11 Towns In Wyoming With Rich History
Wyoming has one of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes that the country has to offer. There are majestic mountains, incredibly vast prairies and many preserved areas of wilderness. However, the state is not just about fascinating nature; there is plenty of history and culture to be experienced in the many small towns sprinkled throughout the state. Eleven such towns have been listed below.
Torrington, Wyoming
A small town where the Oregan, Mormon, and Texas Cattle trails once met on the North Platte River, giving a glimpse into its old west and pioneering history. It also happened to be the birthplace of Michael Punke, author of The Revenant, which was recently adapted into a film in 2015. There is so much to see and do in this small American town.
One place a person might consider visiting near thw town is the Fort Laramie National Historic Site. It was originally established as a fur trading post in 1834 but was abandoned by 1890. Later on, it was converted into a military outpost as the tensions between pioneers and the local Indigenous tribes rose. It was declared a historical landmark in 1938 by then-president Franklin Roosevelt. In more recent times, the fort has become a museum that can be viewed in person or through an online panoramic slide show. An annual event the museum hosts is Christmas on the Frontier, which takes place in early December.
Another place in Torrington that is full of local and rich history is the Homesteaders Museum. The museum is committed to gathering history related to Goshen County, where Torrington is located in Wyoming, from a time of homesteading that began in 1834. This history is from its artifacts and historical information, as well as genealogical resources. It is housed in a Union Pacific railroad depot where attendees can view the county's first automobile, amongst other historical treasures. Entry to this beautiful museum is always free!
Evanston, Wyoming
This delightful community was one of the first towns in Wyoming to become a train stop during the mid-1800s. It was first founded as a frontier camp during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. It is the perfect place to visit to get to a lot of regional adventure. A short drive to the south is where the High Uinta Mountains are found. Then, a drive to the east are several historical sites, such as the Fossil Butte National Monument and the Fort Bridger Historical Site.
Evanston has even more history to explore, such as The Union Pacific Railroad Complex. The railroad complex was built to service the main line that ran through Evanston. The complex now showcases frame and brick-styled buildings. The names of the architects of the older brick buildings are not known, but each one offers a unique style and glimpse into the history of the railroad complex. Five brick structures remain, which include the roundhouse, the machine shop, the gas building, a storehouse, and a mineral building. It was only listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Any train or history enthusiast would feel right at home here.
There is also an interesting medical history in this small town with The Wyoming State Hospital. Previously known as the Wyoming State Insane Asylum, it was first established as a hospital for the mentally ill in 1887. There have been many changes from the past until modern times in not only patient care but also hospital architecture. There is still a lot of history to learn. Many original buildings are still on the acreage, though some are in an abandoned state. These buildings can only be viewed from the outside and are permitted only by the staff of the hospital.
Buffalo, Wyoming
Located nearly equidistantly between Yellowstone Park and Mount Rushmore. The drive between these two wonderful landmarks can be a magnificent and safe road trip. The town is nestled at the bottom of the Bighorns Mountains, creating beautiful scenery to enjoy. There is an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy in between discovering the historical wonder of Buffalo's western roots.
The beautiful and amazingly scenic Yellowstone National Park is mostly located in Wyoming state, though it does extend into Montana and Idaho. It is the world's first National Park and sees millions of visitors each year. There are so many choices at this wonderful place, from outdoor scenic walks to experiencing the old west discovery of the park to wild animals wandering. A popular destination for many tourists and locals.
To see some Western history (more than 140 years of it), check out The Historic Occidental Hotel, also known as "The Ox". Stepping into this hotel is like stepping into the real old west. It includes a beautiful 1908-styled saloon, fine dining in the Virginian Restaurant, and a cozy breakfast spot. There is also live music every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. It is a wondrous trip into history and a place to gather for an amazing community atmosphere.
Upton, Wyoming
Self-proclaimed "best town on Earth", this town also started as a railroad depot in the 1880s. While it hosts a population of under 900, the historical sites in the area are a great inclusion to the community of tourists that come to the area.
One of the amazing pieces of history here is the currently under-reconstruction Upton Old Town. It is the reconstruction of the old site of Upton, located about a mile from the modern town site. It is one of the best well-preserved pioneering towns that exist in the state. Many of the old buildings are from the original town, but so are several buildings from elsewhere in Wyoming to continue to preserve the history of the state. There are interactive tours that travelers can take part in.
A museum that is currently located in Upton but will soon be relocated to Upton Old Town is Red Onion Museum. The name calls back to a saloon that existed several years before prohibition. When that was closed, the owner of the saloon simply moved his business to his ranch. Now, the name is once again utilized to help preserve the history of Upton and Wyoming. Not only are there historic artifacts of early settler lives from the area, but there are also works of art on display from local artists.
Pinedale, Wyoming
A town known for its hunting outfits and adventurous outdoor recreation. As part of the connected Yellowstone ecosystem, the landscape and its abundant wildlife are simply a sight to behold. There is so much rich history to explore in this town that has labeled itself as "the real Wyoming." From animal migrations on specially built highway overpasses to the Green River Drift, the oldest and longest-running cattle drive known to the nation, there is just so much to do and see.
Every year, the Green River Rendezvous is held during the second full weekend in July. It is a time that comes alive with different activities and attractions that take place at the Upper Green River Rendezvous Site. It is typically where the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous took place during the years of 1825 and 1840. It was an organized meeting point for various fur trappers, their suppliers, and the buyers of the products. It is an event to educate and intrigue the participants.
Existing since 1990, the Museum of the Mountain Man has been preserving the history of the Rocky Mountain fur trade. Many rare fur trade history books are available to those who make an appointment to view them. A collection of interviews and blogs also showcase the use of the Wind River Mountains and Green River Valley, not only in a historical context but also in how both are used modernly.
Barr Nunn, Wyoming
One of the more intriguing and unique towns on this list, Bar Nunn began its life as the side of Wardwell Field, Natrona County's airport, until 1952. The town is built on the abandoned airfield, and its unusually wide streets are former runways. It was only incorporated as an official town in 1980. It's located close to the town of Casper. While there is not a whole lot in the way of historical sites, the small town is a piece of history itself based on its intriguing origin.
One place any visitor should be sure to check out is The Hanger Bar and Grill, an aerial-themed restaurant that was literally once an airport hanger. While the outside of the building retains the history and appearance of a vintage 1930s airplane hangar, the interior is a treat towards both modern times and its unique history.
Kemmerer, Wyoming
A town with a 100-year-plus history that is full of rich stories and journeys, including coal mining, railroads, bootlegging, and historic trails. Around the unique Herschler Triangle Park are located the remaining 100-year-old buildings from Kemmerer's booming time. The nearby Fossil Butte National Monument is contained within only 13 square miles of the 900-square-mile ancient lake. Fossils preserved include fish, alligators, bats, turtles, a dog-sized horse, insects, and many other species of plants and animals. The Monument preserves the best paleontological record of Cenozoic aquatic communities in North America and possibly the world and is a great place for animal and fossil enthusiasts to explore.
The retail giant got its start in the remote rural town of Kemmerer, Wyoming, where its JCPenney Mother Store still exists today. More recently, in 2022, a statue of James Cash Penney was moved from the new corporate headquarters in Texas back to Triangle Park in Kemmerer. A few blocks away, also in the J.C. Penney Historic District, the J.C. Penney Historic Home and Museum is open to visitors.
Green River, Wyoming
Green River is not only a gorgeous river but also a beautifully historical town. It is a gateway to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and National Recreation Area and Ashley National Forest immediately to the south. Traveling on the still-present grooves from the pioneers' wagons from the origin of the American West makes experiencing history take place in the present moment. Originally a starting point for Major John Wesley Powell's expeditions in 1869 and 1871, Expedition Island opened up more newly discovered land by pioneers to settle down on. This tiny island oasis is the perfect spot for family picnics and blue-ribbon trout fishing.
Wandering into the nearby White Mountain, there are hundreds of carved figures dot the sandstone bluffs at the White Mountain Petroglyphs site in Wyoming's Red Desert north of Rock Springs. engraved into the sandstone bedrock of the Ecocene Bridger formation some 1,000 to 200 years ago. Some believe this was a birthing site for Plains and Great Basin tribes. Visitors should view the petroglyphs with respect and not touch the rock face while admiring the petroglyphs.
Wright, Wyoming
Starting as a settlement in the early 1900s with the opening of the Black Thunder Coal mine, the largest mine in the area and still one of the most productive in all of the United States. The Town was recently incorporated in 1985, making it one of Wyoming's newest municipalities and one with a rich history to find and explore.
A museum that brings locals and tourists to its door is the Frontier Auto Museum. It encompasses a total of 13,000 square feet and it features 2 separate vintage towns. Each room displays building styles found in the 1900s-1950s and is decorated with artifacts. There is also an indoor "Drive-in theater" feature that showcases classic movies and commercials you and your family can sit and watch during your visit. There is also a mining-styled room with a model railway, a soda fountain, and a vintage pharmacy that can be used to enjoy the locale.
If you like rocks, be sure to check out the Rockpile Museum. The museum serves as the local history center for the residents and visitors to Campbell County, with its mission being to collect and preserve the history of the area. This museum's collection is top-rated and will be a great place for any rock enthusiast.
Basin, Wyoming
Named for the Bighorn Basin, the community is located near the center of the Bighorn Basin with the Big Horn River east of the town. Known for its Lilacs, it hosts a Lilac Days celebration each year in June. It is also the host for the Big Horn County Fair every August. The older buildings in Basin are intriguing to view and explore. Opposite the town's courthouse square is the Basin Republican-Rustler Printing Building. The building is located near the center of Basin. At first glance, it is a rather plain and insignificant-looking building; however, it is considered historically significant, built in 1919. The weekly paper became the Basin Republican-Rustler in 1928 and was separate from The Rustler, which is democratic in its political affiliation.
A large stone structure made of local white limestone laid upon a bedrock of limestone, the Medicine Wheel is a Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark. No specific Indigenous tribe has claimed to have built the landmark, though the Crow people have it a part of their history immemorial. The site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970, and it was renamed from Medicine Wheel to Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain in 2011. Any outdoor or archeological fan would find this landmark quite interesting.
Laramie, Wyoming
A college town that exemplifies another of Wyoming's outdoor scenery and recreation, there is no shortage of things to do in Laramie. Check out the historic downtown or learn about the local culture; Laramie is a place that cannot be easily overlooked. There are a total of 12 wonderful museums to visit in this town. One of those museums is Wyoming Women's History House. This is the place to learn about how Wyoming led the women's suffrage movement in the United States. It is a place to learn about the bold actions of those who sought to create gender equality in the nation.
For a view of the stars, be sure to stop by the University of Wyoming's Planetarium. There is an offering of live and interactive performances for both private and public groups. The Planetarium first opened its skyward doors in 1969, with upgrades coming over decades of improvement in telescope technology. Each view is sure to be breathtaking.
In a state where women received more equal rights first, the Buffalo freely roamed, and the western frontier expanded; these are 11 towns in Wyoming that offer a lot of history. Each one offers adventures to explore and learn from.
