8 Coolest Towns in Wyoming for a Summer Vacation in 2024

A summer vacation in Wyoming is always a satisfying experience for many reasons. First, the state is rich in Wild West culture, unsullied natural elegance, exotic and generic wildlife, and amazing locals. All of these features combine in the small towns of the Cowboy State to give visitors an extraordinary summer experience where each moment unfolds like magic. Some of these small towns even serve as gateways to a few of the state’s most famed attractions, like Yellowstone National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and Grand Teton National Park. From Green River to Thermopolis, there are eight of the coolest towns in Wyoming to visit for a summer vacation.

Sundance

Sundance is a small town with a true Wild West aura and enthralling outdoors. Visit this town in Crook County this summer to marvel at the nearby Devil's Tower National Monument, jutting from the prairie and rising to the skies. Visitors can climb this towering geological landmark, hike around it to spot animals like prairie dogs and deer, and learn about its cultural significance with tour guides. Step down from the Devil's Tower and cool off with a dip at the Sundance Pond or paddle on the water. Proceed to Washington Park Pond to fish, stroll on a boardwalk, and enjoy picnics. For even more adventures, take a short trip to Cook Lake, framed by Bearlodge Mountain, to fish, hike, and camp. Before leaving, stop by the Crook County Museum to learn about the town's past while exploring exhibits and dioramas.

Powell

Powell is a decent small town in Park County that is perfect for laid-back visitors. On a summer vacation here, visitors can hop into the town's parks, which cover an area of about 125 acres. These parks offer green spaces, picnic shelters, 1.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, sporting facilities, and more. The town also features the Powell Aquatic Center, where visitors can float on the Lazy River and swim in indoor pools to ward off summer's heat. For some local history, head to the Homesteader Museum. Additionally, Powell is an excellent gateway to Yellowstone and Big Horn Basin, where endless adventures exist.

Laramie

Spend the summer in the beautiful town of Laramie to enjoy history, adventure, arts, culture, and nature. Start by exploring the downtown to capture the captivating murals plastered on several buildings by local artists. Proceed to experience a dose of history at the Wyoming Women's History House, which celebrates the achievements of women in America. Next, interact with nature at the Williams Conservatory, home to over 600 plant species from around the world. Make the summer all about adventures at the nearby Vedauwoo Recreational Center, where towering rocky formations set the stage for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and wildlife-watching adventures. This area is also within the Medicine Bow National Forest, which offers more adventures, including biking, horse riding, fishing, hunting, and more.

Thermopolis

Thermopolis is a unique town that promises visitors a summer vacation of adventures and jaw-dropping discoveries. The town is famous for its abundant natural hot springs most of which can be found at the Hot Springs State Park. Visit this area to soak in a mineral spring, hike six miles of trails, admire the mountains and a swinging footbridge across the Bighorn River, and fish in the river. Additionally, the park is home to one of the largest bison herd in America. Next, head 30 miles to Legend Rock Petroglyph Historic Site to gaze at over 300 petroglyphs created by inhabitants of the area thousands of years ago. For lovers of the most famous prehistoric animal, head to Wyoming Dinosaur Center to see dinosaur fossils, including footprints and bones.

Pinedale

Pinedale is a summer vacation destination for nature lovers, especially tourists interested in lakes and creeks. Approximately 1,300 lakes surround the Pinedale area, making it a great place for endless water adventures. Visitors can head to the massive Lake to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and camping around the lake. Other top waterbodies to visit for similar adventures include - Half Moon, Boulder, and New Fork Lakes. Away from the waters, visitors can get a dose of the area’s history at the Museum of the Mountain Man and then enjoy a scenic drive on the Centennial Scenic Byway or the Skyline Drive, where nature spreads like a postcard.

Green River

Green River is a charming river town with so much to offer. During summer, visitors are welcome to cool off by kayaking on the river and then visit the Sweetwater County Museum afterward to learn about the area’s history. For some more adventures, the town is a short drive to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, home to an extensive reservoir, the Green River, stunning rock formations, and interesting wildlife. Activities offered in the recreation area include - boating, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, biking, horse riding, and more. If there’s still time, head to Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge to see several birds, such as owls, falcons, hawks, and geese. To wrap up, combine history and fun at Expedition Island, the starting point for Major John Wesley Powell’s expedition in 1869 and 1871. The island features picnic spots, and visitors are welcome to fish, boat, kayak, or tube on the river.

Lander

Lander is a prime tourist destination in Fremont Country, surrounded by picturesque natural gems like the Wind River Basin and Popo Agie River. Summer vacationers here are invited to the Lander City Park, featuring picnic benches, playground equipment, and spectacular greenery. The Sinks Canyon State Park is another amazing attraction in Lander worth visiting as it features waterfalls, a river, wildflowers, aspen trees, and impressive bird and wildlife diversity. Activities offered in the park include - hiking, camping, rock climbing, fishing, and picnicking. Back in town, visitors can head to the Fremont County Pioneer Museum to learn about the history of this area from its first inhabitants.

Saratoga

Saratoga is a quintessential Wyoming small town, where summers will feel short for vacationers courtesy of the endless list of things to see and do in the area. This town is home to Saratoga Lake, which is excellent for fishing, boating, and camping. The town also features the Veteran Island Park, where visitors can enjoy picnics with family, enjoy a relaxing stroll, and admire enchanting river scenery. History buffs will enjoy a field day at Saratoga Museum, which features artifacts and photos of the county’s earliest days, as well as rocks, gemstones, and minerals from around the world. Even though it's summer, Saratoga invites visitors to check out its Hobo Hot Springs, even if it is just to take pictures of the scenery. To wrap up, head to the nearby Medicine Bow National Forest, where more than a million acres of land offer endless adventures from hiking to rafting, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and more.

Explore Wyoming's Hidden Highlights This Summer

The larger towns and cities in Wyoming often steal the spotlight even though the state is blessed with so many cool towns offering unbelievable adventures. This summer, visit these cool towns in Wyoming to enjoy jaw-dropping scenery and endless outdoor adventures away from the crowds. Whether you’re a history buff, avid adventurer, or a peace-loving traveler, these towns will have you hooked the entire summer and probably even for life.