11 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Wyoming
From the Native American word mecheweamiing, which translates to "at the big plains,” hundreds of buffalos and the living legacies of famous cowboys come alive at the big plains of Wyoming. Towns like Thermopolis and Jackson share the spewing hot springs of the nearby Yellowstone National Park for people who do not want to be inconvenienced by the heavy tourist traffic. After all, Wyoming happens to be the least populous state in the U.S., though it certainly is abundant with wildlife, as best seen in towns like Dubois and Pinedale. Even though these towns are rather laidback in ambiance, they promise exciting and enthralling adventures, as seen in the ski resorts of Jackson and the rock-climbing opportunities in Lander. Better wear your most trekking gear because Wyoming is all about the outdoors.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis (Greek for “hot city”) is one of the many small towns in Wyoming that are reminiscent of the geographically hot attractions of Yellowstone. Living up to its namesake, Thermopolis contains a gamut of hot springs within the Hot Spring State Park. Other aqueous attractions include the Bighorn River, which runs adjacent to Thermopolis in the Bighorn Basin. Despite having a name associated with the distant country of Greece, Thermopolis happens to be an ancient dwelling place of Native Americans in the last 10,000 years, as evinced by the 283 rock drawings at the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site. For lovers of animals, you can head over to the Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park to see herds of bison. And for lovers of long-extinct animals, you can admire the fossils of dinosaurs at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. After all the fun, visitors will not feel unwanted in Thermopolis while staying at excellent establishments like El Rancho or Hot Springs Hotel and Spa.
Dubois
Bighorn sheep, the most abundant and beloved animal in Wyoming, are common sights to see in the beautiful landscapes in Dubois. Only an hour and 40 minutes from Jackson, Dubois’ National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center provides insights and information regarding the bighorn sheep as well as keeping their ecosystems safe. Like any other old town in Wyoming, Dubois was founded by pioneers eager to build a home in the middle of America, which the Dubois Museum elaborates. Today, you can enjoy Dubois's unchanged wilderness and wilds, as seen in the Shoshone National Forest, where President Theodore Roosevelt made the first national forest in America. No need to worry about accommodations because establishments like the Chinook Winds Lodge will have you covered.
Sheridan
Sheridan gleams as the jewel of Wyoming, with its many historic sites all listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To begin your journey through the past, purchase and savor the enriching craft ales of the Black Tooth Brewing Company, among the best brewers in Wyoming. Afterward, take a tour of rustic areas like the Sheridan Main Street Historic District and the Sheridan Railroad Historic District. Every May, Sheridan hosts the annual Eaton's Horse Drive, where hundreds of cowboys parade down the streets of Sheridan on horseback as a celebration of all things Western.
Those interested in the outdoors can traverse the panoramic Red Grade Trails that will lead you through 17 miles of scenic views in the Bighorn National Forest. Afterward, sojourn down to the vistas and other points of interest in the Tongue River Canyon. Let your face brighten and shine in bejeweled elation while exploring Sheridan, and give yourself a break once in a while in fine lodgings like the Ramada Plaza, the Budget Inn Express, or Wyo Inn.
Buffalo
You might not find many or any buffalos in Buffalo, but you will definitely find tons of historical tidbits and knickknacks in this laidback town. The remains of Fort Phil Kearney was where the infamous Fetterman Fight transpired, and close to the fort are the majestic slopes of Bighorn Mountain within the Bighorn National Park. For a more cultural experience, step back in time at the Occidental Hotel, where Western legends like Owen Wister drew inspiration for his iconic novel The Virginian. On the other hand, the Jim Gatchell Museum contains thousands of artifacts depicting the tumultuous and violent adventures of the Wild West. You might even chance upon trinkets belonging to the Wild Bunch since their members, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, once made a hideout from a landmark called the “Hole in the Wall.”
Sundance
Sundance has spread its cultural influence for generations. The town is named after a Native American ceremony called the Sun Dance, which is also how the criminal Sundance Kid got his name. Today, his influence and contributions can be perused at the Crook County Museum & 1875 Gallery. In this museum, take the Sip ‘n Walk Historical Tour for both a comprehensive understanding of Sundance and to sip refreshments along the way.
It was from this town that the Utah/United States Film Festival first began and was eventually renamed the Sundance Film Festival. And it is from this town that you can begin a 28-mile drive towards America’s First National Monument, the Devil’s Tower, as well as the Bearlodge District of the Black Hills National Forest. Once the sun ceases its daily dance in the sky and the night closes in, you ought to settle down in a place like Bearlodge Mountain Resort or Bear Lodge Motel.
Jackson
As a neighbor to the steaming hot wonders of Yellowstone National Park, Jackson is a town of natural admiration. Begin your visit by walking beneath the iconic antler arches at the National Elk Refuge, where you can also stop by the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. For adrenaline-seekers, Jackson offers some of the best skiing in the country, with three world-class resorts: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort at Teton Village. Whether you’re drawn to the towering peaks of Rendezvous Mountain or the renowned Tetons, these resorts provide thrilling winter activities and unrivaled views.
If you're visiting in March, don't miss the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb, a spectacular annual event hosted at Snow King. For those seeking artistic inspiration, Jackson also houses the National Museum of Wildlife Art, home to works by legends like Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. After a day of exploring, retreat to the comfort of local accommodations such as the Inn on the Creek or Huff House Inns and Cabins to rest and recharge.
Lovell
Often overlooked in favor of more bustling destinations, Lovell’s serene beauty is its true charm. Known for its proximity to Bighorn Lake and Bighorn National Forest, this peaceful town offers a unique chance to witness herds of wild mustangs roaming the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center. History enthusiasts will appreciate the poignant Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, a reminder of the Japanese-American internment during World War II. Meanwhile, prehistory lovers can marvel at the dinosaur footprints preserved at Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite. For something truly unique, the ancient Bighorn Medicine Wheel, a Native American site, offers a fascinating cultural perspective. After soaking in the rich history and nature, rest your head at cozy accommodations like the Cattlemen Motel or Horseshoe Bend Motel, ensuring you leave Lovell feeling both enriched and rejuvenated.
Laramie
Laramie overlooks much of Wyoming from a 7,200-foot vantage on the Snowy Range Mountains. Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie has seen its fair share of renowned individuals, particularly Butch Cassidy, who was once imprisoned at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. Visitors can appreciate more history from the Historic Laramie Railroad Depot to Fort Sanders. The former highlights the values of Wyoming’s railroads, and the latter has protected the Overland Trail for generations. The Overland or Cherokee Trail, in particular, was once filled with Arapaho and Cheyenne settlements during the 1800s. These days, one might chance upon trinkets that reach from Oklahoma all the way to California. More attractions and wonders can be experienced at the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest or the town’s own iteration of Jurassic Park at the University of Wyoming’s Geological Museum. After all the day's excitement gets you weary, let the night take you away to soothing lodgings like the Old Corral Hotel & Steakhouse.
Green River
Green River is a garden of scenic landmarks and landscapes that is just three hours away from Laramie. From the flowing rivers and streams in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area to the waters of the Green River, you will be swept away in kayaking and fishing adventures that can be as lackadaisical as you want. And if you are eager to see many of Wyoming’s biodiversity that call Green River their home, you can venture into Rock Springs and the Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge. Green River was also a haven for many of the Wild West’s infamous bandits, as seen in the Sweetwater County Museum. Many more amenities and surprises are in store in Green River, a town plentiful with laidback charms.
Lander
Lander is “where the rails end and the trails begin” and where you can find the best outdoor town in the US. So named after engineer Frederick W. Lander, who surveyed the Lander Trail, which allowed thousands of wagons to travel safely further west, the town is now renowned for its rock-climbing enterprises and trails. Sinks Canyon State Park is a highlight, where the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern, creating an intriguing natural spectacle. Nearby, the Wind River Mountains offer endless trails for hikers and climbers, and the area's red cliffs at Wild Iris are a rock-climbing haven. On the other hand, history enthusiasts can visit the Fremont County Pioneer Museum, which preserves artifacts from prehistory to the 1900s.
Pinedale
If you are pining for adventure, then you ought to be dillydallying through Pinedale's lush and laidback outdoors. The town is a gateway to three of Wyoming's largest mountain ranges: the Wind River Range, the Wyoming Range, and the Gros Ventre Mountains. To this end, hiking, mountain biking, and trekking are among the most popular activities nearby.
Pinedale’s Green River Drift is the nation’s oldest and longest cattle drive, and from June to October, the roads tend to be filled with modern cowboys herding animals through town. Wild animals like grizzly bears, gray wolves, and pronghorns also cross through Pinedale since the town is situated on the Path of the Pronghorn, one of the last remaining long-distance animal migrations in the Western Hemisphere. Do not miss out on the Wind River Brew Fest on the 7th of September, an event full of regional breweries and unique music.
Conclusion
Equality is a staple feature in Wyoming, and the most laidback small towns in Wyoming are equally enjoyable and luxuriating destinations for you to visit. Mustangs, buffalos, bighorn sheep, and pronghorns are just some of the many unique creatures that you can find on the big plains of Wyoming. Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and the members of the Wild Bunch are just some of the many historical figures that blazed historic trails in the Equality State. You can be one of thousands of visitors to brave the big plains or ascend the formidable mountain ranges of Wyoming, a state that may be the least populous in the nation but is still filled with enticing features and cultural landmarks to admire.
