A road trip throughout southeastern Wyoming is certain to be full of surprises and eye-opening discoveries.

Many people know that in late July each year, Cheyenne Frontier Days, the largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration in the world, takes center stage. But how many know that Nellie Tayloe Ross was the first woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state, serving as Wyoming's Governor from 1925-27?

Start out in Cheyenne at the Cheyenne Depot, a National Historic Landmark right downtown that has been restored to its original glory. Then, ride through history on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley that includes stops at the Wyoming Capitol building, Historic Governor's Mansion, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Nelson Museum of the West and Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.

Then head west on I-80 to the Laramie area (Cheyenne to Laramie – 50.5 miles – about 47 minutes) and take in these area attractions:

· Take a trip back in time traveling west on I-80 (25 miles) to the ancient rock formations at the Vedauwoo Recreation Area. Climb, sightsee, hike, or mountain bike in these awesome formations in the Medicine Bow National Forest.

· The Lincoln Monument, located on the I-80 between Laramie and Cheyenne, was commissioned by the state of Wyoming in 1959 to honor the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, and placed here in 1969 when I-80 was completed. It marks the highest point of the old Lincoln Highway (now I-80) from coast to coast -- about 8,640 ft. above sea level.

· Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site includes a frontier prison that once held Butch Cassidy, the U.S. Marshals Museum and a Frontier Town with characters in period costume, mock gunfights, and saloon hall shows. The park's Horse Barn Theater features great dinner theater entertainment.

Optional side trip: You might want to take the time to take Snowy Range Road/Highway 130 west out of Laramie. Highway 130 was the second road in the nation to receive the Scenic Byway Designation. This road takes you up to 10,000 feet where you will see its fast-moving streams, deep alpine lakes, rugged wilderness, dramatic mountain ranges and abundant wildlife. Visit the quaint small towns of Centennial and Saratoga, where you can soak in the Saratoga Hot Springs. (Laramie to Centennial – 30 miles about 35 minutes; Centennial to Saratoga Springs – 48.6 miles – about 1 hour 5 minutes.)

From Laramie, sit back and relax as you venture north to Casper, self-proclaimed “Adventure Capital.” Take Highway 30 to the quaint town of Medicine Bow, home of the historic Virginian Hotel and setting of Owen Wister's book, The Virginian. (Laramie to Medicine Bow – 56.8 miles – 1 hour and 3 minutes.)

Take Highway 487 out of Medicine Bow into the Shirley Mountains and Shirley Basin on the way to Casper. The area is full of unblemished nature and wildlife, and display striking scenery any time of year. Visitors love this area for wildlife viewing including antelope and elk. This area also features some spectacular views, with unexpected sights that provide good photo landscapes. (Medicine Bow to Highway 220 – 75.2 miles – about 1 hour 35 minutes)

At the intersection of Highways 487 and 220, head northeast into Casper and head for the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, one of Wyoming's finest museums, featuring an experiential look into the lives of early emigrants traveling on the trails throughout the area, including the Oregon, Mormon, Bozeman, Bridger and Pony Express. (Highway 220 to Casper – 15.8 miles – about 22 minutes)

With a variety events and attractions, Casper features enough outdoor activities, living history tours, rodeos, and arts and cultural attractions to keep you interested and entertained any time of year.

If your plans are to head back to Cheyenne, take I-25 south and be sure to make time for stops along the way. Take Highway 26 about 3 miles south of Guernsey to the Oregon Trail Ruts National Landmark and Register Cliff. These ruts are among the best preserved anywhere along the overland trail routes. Thousands upon thousands of wagon wheels literally cut into solid rock as oxen strained to pull heavy wagons out of the North Platte River Valley. Register Cliff is where many pioneers carved their name into the sandstone cliffs near the North Platte River. (Casper to Guernsey – 111 miles – about 1 hour 38 minutes)

Then, continue on Highway 26 and turn right on Highway 160 and head for Fort Laramie National Historic Site. This "Crossroads of a Nation Moving West" is a unique historic place that preserves and interprets one of America's most important locations in the history of westward expansion. (Guernsey to Fort Laramie National Historic Site – 15.4 miles – about 18 minutes)

Finally, return to I-25 south and back to Cheyenne. (Fort Laramie to Cheyenne - 111 miles – about 1 hour 42 minutes)

Mileage and Estimated Travel Times

Cheyenne to Laramie – 50.5 miles – about 47 minutes

Optional side trip:

Laramie to Centennial – 30 miles about 35 minutes

Centennial to Saratoga Springs – 48.6 miles – about 1 hour 5 minutes

Laramie to Medicine Bow – 56.8 miles – about 1 hour 3 minutes

Medicine Bow to Highway 220 – 75.2 miles – about 1 hour 35 minutes

Highway 220 to Casper – 15.8 miles – about 22 minutes

Casper to Guernsey – 111 miles – about 1 hour 38 minutes

Guernsey to Fort Laramie National Historic Site – 15.4 miles – about 18 minutes

Fort Laramie to Cheyenne - 111 miles – about 1 hour 42 minutes