10 of the Most Welcoming Towns in Wyoming
Wyoming is famous for its wide-open spaces and cowboy culture. However, that is just the beginning. Spread across the state are charming towns known for their fun activities and welcoming community spirit. While Jackson Hole attracts visitors with its Grand Teton National Park backdrop and world-class skiing, Cody celebrates its frontier heritage at museums like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and parks like Yellowstone National Park. In Sheridan, visitors can wander art galleries and boutiques or catch live music, while Thermopolis is a relaxing hot springs getaway where travelers can see dinosaur fossils.
Laramie offers outdoor adventures in the Medicine Bow National Forest and Snowy Range. Pinedale serves as a base camp for hiking, kayaking, and more in the nearby wilderness. While Lander provides rock climbing, hiking trails, and stunning mountain vistas, historic Buffalo offers an 1880s frontier charm. What each of these towns has in common, however, is that they are all welcoming regions, perfect for the meandering tourists!
Jackson
At the base of the Teton Range, Jackson is a stunning mountain town that attracts visitors worldwide. During the summer, travelers can hike around the Jenny Lake and Gros Ventre Wilderness, bike the Teton Pass, fish in the Snake River, or soak in the gorgeous natural scenery. When winter arrives, the skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is world-class. After a day on the slopes, take some time to relax with aprés-ski drinks and casual cuisine at Snake River Brewing, Mangy Moose, and 45 Social. No matter the season, you are sure to feel the welcoming Western spirit of this iconic Wyoming town!
Cody
Cody embraces its Old West roots as the first government seat in Wyoming. You can spend an afternoon walking around the relaxed streets like Sheridan Avenue and popping into shops like The Cowboy Palace and Cowtown Candy Company. Be sure to visit the superb Buffalo Bill Center of the West, celebrating frontier characters like "Buffalo Bill" Cody through art, artifacts, and live historical presentations.
Discover authentic attractions like the summer rodeo or the winter Wyoming Ice Festival. And to thoroughly soak up cowboy culture, grab dinner and a drink under the covered porch of Buffalo Bill's Irma Hotel & Restaurant- one of the most authentic Old West experiences you will find.
Sheridan
With a lively art scene and charming boutiques and cafés lining her streets, Sheridan works hard to balance her frontier history with modern updates and creativity. Peruse through the Whitney Gallery of Western Art to admire contemporary and historic works, including pieces inspired by the nearby Mount Rushmore, then shop stores like On The Rock Jewelry and Roosters Market Place to find unique local finds.
Music fans will love catching live shows on the weekends at venues like the Black Tooth Brewing Company and the Museum at the Big Horns. Enjoy the great outdoors by exploring the Bicentennial Park along Little Goose Creek or the nearby Big Horn Mountain, both lovely spots to soak up Wyoming's beauty and camaraderie.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis has attracted visitors for over a century along the winding Bighorn River thanks to its healing mineral hot springs. Spend an afternoon soaking your cares at the therapeutic Hot Springs State Park or relax poolside at hotels like the Hot Spring Hotel and Spa. Stop by the Wyoming Dinosaur Center to see some fantastic fossils from nearby dig sites.
For an authentic taste of cowboying culture, consider signing up for a dude ranch experience at places like Saddle Horn Ranch to learn livestock herding and horseback riding. After some hard work, you will unwind and feel rejuvenated in this serene riverside town!
Laramie
As the home of the University of Wyoming, Laramie has a lively college-town vibe. But it also boasts stunning natural beauty on its doorstep. From dawn till dusk, students and locals enjoy outdoor activities like fishing in the Laramie River and skiing at the nearby Snowy Range Ski Area. In warmer months, you can plan to drive for about an hour to hit up Medicine Bow National Forest for hiking and birdwatching. Make sure to take advantage of every trip to the Snowy Range for hiking, mountain biking, and more!
After a day playing in the mountains and forests, refuel with craft beer and pub fare downtown at Coal Creek Coffee and Bond Brewing Company. With friendly locals, great food, and endless recreation, Laramie has everything anyone could need in an active Wyoming escape.
Pinedale
Surrounded by over 198,000 acres of public lands teeming with wildlife, Pinedale serves as the perfect outdoor adventure hub. Spend your days hiking in the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest, kayaking along the Green River, about an hour’s drive, or rock climbing in the Wind River Mountain Range, during winters, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobile to your heart's content in the Wind River Mountain Range and nearby trails such as the CCC Ponds and Half Moon Lake.
After energizing days in the wide-open spaces, unwind over dinner at Old Stones Smokehouse & County Pizza or a craft beer and fire pit chat at Wind River Brewing Company. The residents of this tiny town will make you feel right at home.
Lander
Dotted with Victorian homes and surrounded by the beautiful Wind River mountain range, Lander charms visitors with its quaint yet artful small-town vibe. Outside its charming downtown dotted with indie shops like 23 Squared and The Barn, you will discover world-class rock climbing, hiking trails winding through pine forests, and scenic drives with countless opportunities to spot wildlife and soak in the views.
Top spots for outdoor adventure include Sinks Canyon State Park, Bull Lake, and South Pass City. Visitors can refuel in charming cafes and restaurants like Gannett Grill, famous for its delicious burgers and casual dining atmosphere, and The Middle Fork, a mixture of Southwestern and American cuisine. Friendly locals and natural beauty abound in Lander!
Buffalo
Steeped in history and Western hospitality, Buffalo perfectly captures the charm of an 1880s frontier town. Stroll down burbling Clear Creek through the center or peek into shops along the streets, including Treasure Chest Antiques & Collectibles and Occidental Hotel Gift Shop; it is easy to feel like you have stepped back in time. Take advantage of a tour of the impressive Johnson County Historic Preservation Board Complex covering ranching heritage. There are also guided walks through uranium mining sites and ghost towns.
Top off your visit with a cowboy breakfast at Main Street Diner and The Southside Grill, or grab pints and wings at Cowboy Bar and Grill, two local joints that ooze Wild West flair. Friendly faces and living history lessons await in Buffalo.
Rock Springs
Situated at the junction of major rail lines that transport nearby coal, Rock Springs honors its railroad roots through fun, family-friendly museums and activities. Kids and railroad enthusiasts will love exploring Union Pacific's Depot and Rock Springs Historical Museum to learn about the region's rail expansion. Additionally, visitors can catch summertime Main Street concerts and chili cook-offs that bring the charming small town together.
Afterward, dine on classic American fare at establishments like Wyoming Club and Grill, where locals gather for sports on TV and casual conversation. Friendly faces and an appreciation for the past make Rock Springs a surprising gem.
Green River
Nestled along the scenic Green River in the Flaming Gorge, this charming town serves as the perfect base for boundless outdoor fun. Stop by the visitor center to map out your adventures, such as floating or fishing along the river, hiking through wilderness areas like Wilkins Peak Trails, or cycling the scenic Island Park Trail. In the evening, refuel over pizza and burgers at local spot Penny's Diner or Arctic Circle Restaurant before another day under Wyoming's big sky.
All who visit will receive a genuine Western welcome from locals happy to share tips on the best spots for relaxing or action in this recreation mecca of the Red Desert. Friendly faces and natural beauty are around every corner in Green River.
Visitors will find small-town charm, beautiful natural scenery, and heartwarming Western hospitality wherever they explore Wyoming. The people who call these places home take pride in their rich histories and cultures and will happily share local secrets to help make the most of your visit. Whether travelers wish to embrace Wyoming's Old West heritage, soak in soothing mineral waters, or play in forests and rivers all day, these welcoming towns offer the perfect balance of activities, relaxation, and true frontier spirit. Though each place has its unique story to share, they all celebrate the outdoors, local artisans, and a sense of community. With so much natural beauty and small-town fun just waiting to be discovered, visitors will likely want to plan multiple trips to Wyoming! Take a visit and see why locals proudly call the Cowboy State home.
