7 Most Underrated Towns in Wyoming
Wyoming has rich aboriginal folklore, and the stunning National Parks of Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The smaller townscapes are especially scenic and exemplary of the state's low population density to experience all its best without crowds. These seven most-underrated towns are home to some of the nation’s renowned attractions that helped shape the "Equality State."
Douglas
The vibrant lake town in eastern Wyoming calls for attention with picturesque shores and a downtown full of history. Racers flee to the charming lakeside locale's motorsports park for high-octane entertainment during epic races. Outside of town, there is a wonderful blend of outdoor pursuits like fishing and boating at the Glendo Reservoir. During the summer animal lovers can enjoy scenic strolls through the Thunder Basin National Grasslands with wildlife sightings in their natural habitat.
Douglas has tons of activities for wintertime such as hiking a section of the Oregon Trail that runs alongside the town. The Fort Fetterman and Pioneer Memorial Museum will keep all history buffs content. Families will especially love the world-class railroad museum with an afternoon worth of fun discoveries, including the world's largest jackalope.
Dubois
The epic town in the shadow of the Bridger-Teton Mountains has a back story. The proud settlement proposed "Tibo”, but the title never made it to the official document, instead named after an Idaho Senator by the postal service. Rather than the French version pronunciation of "du-bwah," the town retains character by rhyming with cowboys as insisted by the townspeople.
Today, Dubois is easily one of Wyoming's most charming and artsy towns that feels like a breath of fresh air. It is a highly-demanded summertime getaway with many surrounding cabins and the ultimate year-round respite for vistas. First-time visitors will fall in love with the welcoming vibe, atmospheric strolls, and highly affordable ways to enjoy a small townscape amidst nature.
Lander
The middle-of-nowhere vibe bids Lander well among those who know about this perfectly-hidden respite. It enchants from the first glance of the small townscape that feels like a world away from daily worries and tumultuous events around the world. Visitors love the galore of annual festivities that entertain and immerse them in culture. The popular Days Rodeo and Parade in July offers fun discoveries and experiences amidst patriotic sights and mingling with locals.
The small town is a concentrated scene with hotels, restaurants, and shops to hang out and peruse in the afternoon, or stroll during the evening. Moreover, it is all accessible within one of Wyoming's most unique parks, with only a few minutes to the beautiful Sinks Canyon State Park, "known" for the disappearing river.
Meeteetse
The town stands out amidst Northern Wyoming with a wistful name and big-time character. Its quaint charm of wooden boardwalks complements the Old West-world feel lingering above the streets. Just thirty minutes away is the alien landscape, Gooseberry Badlands, which calls for endless adventure. Nature and history combine while discovering the Legend Rock Petroglyphs with surrounding scenery unique every season of the year.
The foodies' hearts will "melt" at the Meeteetse Chocolatier with amazing treats one keeps coming back for. The sweetness is ideal to pair with a bitter cup of coffee from the Carmelite monk roasters; or try their famed, Mystic Monk blend. There is also the Gold Reef Mine nearby, along with two ghost towns, Kirwin and Arland; they are definitely worth a visit for a nostalgic atmosphere of a world, forgotten.
Saratoga
The town with the nickname "Where The Trout Leap In Main Street" can not be any more picturesque and cozy. Aside from the traversing North Platte River through the heart, Saratoga takes the prize as the most underrated town just for the hot springs and Western-style streets laden with hotspots. Many visitors head into town for the Bushcreek Distillery with Wyoming-made libations or spend evenings in good company at the Snowy Mountain Brewery. In August, many tourists flock to the renowned Steinley Cup microbrew competition.
The secret gem boasts recreational pursuits for all tastes, levels, and seasons, such as beautiful hiking areas and fishing spots at Saratoga Lake, or the popular Hobo Hot Pool. There is also the atmospheric Veterans Island Park, a small island in the North Platte River, with each season's sights, uniquely-picturesque. Families love the galore of attractions amidst scenery, including endless strolls, a playground, and picnicking.
Sheridan
Wyoming’s "Emerald City" is home to a pronounced Western scape, dotted with historical sights. The quintessential railroad and coal mining town, is significant to the state's past and present, with a legacy that shaped Wyoming. Among rich history, Sheridan boasts of hosting royalty who enjoyed the rural scape with stunning backdrops on a respite from aristocratic commitments. Mountain vistas continue to captivate along with plentiful outdoor recreation like the Fort Phil Kearny, and the Trail End State Historic Site just a few minutes away from the town center.
Despite a relatively high population of over 17,000 year-round, Sheridan holds sacred its small-town appeal amidst Northern Wyoming's mountain country. Families mingle with die-hard cowboy fans along the vibrantly-historic streets and at dude ranches dotting the surrounding scape. The King Ropes Saddlery and Museum offers the opportunity to delve into the art and livelihoods of cattle handling. For an authentic experience, you can stop at the Sheridan Inn, once owned by Buffalo Bill Cody who resided on the grounds.
Sundance
The town infamous for the "Kid" outlaw by the same name is severely underrated for everything else it has to offer. There is plenty of history and entertaining attractions in the town that once jailed the 15-year-old "outlaw," Harry Alonzo Longabaugh for stealing a horse. He took the nickname from the place of his captivity, followed by more run-ins with the law as part of the Butch Cassidy-led, Wild Bunch Gang. Today, you can experience the scenically-rewarding journey to the hidden enclave, within the Black Hills of the northeasternmost corner of the state.
Sundance brims with sights from the lively downtown promenade along with many restaurants and bars. Outdoor fans love all-season adventures such as the must-visit Devils Tower nearby. It is a sacred place for the Native American Tribes, as well as the nation's first monument. The Sundance Kid in the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Robert Redford, created and named the nation-renowned Sundance Film Festival.
Thermopolis
Each attraction shines brighter than the previous in the small town of Thermopolis. With just under 3,000 residents, it is full of sights and experiences, including the swinging suspension bridge, a public hot spring bathhouse, a mineral tepee fountain, and all-inclusive resorts. Thermopolis is also the "Gateway to Yellowstone," and the world's largest mineral hot spring in Hot Springs Park.
The "City of Hot Mineral Baths", as translated from Greek, is home to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center with prehistoric displays and fun activities. Following a day of scenic hiking, fishing, or kayaking at the Legend Rock and Wind River Canyon, nothing feels better than relaxing the muscles and mind in the steaming waters. Thermopolis' most-charming downtown area also awaits with vibrant streets full of hotspots.
These underrated towns offer the opportunity to discover some of the state’s best historic and natural sights within the most charming downtowns. These hidden, remote, or overlooked towns will enchant you and may become your next favorite town in the state.
