2024's 9 Most Scenic Wyoming Towns
With a population of about 580,000 residents, Wyoming is the fiftieth state alphabetically and also the least populated of the fifty. From the Rockies to the Wild West, pioneering, Native American, and railroading history, Wyoming inspires an American dream without all the crowds. Following traditional seasons, the small towns are wrapped in changing nature, delightful fall foliage along forest trails, carpeted mountains, skiers, mountain bikers, and plentiful lakeside recreation.
The first town, nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, is home to ranchers, outfitters, artists, craftsmen, and loggers. Green River boasts Expedition Island, where greens, trails, and lovely spots are perfect for relaxing by the water and reminiscing on the journey that took off these shores down the river. Pinedale boasts proximity to the Wind River Range Lakes, including the largest Fremont and Half Moon Lake, perfect for sailing, fishing, kayaking, motor boating, and jet skiing.
Dubois
Home to under 1,000 residents, Dubois is a charming town at 6,946 above sea level, rich in views, natural attractions, and wildlife like bighorn sheep in the Absaroka Mountains. Known for Historic Dude and Guest Ranches, these offer families to explore the scenic outdoors, while others enjoy year-round fly fishing along the winding Wind River or snowmobiling in winter. At the heart, the National Bighorn Sheep Center is a hop from Dubois/Wind River KOA Holiday. As a diverse community of working outfitters, artists, craftsmen, and loggers, its Headwaters Arts and Conference Center welcomes visitors for artist shows and community dinners. At the same time, Painted Valley Mercantile & Ranch Supply is unmissable for a do-it-yourself guy or gal.
The Wind River Historical Center/Dubois Museum bursts with heritage artifacts and displays of life from past eras, which, as you will discover, Dubois fiercely preserves through other attractions. From Friday Night Rodeos to Tuesday Night Square Dancing and the Day of the Cowboy, stop by the popular Cowboy Cafe for breakfast, pie, or a buffalo burger at dinnertime! The “banana belt” climate encourages outdoor ventures with warm Chinook winds in the winter that melt the snow and keep you cool in the summer on a hike along Togwotee Pass or playing a round at the 9-hole golf course. Tourists can also enjoy the town's covered swimming pool, the village green with playground and tennis courts, and a great library.
Green River
With scenery right in its name building up the intrigue, this Sweetwater County town does not disappoint amid the picturesque landscapes of southwestern Wyoming. Green River offers a perfect blend of adventures and tranquility, such as stunning rock formations, which you can explore on a hike or relax by the scenic Green River. After a day meandering from Wilkins Peak Trailhead with river views or at the nearby archery and shooting range, spread a picnic at Scott's Bottom Nature Area. The Sweetwater County Historical Museum offers insights into Native American heritage and railroad history, while the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge teems with fish and animals. Just north, Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop comprises a scenic hike with butte and mesa vistas.
Enjoy family time at Andrews Park with a playground, or bring your four-legged friend to Wyoming Park. Shining with natural beauty, much of Green River's appeal comes from the heart of Expedition Island, with greens, trails, and lovely spots to relax by the water while reminiscing on the site's significance. The island, a National Historic Landmark, is where John Wesley Powell launched his infamous expedition down the river. From the Red Island Bridge, take a break for a meal at Penny's Diner or Don Pedros Restaurant, next to the Horse Palace Gaming & OTB. Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway stretches southward with vibrant views, while the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is fantastic for summertime watersport adventures.
Hulett
Christened after Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hulett, the first settlers way back in 1881, Hulett exudes waves of scenic relaxation, where even the river is called Belle Fourche. Quiet and friendly, with doorstep access to the riverside, exploring this valley town surrounded by beautiful red rimrock brings joy to the heart. After your morning java at Red Rock or Ponderosa Cafe, enjoy some scenic tee time at the Golf Club at Devils Tower, which offers special packages for travelers who want to play a round in the shadow of Devils Tower National Monument. The Devils Tower, a climbable rock formation, is the town's number one attraction and the first national monument, just nine miles south.
With beautiful attractions at each turn, families enjoy a countryside experience at the Lake Guest Ranch via a leisurely bike ride or drive. Reconvene for fine dining at the 77 Steakhouse and Saloon or go for a scenic picnic in nature, while R Deli serves some of the best food in Hulett, including excellent pizza and gourmet meals. Make a stop at the Hulett Museum and Art Gallery, which preserves northeast Wyoming's rich history and culture through local art, homesteading stories, and relics from the era, plus a fantastic collection of dinosaur bones. After a day of fresh air recreation, the top Motel Pioneer and Best Western Devils Tower Inn will appease any group.
Lander
Established in 1884, this small town of 7,640 residents consistently ranks as one of the nation's best for year-round outdoor recreation, much thanks to its state park just south. From the City Park at the heart, shoot straight down to the Rise of the Popo Agie Trout Pool, a scenic spot locals rave about, with fish feedings of the huge trout in a quiet, peaceful quarter. From here, dive next door into the Sinks Canyon State Park, an outdoor space filled with river and canyon views. Attracting hikers, bikers, campers, and anglers see which trail catches your eye through foothills and forests amid a wide range of plants and animals, plus Table Mountain just east and a campground.
Ten minutes, and you're back in town for insights at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum to discuss over dinner at Gannett Grill. The pet-friendly McManus Park is great on a stroll along the tumbling creek, while Dillon Park has the best vantage point at sunset. Home to a number of cliffs throughout the foothills of the southeastern Wind River Mountains, Lander warmly welcomes rock climbers from near and far in the warmer months, including thousands who flock in for the International Rock Climbers Festival in July. With plentiful RV campsites within limits, it's just a hop to the Museum of the American West or even Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel in the north.
Laramie
Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie exudes excellence as a cultural hub at endearing 7,200 feet in the Snowy Range Mountains. Offering the most unique attractions, this town of 32,400 is fun to explore on a stroll in the youthful vibe reminiscent of your own college days. Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is a historical park at a former prison site that once held the infamous Butch Cassidy, with tours of the jail and grounds. Enchanting visitors with its rich history, Laramie, home to the Arapaho and Cheyenne people since the 1600s, sprinkles artifacts along the Overland and Cherokee Trails. From LaBonte Park to the public university grounds, hit Pilot Hill Recreation Area Trailhead or play a round at Jacoby Golf Course among free-roaming deer.
The historic Laramie Railroad Depot nods at the significant railroad industry, while Fort Sanders highlights the military history, protecting the Overland Trail, famously used in the early 1860s by the Overland Stage Company under Ben Holladay to run mail and passengers to Salt Lake City. Boasting its own "Jurassic Park," stop for prehistoric sights at the university's Geological Museum. The expansive Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is just 30 minutes west for breathtaking hiking trails, campgrounds, fishing, and waterfalls. Laramie welcomes the explorers with dining options like at the cherry-pink J's Prairie Rose and entertainment. Regal Fox Theater is a complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating, and a concession stand.
Pinedale
If you remember one thing from this town, it will be the blue haze of the mountains against aquamarine waters, creating an undulating feel of paradise. Welcome to Pinedale, home to around 2,000, overlooking hazy mountains looming at the horizon. Its small-town charms mix with opportunities for scenic recreation, like a hike along Pine Creek or a minute's drive north to Fremont Lake Overlook and the lake itself. The town's most popular natural attraction flaunts a resort by the sandy beach, perfect for a family or a romantic couple's stay, plus trails, parking, and restrooms along the lake's southern edge. Boasting proximity to the Wind River Range Lakes, the small town drowns in nature and mountain views.
Downtown Pinedale Aquatic Center is famous for its climbing walls and swimming pools during the colder months. The intriguing Museum of the Mountain Man offers permanent and temporary exhibits of artifacts connected to the 19th-century fur trade in the Rocky Mountains. Stop next door at the craft Wind River Brewing Company from the creekside park at the heart, with a taproom featuring housemade beers, American comfort food, and a seasonal deck. Aside from the largest Fremont Lake under Fremont Peak, which makes for a scenic hike, there are three more large water bodies of Willow Lake to the west, plus Boulder Lake and Half Moon Lake just east, perfect for sailing, fishing, kayaking, motor boating, and jet skiing.
Sheridan
Sheridan, home to historic residences and sites, is an Old West town in the shadow of dramatic mountains. Surrounded by wide-open spaces, the peaky vistas echo the peace and quiet of the bygone era lingering in the air. The historic city center district offers vibrant arts and culture, delicious dining at the Cowboy Cafe, plus greens like the creekside Kendrick Park, which hosts summer concerts, a swimming pool, resident buffalo, and elk. Next door, the beautiful Trail End State Historic Site offers tours from April through December of the unique Flemish Revival mansion with preserved artifacts. Among other Wild West attractions, SAGE Community Arts and the Brinton Museum reflect the town's creativity and heritage in modern spaces.
After Las Delicias for lunch, stop by Gerhold Leathercraft and see what's happening at the Rotary Park fairgrounds, a host of carnivals and rodeos, plus vendors. Just a hop from Marshall Park and the dog-friendly Emerson Park in the south, Perkins American Food Co. hosts a kid-friendly feel for a full breakfast or snack of baked goods in dinerlike digs. All the time, you'll be enjoying the views of the Bighorn Mountains, calling upon the active to explore fascinating hiking and biking trails with no crowds. From hidden fishing holes to legendary climbing spots, the scenic Porcupine Falls dispels water from a granite wall in the mountain as a one-of-a-kind sight. With plentiful RV campgrounds throughout, stay in comfort and on budget at the Alamo Motel.
Sundance
Overlooking the Sundance Mountain to the south, soak up the sunny vibe of this vibrant town that gave the Sundance Kid his moniker. Boasting a claim on Sundance Bearlodge District at the sprawling Black Hills National Forest to the northwest, locals enjoy quick access to diverse wildlife along nature trails. All the cinephiles, Old West lovers, and families rejoice in the refreshing change of pace, where the Sundance Kid once performed the Sun Dance. The traditional ceremony of the local Native American groups was featured in the movie Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. After this performance, the Utah/United States Film Festival was renamed into the Sundance Film Festival to honor the beloved historical figure globewide.
Rich in history and culture to discover over a weekend from the city, many choose the Mountain View Campground, inspiring a modern escape into the wilderness, while Reuter Campground is perfect for those seeking a quiet sojourn in nature. From Sundance Creek through the heart to the sprawling Washington Park, explore the Crook County Museum & 1875 Art Gallery for more of the Sundance Kid’s likeness and insights into local history. Next-door, Longhorn Saloon & Grill hosts an unmissable atmosphere at dinnertime while the town's unique Sip ‘n Walk Historical Tour mixes refreshments with fascinating history lessons. The Devil’s Tower, America’s first national monument, is under 30 minutes west for breathtaking vistas.
Thermopolis
Well known for its mineral hot springs, Thermopolis inspires a scenically relaxing retreat away from the overcrowded city. Home to Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve, its number one attraction in the northern part, features a free public bathhouse along the river. Enjoy the therapeutic waters for relaxation at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect on a cold weather trip, and evening entertainment for all Downtown Thermopolis. From coffee shops and in-house bakeries to breweries and delicious restaurants, its historic saloons were once frequented by Sundance Kid and Butch Cassidy. With under 3,000 locals and the Bighorn River, the small town, abrim with culture, reflects its popularity with attractions to explore in the fresh air outdoors.
From the Big Spring to the White Sulphur Springs, cross the Swinging Bridge, and unwind at the bathhouse, open year-round. T-Hill features a scenic 3-mile loop trail, Star Plunge is a waterpark, and Buffalo Corral Overlook offers wildlife sightings. Come prepared with a picnic from Mack's Market for a whole day of fun discoveries at the park, a nature venture, or take a local fishing charter with Bighorn Fly Fishing. Meanwhile, Wyoming Dinosaur Center intrigues every age with its kid-friendly educational displays of Jurassic-era bones and specimens from nearby dig sites. The Hot Springs County Museum tells the backstory, while El Rancho, a popular stay in town, offers doorstep access to the Bighorn River, lacing the town in the south.
The vast beauty of America’s heartland has so much to offer; from national parks to historic trails, the Equality State invigorates visitors with sprawling vistas to over 100 peaking mountain ranges, including the Tetons and the Bighorns. Boasting Yellowstone, the nation's first national park, there's drama and charm for every taste, plus compelling history and vibrant entertainment.
Laramie, at 7,200 feet above sea level, flaunts the University of Wyoming, while Thermopolis was once frequented by Wild West legends, and Hulett boasts proximity to the Devils Tower. Surrounded by lakes, reserves, and wild rivers, these towns in the “Cowboy State” inspire the locals daily, who welcome visitors in an embrace that feels like the wildest, warmest hug you've ever received.
