The Wild Beauty of Wyoming Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Bighorn River

The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a national park that was established in 1966. This occurred following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam which straddles the Bighorn River between Wyoming and Montana. This is a world-class trout fishing area, and provides some beautiful scenery to surround any avid fisherman. Also found in this area are the fossilized remains of numerous dinosaurs; archeologists are often seen carefully digging in the area.

Answer: Yellowstone National Park

Located in Yellowstone National Park, this 1947 photo of Old Faithful by famed photographer Ansel Adams captures the power of this large geyser. The very first National Park, Yellowstone is home to a number of wildlife species including wolves, grizzlies, elk, and bison, all found in their natural habitats.

This geographic treasure has dramatic landscapes that include canyons, waterfalls, hot springs and numerous geysers. It is an absolute must-see when visiting the state.

Answer: Teapot Dome Scandal

One of the most serious governmental scandals in the history of the United States occurred because of the land surrounding this unusual butte known as Tea Pot Dome. The scandal was named for the large oil reserves in the area and involved national security at the highest governmental levels.

This unusual rock formation was heavily damaged in a heavy windstorm that occurred in 1962, but until then, the formation looked just like a teapot complete with handle and spout. Located in the center of the state, this landmark is clearly visible from the local highway. Located off to the side are hundreds of pumpjacks and oil rigs dotting the landscape.

Answer: True

The state of Wyoming has some of the largest herds of wild bison/buffalo in the United States. Huge herds can be seen in many of the state parks and even walking in the open country near major highways. This magnificent animal once numbered in the hundreds of thousands, and was saved from extinction by many conservation efforts that took place in Wyoming.

The gray wolf has also come back from the verge of extinction due to the protection offered in the state parks of this beautiful state. The state flag has a red border around a blue background with a white bison in the center, with the state seal in the very middle.

Answer: Coal

The Black Thunder coal mine is located in the Southern Powder river basin in the northeastern part of the state. It opened in 1977, and for most of the time it has operated it has been the largest coal operation in the world. It is a conglomeration of at least three different coal mines, and is home to one of the largest natural coal deposits in the world. Mining is an important part of the state's economy. Sprinkled around the state are mines which produce uranium, trona, natural gas, coal, diamonds and crude oil.

Answer: Indian Paintbrush

The Indian paintbrush, which grows in most parts of the state, was used by local Native American tribes for centuries. The flowers are edible and were used as a condiment, as were many of the other local wildflowers. They were also used it to make a shampoo which left the inhabitants' hair very glossy.

It was consumed as a treatment for rheumatism, sexually transmitted diseases, and to increase strength and stamina. Springtime in Wyoming provides any visitor the chance to view miles and miles of wildflowers in bloom.

A veritable rainbow of flowers decorate the open prairies of Wyoming once the brittle cold of winter gives way to warmer temperatures.

Answer: Hang-gliding the mountains

Located in western Wyoming, the Grand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled locations in the state. Huge mountains provide the perfect backdrop for green valleys populated by miles of wildflowers in numerous colors. Steep coniferous forests contrast sharply with the granite peaks that are usually covered in snow.

The Snake River meanders through the park providing white-water rafting as well as great trout fishing. For the brave of heart there are companies that will take you on hang-gliding tours of the mountains. What a way to get up close and personal with nature!

Answer: Wyoming has the smallest population of all 50 states.

For decades, Wyoming has been the least populated state in the U.S. despite being the tenth largest state geographically. Wyoming has harsh winters, and there are only a handful of cities over 1,000 people (2014 data). The largest city is the capital city of Cheyenne. Large portions of the state belong to the National Park system and there is very little actual industry other than mining and tourism. Most of the land is not suitable for farming and is used for ranching instead.

It is easy to travel 100 miles without ever passing a gas station or small store of any kind.

Answer: True

On the Platte River, between Torrington and Alcova, Wyoming, a legend persists of a ghostly apparition known as the "Ship of Death". The phantom ship is said to appear out of the misty fog and appears to be sailing closer to the witnesses. It is said to have frost all over its masts and sails.

Some report seeing the ship's crew on the deck also covered with frost surrounding what appears to be a corpse on the wooden floor. The legend continues that the ship foreshadows the death of someone who will die the day that the apparition is spotted.

As the ship gets close, the identity of the corpse is revealed to be a person known by the witness.

Answer: Arapaho

Wyoming's Wind River Indian reservation is one of the largest in the country. It is one of Wyoming's most popular vacation spots. Home to both the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes, a visit to this spot in the state allows the visitor a taste of the Native American culture. Covering over 2.2 million acres, visitors can see powwow's and museums during the day, while gambling in the state's largest casinos in the evening.

The vast and unspoiled lands are testament to the fact that this is the only reservation that was chosen by the tribes that were compelled to live there.

This photo is of Arapaho chief "Eagle Plume" who was one of the many great men who fought to secure a location where his people could keep their culture alive and thriving. Various Native American tribes made their homes in Wyoming and any trip to the state will expose you to real-life, modern day, "Cowboys and Indians".