Wyoming in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just off Interstate 80 near Laramie, about 50 miles west of Cheyenne, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway cuts through the Medicine Bow National Forest with a rugged beauty that has lured filmmakers for decades. This twisting mountain road climbs above 10,000 feet, offering panoramic views of jagged peaks and alpine lakes that served as the backdrop for scenes in movies like “The Untouchables.” Hiking the Libby Creek Trail through the forest reveals lush meadows and waterfalls framed by towering spruce and fir, immersing visitors in the same wild landscapes captured on film. The byway is best enjoyed in late summer when wildflowers bloom and the air is crisp but snow-free, making it a perfect spot for both movie buffs and nature lovers.
Further northwest near Jackson, less than an hour’s drive from Grand Teton National Park, the rugged wilderness of the Gros Ventre Range has appeared in numerous westerns and adventure films. The town of Jackson itself exudes an Old West charm with its wooden boardwalks and rustic art galleries, but the real cinematic allure lies in nearby Mormon Row Historic District. Here, iconic red barns and weather-beaten homesteads stand against the dramatic backdrop of the Tetons, famously immortalized in classics such as “Shane” and “Dances with Wolves.” Visitors can explore the quiet dirt roads and capture stunning sunrise photos that highlight the same peaceful yet powerful scenery that directors have sought for decades. Early morning in spring or fall offers the clearest light and often a touch of frost for added atmosphere.
Not far from Cody, known as the “Gateway to Yellowstone,” the Buffalo Bill Center of the West offers a fascinating tribute to the Old West that has inspired numerous films and TV shows. This world-class museum complex houses exhibits on frontier art, Plains Indians, firearms, and natural history, anchoring the cinematic mythology of Wyoming’s rugged past. You can wander through the Whitney Gallery of Western Art and see masterpieces that shaped how Hollywood envisioned the West. The center is about two hours north of Casper and is best visited on crisp summer days when you can also catch local rodeos and reenactments that bring the cowboy legends to life beyond the screen.
Yellowstone National Park, sprawling mostly in Wyoming and located about 60 miles north of Cody, remains one of the most iconic filming locations in the country. Its steaming geysers, bubbling mud pots, and expansive valleys have starred in everything from documentaries to sci-fi thrillers. The Upper Geyser Basin trail near Old Faithful lets visitors stroll past over a dozen erupting geysers and vibrant hot springs, offering a glimpse of the otherworldly landscapes that filmmakers have used to evoke both wonder and danger. Visiting in late spring or early summer reveals a burst of wildlife activity—elk and bison grazing against the backdrop of steaming fumaroles add a real-life drama unmatched anywhere else.
In the eastern plains around Douglas, about 50 miles north of Casper, the historic Oregon Trail Museum preserves the pioneer spirit that Western films dramatize. This small-town museum features artifacts and exhibits on wagon trains, Native American history, and early settlers, providing a tangible connection to the stories behind many frontier epics. Nearby, the rutted Oregon Trail wagon tracks remain visible in the landscape, a rare and authentic piece of history that visitors can see and touch. Fall is a particularly evocative time to visit, as the golden grasses and cooler air recall the challenging conditions faced by those early travelers.
Head south toward the Wind River Range and you’ll find the town of Dubois, roughly 90 miles west of Casper, which has served as a filming spot for titles like “Wind River.” The surrounding rugged peaks and wide open basins offer a stark, cinematic beauty that frames stories of survival and human grit. The Whiskey Mountain Wildlife Habitat just outside town is a must-visit for those intrigued by the natural drama of the area. It is famed for its winter bighorn sheep migrations, visible through short, easy hikes or guided tours. Visit in late fall or early winter to witness this unique wildlife spectacle, which adds an authentic element to the film’s landscape.
In the heart of Wyoming’s capital, Cheyenne, the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot stands as a living piece of the state’s cinematic and transportation history. The depot’s classic early 20th-century architecture has appeared in numerous films and TV westerns as a symbol of frontier expansion. Exploring the nearby Cheyenne Depot Museum immerses visitors in railroad lore and the era’s cultural crossroads, the very themes that many screenwriters dramatize. The city’s annual Frontier Days rodeo, held each summer, often complements the cinematic aura with live cowboy action, making it a lively experience for those drawn to the stories of the Old West.
Finally, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, about 100 miles north of Cody along the Montana border, offers a striking setting of towering cliffs and deep blue waters seen in films like “The River Wild.” Visitors can hike the Sheep Creek Trail, a moderate 4-mile route that winds past ancient petroglyphs and offers sweeping views of the canyon. Boat tours on Bighorn Lake reveal dramatic cliffs rising 1,000 feet above the water, a breathtaking sight that film crews have used to capture a sense of scale and adventure. Late summer and early fall provide ideal conditions, with warm days and cooler nights perfect for exploring this dramatic landscape.
Each of these sites gives travelers a chance to walk through or alongside the very landscapes that have shaped cinematic visions of the American West, blending natural grandeur with the rich storytelling tradition that Wyoming inspires. Whether it’s the soaring Tetons, historic frontier towns, or geothermal wonders, these places offer a tangible connection to the movies and shows that have brought Wyoming’s rugged spirit to screens worldwide.