6 Beautiful Small Towns In Wyoming to Visit in 2024
Known as the "Equality State" for being the first US state to give women the right to vote in 1869, Wyoming has long been popular among free spirits and forward-thinking individuals. One of the smallest states in terms of population, just over half a million people call Wyoming home, ensuring that visitors can tap into the same sense of tranquility as its residents.
And there’s certainly no end of great reasons to want to visit. In addition to being home to iconic national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, Wyoming boasts countless charming small towns that are equally worth exploring. The best of them not only provide an authentic taste of the state's rich heritage but also offer plenty of unique experiences to enjoy. Find out more with this list of six of the most beautiful small towns in Wyoming to visit in 2024.
Cody
Its position at the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park has cemented Cody’s reputation as a great place to visit in Wyoming, especially for those with a hankering to sample a little of the Old West. Founded in 1896 by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, the town still resonates with its founder’s adventurous spirit and deep love for the untamed frontier with which he’ll forever be associated.
Highlights of a visit include the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a sprawling museum complex dedicated to the history and culture of the American West. Other top attractions in Cody for 2024 include the Cody Nite Rodeo, which runs every evening from June through August and offers an authentic Old West rodeo experience suitable for all ages. Also fun is the Cody Stampede Rodeo, celebrating its 105th year in 2024.
Jackson
Also known as Jackson Hole for its location in the Jackson Hole Valley, the picturesque town of Jackson is set on the Snake River and surrounded by the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, making it a perfect place to get in some photography practice. The town's proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park makes it a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to explore miles of hiking trails in summer or, once the snow flies, enjoy world-class skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Jackson is also famous for its lively Town Square, adorned with elk antler arches and home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, making it a great place from which to venture out for a stroll. Other fun things to do in Jackson include visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the National Elk Refuge. Also fun in 2024 are events like the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in September, featuring works from local and national artists.
Sheridan
Located in northern Wyoming at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan is the perfect spot to visit in 2024 for those seeking a fun mix of outdoor recreation and historical attractions. History buffs will want to explore the Sheridan Main Street Historic District with its collection of late 19th and early 20th century buildings, among them the old Sheridan Inn. Once managed by Buffalo Bill Cody, it’s a great place for those wanting to spend a night or two in town. The Trail End State Historic Site is another must-visit and consists of a nearly 14,000-square-foot Flemish Revival-style mansion that was completed in 1913.
Looking for fun stuff to do outdoors? Head to the nearby Bighorn National Forest with its hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities, while Kendrick Park is a scenic spot perfect for picnics and leisurely walks in town. Sheridan is also welcoming a rodeo event in 2024: the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, a week-long celebration of Western culture featuring competitions, parades, and street dances.
Lander
Lander’s position along the banks of the Popo Agie River in central Wyoming has long served the townsfolk well. The town's riverside location is not only appealing visually; it has made it a popular spot for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers, all drawn here for easy access to the nearby Wind River Range. Sinks Canyon State Park is another big draw, where the river mysteriously disappears into a limestone cavern only to reappear in a pool a short distance away.
If outdoor adventure is your thing, 2024 sees the return of the International Climbers' Festival, held annually in July and attracting rock climbers from around the world. The Wyoming Outdoor Weekend and Expo, although held earlier in the spring, returns in 2025 and showcases the latest outdoor adventure gear.
Thermopolis
Located in central Wyoming, Thermopolis’s name pretty much gives the game away: yes, this attractive small town is famous for its hot springs. Derived from the Greek words for "hot city," the star of the show here is Hot Springs State Park, home to the world's largest mineral hot spring. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the naturally heated waters one minute and then examine its landscape’s colorful terraces formed by mineral deposits the next.
Other fun things to do in Thermopolis include visiting the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which offers educational and interactive experiences, dinosaur fossils, and the opportunity to explore an active dig site. Events to consider participating in for 2024 include the 99th annual Gift of the Waters Pageant, which celebrates the town's rich history and Native American heritage, and the Hot Springs County Rodeo in September.
Pinedale
Pinedale’s western Wyoming location near the Wind River Range and the Bridger-Teton National Forest makes it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts to visit in 2024. Established in the early 1800s by fur trappers and traders, visitors today can get a feel for this period at the Museum of the Mountain Man with its exhibits on the fur trade era and collections of Native American artifacts.
Be sure to include nearby Fremont Lake, one of Wyoming's largest and deepest lakes, on your Pinedale travel itinerary. In addition to boating and swimming, it’s a popular spot for fishing, too. A fun time to visit in 2024 is during the Green River Rendezvous, a historical reenactment of the original event that took place here in the 1830s to celebrate the town's fur trade heritage with parades, dances, and demonstrations.
The Final Word
As anyone who has ever visited can attest, Wyoming's small towns are ideal destinations for travelers seeking authentic experiences in 2024. From the cowboy heritage of Cody and the historic charm of Sheridan to the therapeutic hot springs of Thermopolis, each of these delightful towns has its own distinct allure. And in 2024, these six most beautiful small towns in Wyoming promise unforgettable memories and adventures.
