10 Undiscovered Small Towns in Wyoming
Wyoming's most well-known features are its vast basins, high-elevation prairie grasslands, and the majestic Rocky Mountains. But in addition to its stunning beauty and landscape, it is home to numerous charming towns that are well worth exploring. Travelers frequently miss these undiscovered treasures, from the cultural experiences that Lander provides to the Old West adventures of Cody and the rich history of Sundance, home to the notorious "Sundance Kid." These little, unexplored settlements, each with its tale to tell, embody Wyoming's essence.
Dubois
Dubois is a hidden gem with abundant history and breathtaking scenery. The Dubois Museum offers a glimpse of the town's history and culture with permanent exhibits focusing on the Upper Wind River Valley. Dubois is also home to the National Museum of Military Vehicles, a 160,000-square-foot museum that features fully restored military vehicles, artillery pieces, naval vessels, and aircraft dating back to the 19th century. The museum also highlights the brave soldiers who used the historic vehicles and equipment during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Visitors will adore local events, including the Wild West Brewfest, the Dubois Chariot Races, and the Independence Day celebration. The town also has rodeo competitions, square dancing, farmers' markets, and live music during the summer. For a different experience, The National Bighorn Sheep Center is a wonderful attraction for learning about the area's bighorn sheep. Similarly, one can take a scenic drive from Dubois to reach Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park.
Cody
Cody is a charming town in Wyoming that offers an authentic Old West experience and many activities to keep you entertained. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is an incredible place to start, as the large complex houses multiple museums worth exploring, including the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indians Museum, the Whitney Western Art Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum, and the Cody Firearms Museum. The collection of these museums offers many exhibits, showcasing everything from statues of Buffalo Bill to one of America’s most comprehensive collections of firearms. You can explore more at Old Trail Town, a restoration of historic Western buildings and artifacts from the 1890s.
Another significant part of Cody is that it is considered the "Rodeo Capital of the World." During the summer months, the town hosts weekly summer rodeos and grand-scale events, such as the Cody Stampede Rodeo. Outside of rodeos, Cody is a great town for live entertainment, with everything from concerts in the park to Dan Miller's Cowboy Music Revue. To see more of what this town offers, stroll downtown for dining and shopping options or partake in outdoor recreation at the neighboring Shoshone National Forest.
Sundance
Sundance is one of the state's most undiscovered small towns in the Black Hills region, nestled in a stunning natural setting. The 100-acre Sundance White Ranch Park, located at the base of Sundance Mountain, is a great place to go biking, hiking, or exploring. In Sundance, you can visit the Crook County Museum & Art Gallery, one of the town's signature attractions with nearly 7,000 historical objects from the Western region. The museum also hosts historic Sip & Walk tours during the summer, where you can learn about the town's Native American and Wild West heritage. One interesting fact most people love is that Sundance is the site of the original courtroom where Harry Longbaugh, also known as "The Sundance Kid," a member of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch outlaw gang, had his trial. For a different kind of history, Sundance is approximately 30 miles from the Devil's Tower National Monument, America's first national monument.
Buffalo
Buffalo is a quaint town of 4,400 nestled in the beautiful Big Horn Mountains' foothills. This undiscovered town is home to the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, which features exciting artifacts and exhibits, including a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, a log cabin home to Marshall D. Jenkins, and a statue of Nathan D. Champion, who was involved in the Johnson County War of April 1892. Its downtown district features many old buildings, stores, and the historic Occidental Hotel, which houses a restaurant, cafe, and saloon. Buffalo is also a short drive from incredible sites like Fort Phil Kearny and Fetterman's Massacre Site. On the other hand, outdoor enthusiasts can travel along the 47-mile-long Cloud Peak Scenic Byway for breathtaking views before exploring abundant recreational opportunities, from skiing and camping to hunting and boating.
Jackson
Due to its proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, as well as ski resorts like Jackson Hole Mountain, Snow King Mountain, and Grand Targhee, Jackson is a town worth exploring. Those interested in skiing are sure to love this town, with access to over 200 trails of varying difficulties across the three resorts. Moreover, outdoor exploration is abundant, and the 2.2 million acre Yellowstone National Park beckons with spots like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, and the Yellowstone Caldera.
Back in town, the National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooks the National Elk Refuge and displays incredible wildlife artwork. Jackson hosts an annual classic musical festival at downtown Jackson's iconic Center for the Arts. Enjoy an authentic Western experience with a visit to the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse for great food, drinks, and entertainment. Jackson Town Square is another staple, home to many shops, restaurants, and businesses that make Jackson unique.
Sheridan
Sheridan has a strong rodeo culture with annual events like the Sheridan WYO Rodeo. Wild West and cowboy attractions include the Don King's Western Museum, which has a memorabilia collection, including saddles, wagons, and Indian artifacts. Moreover, the Museum at the Bighorns is another must-visit place as it gives visitors an inside look at the history of the Bighorn Mountain region, including the stories of mining towns. For further history, the Trail End State Historic Site takes you back in time as it presents an exciting glimpse into the period from 1913 to 1933. Sheridan also has guest ranches, lakes, trails, parks, and a historic downtown district.
Lander
Lander, located south of the Wind River Indian Reservation in central Wyoming, is a booming tourism hub. The Lander Art Center on Main Street in downtown Lander is an ideal destination for art enthusiasts to explore exhibitions, a clay studio, and art classes for all ages. For those into the performing arts, the touring Wyoming Shakespeare Festival Company, based in Lander, performs William Shakespeare's brilliant plays on stage. The Lander Performing Arts is also an excellent place for theatrical performances year-round. A trip to the Museum of the American West and the Fremont County Pioneer Museum is where tourists can learn about historical interpretations of Lander's past. The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Pioneer Days Rodeo and Lander Brewfest, to keep the town's spirit and legacy alive.
Pinedale
Pinedale is a unique town worth discovering. Its annual Green River Rendezvous honors mountain men, legendary explorers, and Native Americans who opened commerce in the American West. The event takes place over four days and includes food, live music, beer, and entertainment. If the Green River Rendezvous piques your interest, visit the Museum of the Mountain Man to learn more about this iconic part of history. Rodeos are a huge part of Pinedale, too. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the Pinedale Rodeo Grounds hosts one of Wyoming's best rodeo experiences every summer.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis, Greek for "hot city," is home to various hot springs that draw visitors from all over. One of the most popular spots, the Hot Springs State Park, has many trails and picnic areas and also claims to have the world's largest mineral hot spring. Another unique part of Thermopolis is the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center, which features a collection of memorabilia from local pioneers from 1890 to 1910. The town is also home to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, offering visitors hands-on geologic and paleontological experiences, a visitor center, a museum, and a gift shop. In downtown Thermopolis, many of the town's old buildings are still there and have since been revitalized into coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. So, even a short stroll through town is full of rustic experiences and picture-perfect viewpoints.
Piedmont
Piedmont, an abandoned town in Unita County, was once a thriving railroad and timber town. Today, the town's charcoal kilns are the only remaining structures, offering a unique glimpse into the past. Back then, most of the charcoal produced in the kilns was transported to Utah from the Union Pacific Railroad, which passed through Piedmont. To learn about this massive part of history and see the kilns up close, visit the Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site. The historic site is a unique stop if you go to or from Fort Bridger. Before leaving, one can pay their respects to residents at the Piedmont Cemetary in town.
Discover These Small Towns in Wyoming
As you prepare for your next getaway, consider these undiscovered small towns in Wyoming. No matter when you visit, they offer unforgettable experiences, ranging from thrilling rodeos to Wild West-themed attractions and adventures. Whether you travel to Lander, Cody, Sundance, or one of the other seven communities, you'll find warm hospitality, fascinating history, and scenic beauty at every turn. Take your time to uncover the hidden gems, from exploring museums and art galleries to hiking through picturesque landscapes, ensuring an enriching and memorable visit to the Cowboy State.
