8 Best Towns in Wyoming to Visit in 2024
Despite being one of the largest states in the lower 48, Wyoming is the least-populated (not including outside territories). But the low density of humans only serves to highlight the outstanding natural environment. The Equality State (sometimes referred to as the Cowboy State) is filled with dramatic mountain ranges that are dwarfed only by the vast prairies of Middle-America. These enthralling lands support some of the nation's favorite national parks, as well as competitive state parks and sacred indigenous sites. The cherries on top are the great small towns scattered throughout. These are eight of the best ones to give 2024 visitors a sense of Wyoming's culture and history, as well as quick access to some of the most beautiful places in the United States.
Jackson
The Northwestern Wyoming town of Jackson sits beautifully within the 400-square-mile Jackson Hole valley, which is pinched between the Gros Ventre and Teton mountains and just South of Grand Teton National Park. Jackson is also surrounded by the 3.4-million-acre Bridger-Teton National Forest. As if this was not already enough to make outdoor lovers salivate, this Teton County community also has a National Elk Refuge on its outskirts, three nearby ski resorts (note: the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram runs year-round, and affords great views/hikes), and is a stone's throw from the paddle-and-raft-worthy Snake River. Don't miss the annual Jackson Hole Rodeo (June), the Grand Teton Music Festival (July/Aug), and the combined forces of late May's Old West Days/Elk Fest/Teton Powwow/HighNoon Chili Cook-Off.
Buffalo
This small Johnson County city perfectly blends the mountain and prairie aesthetic. Buffalo sits roughly equidistant from Mount Rushmore, to the East (don't miss Devil's Tower National Monument on your way out), and Yellowstone, to the West, and is part of the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. But before making the day-trip to any of these treasured American attractions, give some love to Bighorn National Forest – an unspoilt 192,000-acre preserve with over 1,200 miles of multi-use trails, beginning just West of town. With all that said, the most immediate attraction is Buffalo itself. This spacious, easy-going place is anchored by the charming, and historic (nationally registered) downtown strip. Main Street is speckled with historic places, such as the famous Occidental Hotel (which accommodated Teddy Rosevelt, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, and many other characters), the Johnson County Courthouse, and the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.
Cody
Speaking of Buffalo Bill (i.e. Colonel William F. Cody), this Park County city was founded in honor of the American West icon. Cody now stands as a tribute to cowboy and Old West culture. During the peak summer season there are nightly rodeos, live music, and even gun fight reenactments. For a more relaxed peek into late 19th-century life, visitors can stroll through the Old Town Trail – an authentic recreation of a frontier village, or visit the five distinct museums at the Buffalo Bill center of the West (covering everything from the namesake figure, to Western Art, to Plains Indian history). In terms of Wyoming wilderness, all 1.4-million-acres of America's first national forest (Shoshone) await to the Southwest, while America's first national park (Yellowstone) is just 50 miles West of Cody.
Thermopolis
Everyone should know what to expect from the seat of Hot Springs County. Whether your muscles are tired and stiff from Wyoming's endless outdoor adventures, or your bones are chilled from those lengthy Northern winters, soaking in Thermopolis' geothermal pools will be a rewarding experience. As per an agreement with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, Wyoming's first state park, Hot Springs State Park (opened in 1897), continues to provide free access to the bath house built on the Big Horn River. Not only is this a great place to enjoy the healing mineral waters, but there is also a suspension footbridge from which to enjoy the colorful cliffs, and see some of the bison that have inhabited the park since 1916. Despite the universal appeal of the springs, Thermopolis is more than a one-trick pony. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center has huge displays of fossils that were found in the surrounding hills, while the nearby Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site shows 300 captivating (and sometimes eerie) figures etched into the cliffside by the region's Native American ancestors.
Dubois
Seemingly remote (though within shouting distance of major attractions), and certainly overlooked, Dubois is both peaceful and fun. This Fremont County community is humbled by the surrounding Wind River, Absaroka, and Owl Creek mountain ranges and the extensive Bridger-Teton and Shoshone national forests. Grand Teton National Park can be reached in less than an hour via the Centennial Scenic Byway (called "One of the finest drives in the Rockies" by National Geographic), and the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone aren't much further North from there. But Dubois itself if known for big game hunting and fishing, as well as a slew of everyday attractions – whether it's the Friday night rodeo that runs all summer, square dancing in the street during "Tuesday on the Town," live music performances at the Dubois Museum (which is an interesting spot to peruse even when there isn't a show), and a regular farmer's filled with local goodies and small-town hospitality.
Sheridan
Just 35 miles North of Buffalo, near the Montana border, Sheridan preserves its Old West character while also augmenting itself to create an exciting "New West" hub. Here, the weathered buildings of the historic district mingle with spritely, neon-lit venues. Some of the standout attractions include King's Saddlery & Museum (for your daily dose of cowboy nostalgia), the Brinton Museum (a 620-acre ranch that features Native American art), the Trail End State Historic Site (with a Flemish Revival mansion at its core), and the Historic Sheridan Inn, where beloved American author, Ernest Hemingway retreated to work on A Farewell to Arms). Like Buffalo, the Bighorn National Forest sprawls immediately West of town, but this time, the ski slopes of Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area are much closer.
Ten Sleep
60 miles West of Buffalo, in the Southern foothills of the Bighorn Mountains and also along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, Ten Sleep is indeed a sleepy town, but one that's full of vitality. Located at the West entrance of the striking Ten Sleep Canyon, this Washakie County gem has developed quite a reputation amongst the climbing community. The annual climbing festival now brings over 600 athletes into town, from beginners to elite. Along with thrilling competitions, the event includes guided nature walks, live music, great food and friendly games, thanks to local sponsor, Ten Sleep Brewing Company (which serves up craft suds all year). Another cherished annual event is the Ten Sleep 4th of July Parade and Rodeo, which has been putting on quite the show since 1946.
Rock Springs
Rock Springs switches up the aesthetic and injects a solid dose of cultural diversity. This former coal mining town attracted immigrants from 56 nationalities, and is even the place where "Butch" Cassidy got his nickname (as he worked here as a butcher back in the day). Located in the high-desert of Sweetwater County, Rock Springs sits right below the Killpecker Sand Dunes (an ATV and sandboard haven with a free campground), which sits below Boar's Tusk (an ancient volcano core formation) and right next to the White Mountain petroglyph site. A short jaunt in the other direction will take visitors to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area – an enthralling naturescape surrounding the Green River reservoir that is rich in both land and water activities. On rest days, pop on over to the Rock Springs Historical Museum, or catch a rodeo show at the Sweetwater Events Complex.
Wyoming is one big outdoor playground with chunks of Wild West and Native American culture mixed in for good measure. These eight small towns offer up exciting local attractions, and a lifetime's worth of exploratory missions – from well-structured national parks, to national forests that are as wild as it gets outside of Alaska). Anyone with an all-season vehicle, sturdy footwear, and a good camera will not be left in want of anything after this year's trip to Wyoming.
