10 Adorable Small Towns In Wyoming
Wyoming is a magical state full of untamed natural beauty, the raw Western spirit, and a strong sense of adventure. This gorgeous state is one of the most picturesque and is a popular tourist attraction for those looking to visit Yellowstone National Park, raft the river rapids, or climb one of the many mountain peaks. But Wyoming also has a number of adorable small towns worth exploring. These cute mountain towns are home to rodeos, local fairs, historic buildings, and inviting people. From the Old Trail Town of Cody to the Hot Springs of Thermopolis, Wyoming, has something for everyone to enjoy and discover.
Cody
Cody is a town in northwest Wyoming named after the infamous Buffalo Bill, aka Colonel William Cody. Because of this, the town has a strong Western theme and feel, boasting a number of museums and attractions, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Buffalo Bill Museum, and the Draper Natural History Museum. Visiting Cody feels, in many ways, like stepping back in time. The Old Trail Town is a recreation of a frontier town from the 1890s, complete with a saloon and log cabins, while gunfight reenactments and rodeos are common occurrences. Aside from the western attractions, Cody is a beautiful place to explore Wyoming's scenic landscapes. Enjoy the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway or venture to nearby Yellowstone National Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Shoshone National Forest is also a great place for water sports like river rafting, kayaking, or fly fishing. Daring travelers can even enjoy a scenic zipline from Sleeping Giant.
Lander
Lander, Wyoming is located on the Popo Agie River. This ranch-filled area is a popular destination for those looking to experience Wyoming ranch life, and in fact, tourism is a main industry in Lander. Festivals and events in the area are also a big draw, including Pioneer Days Rodeo. Tourists love visiting the many dude ranches in Lander and taking in the natural beauty of the area. Outdoor lovers will enjoy exploring Sinks Canyon State Park or camping in the free campsites. Hike, bike, or climb the area. The town even hosts an International Climber's Festival. The distant mountains and abundant wildflowers make for a stunning scene everyone can enjoy. In town, local pubs and breweries like Lander Brewing or End Zone Bar and Grill, or the Oxbow create a lively atmosphere for couples, individual travelers, friends groups, and families alike.
Jackson
Jackson, Wyoming is located in Jackson Hole Valley and is an adorable mountain town. Popular for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, the area boasts 3 ski resorts: Snow King Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. Nature lovers and adventurers can also enjoy Grand Teton National Park and the nearby Yellowstone National Park. There is also the National Elk Refuge, which, as the name suggests, is home to a large population of protected elk. Arts and culture enthusiasts can check out the National Museum of Wildlife Art, shop at the local stores and galleries, or relax at one of the eateries and cafes.
Buffalo
Buffalo, Wyoming is located in Johnson County, Wyoming, between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone Park. This adorable small town is nestled in the foothills of Big Horn Mountain and has beautiful scenic views. The town makes for an excellent stopping point between these two major attractions but has a lot to offer in its own right. The downtown core includes a number of historic buildings, including the Jim Gatchell Museum and Occidental Hotel. Those who love Western history will enjoy visiting Fort Phil Kearney, Wagon Box Fight, Fetterman’s Massacre Site, and the hideout of the infamous Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid “Hole in the Wall.”
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find a variety of recreational activities to enjoy, including camping, fishing, hunting, boating, and skiing in the winter months.
Dubois
Dubois is a town in Fremont County, Wyoming, along the upper Wind River. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes, including the majestic Absaroka mountains. Wildlife and outdoor recreation options include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting. Take in the full experience at one of the many dude ranches, such as Rams Horn Guest Ranch, Crooked Creek Guest Ranch, Triangle C Ranch, Bitterroot Ranch, or a Friday Night Rodeo. Other nearby must-sees include the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center to check out petroglyphs and the stoic bighorn sheep. Historical and educational attractions include the Wind River Historical Center and Dubois Museum. In winter, skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice climbing are all popular.
Centennial
Centennial is a tiny town in Albany County, Wyoming, with a population of only 300 or so. This adorable mountain town is often referred to as the gateway to the Snowy Range Mountains and Medicine Bow National Forest. Centennial is the perfect place to stay for outdoor adventure lovers looking to explore the region. From winter skiing, snowmobiling, or camping, backpacking, hiking, and fishing, there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy here. The beautiful scenery is the perfect place to explore and take in the gorgeous Wyoming landscape. In town, check out the Mountain View Historic Hotel, take a tour of Historic Downtown, visit one of the local museums like Nici Self Historical Museum, or browse the local shops and galleries.
Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep sits in Washakie County, Wyoming in the Bighorn Basin, overlooked by the Bighorn Mountains. This tiny town has a population of only 200-250 people but has a lot of charm. The area gets its name from an Indigenous method of measuring distance, as it was considered to be ‘ten sleeps’ from both Yellowstone and Ft. Laramie. It was originally named Sackett after a colonel who first mapped the region. The town is an excellent place to stay for those looking to explore the mountainous area nearby. Camp at Ten Sleep Rock Ranch, hike the many nearby trails, or climb One of the many climbing routes, including popular “Beer Bong” or “Wyoming Flower Child” climbs. Travelers can also enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports in the summer and enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. After adventuring in the great outdoors, check out local shops and attractions like Ten Sleep Brewing Co. Big Horn Bar, Meadowlark Ski Lodge, Renegade Rides, and Ten Sleeps Nowoodstock.
Sheridan
Sheridan is another adorable small town in Wyoming. This charming town sits between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone Park, not far from Buffalo. Sheridan is often called “Wyoming’s Jewel” as it is home to a little bit of everything that makes Wyoming special. The impressive Bighorn Mountains and many vistas offer stunning scenery and backdrops, while the wide-open prairies and ranches add heart and character. Soak up some of the town’s Western history and culture at the Brinton Museum or UCross Gallery. The King’s Museum is the perfect place for Western memorabilia, while The Museum at the Bighorns paints a vibrant picture of life in the old west. Other attractions include the Carriage House Theater, Connor Battlefield, Ft. Phil Kearny, and Trail End State Historic Site.
Pinedale
Pinedale is in Sublette County, Wyoming, and is known as the gateway to The Wind River Mountains and Jackson Hole area. The beautiful Green and New Fork Rivers, over 1300 alpine lakes, and the Wind River Mountain Range make this area a dream for outdoor lovers and hunters. In fact, Pinedale is known for being a hunting outfitter. Adventurers can enjoy access to the Continental Divide trail, as well as the Cirque of the Towers and Titcomb Basin. Visitors can also explore the Bridger-Teton National Forest, horseback ride on one of the many trails, explore the area on ATVs, or kayaking and fish in Fremont Lake, the second-largest natural lake in Wyoming. Pinedale is also full of opportunities for winter fun. Downhill skiers can enjoy White Pine Ski Resort. Snowmobile on more than 300 miles of trails, snowshoes, skate, or ice fish. After all the adventuring, relax and unwind in town at the Wind River Brewing Co. Bison’s Bounty or Half Moon Lake Lodge.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis, Wyoming, is another adorable small town located in Hot Springs County. The area is most well known for its natural mineral hot springs. In fact, the name Thermopolis comes from the Greek for “hot/heat city”. The region has a number of geothermal hot spots within the Hot Springs State Park, which create naturally warm springs perfect for soaking, relaxing and unwinding. Enjoy pampering at the Hot Springs Hotel & Spa. For the more adventurous, enjoy white water rafting at White Water Rafting on the Wind River, go floating or kayaking along the calmer Big Horn River, or practice your fishing skills. Soak up some history and culture at the Hot Springs County Museum or the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, or the Three Sisters Gallery.
The wild western spirit of Wyoming draws countless visitors to this great state. Whether you are seeking adventure, famous national parks, or a quiet escape, Wyoming is a gorgeous place to get away and unwind. Take it slow in Ten Sleep or Dubois, pamper yourself in Thermopolis, or check out the historical sites of infamous Westerners in Buffalo and Cody. Whatever your preference, these adorable small towns are full of character and charm and make excellent options for weekend getaways, family vacations, or destinations for adventurers at heart. There is something for everyone to enjoy in one of these adorable small towns in Wyoming.
