2025's Most Underrated Towns In Wyoming
Beyond the crowded paths to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone lie Wyoming towns with authentic character that remain surprisingly under-visited. If you're planning to head west in 2025 and are looking for meaningful experiences away from tourist hotspots, this guide is for you. These overlooked Wyoming communities offer precisely what many travelers are looking for—beautiful scenery, rich heritage, and genuine local culture without crowds.
Lander
At the foot of the Wind River Range, Lander blends outdoor adventure with small-town charm in a way few Wyoming locales can match. This community of about 7,600 serves as a base camp for world-class rock climbing, fly fishing, and hiking without the pretension or prices found in more famous mountain towns.
Lander's Main Street features historic buildings housing local businesses where outdoor enthusiasts mingle with ranchers and locals. The Lander Bar serves as a community hub, pouring excellent microbrews after days spent in nearby Sinks Canyon or the Wind River mountains.
The town has recently embraced the remote work movement with several new co-working spaces featuring high-speed internet, making it increasingly attractive to digital nomads seeking outdoor access without sacrificing connectivity. If you are looking to make a permanent move to The Cowboy State and can work from anywhere, Lander should definitely be on your radar.
Pinedale
At the doorstep of the spectacular Wind River Range, Pinedale serves as the last outpost before wilderness that stretches for miles. This authentic western town provides access to over 1,300 mountain lakes and countless trails without the traffic jams common in Wyoming's national parks.
The Museum of the Mountain Man captures the rugged history of fur trappers who gathered in this valley for summer rendezvous during the 1830s. Modern-day visitors can appreciate this heritage while enjoying surprisingly sophisticated dining options for a town of just 2,000 residents.
Wind River Brewing Company offers creative pub fare alongside house-made beers, while local accommodations range from traditional motels to newer boutique options. Fremont Lake, one of Wyoming's largest and deepest natural lakes, sits just minutes from downtown, providing outstanding salmon and trout fishing, as well as kayaking and swimming.
Buffalo
Positioned where the rolling plains meet the dramatic rise of the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo looks much as it did a century ago, with a well-preserved downtown that balances historic character with modern function.
The Occidental Hotel, affectionately known as "The Ox," has operated since 1880, hosting figures like Butch Cassidy and Teddy Roosevelt during its storied history. Today, its restored rooms offer a blend of period furniture and contemporary amenities, while the hotel's saloon features live music several nights a week.
Clear Creek runs through town, offering recreational opportunities right in the heart of Buffalo. The nearby Cloud Peak Wilderness offers spectacular hiking without the national park crowds, with trails leading to alpine lakes and dramatic mountain vistas.
Dubois
Pronounced "DOO-boys" by locals, Dubois sits in a red rock valley that would be famous if it were in Utah or Arizona. This town of about 1,000 people remains underappreciated despite its location between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Wooden boardwalks line the main street, where businesses occupy historic buildings rather than reproductions designed for tourists. The National Bighorn Sheep Center educates visitors about the large herds that winter on nearby Whiskey Mountain, one of the largest bighorn sheep habitats in the country.
The Dubois Museum chronicles the area's rich history, from Native American artifacts to pioneer homesteading. Local establishments like the Rustic Pine Tavern and Outlaw Bar & Saloon attract an interesting mix of ranchers, wilderness guides, and artists who've found inspiration in the valley's dramatic landscapes.
Saratoga
"Take the waters" might as well be the unofficial motto here. Saratoga's free public hot springs sit alongside the North Platte River, with steaming pools available 24/7 without an entrance fee—a refreshing contrast to commercialized hot springs elsewhere.
The historic Hotel Wolf, built in 1893, maintains its Victorian charm while serving excellent regional cuisine in its period dining room. The North Platte provides blue-ribbon trout fishing that draws anglers from across the country, though the river remains uncrowded enough for quality experiences.
The nearby Medicine Bow National Forest offers endless hiking and camping opportunities, with the dramatic Sierra Madre and Snowy Range mountains providing spectacular backdrops. Saratoga retains its authentic character while thoughtfully incorporating amenities that enhance longer stays.
Ten Sleep
Named for its position ten "sleeps" (days of travel) from various Native American territories and trading posts, Ten Sleep remains one of Wyoming's smallest incorporated towns. Its position at the western edge of the Bighorn Mountains places it amid spectacular scenery that few travelers experience.
Ten Sleep Canyon has emerged as a world-class climbing destination, with hundreds of bolted routes on pristine limestone walls. Ten Sleep Brewing Company, housed in a converted barn, creates exceptional craft beers that attract tourists from throughout the region.
The contrast between traditional agriculture and outdoor recreation creates an interesting dynamic in Ten Sleep. Sheep and cattle ranches operate in the valley while international climbers explore the canyon walls, creating a unique cultural blend in this tiny Wyoming community.
Lovell
At the northern edge of Wyoming, Lovell serves as the gateway to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, a stunning gorge with walls rising 1,000 feet above a sapphire-blue lake. This dramatic landscape remains relatively unknown compared to Wyoming's national parks, offering solitude even during peak summer.
The nearby Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range houses one of the last genetically pure herds of Spanish mustangs in America, descendants of horses brought by conquistadors. If rugged beauty and nature are what draw you to Wyoming, Lovell is just the place. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with bighorn sheep, deer, and numerous bird species inhabiting the area.
The town, known as the 'Rose Capital of Wyoming,' features the Lovell Rose Garden, filled with rose bushes. This horticultural achievement creates a striking contrast with the harsh, dramatic landscape surrounding the community.
Lusk
This eastern Wyoming town along the historic Cheyenne-Deadwood stage route preserves its pioneer heritage without fanfare. Lusk doesn't try to impress; it simply maintains its authentic character as it has for over a century.
The Stagecoach Museum highlights the transportation history that shaped the region, with exhibits featuring artifacts from the legendary Cheyenne-Deadwood route. Nearby Rawhide Wildlife Management Area offers excellent hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities in the rolling eastern plains.
Local establishments like the Outpost Café serve homestyle cooking to a clientele that primarily consists of area residents rather than tourists. This authenticity provides a genuine glimpse into eastern Wyoming life that hasn't been altered to meet outsiders' expectations. When visiting Lusk, you'll feel more like you're visiting family than taking a trip, and that's what makes this small town so appealing.
Meeteetse
Consisting of little more than a few blocks of historic buildings on Wyoming Highway 290, Meeteetse delivers quality experiences that belie its tiny size. The Meeteetse Chocolatier has gained regional fame for handcrafted chocolates created by a former cowboy turned chocolatier.
The Meeteetse Museums complex effectively documents local history, including the 1981 discovery of black-footed ferrets once thought to be extinct. This small institution punches well above its weight with thoughtful exhibits and knowledgeable staff passionate about preserving local heritage.
The cottonwood-lined main street looks much as it did a century ago, though some original businesses have permanently closed in recent years. Even so, the town retains its rustic, inviting charm. The surrounding landscape offers excellent fishing along the Greybull River and access to the spectacular Absaroka Mountains.
Thermopolis
The name gives away its main attraction. Thermopolis is home to multiple mineral-rich hot springs, all in the same setting as roaming wild bison herds. Hot Springs State Park offers free public soaking with views of the Bighorn River cutting through red rock cliffs. The springs attract wellness-minded travelers year-round yet remain uncrowded even during peak seasons.
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center stands as another compelling reason to visit, housing thousands of specimens and offering visitors the chance to participate in actual paleontological digs during summer months. The museum's collection rivals those in much larger cities with exceptional fossil displays and educational programs.
The combination of therapeutic waters, idyllic prairie grass landscapes, and prehistoric artifacts makes Thermopolis a distinctive destination. You'll also find a variety of locally owned restaurants and breweries. For a truly unique dining experience, Thermopolis Safari Club serves up decadent prime rib in a dining room filled with their private collection of big game trophies.
Undiscovered Western Heritage
As Wyoming's major destinations manage to increase the number of visitors in 2025, these smaller communities offer what many travelers now value most: authenticity, personal connections, and experiences that haven't been packaged for mass consumption. They represent Wyoming as it really is—a place of dramatic landscapes, rich history, and communities that evolved organically rather than for tourism. Visit them this year while they still feel like discoveries rather than destinations.
