10 Wyoming Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
From its snowcapped mountains to its wild west ranches, Wyoming is full of charm. It is a picturesque state to visit and take in the sights and enjoy outdoor adventures like no other. But you might have overlooked one of Wyoming’s main attractions - its small towns with their unforgettable main streets that offer an authentic experience of the state's vibrant culture and rich history. So, take a stroll down these idyllic streets in these ten towns of Wyoming. Visit the shops, restaurants and all the uniqueness that makes them so memorable.
Sheridan
Imagine a street so renowned that Queen Elizabeth II had to pay a visit to it. Now, stop imagining that street and actually go visit it. Sheridan’s Main Street is a westerner’s dream. The most iconic shop on Main Street? The Mint Bar. Established 117 years ago, it is the iconic neon sign that draws in patrons. Stop in for a drink, then make your way to P.O. News and Flagstaff Café, a western-themed restaurant that was originally a post office. The statues that line the street are also a must-see. Take your picture with the cowboys and their drawn pistols or the dancing women and children to remember your time on this famed street.
Laramie
Laramie’s historic Main Street is so popular that in 2022, it was one of the winners of the Great American Main Street Award. The street has revamped itself to serve as the town’s community center and is lined with murals that recreate the city’s history. While perusing the wall art on 2nd Street, stop at Sugar Mouse Cupcake House and treat yourself to a cupcake, Italian Soda or British biscuit. For a unique shopping experience on this historic street, visit Works of Wyoming Gift n Gallery and pick up an original work of art by a Wyoming local. This proprietor has relocated buildings twice previously before finally calling 2nd Street home.
Saratoga
“Where the trout leap in Main Street” has become Saratoga’s Main Street catchphrase. The expression came from a freighter who grew impatient waiting for help unloading his haul and tossed a stick of dynamite into the North Platte River, blasting fish all over Main Street. You won’t find as many fish in the streets today, but you can peruse the shops, restaurants like Bella's Bistro and art galleries like Studio T Art Gallery on adjacent Bridge Avenue. The shops offer vintage cowboy hats and turquoise jewelry, so you can bring a little bit of Wyoming home with you. The Outhouse Gift Shop on Bridge Avenue is great for souvenir shopping.
Rock Springs
Another Great American Main Street Award Winner hailing from Wyoming is Rock Springs. This town’s Main Street took the honor in 2018. Visit the award-winning street during their seasonal farmer’s market. The Main Street Farmer’s Market is the longest-running and most prestigious in Rock Springs. Over 30 local and regional vendors participate annually. The bustling streets also host the Artisan and Makers Market. Over 20 artists participate in this street fair to sell their homemade jewelry, ornaments, candles, pottery, photography, and more. After a stop at the markets, check out the Square State Brewery, a brewery that specializes in craft beers and hosts Taco Tuesdays and Wednesday Running Club.
Green River
Visit Green River’s 1st Street and start your trip with coffee from Coal Train Coffee Depot. The business is located in the historic Tomahawk Building. Previously, a bowling alley, hotel, tavern and a JC Penny, this building has seen a variety of businesses and clientele. In front of the Tomahawk Building, Green River hosts a seasonal farmers market. Stop by for fresh produce and products and admire the history of the old building.
Gillette
Gillette’s bustling street shares its name with the town, so it shouldn’t be too hard to forget when you visit which memorable street you’ll want to visit. Start your morning at Lula Belle’s Café. This family-owned diner has been serving Gillette since 1964 and has been passed down from generation to generation. Don’t pass up the opportunity to get one of their famous Caramel Rolls! If the Caramel Roll isn’t enough to fill your sweet tooth, head over to the Ice Cream Café and try one of over 20 flavors of homemade ice cream. The Ice Cream Café is family-owned and participates in the Gillette Main Street Downtown SHOP HOP. The more stores you visit on Gillette Street during the event, the greater discount you receive at each one.
Evanston
Evanston’s picturesque Main Street was built around a train depot and is notable for hosting foot races and farmer’s markets, amongst other year-round events. If you’re making a stop for something to eat on Main Street, visit Main Street Deli, which has previously been voted “Best of Evanston”. Considered the heart of Historic Downtown, Main Street offers areas to live, work, shop and enjoy yourself, while also focusing on revitalization and preservation.
Jackson
One of the most iconic images of Wyoming can be found on Cache Street in Jackson - the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. With its timeless neon sign, saddle stools at the bar, and a small stage for local artists, you don’t get more Wyoming than this place. Have a drink and enjoy some live music while admiring the details of the bar, which makes it so memorable. Another notorious stop on Cache Street is the Jackson Hole Elk Antler Arch. There are four arches, each on a corner of George Washington Memorial Park, and they are photographed thousands of times a year. They have been photographed so much that they give the Tetons a run for their money!
Torrington
When you visit Torrington, Main Street has many stops you won’t want to skip. One of them is The Bread Doctor Bakery. The owner, Ezdan Fluckiger, opened the bakery in 2013 as a way to spend more time with his family. Today, they work together creating croissants, pot pies and other assorted baked goods. Nationally recognized by Main Street American as a certified main street, the goal of Torrington’s prominent street is to strengthen its economy and provide a better way of life for its residents through the preservation of local businesses and community. For an afternoon of entertainment and a drink or two, head to Open Barrel Brewing Company. They provide games that include bowling machines, shuffleboard, pinball, pool and even a cowboy skill machine. Grab a drink and test your luck at any of the available gaming options.
Rawlins
Add another one to the list. That’s right, Rawlins historic Main Street is also a past winner of the Great American Main Street Award. They took the title in 2015. The street features multiple sculptures scattered throughout that allow visitors multiple photo ops. They also participate in the Community Banner Art Project. Locals can enter for a chance to see their designs come to life on light pole banners. This thriving street also hosts seasonal festivals and block parties for all to attend and enjoy.
Walking up and down bustling streets can provide more entertainment than one could imagine. Especially if you find the right street. These ten streets in Wyoming not only provide entertainment, but culture and history as well. From Wild West days to modernized craft breweries, these street blocks have something everyone can enjoy. Sometimes, it's something as simple as a neon sign that can bring the largest of crowds to the old watering hole, and these streets make sure to produce the biggest, brightest signs they can.
