Thayne WyomingATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Thayne, Wyoming.
1. Haderlie Farms
ETHICAL ORGANIC FAMILY FARM
Haderlie Farms in Thayne offers visitors a chance to experience an organic and ethically conscious farm that believes in treating animals with respect. The farm features an on-site store stocked with home-grown pantry essentials and fine natural foods produced right on the property. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about sustainable farming practices while enjoying the peaceful rural landscape.
2. Star Valley Rest Area
SCENIC HIGHWAY STOP
Star Valley Rest Area provides travelers with a convenient stopping point along the highway in Thayne. Visitors can stretch their legs while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding Star Valley mountains and landscapes. The rest area serves as both a practical facility for road-trippers and an introduction to the natural beauty of the region.
3. Holy Family Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Holy Family Catholic Church stands as a spiritual center for the Thayne community and visitors alike. The church building showcases charming architectural elements that reflect the religious heritage of the area. Visitors appreciate both the peaceful atmosphere for reflection and the welcoming community that maintains this house of worship.
4. Cedar Creek Golf Course
SCENIC MOUNTAIN GOLFING
Cedar Creek Golf Course offers golfers a picturesque playing experience surrounded by Thayne's natural mountain beauty. The well-maintained fairways and greens provide both recreational players and skilled golfers with an enjoyable challenge. Visitors can appreciate spectacular views of Star Valley while enjoying a round at this local favorite.
5. Aspen Hills at Star Valley Ranch
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN GOLF
Aspen Hills at the Star Valley Ranch features a nine-hole course situated atop a mountain, offering immaculate grounds and spectacular views as players tee off among the aspen trees. Golf enthusiasts particularly enjoy taking on the course's notorious "Tunnel Hole," reputed to be the "hardest hole in Wyoming." The short but challenging layout provides a perfect balance of relaxation and sporting excitement in a breathtaking natural setting.
6. World's Largest Elkhorn Antler Arch
UNIQUE WESTERN MONUMENT
The World's Largest Elkhorn Antler Arch in nearby Afton serves as an impressive gateway to the town and a testament to the region's wildlife heritage. Constructed from hundreds of naturally shed elk antlers, this massive arch spans across the town's main street creating a memorable photo opportunity. Visitors from around the world stop to marvel at this unique structure that celebrates the area's connection to nature and hunting traditions.
7. Star Valley Wyoming Temple
SACRED RELIGIOUS SITE
The Star Valley Wyoming Temple stands as an architectural masterpiece and important religious site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Afton. Its striking white exterior and beautiful grounds make it a visual landmark in Star Valley regardless of one's religious affiliation. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained gardens and appreciate the temple's significance to the local community and culture.
8. Colter's Lodge
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Colter's Lodge in Afton offers visitors a taste of authentic Wyoming hospitality with its rustic charm and mountain ambiance. Named after famous mountain man John Colter, the lodge serves as both accommodation and a window into the frontier history of Star Valley. Guests enjoy comfortable lodging while being perfectly positioned to explore the natural wonders and recreational opportunities of the surrounding area.
9. Kodiak Mountain
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Kodiak Mountain near Afton provides outdoor enthusiasts with miles of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of Star Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges that can be enjoyed after a rewarding climb. Visitors frequently spot native wildlife including elk, deer, and various bird species while exploring this natural treasure.
10. Salt River
PRISTINE FISHING WATERS
The Salt River flows through Thayne offering excellent fishing opportunities for anglers seeking trout in crystal-clear waters. The river's gentle current and scenic banks make it ideal for both fly fishing enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy a day by the water. Wildlife sightings are common along the riverbanks, where visitors might spot moose, beaver, and numerous waterfowl species in their natural habitat.
11. Star Valley Cheese Factory
LOCAL DAIRY TRADITION
Star Valley Cheese Factory continues the region's long tradition of exceptional dairy production that has made Thayne famous for its cheeses. Visitors can observe the cheese-making process and sample a variety of award-winning cheeses crafted using time-honored techniques. The factory store offers an extensive selection of cheeses and other local products that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
12. Yellowstone National Park
WORLD-FAMOUS NATURAL WONDER
Yellowstone National Park, accessible as a day trip from Thayne, stands as America's first national park and home to the world's largest collection of geysers including the famous Old Faithful. The park's diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk that can often be spotted throughout its vast wilderness. Visitors can explore spectacular thermal features, dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, and lush forests across its 2.2 million acres.
13. Grand Teton National Park
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN VISTAS
Grand Teton National Park, a short drive from Thayne, showcases the iconic jagged peaks of the Teton Range rising dramatically from the valley floor. The park offers over 200 miles of hiking trails that wind through alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests teeming with wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from wildlife photography and scenic drives to challenging mountaineering and peaceful paddling on pristine lakes.
14. Bridger-Teton National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
Bridger-Teton National Forest encompasses over 3.4 million acres of public land surrounding the Thayne area, offering endless recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV adventures throughout diverse landscapes. The forest provides exceptional camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing experiences in one of America's most pristine wilderness areas.
15. Periodic Spring
RARE NATURAL PHENOMENON
Periodic Spring near Afton is one of the world's rare intermittent springs that naturally turns on and off approximately every 18 minutes in a fascinating rhythmic cycle. The crystal-clear water emerges from a hillside cave in Swift Creek Canyon, creating a beautiful cascade when flowing. Visitors can witness this unusual natural wonder via a short hiking trail that leads to excellent viewing spots of this geologic marvel.