73 Wyoming Facts and Weird Laws

Wyoming State has lush wilderness, gorgeous landscape, and spectacular mountains. You drive for hours enjoying its diversity.

As you are about to find out, there is more to Wyoming than the cowboy notion. Of course, it has the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Do you know one of the 4 main North American waterways is in Wyoming? Columbia River.

Today, you’ll learn more about this waterway, and 60+ interesting facts, including a list of famous people from Wyoming and some of the myths about life in this state.

You can also check out the stats table to learn the fun facts about Wyoming, its state symbols, and other basic facts. Let’s begin.

Wyoming–Politics, And Government

Wyoming is a rural state, and politically conservatives vote who gives Republicans the majority vote.
The urban population is more liberal than their counterparts in the rural areas.
Wyoming doesn’t have a lieutenant governor.
Wyoming holds three votes in the electoral college.
Because of the low caseload, Wyoming doesn’t have an intervening appellate court. The Supreme Court is the last alternative.
Wyoming, also known as the Equality state, is the first of the states to grant women equal rights, especially the right to vote.
The Democrats last represented Wyoming in the senate in 1977 and 1978 in the House of Representatives.
Both US senators and the members of the House of Representatives are Republicans.

Wyoming Facts – History

There are two arguments to the origin of the Wyoming name. The Wyoming Secretary of State insists the name originated from the Native American term mecheweamiing meaning the big plains.
The second argument points to an Indian word for “large prairie place.”
Evidence has proven that prehistoric humans inhabited Wyoming as early as 13,000 years ago.
Massive trade networks existed in Wyoming more than 1,000 years ago.
Wyoming achieved statehood in 1868, making it the 44th state to gain admission into the Union.
Examples of American Indian tribes who lived in Wyoming before the Europeans include the Bannock, Arapaho, Blackfeet, Cheyenne, Ventre, Crow, Ute, Gros, Sioux, Kiowa, Shoshone, and Nez Perce.
John Colter became the first American to enter Wyoming in 1807. He was part of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Robert Stuart and five others discovered the south pass in 1812.
The famous Oregon Trail passes through Wyoming.

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Wyoming Facts – Geography

Wyoming completes the top 10 largest U.S. states by area. The Equality state is 254,334 Square kilometers.
Wyoming territory neighbors Montana, Nebraska, Idaho, South Dakota, Utah, and Colorado.
Laramide Orogeny, which happened about 40-70 million years ago, formed most Wyoming mountains.
The mean elevation of Wyoming land surface is 2,040 meters. The only other state with a higher mean elevation is Colorado.
Gannett Peak is the highest point in Wyoming. It attains an elevation of 4,207 meters.
Wyoming has six physiographic areas; the Northern Rocky Mountains, Wyoming Basin, the Black Hills, the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Middle Rocky Mountains.

Wyoming has 32 named islands. Many of these islands are in the Green River, Yellowstone Lake, and Jackson Lake.
The southern Rocky Mountains end at the North Platte River.
The middle Rocky mountain ranges have the Wind RiverCanyon and Bighorn mountain ranges, the fumaroles of Yellowstone Park, the igneous Absaroka Plateau, and Gannett Peak.
This state is home to the Bighorn River which is a tributary of the Yellowstone River.
The Continental Divide splits into two distinct ways. The divide enters South Central Wyoming and leaves through Yellowstone National Park.
Wyoming has one of the four main North American waterways—the Columbia, Missouri, and Colorado rivers. In addition to the Great Salt Lake.
The arid desert areas receive about 4″ to 8″ of rainfall in a year.
Some Wyoming mountain areas can receive over 200 inches of rainfall per year.

Wyoming Facts – Plants and Animal Life

The Shoshone National Forest is th thee first national forest in the US
Wyoming’s forests majorly house conifers, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and Engelmann spruce.
Wyoming’s largest Woodland Preserve, Bighorn National Forest, contains several state primary tree species.
Wyoming has the largest population of Pronghorn in the country.
Though they live in all regions of Wyoming state, Pronghorn prefers areas with dense grasses and sagebrush.
The state boasts the biggest single of American Elk (wapiti).

Wyoming also has a big number of deer, mooses, and whitetail.
The state’s mountain forests have Black bears and grizzly bears.
Grand Teton National Park supports the American Bison.
Wyoming birds include Quil, Grouse, pheasants, wild turkeys, and cartridges.

Wyoming Facts – People And Demographics

Wyoming’s population is slightly over 550,000, making it the state with the lowest population in the country.
Hispanics form the largest minority in Wyoming state.
Most of the African Americans in Wyoming live in Cheyenne.
Native Americans constitute over 2% of the state’s population.
Wyoming doesn’t have a primary metropolitan area. Casper and Cheyenne, its two biggest cities, are in no way comparable to the cities in other states.
Nearly two-thirds of the citizens were born in the state of Wyoming.
Nearly 94% of the people of Wyoming use English as the main language for communication.
Other languages in the Equality state include Spanish, French, Greek, German, Tagalog, Russian, and Algonquian.
About 50% of the people are protestants. Catholics, Jewish, and Mormons follow.
Wyoming was once the second happiest state after Hawaii.

Wyoming Facts – Economy

The Equality state produces about 40% of the total Coal in the United States. Thus Wyoming leads in Coal production in Western United States with the largest coal mine.
Laramie in Wyoming holds the record for the swing dance. The dance attracted over 1,000 swing dancers.
Known as the Cowboy state, the government of Wyoming promotes ranching, which is key to the state’s economy.
The North Antelope Rochelle Mine is one of the largest coal mines in the world.
Most of the Cowboys state’s cropland comprises hay for livestock.
Wheat is Wyoming’s valuable grain crop.
Wyoming is the primary producer of potatoes, sugar beets, and dry beans.
Natural gas and petroleum are Wyoming’s key natural resources, then Coal.
The River basin, Pumpkin Butte regions, Red Desert, Had Hills, Shirley Basin, and South Powder are the major Uranium deposits in Wyoming.
Wyoming is rich in Iron ore, Trona, limestone, gypsum, and limestone.
Gemstones and gold occur in the Wind River Mountains in small quantities.
On the North Platte River lies the Alcova and Seminoe hydroelectric power plants.
Wyoming’s energy demand is less than that of other states in the country. The state exports much of its energy to other states.
Wyoming has one of the largest wool production industries in the country.
The service industry, including tourism, recreation, and transportation, is a key source of income in Wyoming.

Wyoming Facts – Culture, And Sports

Riverton Rendezvous – Wind River Country

The Hot Air Balloon Festival in Riverton commemorates Riverton. The first edition was during the 75th birthday of Riverton.
The Green River Rendezvous is an annual event in Pinedale to celebrate culture and diversity.
The Cheyenne Celtic Musical Arts Festival is held in front of the Cheyenne Depot Museum to celebrate the Celtic culture with literature, music, dance, and cuisine.
Wyoming Brewers Festival is held on the Cheyenne Depot Plaza. It involves live music, beer tasting, and food.
The Old West Days event is held in Jackson Hole. You can enjoy rodeo events, crafts, live music, entertainment, and food here.
The University of Wyoming has the biggest college athletics program in the state.
President Theodore Roosevelt made the Devils Tower the first national monument in Wyoming.

Famous Locations In Wyoming

The Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide – Outside Online

Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton national parks are home to many wildlife, including black bears, elk, moose, golden eagles, bison, and wolves.
Jackson city, lying near Teton Mountains, promises the old west experience.
Bridger-Teton National Forest houses three wilderness regions, including the Green River, which is in the Bridger Wilderness. Gannett Peak is present in this Wilderness area.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
This region promises an unparalleled fishing experience in the Bighorn River. You can also go boating or swimming in Bighorn Lake.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site gives a fun-filled history through audio-visual sessions and tours inside it.
Devils Tower National Monument which is Wyoming’s first national monument.
Grand Targhee Ski Resort lies nearly close to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Fossil Buttes national monuments.
The Wind River Range offers you a scenic view of the Grand Teton National and Yellowstone National Parks.
Flaming Gorge National Area.
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is the perfect place for those who want to learn the country’s history.
The Shoshone National Forest which is the first national forest in the United States.
National Monument and Museums like the Buffalo Bill Museum, boast artifacts from legendary American showman and soldier Buffalo Bill Cody.
The Cody Firearms Museum has a substantial array of firearms.
The Draper Museum of Natural History exhibition focuses on geology and wildlife.
Wyoming valley.

Famous People From Wyoming

Nellie Tayloe Ross-remains the only female governor of Wyoming. She was also the first woman governor in the US.
Governor William Bradford Ross- was the 12th governor of Wyoming state.
Mary Bellamy –was the first female Wyoming elected legislature.
Harriet Elizabeth Byrd–was the first Wyoming African American legislature.
Joseph M Carey–served as a Wyoming Governor and became the first U.S. Senator from Wyoming.
Dick Cheney –served in the George W Bush government as the 46th Vice President of the United States.
Todd Parr– lived in Rock Springs. Todd’s an artist, children’s television show producer, and children’s book writer.

Common Misconceptions About Wyoming

While the people of Wyoming are proud of their pioneer heritage, they lead normal lives. The following are a few of the myths you should bust.

Wyoming doesn’t have any cities

Cheyenne is one of the cities in Wyoming. The cities are, however, smaller than those in other cities.

The people of Wyoming are uneducated

Yes, Wyoming is a rural state, but it has about ten colleges and universities. The Equality state boasts some of the best schools in the country.

Wyoming doesn’t have paved roads

This myth is completely false. There are several four-laned paved roads in Wyoming.

Weird Laws in Wyoming

Many of the laws below were passed a long time ago, but they still exist in many Wyoming cities, but many of them go unenforced. It is easier to pass laws than to revoke them, so some very strange laws remain on the books. Read the Craziest Laws in the United States, if you want more.

Here are some of our favorites.

Cheyenne Citizens may not take showers on Wednesdays.
It is illegal in Wyoming to tattoo a horse with the goal of making it unrecognizable to its owner.
A rabbit cannot be photographed during the month of June.
It is illegal to fish with a firearm
If you fail to close a gate, you could be fined $750.
A hat must not obstruct views in a place of recreation or a public theater
Buildings worth $100,000 must have 1% allocated to art purchases

If you construct a building worth $100,000, 1% must be allocated to art purchases. Can it be digital art? NFTs. Anyone? Image: South China Morning Post

Final Thought

Visit the “far and mighty west…where the crimson Sun seeks rest” as the Wyoming state song says.

The people of Wyoming attribute their happiness to the friendly neighbors, cool weather, and picturesque landscape. This is exactly the adventure most tourists crave. Yet, there are so many other interesting facts about Wyoming we didn’t talk about. Watch this video to get more facts about Wyoming, the amazing state.

Wyoming Facts And Stats

Capital	Cheyenne
Population	2020 (576 851)
Governor	Mark Gordon (Republican Party)
Date Of Admission	July 10, 1890
US Senators	John Barrasso (R)Cynthia Lummis(R)
US House of Representatives	1 (of 435 Seats)
State Nickname	The Equality State
State Motto	Equality Rights
State Song	Wyoming by George Edwin Knapp
State Flower	Wyoming Indian Paintbrush
State Fish	Cutthroat trout
State Bird	Western Meadowlark
State Tree	Plains Cottonwood
State Mammal	American Bison
State Sport	Rodeo
State Mineral	Nephrite Jade
State Gem	Wyoming Jade
State Fossil	Knightia
Neighbor States	South Dakota Nebraska Colorado Montana Utah Idaho

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 5 interesting facts about Wyoming?

Wyoming is the first state to elect a female governor.
Wyoming is known as the Cowboys State and Equality State.
Wyoming shares its borders with Nebraska, Montana, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, and Idaho.
Wyoming has one of the U.S. oldest parks, the Yellowstone National Park.
Wyoming has one of the smallest populations in the United States.

What are the 3 things Wyoming is known for?

Popular National Parks
Wyoming’s wildlife.
Pioneer museums.

What is Wyoming best known for?

Devil’s Tower.
Grand Teton National Park.
Yellowstone National Park.
Diverse wildlife.
Wind River Canyon.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site.

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