Every summer, hundreds of collegiate rodeo athletes come to Casper, Wyoming, to compete in the
College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). The “Rose Bowl” of college rodeo, CNFR brings the best
cowboys and cowgirls from 100 colleges to the middle of Wyoming to vie to become champions in
saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping,
breakaway roping, goat tying and barrel racing. And while each day’s performances take center
stage, there are plenty of ways to cowboy up in Casper during the CNFR.

1. Catch Country Artist Ian Munsick at Gruner Brothers Brewing

concert cnfr caspar wyoming cowgirl magazine
Courtesy Visit Caspar.

Arguably one of the best up-and-coming Western artists in the music business, Ian is a
native of Sheridan, Wyoming. Today, he calls Nashville home, but is going to be in Casper to
attend CNFR and play an acoustic show at Gruner Brothers Brewing on Wednesday, June 12.
If you haven’t heard of him, be sure to take a listen to Ian’s music here and then come join
him for a boot-stomping show at Casper’s newest brewery.

2. Visit Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters

lou taubert ranch outfitters cnfr cowgirl magazine
Courtesy Visit Caspar.

Anchoring downtown Casper, Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters is one of the best Western
stores in the country. With 55,000 square feet of space, Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters is
home to nine stories, 10,000 pairs of cowboy boots and beautiful hats, with a hat-shaper on
staff. Plus, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the store.

3. Attend CNFR at the Casper Events Center

cnfr barrel racing caspar wyoming cowgirl magazine
Courtesy Visit Caspar.

While the daily performances are the main event at CNFR, there’s also plenty of other things
happening at the Casper Events Center. Slated for June 9-15, 2019, CNFR also features a
trade show, foundation style show and Special Olympics rodeo. Plus, country music singer
Jake Maurer is playing a free post-CNFR show at the Events Center on Friday night at 9:30
p.m.

4. Taste Brews and Spirits

bartender mixing drinks caspar wyoming cowgirl magazine
Courtesy Visit Caspar.

Casper’s beer and spirits scene continues to grow, with three new breweries joining the
culinary scene in the last two years. The anchor of it all: Backwards Distilling Company.
Home to made-in-Wyoming spirits, Backwards Distilling is a family company that’s been in
Casper for 4.5 years and is a favorite among locals and travelers. Plus, they just opened a
new tasting room in downtown Casper. Rounding out Casper’s adult beverage options are
Gruner Brothers Brewing, Frontier Brewing Company and Skull Tree Brewing.

5. Get Down at the Downtown Hoedown

caspar wyoming skyline cowgirl magazine
Courtesy Visit Caspar.

A new event this year that will take place at the recently completed David Street Station, the
Downtown Hoedown is Saturday, June 15, and will kick off the city’s summer concerts
series. Additional highlights: live music, mechanical bull riding, food trucks and beer.

6. Fish the North Platte River

fly fishing caspar wyoming north platte river cowgirl magazine
Courtesy Visit Caspar.

Hands down, the North Platte River—which also happens to run through the heart of
downtown Casper—is one of the best fly-fishing destinations in the country. The river has
up to 5,000 fish per mile and these beauties are the kind you dream of landing. Their
healthy, beautiful and feisty. Plus, the terrain you take in as you float the waters of the North
Platte are incredible.

More information about CNFR and visiting Casper, Wyoming, can be found at VisitCasper.com.