By Madeleine Stiffler
Have you ever been to Wyoming? Probably not. As the least populous state in the contiguous United States, Wyoming is a bit of a mystery to most. As a matter of fact, Wyoming once trended number one on Twitter because the internet was convinced the state was not real. Anyway, the 44th state is actually home to some of the most beautiful national parks, animals, and natural phenomenons. Points of interest include Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, Grand Prismatic Spring, Shoshone National Forest, Jackson Hole, Mammoth Hot Springs, and so on. Despite the state being low on the popularity totem pole, tourism actually makes up most of the state’s internal revenue and economy. To add, Wyoming is the tenth largest state in the U.S. and also had the first female governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross, serve as the 14th governor of the state. Think Wyoming is a boring, lackluster state that only has appeal because of its captivating nature? Think again. Wyoming recorded the largest swing dance in the Guinness Book of World Records on April 30, 2015. In attendance, more than 1,000 swing dancers gathered and danced together at the same time at the University of Wyoming. Talk about a blast from the past, Wyoming just so happens to be one of the few states that once had a considerable amount of dinosaur fossils. In the mid-1800s, Wyoming was a very well known destination for hunters in search of dinosaur bones, especially in the southeast region. The fossils were so abundant that in the late 19th century a local enterprise constructed a cabin using bone fragments, which still remain standing today. Maybe dinosaur fossils don’t interest you, but what about mining? Wyoming just so happens to have two of the world’s biggest coal mines: Black Thunder coal mine and North Antelope Rochelle coal mine—approximately 40% of the United States’ coal supply also comes from Wyoming. Interested in more renewable energy resources? Wyoming has got you covered! The glorious state is actually one of the areas that has the greatest potential for wind power! Hip-hip hooray for the state of the plains! Calling all meat-lovers, Wyoming is also famous for its Bison burgers. Rich in history, Wyoming comes from the Lenape Native American word “Mechewami-ing” which means “at the big plains.” Lenape natives were the first ones to use this name for the Wyoming Valley. Let us all give credit where credit is due: Wyoming. Not only does the state have some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the world, but also the state serves as a phenomenal getaway spot in which you can relax, get in touch with your inner outdoors person, and experience a new way of life.