As warmer weather signals the arrival of Wyoming’s peak tourism season, state tourism officials and local cultural institutions are expressing optimism about what lies ahead, Wyoming News Now reports.
Hailey Mach, Public Relations Manager for the Wyoming Office of Tourism, said visitor trends have been steadily increasing year over year. With major draws like national and state parks, festivals, and local events, officials anticipate another strong summer travel season.
“We are feeling optimistic about the number of tourists expected to visit the state this year,” said Mach. “Tourists are not only coming and having amazing experiences here themselves—they’re leaving their dollars behind in our local communities.”
Tourism is a significant economic driver in Wyoming. One major contributor is Cheyenne Frontier Days, which brought in over 100,000 visitors from outside Laramie County last year alone. According to Mach, that event generated more than $50 million in visitor spending.
Local institutions such as the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum also benefit from seasonal tourism. The museum draws much of its annual budget from admission fees and plays a role in sharing Wyoming’s cultural and historical legacy with visitors.
“We really get to share the legacy, the history, and their first glimpse at rodeo and western life,” said Josie Molloy, Executive Director of the museum.
Tourists from across the country are already making their way through the state. Ron Buckhalt, visiting from Charleston, South Carolina, is currently on a 15-day National Park tour. He said his Wyoming stop has been long-anticipated.
“Really looking forward to it,” Buckhalt said. “I’ve known a lot of people from Wyoming, but this is my first visit. It’s really a wide-open space here—enjoying the trip so far.”
