11 Towns in Wyoming that Have The Best Main Streets
There is no place like the wild west from its culture to environment and climate, but it’s one thing to experience it through movies, while it’s another to live the Cowboy lifestyle. Although these towns’ histories were chaotic and lawless, things have changed, and these towns are now an attraction for their unique past and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Read along as we delve into what makes Wyoming home to some of the most unique main streets and its small main streets centers of traditional American culture.
Rock Springs
Downtown Rock Springs has long been the place for travelers passing through the town. The stopping point contains wild-west picturesque buildings, delicious old-school restaurants, and a vast range of pubs and small local businesses. You can experience the refurbished Broadway theatre, indulge in a different nightlife experience at the local clubs, and get festive with the many special events available almost all year round. Rock Springs Downtown is also widely known as an old outlaw’s go-to destination, as Butch Cassidy sharpshooter Calamity Jane used to visit Rock Springs' main Street repetitively and grew fond of the local shops and businesses.
Buffalo
One for the history, Buffalo offers the perfect wild-west downtown vibe featuring old historic buildings, beautiful art museums, and a few military forts that complete its mid-west vibe. One of the oldest attractions in the Area is the award-winning “Ox” hotel located on 10 Main Street, dating back to over 140 years ago. Buffalo, Wyoming, is home to “The Hole in the Wall” hideout place of Butch Cassidy, The Sundance Kid, and other wild westerners known for their history of bank heists and fugitives.
Laramie
The third largest city in the state of Wyoming, Laramie is an educational hub featuring of the state’s primary institutions, such as the Univesity of Wyoming, Laramie County Community College, Wyo Tech, and their scattered branches. Home to some of the best restaurants in the state and rich with historic sites, Laramie was developed back in 1868, making it one of the oldest populated towns after Cheyenne, the state’s capital. Its main streets are one of the busiest on this list, and accurately reflect the state's conservative American values.
Rawlins
Rawlins’ Main Street, named W Cedar St, is located aside the streets of 1st till 10th St, with an entrance to each of the divergent residential streets. W Cedar St is almost the only place to be in the town, and it offers an old school lively feel of classic American downtowns in the 60s and 70s. Surrounded by dry desert hills, the downtown street becomes a busy hub after passing the Victory Baptist church on 3rd and West Cedar Street. Victory Baptist dates back to the 19th century, and you can tell by its minimally cornered design.
Sheridan
Located halfway between Yellowstone Park and Mount Rushmore, Sheridan was one of the most productive industrial times in its prime era. What is now a historic town once included a Blacksmith, two large department stores, soft drink manufacturer; thus, it is a slightly more advanced main street than others on this list. You can find everything from theaters to old locally owned businesses and historically registered buildings, each with its own unique story.
Dubois
A small summer town located in Fermont County, Wyoming, with mostly part-time residents. Its main street stretches from downtown over to residential areas. It has all major destinations located on it, such as the local hospital, Main Street Mall, and the Giant Eagle supermarket. Near North Brady Street is the town’s classy downtown. It inspires a vintage feel of American authenticity with its art galleries, florists, and old-school hippy shops at the intersection of W Long Ave and N Brady St.
Kemmerer
Kemmerer is the largest city in lincoln county, Wyoming, true to its heritage and rich with culture from the wild west. Spacious, hot, and full of antique and collectible shops such as Petals n’ Treasures, Fossils Collectibles, and Percicacity’s Whims. The main street stretches onto Pine Ave, which features most of the city’s attractions, shopping destinations, and classic pubs. If you visit Kemmerer, check out the Fossil Country Frontier Museum, JC Penney’s house, and the antique downtown that feels like it is from a movie.
Cody
As realistic as what we see in movies about the wild-west gets, Cody’s main street is part of the 212 highway and features some of the best tourist attractions in the state. A picturesque street surrounded by high-end residential areas. Cody’s main street is Sheridan Avenue, which rides up to 120 Highway and features multiple Mueusems, lodges, and cabins. The city nurtures its old culture and pays tribute to it in many ways, from museums to cowboy shops and antique “Black and White” photography businesses. You can’t say you’ve been to the wild-west if you haven’t stopped to visit Cody and immerse yourself into what it means to be a real cowboy.
Douglas
Known as the Tent City, Douglas started as a railway station and was incorporated as a town in 1887. Known for “Jackalopes,” which are rabbit-looking animals with antlers, Douglas is rich with history and wooden cabin stores that emphasize Western culture. Although main destinations and businesses are widely spread across the town, its main street is Center st that diverges from Highway 25. The Douglas Railroad Interpretive Museum is the place to be to understand how it all came to be, while you can visit the college inn bar and other nightlife destinations for a better sense of locality.
Jackson
A more modern take on the wild west, Jackson, Wyoming, is nicknamed the Hole due to its valley environment surrounded by Teton mountains; Jackson Town is home to everything and anything you can possibly think of in a bigger city except skyscrapers. It enjoys romantic resorts, Skiing slopes, and a breathtaking main street. The go-to spot in Jackson Hole is Jackson Town Square on Broadway Ave, centered in the middle, surrounded by local restaurants, pubs, gift shops, and more. Visit the colorful shopping district, grab a beer at one of the cowboy bars, or visit one of the local historic Jackson Hotels when you’re in town.
Green River
Green River’s downtown main street is more of a historic district than anything else. E Flaming Gorge Way is the best location for thriving businesses, surrounded by mountain views and an old-school Western aura. The town is best known as a passing and stopping point for railroad trade and traffic. To this day, mining is still a major industry in the city as Green River is known to be the world capital of “Torna,” a mineral refined into soda ash and used in products such as Baking Soda and Detergents. A town that is true to its old trade and history; if you’re ever up west, don’t hesitate to stop by and see how it's done.
Ultimately Wyoming is distinctive in its towns and cities; no other state's nature, residents, or history can compare. However, many popular historical stereotypes of lawlessness make it a less popular tourist destination. Back in the 19th century, Americans traveled west for vast natural resources such as coal, uranium, and oil. However, today the state and its best main streets offer priceless intangible value. Everything from historic sites and buildings to stories from knowledgeable locals is why you must visit the famous cowboy state and get a sense of its real culture while it still preserves and nurtures its true essence.
