Wyoming Official Travelers Journal 2008 - (Page 22) Pack your bags, slide behind the wheel, forget your worries, crank up the music and head for a place as free as the wind. This is wide-open Wyoming. Wyoming fun facts Wyoming’s population of about 500,000 is the nation’s smallest, but it’s the ninth largest state with 97,914 square miles. Here are some other interesting facts. Wyoming’s Native Americans: Evidence exists of 12,000 years of prehistoric occupation in Wyoming. More recently, the Native Americans came from 13 different tribes known collectively as the Plains Indians. Today Wyoming has one Indian reservation, the Wind River Reservation, where two tribes live. There are about 2,300 Eastern Shoshones and 3,500 Northern Arapaho people. State Bird: Meadowlark State Fish: Cutthroat Trout State Mammal: Bison State Dinosaur: Triceratops Wyoming Firsts: In 1869, it became the first U.S. territory to give women the right to vote. In 1872, Yellowstone became the world’s first national park. In 1891, the Shoshone National Forest became the country’s first national forest. In 1906, Devils Tower became the country’s first national monument. Out-of-State Plates? Driving in Wyoming isn’t just a means of getting from Point A to Point B; it’s a way of life. In other words, the state is perfect for the All-American road trip you’ve always dreamed of. Far enough to get away, yet close enough to get to, the state is served by three major interstate highways: I-80, I-90 and I-25. If you’re coming from Chicago, Minneapolis, Omaha, Seattle, Salt Lake City or anywhere near the I-80 or I-90 corridors, it’s a straight shot to Wyoming. From the south, I-25 is the fastest path here. For a more leisurely scenic route, drivers can enter Wyoming from any direction on numerous U.S. routes. The road trip to Wyoming — from nearly any point in the lower 48 states — will take one to three days. On the Road Again Once here, you’ll be glad you drove. Whether traveling by car, camper, RV or motorcycle, the best way to see and experience all that Wyoming has to offer is with your very own vehicle. That way, you’ll be able to go wherever the road takes you; head to parts unknown with a side trip, set up base in one of our towns, stop at an RV campground, or just pause by a secluded stream and feast your eyes on the majestic scenery. If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere, you can zip across, up or down the state on one of the interstates. But more than likely, you’ll want to savor the opportunity for the relaxation Wyoming affords, in which case our network of U.S. and state highways will serve you well. Better yet, why not test out the 4-wheel drive and pave your own trail off the beaten path on a country lane. Whatever you choose, one thing’s for certain: You’ll never run out of gorgeous Wyoming landscapes to look at. If you’re flying to Wyoming, don’t fret: you can still have your great American road trip. Just rent a car at the airport and take off. Motorhomes can also be reserved for pickup in Cheyenne, Casper and Jackson. Photography: After a long day on the road, stop in at a local watering hole for some refreshments and Western hospitality. ©Jeff Vanuga 22 Wyoming Official Travelers Journal
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