From historic cafes and hearty steakhouses to scenic drives and outdoor excursions, Centennial invites you to savor its local flavors and explore its stunning landscapes. Whether you’re indulging in a tender steak, casting a line in Lake Hattie, or sipping a chai latte in a century-old hotel, this itinerary promises a taste of the best that Centennial and its neighbors have to offer.
Day 1
Arrive in Centennial
From Laramie, take HWY 130, also known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. Continue for 32 miles until you reach the charming mountain town of Centennial, Wyoming. Centennial and the surrounding communities are home to several fantastic local restaurants as well as ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Breakfast at The Mountain View Hotel & Cafe
2747 WY-130, Centennial, WY 82055 | (307) 742-3588
A popular gathering spot for locals, The Mountain View Hotel & Cafe was built in 1907 in time for the July 4th celebration of the first ever train to arrive in Centennial. Now on the National Registry of Historic Places, The Mountain View was restored to its former glory in 2007. Guests can still stay in one of the hotel’s 7 guest rooms (reservations can be made here).
The cafe is located inside the hotel and serves delicious breakfast staples like fluffy waffles and their tender Chipotle Chicken Burrito. Need a morning pick-me-up? Try their drip coffee or a chai latte. The cafe is open Thursday through Sunday from 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM during the summer season.
Snowy Range Scenic Byway
Drive the length of the byway to Libby Flats Observation Area. You can use our tour brochure or follow our byway itinerary (keeping in mind that you will be driving back the same way).
Libby Flats Observation Area
The highest point on the byway at 10,000 feet above sea level is marked by this stone observation deck resembling a castle. Climb the stone staircase for incredible 360 degree views. From here you can see Medicine Bow Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Snowy Range Observation Point
Take in the beauty of Medicine Bow Peak and the Snowy Range Mountains from the observation point. Miner’s Cabin, a short loop trail leading to the Red Mask Mine, starts here. Interpretive signs describe the mining equipment and old miner’s cabin along the trail, as well as the high-altitude flowers and trees you’ll see along the way.
Lunch at Bear Bottom Bar and Grill
2768 WY-130, Centennial, WY 82055 | (307) 742-2410
The Bear Bottom Bar & Grill is a fun, family-friendly restaurant serving classic fare like sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. Pizza crusts are homemade and can be personalized using items from the "Build Your Own Pizza" menu, with sauce options like Polar Bear Sauce (olive oil, fresh garlic, oregano, and parmesan) and 22 toppings to choose from. As an appetizer, try their smoked trout served with garlic bread and dill sauce. You can either eat in their lively dining room or enjoy your meal outside. Gather at picnic tables out in the yard or take in the view of the mountains from their rooftop deck.
Fish Lake Hattie with Frisky Fish Outfitters
(307) 316-2757
Nearby Lake Hattie is scenic and serene, and is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon fishing. The lake holds Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Cutthroat, and more! Those wanting a guided experience can meet Frisky Fish Outfitters for a day of fun fishing with an expert. Captain Jon Coonrad is dedicated to providing a great experience out on the lake. His years of expertise and knowledge of the area make him a sought-after guide, so book in advance by calling the number listed above!
Dinner at Old Corral Hotel & Steakhouse
2750 WY-130, Centennial, WY 82055 | (307) 745-5918
The Old Corral Hotel and Steakhouse serves high-quality, free-roaming, grass and grain fed beef. Their food is always fresh and never frozen! The steakhouse is well known for its tender, delicious steaks and hearty meals. In addition to steaks, The Old Corral serves ½ lb. hamburgers, cowboy caviar, and a chicken dish smothered in homemade sherry sauce, among other great menu items. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
The Old Corral also offers cozy accommodations with rustic log furniture and western charm. Make your reservations here!
Drinks at The Trading Post Bar
2753 WY-130, Centennial, WY 82055
The Trading Post serves drinks and hosts fun live music events. Inside you’ll find stone walls, wooden beams, and antler decor reminiscent of a cabin in the woods. During the summer, Shady Grove Farm & Nursery hosts occasional markets selling local produce in front of The Post. Try to catch a concert at this one-of-a-kind venue!
Day 2
Breakfast at The Coffee Corral
2746 WY-130, Centennial, WY 82055 | (307) 742-9773
Coffee Corral serves quality drinks hot or cold along with yummy pastries and other “grab-and-go” breakfast foods. Try their signature Campfire Hot Cocoa, made with dark chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Rebel Ranch
64 Rebel Rd | (801) 699-8058
At Rebel Ranch, you'll enjoy a delicious charcuterie platter while learning about the history of the resilient American Bison. While you sip tea and sample a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits, a herd of bison will make its way across the pasture to join you! If you're lucky, you'll get to see a few adorable bison calves. Stop by their general store before you go, where they sell ground bison and other high-quality locally made goods.
Purchase your tickets ahead of time here!
Ice Cream at Country Junction
2742 WY-130 | (307) 745-3318
Country Junction in Centennial serves tasty ice cream in a variety of flavors. The ice cream shop is part of a gift store featuring local artists, western decor, and commemorative Snowy Range and Centennial t-shirts. Enjoy your ice cream outside on the wrap-around porch.
Open Dinner at Vee Bar Guest Ranch
38 Vee Bar Ranch Road | (307) 745-7036
Family-run and historic, the beautiful Vee Bar Guest Ranch is a dude ranch offering activities and stays in cozy cabins along the river. Dinners open to the public are available at the Vee Bar guest Ranch on Fridays and Saturdays by reservation only (make your reservation here!) All dinners are buffet-style and feature Western favorites like their delicious cornbread.
Day 3
Horseback Riding with E&H Guide Service
80 Hecht Creek Rd. | (307) 399-0236
Meet up with E&H Guiding for a private horseback trail ride. They offer one- and two-hour rides, as well as a cattle drive experience for more experienced riders! Book your ride on their website.
Lunch at Trailshead Lodge of the Snowy Range
1148 WY-11 | (307) 745-5782
Trailshead Lodge offers a casual dining experience with a large menu selection to fit anyone's tastes. Try their juicy burgers or Texas BBQ Brisket. They also serve cocktails and beer on tap at their full-service bar. Along with their restaurant, Trailshead Lodge rents UTVs and can host you for an overnight stay in one of their cabins.
Hike the Medicine Bow Rail Trail
Head towards Woods Landing on Highway 230. You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, a 21-mile long expanse of maintained trails with 6 trailheads: Dry Park, Lake Owen, Lincoln Gulch, Woods Creek, Vienna, and Pelton Creek. The trail system was built in the former location of the Hahn’s Peak and Pacific Railroad, and remnants of the old railroad can still be found there today among the aspen and evergreen trees.
Dinner at Woods Landing Resort Cafe
9 WY-10, Jelm, WY 82063 | (307) 745-9638
Historic Woods Landing Resort is central to many of Southeast Wyoming’s best attractions, including the Rail Trail. Get one of their dinner and dessert specials, unwind with a creative cocktail, and enjoy live music at the Woods Landing Dancehall.
