8 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Wyoming
If you are seeking adventure or an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider a trip to any small town in Wyoming. Each town offers a unique experience and welcomes visitors with open arms.
With a rich Wild West history, snow-capped mountain peaks, lush green forests, and babbling rivers, the charm and beauty of these idyllic small towns will surprise you.
From the therapeutic hot springs of Thermopolis to the Shoshone National Forest of Cody, these eight breathtaking small towns in Wyoming are a must-see.
Jackson
With 10,698 residents, Jackson, Wyoming, is a small town that serves as a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the National Elk Refuge, and Bridger Teton National Forest. Jackson is also home to three major ski resorts, including the world-renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Visiting in summer is equally enjoyable, especially if you head to Teton Village. It is a ski resort 15 minutes from Jackson and offers visitors fun and inexpensive activities such as rock climbing, disc golf, trampolining, mountain biking, gondola rides, and stargazing tours.
Cody
A true gem of the Wild West, “Buffalo Bill” Cody, with its 10,224 residents, is the town to visit to experience Western attractions. Aside from summertime nightly rodeos and gunfight reenactments, Cody is famous for its Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The Center comprises five museums and houses one of the world's largest collections of Western art.
Old Trial Town is another must-see spot. It is a recreated Western village featuring homes, hideouts, and saloons. If you prefer nature, head to Shoshone National Forest for kayaking, hiking, fly fishing, river rafting, and horseback riding.
Lander
Established in 1884, Lander is a small town with only 7,581 residents. Consistently ranked as one of America’s best outdoor towns, Lander beckons to outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Sinks Canyon State Park is a popular natural attraction for hikers, bikers, campers, and anglers.
You can learn about the town's history by visiting The Museum of the American West and the Fremont County Pioneer Museum. The town is inviting and warm and is a Mecca for rock climbers. Thousands flock to Lander annually for the town’s International Rock Climbers Festival held in July.
Thermopolis
Well known for its mineral hot springs, Thermopolis is the best small town to unwind and relax in. With just 2,702 residents, it’s a great place to escape crowded city living.
The Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve houses a free public bathhouse open year-round. The therapeutic waters are pleasant, consistent at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and overlook the Bighorn River.
Downtown Thermopolis is a sight to see. Its historic saloons, once frequented by Wild West legends such as the Sundance Kid and Butch Cassidy, are now bakeries, coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants offering delicious fare.
Pinedale
Pinedale is the perfect combination of small-town charm and outdoor recreation. While the town’s 1,997 residents enjoy this natural paradise every day, it welcomes tourists all year round.
Many large, beautiful lakes surround Pinedale. The Wind River Range Lakes - New Fork, Fremont, and Half Moon are perfect for sailing, fishing, kayaking, motor boating, jet skiing, and other fun water sports.
For ]indoor enjoyment, head to the Museum of the Mountain Man, which covers the history of the Western Fur Trade, or stop by the Pindeale Aquatic Center. The PAC has swimming pools and climbing walls, and it hosts several fun competitions.
Saratoga
Another stunning small town, Saratoga, has only 1,747 residents. It is home to a naturally occurring mineral pool called - Hobo Hot Springs, which is free for visitors and open 24/7. The town has a rich history of sheep herding and copper mining, which you can learn about at the Saratoga Museum.
The North Platte River is close to Saratoga and is a popular stop for blue ribbon trout anglers. Saratoga Lake is also worth a visit. There are several annual events held by the lake, including rodeos, an Ice Fishing Derby, concerts, festivals, chili cook-offs, and chariot races.
Dubois
With a mere 931 residents, Dubois is both remote and remarkable. The town is located only an hour from Yellowstone National Park and is surrounded by alpine deserts, volcanoes, arid badlands, and more that ATV, bike, boat, or horseback or foot can explore.
Dubois, especially the Wind River Indian Reservation, are excellent places to learn about Native culture. Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes live on the reservation. Their culture/history is displayed in several museums on the reservation. Dubois is considered horse country, and horseback tours are standard; you can explore the town's rivers, mountain peaks, and wildflower-laden landscapes from a unique vantage point.
Buffalo
Located in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. Buffalo has 4,688 residents. The town’s main street is dotted with several historical buildings worth viewing, such as the Occidental Hotel, which was once welcomed by Old West icons such as Calamity Jane and Teddy Roosevelt.
The Jim Gatchell Museum is another noteworthy site with 15,000+ American Old West artifacts. If you want to experience Western living, book a stay at one of the town’s many ranches, such as Paradise Guest Ranch. Lastly, head to Bighorn National Forest to enjoy a day of fishing, camping, or hiking.
Discover Wyoming's Hidden Highlights
The towns mentioned above guarantee a memorable vacation if you are an adventure seeker, history lover, food enthusiast, or someone seeking a little peace. Each town is off the beaten track and, therefore, less crowded and offers a unique blend of stunning beauty, thrilling activities, and relaxation, making for the perfect holiday for couples, families, or solo travelers. So, consider these eight breathtaking towns in Wyoming when planning your next getaway.
