7 Most Inviting Towns in Wyoming
Wyoming, also known as the Cowboy State, explodes with natural sights and a storied past, home to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as Devils Tower and Bighorn Canyon. The state has a Native American history dating back 13,000 years, as well as a role in the Oregon Trail, and was once home to cattle ranches and cowboys. As Wyoming's nickname and symbol (the bucking bronco) imply, Cowboy Culture is alive and well as visitors find warm welcomes and handshakes everywhere they turn.
Buffalo
The Occidental Hotel Lodging and Dining in Buffalo, Wyoming, USA. Editorial credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock.com
The town of Buffalo sits in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains and on Wyoming State Highway 16, which leads to both Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. It is the ideal stop on a road trip between some of Wyoming's greatest sights, boasting some of its own unique delights. Travelers may step into the past at Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, housed in a 1909 Carnegie Library building, displaying thousands of artifacts from the Old West. Nearby, hike below the towering trees of the Bighorn National Forest, fish and paddle along the alpine lakes, or camp out at South Fork Campground. While in town, a stay in the historic Occidental Hotel is essential, home to the 1908 Historic Saloon and having once embraced icons of the past such as Teddy Roosevelt and Calamity Jane.
Cody
The OccidentalEyy Hotel Lodging and Dining in Buffalo, Wyoming, USA. Editorial credit: melissamn / Shutterstock.com
Cody brands itself the "Rodeo Capital of the World," brimming with the history of the Old West and pioneer traditions, as well as the Cody Stampede Rodeo every summer. Buffalo Bill's Irma Hotel & Restaurant has stood for over 100 years, consistently embracing Western architecture and decor. There is even a shootout reenactment outside the hotel by the Wild Bunch each summer. Hop aboard the Cody Trolley Tour to learn all about the town's history, stopping by Buffalo Bill's Reservoir and the historic district. Thrill seekers must head to Sleeping Giant and zipline through the Absaroka Mountains, or in winter enjoy a rush down the ski hills. In summer, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, and horseback riding are popular activities in the area.
Dubois
Black Bear Inn sign and office, a small motel in downtown Dubois, Wyoming, USA.
Dubois sits in a quiet corner of Wyoming, just an hour from the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The nearby Wind River, Absaroka, and Owl Creek mountain ranges offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, be it hiking, river rafting, or overnight camping. It is also near Shoshone National Forest, one of the oldest national forests in the US. The town is big on local entertainment: there is a rodeo every Friday from June through August, square dancing on the streets every Tuesday, a Wild West Brewfest at the end of July, and weekly farmers markets all summer. For those looking to indulge in the natural scenery and old west history, spots like Rams Horn Guest Ranch, Crooked Creek Guest Ranch, Triangle C Ranch, and Bitterroot Ranch offer a warm welcome alongside fly fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
Jackson
Welcome sign at Jackson Hole viewpoint overlooking the valley with the Tetons mountains in Wyoming.
The town of Jackson is about an hour from Dubois. It is home to a portion of Jackson Hole, a valley and wilderness recreation and the ideal destination for fishing, rafting, hiking, and more. The destination's catchphrase is "stay wild," reminding visitors and locals alike to enjoy the excitement that awaits in the great outdoors, be it a ski trip to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or guided climbing with Exum Mountain Guides. The area's ecosystem provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, home to species of animals such as wolves, black and grizzly bears, and bison. For a taste of the area's culture, local annual events include the Jackson Hole Rodeo, Grand Teton Music Festival, and Old West Days Festival.
Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep Saloon Steakhouse in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, USA. Editorial credit: magraphy / Shutterstock.com
Ten Sleep is the base camp for access to the western side of the Bighorn Mountains, with the Bighorn National Forest accessible via the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. In the warmer months, visitors camp, hike, boat, and more along the mountainscape, while winter calls for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing at Meadowlark Ski Lodge. Ten Sleep transports visitors back in time to the authentic American West, hosting the famous Ten Sleep 4th of July Parade and Rodeo, and just minutes from Ten Sleep Canyon, suitable for hiking and rock climbing. The town also has a rich pioneer history, discoverable with a trip to the Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum. For refreshments after a long day exploring, stop by Ten Sleep Brewing Co.
Pinedale
Aerial view of Fremont Lake near Pinedale, Wyoming.
Pinedale sits at the base of the Wind River Mountain Range, which includes Gannett Peak, one of the highest mountains in Wyoming. It is also home to 1,300 lakes, such as the glistening Fremont Lake (the second-largest natural lake in Wyoming) and plenty of trails for backpacking, fishing, and camping. A blissful tube ride along Pine Lake is a great way to spend a couple of hours, as is snorkeling below Fontenelle Dam. Anglers are sure to find delight when visiting Pinedale, with opportunities for fly-fishing on the Green and New Fork rivers and ice fishing on Half Moon Lake. While in town, visitors must delve into the stories of the past at the Museum of the Mountain Man or the nearby Sommers Homestead Living History Museum.
Thermopolis
Panorama of Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Thermopolis is most well known as home to Hot Springs State Park, a place to relax and revel in all the warmth and beauty that natural pools have to offer. Access to the hot springs is completely free and open year-round, providing a therapeutic experience for all who visit. Just south of town are Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park, popular destinations for hiking, fishing, and hunting. For history lovers, the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site is just half an hour from town, featuring carvings and drawings that date back 10,000 years. The town also houses the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, ideal for a trip with kids focusing on learning all about prehistoric life with dig sites open in the warmer months. For the adults, be sure to stop by Wyoming's first legal whiskey distillery, the nearby Wyoming Whiskey.
Wyoming Invites You to Explore!
The small towns of Wyoming are some of the most welcoming in the country, drawing visitors in with their proximity to some of the state's greatest delights, while also offering their own unique sights and destinations. Local events entice travelers from far and wide, including Cody's weekly rodeos and Dubois' Wild West Brewfest. The local culture of each destination provides an unforgettable trip, whether it is a visit to the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo or accepting the call of the wild in Jackson.
