While in Casper, Wyoming, I ran across the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, which commemorates the westward journey of the more than half a million pioneers that traveled the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails.

Oil wells dug by hand are rare, and one that actually produces oil…well, the hand-dug well outside Newcastle is probably the only one. That alone makes it worth visiting--you can even work the hand-pump yourself!

Against a backdrop of the stunning Teton Mountains near Jackson, Wyoming, our family enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with great food and wholesome, top-notch entertainment at the Bar J Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show.

The rib-stickin' meal was first-rate. For $16 to $24, you get either barbecued beef, chicken, pork ribs or a big rib eye steak, accompanied by a baked potato, beans, homemade biscuits, applesauce, dessert and a beverage (no alcohol). The price is only $6 for children age 8 or younger, or free if they sit on your lap.

During a 2-week vacation in Utah, we drove through Flaming Gorge in the northeastern corner of the state, then headed through southwestern Wyoming on our way back to Salt Lake City. That's where we ran across the town of Evanston and its fascinating Chinese Joss House Museum.

Anyone headed to Devils Tower in far northeastern Wyoming really should drop in at the Aladdin General Store in the hamlet of Aladdin (population 15).

Built in 1896 as a commissary for coal mines of the era, it dates to 1896 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This grocery, hardware store and all-around community gathering spot offers a fine collection of frontier antiques in its museum upstairs. Or you can just kick back on the wide front porch, sip a lemonade and savor the expansive view.