7 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in Wyoming
A well-known part of the Western United States, Wyoming is a beautiful land filled with stunning natural scenery and intriguing frontier history. Also known as The Cowboy State, while it has a sparse population of just some 577,000 residents state-wide, Wyoming has loads to offer to anyone looking for a memorable vacation experience out West. Featuring awesome views of the Rocky Mountains, vast plains panoramas, and fascinating stories of the Old West, a visit to Wyoming and its wonderful towns is a great way to discover the Western USA. Many of its slower-paced towns stand out as truly charming examples of Americana, and the young and old alike will surely be keen to return to Wyoming on their next road trip!
Dubois
Just under 1,000 residents call the town of Dubois home, which is charmingly situated along the banks of the Wind River. Located in Fremont County, hot summers and mild winters characterize Dubois’ climate, while its scenic beauty is truly hard to beat. The community is framed by the Absaroka Mountains, and awesome opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are never in short supply here. Go rock climbing, cycling, hiking, and camping, and take in the big skies and special natural ambiance of the Cowboy State. From there, make sure to visit the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, where a close examination of the region’s Bighorn Sheep and the geologic wonders that make up Wyoming are a real treat.
Finally, make sure to visit the Dubois Museum and learn more about the cultural history of the State, the Rocky Mountain region, and Fremont County through an impressive collection of artifacts. With a cute assortment of shops and local eateries like The Honey House and the Lone Buffalo, this place “Where Real Cowboys Work and Play” is a definite treat to visit, relax, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Lander
The seat of Fremont County and just over an hour’s drive from Dubois, the town of Lander is another naturally stunning destination where a slower pace of life amidst some of Wyoming’s great landscapes is always on hand. Home to just over 7,500 residents and situated along the Middle Fork Popo Agie River, Lander is also conveniently located near the Wind River Mountains and the Sinks Canyon State Park. Enjoy hot summers here where chances to go hiking, cycling, camping, rock climbing, and even fishing are ever popular.
Meanwhile, back in town proper, welcoming cultural events delight guests throughout the year. Take in the sights and sounds of the Pioneer Days Parade in July and the Lander Brew Fest in June, sure to please the young and old in any traveling party. Add in intriguing historic sites like the Fremont County Pioneer Museum and the Museum of the American West and get a renewed appreciation for the history of the Old West and the indigenous and pioneer settlers who made the land what it is today.
Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep is a most charming little town where just under 300 permanent residents call home (according to 2020 census numbers). Scenically located within the Bighorn Mountains and its foothills, enjoying the great outdoors has never been easier. With splendid opportunities for fishing, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, and even horseback riding, the natural ambiance in and around Ten Sleep is a true treasure for any nature adventurist. Head out to the nearby Salt Lick Trailhead for a hidden gem of a hike with spectacular views.
In the town itself, a cute variety of stores like Dirty Sally’s and restaurants like The Sleepy Coyote add an authentic ambiance to the small-town USA.
Buffalo
Uniquely situated at the halfway point between Mount Rushmore (in South Dakota) and Yellowstone National Park, Buffalo is a beautiful pit stop for any traveler to enjoy. The seat of Johnson County and home to just over 4,600 inhabitants, this town is also scenically situated within the Bighorn Mountains. A picturesque town with a diverse local economy, including sectors in agriculture, methane production, and tourism, Buffalo is simply a pretty place to visit and relax and unwind.
Visit the historic district and explore several late 19th century edifices, while shops and diners like Thrifty Treasures and the Busy Bee Café offer authentic slices of Americana.
Lovell
Also known as the Rose City, Lovell is celebrated within Wyoming for its beautiful rose gardens. Situated near the border with the State of Montana, this Big Horn County locale is home to a modest population of just over 2,000 inhabitants, where, in addition to the splendid flower displays, visitors can enjoy the wonder of Wyoming outdoors. Marvel at the towering Bighorn Mountains or spend time along the Shoshone River, where summers are hot and winters are cool.
Add in such inviting local eateries like the Mustang Café and BBQ and 4 Corners, which offer authentic American West meals.
Jackson
Jackson is home to just under 11,000 residents, and it can trace its modern history to the 1890s. Seat of Teton County, this popular resort town is situated within the very scenic Jackson Hole Mountain Valley, where nature lovers will never find a shortage of attractions. Within driving distance of the famed Yellowstone National Park, guests can also visit the Grand Teton National Park (just some five miles away), where awesome valley panoramas and striking Rocky Mountain peaks create the very definition of breathtaking. For the alpine athletes, Jackson is a destination that cannot be missed in the winter.
Home to several renowned ski resorts, including Jackson Hole Mountain, Grand Targhee, and Snow King Mountain, thousands visit each year to experience some of the most challenging slopes in the Western United States. Fun cultural events like the Grand Teton Music Festival in the summer and attractions like the National Museum of Wildlife Art and Jackson show that it has something for everyone who visits.
Cody
Cody was established in the 1890s and named for one of its founding pioneers, the famed cowboy "Buffalo" Bill Cody. Today, this seat of Park County is home to just over 10,000 residents, where an old-world charm continues to create a most inviting ambiance. Visit the Old Town Trail and the many 19th-century edifices that line the streets, while an afternoon at the Buffalo Bill Museum is a fascinating outing for the young and old. Highlighting the adventurous life of the eponymous frontiersman and the growth of the American West, this is one of the finest attractions dedicated to the spirit of America.
Meanwhile, Cody is close to Yellowstone National Park, and its surrounding mountain views and hot summer climate never go out of style. With cute businesses like The Cowboy Palace and the Proud Cut Saloon, one can really dive into the culture of the West. Buy a pair of boots and a hat, or even try a buffalo burger!
When visiting the Western United States, be sure not to overlook the Cowboy State of Wyoming and its most wonderful natural landscapes and alluring cultural character. Though it is the least populated state in the country, the great towns of Wyoming are awesome places to enjoy the best of nature and a slower pace of life. From the scenic delights of Jackson and Dubois to the Old West charm of Buffalo and Cody, these cozy and welcoming communities show off the very best of Wyoming. So take to the road and come explore Wyoming across a sojourn to these cute towns, where a slower pace of life, splendid natural beauty, and loads of Western allure await!
