5 Things You Should NEVER Do In Wyoming | Locals Will Judge You! Before you pack your bags or hit the road, there are 5 things you should NEVER do here — unless you want locals giving you the side-eye. Wyoming has unspoken rules, deep-rooted culture, and a whole lot of pride in our land, weather, lifestyle, and identity. As a lifelong Wyoming local and real estate expert, I’m breaking down the must-know do’s and don’ts that will help you blend in, stay safe, and truly understand what life here is all about. Whether you’re exploring, relocating, or just curious about Wyoming culture, this video will save you from the biggest mistakes newcomers make.
5 Things You Should NEVER Do in Wyoming (Locals Will Judge You)
So you’ve been thinking about Wyoming, whether it’s for a vacation or even moving here and you want to AVOID those awkward side-eyes… or WORSE stick out like a sore thumb? Wyoming may be WIDE OPEN spaces, but the unspoken rules run DEEP here. Whether you’re NEW in town, thinking about MOVING TO WYOMING, or just PASSING THROUGH, here are 5 things you should NEVER do here—unless you want to end up the TALK of the town! Stick around, because I’m spilling the tea straight from a local’s perspective. If you’re new here, my name is Alisha Collins with the Alisha Collins Real Estate Team and If you’re thinking about MOVING TO WYOMING you can actually download my Casper, Wyoming Relocation guide, completely free, in the description box down below.
ON SCREEN ONLY: Don’t Trash the Land (Literally or Figuratively)
Alright, let’s dive right in with number one: Don’t TRASH the land. And I mean that both literally and figuratively. Wyomingites have this DEEP, almost SACRED pride in our nature. We have vast PUBLIC LANDS, family RANCHES that’ve been passed down for generations, and TRAILS that wind through some of the most BREATHTAKING scenery you’ll ever see. The golden rule? LEAVE NO TRACE. If you’re out hiking in Yellowstone or just picnicking by a river, pack out EVERYTHING you pack in. No leaving candy wrappers, no carving your initials into trees, and for the love, do NOT feed the wildlife! I can’t tell you how many times we see tourists in our headlines because they don’t respect the nature and wildlife for what they truly are- WILDLIFE!
Imagine you spot a cute deer and toss it some chips from your backpack. Or you see a really fluffy Buffalo or even Bear Cub and just want to get a picture petting it.. Sounds harmless, right? WRONG. Not only does this mess with their natural diet, but it can make them dependent on humans, leading to bigger problems. Bears and Buffalos are cute as stuffed animals but in the real world, they are NOT to be touched or toyed with, you’re just asking for trouble if you do. And figuratively? Don’t badmouth the land. Calling our wide-open prairies “boring” or “empty”? That’s a fast way to get iced out at the local diner.
If you’re considering LIVING IN WYOMING, the “ Leave it cleaner than what you found it” mindset is key. Our real estate often backs right up to these natural wonders—such as ranches with trail access. But if you choose to ignore this rule, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Speaking of sticking out, let’s talk about weather, because boy, does it love to surprise newcomers.
ON SCREEN ONLY: Don’t Underestimate the Weather
Don’t UNDERESTIMATE the weather. Wyoming’s got this REPUTATION for being unpredictable, and trust me, that’s because Wyoming has earned it. One minute it’s sunny and 70 degrees, the next? SNOW flurries and gale-force WINDS that’ll knock you off your feet. We’re talking sun, snow, and wind ALL in one day sometimes. If you’re hiking, road-tripping across the state, or even just running errands, always BE PREPARED.
On social media, one Wyomingite posted: “There’s a stretch of road where the wind is like 120 mph all the time—people live there on purpose, but don’t drive without gripping the wheel!” I’m not sure exactly where they were talking about but I’m pretty sure it’s I80. Another tip that was posted from a travel blog: “Don’t visit in winters; everything’s snow-covered, and roads close.” Pros of listening to this are you stay SAFE, enjoy your adventures without frostbite, and blend in like a pro. BUT I whole heartedly believe you SHOULD visit Wyoming in the winter because then you’ll get to know what the real Wyoming is all about, not just Wyoming, when the weather feels great.
For those MOVING TO WYOMING, factor this into your home search—insulated houses with a good heating source are a must. Okay, now that you’re bundled up, let’s move to something more social: humility.
ON SCREEN ONLY: Don’t Act Like You Know Everything
Don’t act like you KNOW EVERYTHING. Humility is HUGE here in Wyoming. No one likes a “know-it-all” strutting in and schooling us on ranching, oil work, hunting, or even politics. It’s okay to ASK questions—heck, we love sharing our wisdom—but assuming you’ve got it all figured out? That’s a no-go. Take the time to listen to the “old-timers”; they’ve got stories that’ll teach you more than any Google search ever will.
A hiker shared online, “Stop playing music while you hike—be considerate of nature’s quiet.” Another post said: “Don’t tell people what to do; Wyoming’s the Equality State, and we value independence.” You build REAL connections, learn invaluable local knowledge, and avoid faux pas. Embrace the learning curves and be willing to learn new things, and you’ll thrive.
If you’re wondering WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE MOST WHEN MOVING TO WYOMING, this culture of respect is it. Alright, from minds to manners—let’s hit the road for number four.
ON SCREEN ONLY: Don’t Skip the Wave
Don’t SKIP the wave. Yep, you heard that right. On our backroads or country highways, waving is NOT optional—it’s a SIGN of respect. Even if you don’t know the driver coming your way, lift those fingers off the steering wheel. It’s the Wyoming way of saying, “Hey, we’re all in this together.” If you’re coming from a bustling urban area where eye contact on the street is rare, this might feel foreign at first. But in Wyoming, with our sparse population and endless rural routes, it’s a fundamental part of daily etiquette that helps foster a sense of connection across the vast distances.
We have really long drives on roads like on I25 or I80 for example, or the quieter county paths near Sheridan or Worland. Vehicles might pass miles apart, but that quick acknowledgment—usually just two fingers lifted from the wheel—says volumes. It’s not about being overly friendly; it’s about mutual respect in a place where help could be hours away if roads ice over or tires blow. Locals do it instinctively, and newcomers who pick it up quickly often find themselves integrating faster into community life.
For BIGGEST CULTURE SHOCKS WHEN MOVING FROM CALIFORNIA TO WYOMING, this friendly gesture tops the list. Now, wrapping up with the big one: identity.
ON SCREEN ONLY: Don’t Mess with Wyoming’s Identity
Don’t MESS with Wyoming’s identity. We LOVE our independence, freedom, and core values here—like the pioneering spirit of equality. Wyoming is actually the first state for women’s suffrage in 1869 allowing women to vote. We’re all about Self-reliance forged from harsh landscapes, and a deep-rooted commitment to personal liberties. You don’t have to agree with EVERYTHING—diverse viewpoints are part of what keeps things dynamic—but mocking or dismissing these elements outright? That’s a hard PASS. Respect goes both ways; whether you’re visiting or staying, you’re entering a culture shaped by history, and honoring that makes all the difference.
This isn’t abstract— it shows up in everyday symbols and conversations. Our license plates boast the cowboy on horseback, American flags often fly and events like county fairs or legislative sessions reflect values around low taxes, land rights, and outdoor access. Dismissing these as outdated or extreme without context can alienate you fast. For instance, questioning open-carry laws or energy industry jobs such as, oil, gas, and coal power towns, without understanding their role in our economy? It comes off as judgmental, especially when those sectors fund schools and roads.
So there you have it—5 things you should NEVER do in Wyoming if you want to avoid those judging glances! Did any of these SURPRISE you? Or maybe you’re a Wyoming local with your own unwritten rules—DROP ’em in the comments below! I’d love to hear, and who knows, we might feature them in another video. We post a new Wyoming video every single Friday at 4pm Mountain Standard Time. If at any point you found this video entertaining, interesting or you just want to learn more about Wyoming, make sure to hit like, subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss another Wyoming video.My team and I love where we live and we want you to love where you live too. Thank you so much for watching, see you next week!