Free & Cheap Things to Do in Casper

History & Culture

A spectacular free museum operated by the Bureau of Land Management that tells the story of the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails — the great emigrant routes that shaped the American West. Seven immersive galleries feature simulated covered wagon rides, life-size dioramas, and thousands of artifacts. The surrounding 500 acres of land preserve actual wagon ruts carved into the prairie by thousands of westward travelers.

Address: 1501 N Poplar St, Casper, WY 82601

Tip: Open Tuesday–Saturday 9am–4:30pm. The outdoor trails on the surrounding land are open year-round and let you walk alongside real emigrant wagon ruts — a genuinely moving experience. Combine with Tate Geological Museum for a full free day in Casper.

History & Nature

A completely free geological museum on the Casper College campus with over 6,000 fossil and mineral specimens, including 'Dee' — a remarkably complete Columbian mammoth skeleton — and a full T. rex display. One of the best free natural history collections in the Rocky Mountain region, and almost entirely unknown outside Wyoming. Kids and adults alike are blown away.

Address: 125 College Dr, Casper, WY 82601

Tip: Open Monday–Saturday 10am–4pm. Free parking on the Casper College campus. The Dee the Mammoth exhibit is the centerpiece — she was discovered by a local rancher and is one of the most complete mammoths ever found in Wyoming.

Arts & Culture

Casper's beloved downtown outdoor gathering space — a free, year-round public plaza with a stage, splash pad, and ice rink hosting fun and family-friendly events all year long. In summer, free concerts, outdoor movies, farmers markets, and community festivals fill the calendar. In winter, the free outdoor ice rink draws the whole city downtown. A genuine community hub that costs nothing to enjoy.

Address: 200 S David St, Casper, WY 82601

Tip: Check the events calendar on the website before visiting — free concerts and festivals run most summer weekends. The splash pad is a hit for families in hot weather. Ice skating in winter is free to skate (skate rentals available for a small fee).