7 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Wyoming
Wyoming is most famous as the home of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as 12 picturesque state parks. The Cowboy State also overflows with historical monuments and sites, such as the Devils Tower National Monument or Fort Laramie National Historic Site. The state is an artist's inspiration and a writer's muse, exploding with color and beauty between hundreds of mountain trails, rushing lakes, and scenic byways awaiting exploration. For those in search of open roads and fresh air, the most idyllic small towns in Wyoming are the place to be.
Sheridan
The town of Sheridan is the headquarters for Bighorn National Forest, known for its magnificent mountainous backdrop and old-west charm. Starry nights are especially breathtaking in the area, as the night skies are some of the darkest. While the sparkling skies are always visible, they are especially awe-inducing just five miles outside of town, so be sure to pack a telescope and check the weather for clear nights.
Otherwise, pay a visit to Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site just outside of town, which houses a skylab and telescope. Sheridan is not lacking in terms of outdoor beauty. Sibley Lake and Tongue River Canyon are an angler's delight, perfect for fly-fishing and rock climbing. For a rugged four- to six-day hiking adventure, visit Solitude Loop Trail or go on a mountain bike ride through the Red Grade Trails.
Lander
Lander sits along the shoreline of the Popo Agie River and is just east of the Wind River Range, a mountain range in the central Rocky Mountains. Sinks Canyon State Park is just under 15 minutes from town. It is a public recreation area and nature preserve where the river disappears underneath the ground, popular for camping trips and hiking escapades. Shoshone National Forest, which was the first national forest in the US, is an hour and a half away, including 2.4 million acres of natural scenery, rolling hills, and alpine lakes. Travelers hunt, backpack, camp, fish, stargaze, and view wildlife.
Lander also boasts a storied past, readily discoverable with a trip to The Fremont County Pioneer Museum or the Museum of the American West. Animal lovers must visit the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, featuring a free visitor center and the ability to schedule a guided tour of the grounds, detailing Native American culture and the area's history of wild horses.
Gillette
Gillette is a major economic hub in Wyoming, earning the title "Energy Capital of the Nation." The town's electric energy is discoverable with a tour of Eagle Butte Coal Mine or the Durham Bison Ranch. Otherwise, travelers may explore the historic downtown area at their own pace. There are three museums for a taste of history: Rockpile History Museum, Frontier Auto Museum, and Wright Centennial Museum. Delve into Gillette's cowboy culture at the live horse racing events in the summer.
Gillette is an excellent stopping point on the way to Devil's Tower. Devil's Tower is steeped in natural history and legends since the early 1900s when it was dubbed the nation's first national monument by President Roosevelt. Other nearby destinations include the Big Horn Mountain Range and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Green River
The town of Green River sits on the shores of its namesake river (the Green River), which is the principal tributary of the powerful Colorado River. With such close proximity to a rushing waterway, it is no surprise that fishing, river rafting, tubing, and kayaking are popular activities. Aside from scenic views and outdoor activities surrounding the river, Green River sits just 15 minutes from Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, which is home to 43 campsites and plenty of hiking trails.
The history of Green River dates back hundreds of years, having once been a hunting site for Native Americans. It also became a crossing point for pioneers along the Oregon Trail and even became home to ranchers, railroad people, and miners down the line. For those looking to delve into the history of the area, a trip to Sweetwater County Museum is a must. There is also the Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge, which is half an hour to the north and plays an integral role in the lives of more than 300 species of wildlife.
Rock Springs
Rock Springs is just 20 minutes from Green River. The drive between the two towns offers a sweet escape from the bustle of city life, where wild horses roam the countryside. Rock Springs has a similar history and Western culture to Green River, but it is ideal for those looking to explore on land.
The town is just 25 minutes from White Mountain, where petroglyph carvings share the story of the Shoshone Native Americans. The Killpecker Sand Dunes are north of town, where visitors may explore the rolling sands via an AWD vehicle, ATV, or on a sandboard or sled. Above the dunes sits Boar’s Tusk, an extinct volcanic core with an elevation of 120 meters. For a taste of local culture, stop by during events such as Wyoming’s Big Show at the Sweetwater County Fair and Rodeo.
Douglas
The town of Douglas is the birthplace of the legend of the Jackalope (a jackrabbit-antelope hybrid creature), featuring the eight-foot tall jackalope statue in Jackalope Square, as well as plentiful opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Laramie Mountain Range and Medicine Bow National Forest are about two hours south, ideal for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Ayres Natural Bridge Park is only 20 minutes outside of town, home to an awe-inducing natural 100-foot-long rock arch that spans LaPrele Creek.
The annual events in Douglas give visitors a chance to enjoy local goods and partake in some fun in the sun, including the Wyoming State Fair and Douglas Railroad Days. The area is also chock full of history, boasting a number of historic buildings such as the historic Hotel LaBonte and the Princess Theater.
Rawlins
Rawlins was founded on the Union Pacific Railroad Line in 1867 and was a stop along the Transcontinental Railroad route. With almost 200 years of history, the town is full of historic sites and destinations, including Wyoming Frontier Prison, a state penitentiary that housed outlaws from 1901 to 1981. Today, it is a museum and hosts ghost tours, perfect for a visit in October to celebrate Halloween. Carbon County Museum is another top spot to learn about Rawlins, boasting 30,000 artifacts and archive items. Seminoe State Park has a recreation area of 1,639 acres of land and 19,000 acres of water and is just a 45-minute drive away. Rawlins also hosts a number of events and festivals in the warmer months, such as SummerFest and the Carbon County Fair & Rodeo.
Enjoy a Trip to Wyoming!
Aside from the sheer volume of historic sites and welcoming communities, the small towns of Wyoming provide an idyllic visit steeped in natural sights, a quaint atmosphere, and plenty of room for exploration. From the breathtaking natural wonder of Ayres Natural Bridge Park in Douglas to the peaceful and scenic shores of the Green River, there is always something to explore in Wyoming. The twinkling starry skies and the quietness that fills the air offer a chance to break away from the business of life and enjoy an idyllic getaway in an unforgettable landscape.
