, or simply set up camp in a place where it'll just be the two of you with nature providing the background. Although evenings tend to get a little colder than in previous months, you'll soon discover that a bonfire is not only romantic but also offers enough heat that you won't need to bundle up. Visit an Orchard or a Farmer's Market Another great way to experience autumn is by tasting its fruits. Picking apples with someone you love is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. Visiting a farmer's market is not only a great way to spend a day, but you'll also be leaving with plenty of tasty, fresh, and natural fruit and vegetables. Since Halloween is also in the fall, a pumpkin patch will also do the trick. Go to a Brewery or Winery If you and your loved one are of drinking age, fall may be a great time to explore some of the breweries and wineries around your town. These places can be incredibly fun and also great learning experiences. You'll be able to see for yourself how beer or wine is made, and the samples you'll taste along the way will make everything more interesting. Just make sure you have someone to drive you home afterward. Take a Drive Who says a journey must always have a destination? Just hop in the car and take your special someone for a drive out of town and into the countryside's natural scenery. It might be a good idea to do a little research beforehand and map out a route, but just getting in the car and getting lost in autumn's beauty is also a great option. You'll be driving on leaf-covered roads and taking in all the amazing colors and textures around you while sitting in warm, cozy seats and listening to your favorite music. Stay In As beautiful as autumn is, the dropping temperatures and increased precipitation tend to give people a new-found love for their homes. Couples can have a fantastic time just cooking, watching movies wrapped in a blanket, or just having great conversations while watching the outside world through their window. Just because summer is over, it doesn't mean all the fun dates have to wait until next year. If you learn to treasure it, autumn will offer you and your loved one the time of your lives. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mysza/2938056206/sizes/o/ Image via Flickr by mysza831

Besides providing easy access to some of the most beautiful natural sites in the northwestern United States, Casper also offers great opportunities for historical and cultural exploration. It's home to many top-class museums, which interpret different aspects of the city and region's storied past. Check out these three interesting museums while you're traveling in Casper. more Fort Caspar Museum Casper was named after Fort Caspar, a military outpost that played an important role in protecting the city attack. Established in 1862, the fort was originally called Platte Bridge Station. It was later expanded and renamed in honor of Lieutenant Caspar Collins, who was killed in a battle against the Lakota and Cheyenne in 1865. As you tour the museum, you'll see a number of reconstructed buildings, including replicas of a Mormon ferry and a section of Guinard's Bridge. View artifacts and watch interactive videos in the Interpretive Center to learn about the history of Casper. Situated on Fort Caspar Road, the Fort Caspar Museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day in the summer and Tuesday to Saturday in the winter. Admission fees are $2 for adults and $1.50 for seniors and teens. Bishop House Bishop House is a historic site that once served as the residence of Marvin L. Bishop, who was appointed postmaster in Casper by President Grover Cleveland. Built in 1907 when the city experienced its first boom, it was the first multi-story brick house in town, changing the building trend from modest bungalows to mansions. Tour this elegant American Foursquare home and learn about the life of one of Casper's original pioneer families. The décor and furnishings reflect the tastes of the upper class in the early 20th century. The Bishop House is located on East Second Street. Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Admission fee is $2 per person. This historic site also offers tea parties and holiday tours occasionally. National Historic Trails Interpretive Center The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a museum that provides a fun and interesting way to learn about some of the National Historic Trails. In the 19th century, hundreds of thousands of people traveled the Mormon, Pony Express, Oregon, and California trails in pursuit of liberty and a better life, and they etched their stories in the nation's history. Their tales are told through the museum's 18-minute multimedia presentation and seven interactive exhibits. Get on the Conestoga Wagon Ride to cross the North Platte River, try pulling the Mormon handcart, and send a message through the Pony Express. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center can be found on North Poplar Street. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free. There are many other museums in Casper that are worth visiting, including the Salt Creek Museum, War Birds Museum, Tate Museum, Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, and the Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center. Visiting these museums will make your vacation more complete and memorable. https://www.flickr.com/photos/hyku/2438736718/sizes/l Image via Flickr by hyku

The 2018 Dodge Durango is a large, three-row SUV that can take on a variety of roles thanks to its well-rounded nature. With its powerful engines and tough construction, it delivers impressive towing and hauling capabilities and off-road performance. The SUV also boasts a sturdy, brawny exterior that makes it an imposing presence on the road. On the inside, it features an inviting, refined cabin. Check out these top features of the 2018 Dodge Durango. more Spacious and Comfortable Cabin The 2018 Dodge Durango is the ideal SUV for a large family. It can seat up to seven passengers comfortably with three rows of seats. The first and second rows can slide forward or backward to adjust legroom, while the third row seats are spacious enough to accommodate adults. In addition, the seats are adequately cushy and supportive to keep you and your passengers comfortable on long journeys. The SUV also comes with optional heated and ventilated front row seats and heated second row seats as well as an available three-zone automatic temperature control system. This way the whole family can have a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Generous Cargo Space If you need to transport a lot of stuff on a frequent basis, you'll appreciate the new Dodge Durango's large cargo capacity. It offers 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row seats and 47.7 cubic feet behind the second row seats. For maximum cargo space, you can opt for the  60/40 Fold & Tumble second row seats and fold them down to get 84.5 cubic feet. Powerful Engines The 2018 Dodge Durango has three potent engine options for you to choose from. The standard engine is a 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 that serves up 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. If you want more power, you can choose a model equipped with the 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 engine that develops 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The most powerful engine in the lineup is the 6.4 liter HEMI V-8 that's rated at 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, the Durango can sprint from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds. Outstanding Towing Capability The Dodge Durango is also one of the most capable workhorses in its segment. Its solid body construction and powerful engines work together to deliver impressive towing capability. With the base 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 under its hood, the SUV is capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds, which is above average in its segment. When it's equipped with the mighty 6.4 liter HEMI V-8 engine, it can achieve an extraordinary maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. The 2018 Dodge Durango is offered in SXT, GT, CITADEL, R/T, and SRT models to suit the needs and preferences of different SUV buyers. All models offer many comfort, entertainment, and safety features, with the top trims approaching luxury territory. This SUV also gives you great value for your money due to its reliability and low cost of ownership. If you're interested in getting the Dodge Durango, feel free to schedule a test drive. https://www.flickr.com/photos/152930510@N02/26016450418/sizes/l Image via Flickr by crash71100

When it comes to building full-size, heavy-duty pickup trucks, Ram never disappoints. The 2018 Ram 2500 is one of the most capable three-quarter ton pickups on the market. It's the kind of truck you want when you need to do heavy hauling or towing tasks that regular trucks just can't handle. This truck is available in many configurations and several power train options to suit your needs and preferences. Find out why the 2018 Ram 2500 is one of the best workhorses you can buy. more Impressive Driving Dynamics With its large size and rock-solid body-on-frame structure, the 2018 Ram 2500 still offers impressive ride quality and handling even when it's fully loaded. Unlike many similar trucks, which feature a conventional rear leaf-spring suspension system, it's equipped with a rear coil-spring suspension system for a more responsive and composed ride. The new Ram 2500 also comes with an available rear auto-level air suspension system that further improves the ride quality. This system maintains a preset ride height regardless of the amount of weight the truck is carrying. Plenty of Power The 2018 Ram 2500 also offers exceptionally powerful engine options. The base engine is a 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 that utilizes variable valve timing technology. This engine delivers 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission. The truck can also be fitted with a 6.4 liter HEMI V-8 engine that generates 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. It's quickest with this engine, sprinting from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. In addition, you can opt for the 6.7 liter turbo-diesel inline-six engine, which works with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission and serves up 370 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. Outstanding Hauling and Towing Capabilities The 2018 Ram 2500 comes with two bed sizes: a 6-foot-4-inch-long bed and an 8-foot-long bed. Both options are 20.1 inches high and 66.4 inches wide, and they can be equipped with an available bed extender. You can carry a lot regardless of which bed option you choose.  The truck has a maximum payload capacity of 3,990 pounds. When it comes to towing, it can pull up to 17,890 pounds with the 6.7 liter turbo-diesel engine and a goose-neck trailering hitch. The Ram 2500 also has an optional tow/haul mode that adjusts the upshift and downshift schedule of the transmission system to produce more torque when towing heavy loads or climbing an incline. The 2018 Ram 2500 comes in seven different trim levels, ranging from the simple Tradesman to the sophisticated Limited. It's offered in two-door regular cab, four-door crew cab, and four-door mega cab body styles. Besides excellent work capability, it also provides a comfortable ride with its roomy and refined cabin, as well as advanced technology and safety features. As its predecessors have proven, the new Ram 2500 can be counted on to deliver reliable performance for many years. If you're interested in seeing this truck for yourself, feel free to stop by for a test drive. Image via RAMTrucks.com

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