9 Best Downtowns In Wyoming
These towns in Wyoming have some of the best downtown areas, rich in history, culture, and entertainment. Sheridan, for instance, is where people from all walks of life come together to appreciate the cowboy way of life. From its annual signature rodeo event to monthly street festivals along its main streets, there are countless opportunities to celebrate the town's rich cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Buffalo's downtown area is home to Wyoming's only fully restored frontier hotel. At the same time, Cody's main feature is its many museums that feature American West art and artifacts. Read on to learn more about why these nine towns in Wyoming are unique and remarkable places to visit.
Rock Springs
Rock Springs boasts one of Wyoming's greatest downtowns. As you meander through its charming streets, you'll come across numerous dining options, mom-and-pop stores, boutiques, historic structures, entertaining sights, and activities. Treat yourself to delicious burgers and milkshakes at Broadway Burger Station, authentic Mexican food at Casa Chavez, or premium steaks at Boars Tusk Steakhouse. From bath and body necessities at Mack & Co Boutique to handcrafted scented candles at Sweet Sage, you can get all you need and more there.
Those who wish to immerse themselves in the art and entertainment scene should go to the Broadway Theater to take in an intimate concert or musical or the Community Fine Arts Center, which features exhibits and artwork by local artists. Play a game of mini-golf at the Downtown Putt Around, or explore the town's history at the Rock Springs Historical Museum as you continue down the downtown streets. There are always a lot of events happening downtown in Rock Springs, including farmers' markets, car shows, and free concerts at Bunning Park.
Sheridan
Charming boutiques, shops, and restaurants may be found between old buildings and structures along Sheridan's historic downtown district. With more than 200 merchants in one location, Best Out West Antiques has everything you need. However, don't stop there. Find top-quality home products at Cottonwood Kitchen + Home, stylish women's clothes at Jackalope Ranch Mercantile, and rare books at Ye Olde Book Knook, all within a short stroll. King's Saddlery is also a fun place to visit, as it offers everything from Western souvenirs to a museum with cowboy artifacts.
In addition to shopping, downtown Sheridan is ideal for dining on hometown classics at Main Street Tavern and Cowboy Café. For some of the best brews in town, you should also visit Black Tooth Brewing Company. The WYO Theater, also located downtown, offers many forms of entertainment, including live shows, concerts, and Broadway musicals. If you're searching for something more to do, events like the Sheridan WYO Rodeo and the 3rd Thursday Street Festival, with street vendors, food, and musical performers, are ideal.
Rawlins
Downtown Rawlins, a nationally recognized historic district, is an intriguing destination. A historic walking tour can teach you more about Rawlins' beginnings in the late 1860s and the early history of the Union Pacific Railroad. In addition, the downtown area is a haven for art enthusiasts. Along the way, discover intriguing murals and other artwork produced by regional artists that highlight the south-central Wyoming region's historical innovations and scenic beauty. For more art discoveries in Rawlins, many galleries, studios, and locations for workshops and classes, such as Red Desert Arts and Studio 519 Bottle Bar Art, line the downtown streets.
Discover many unique shopping places, like the Mabuhay Oriental Market, which has a diverse collection of Asian clothing, gifts, and furniture. Windswept Goods is another outlet to check out with everything from antiques and home decor to fashion accessories and jewelry. After exploring downtown Rawlins' retail scene, grab a bite to eat at neighborhood restaurants like Bucks Sports Grill or Shogunz Pizzeria & Bar.
Laramie
Laramie became famous due to its vibrant location along the Union Pacific Railroad in the middle of the rural plains. Its downtown area's unique steel pedestrian bridge shows the lively historic neighborhood with colorful murals painted by local artists. The variety of food and drink options in downtown Laramie also draws tourists. There's something for everyone, whether you want gourmet pizza from Alibi Wood Fire Pizzaria & Bakery, a burger and fries from Crowbar & Grill, or the finest teas or treats from the Sugar Mouse Cupcake House.
Lively bars with handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and entertainment can be found in the neighborhood restaurants. Head to the Buckhorn Bar & Parlor, Laramie's oldest bar, for karaoke fun, or the Cowboy Saloon & Dance Hall for country music. Visiting downtown Laramie in the summer is ideal if you want to check out the Laramie Farmers Market. On Friday afternoons from June through September, the market is crowded with merchants selling handcrafted goods, fresh produce, and local artwork. The Laramie Brewfest, which draws over 2,500 people annually, is another well-liked summer event downtown.
Torrington
Torrington is a charming town in Goshen County, southeast Wyoming, with a strong emphasis on Western friendliness. If you venture into the downtown area, you will find numerous sites of interest that provide information about the town's history. The Goshen County Homesteaders Museum is one of them. The museum, housed in a historic Union Pacific Depot, has a one-room schoolhouse, an early farm hut, and the county's first automobile, among many other treasures.
In addition to historical attractions, you may enjoy restaurants like Broncho Bar & Grillhouse, which serves everything from steaks and burgers to salads and seafood. Open Barrel Brewing Company is another staple in downtown Torrington. Their homemade brews, which range from rich stouts to hoppy IPAs, are well-known and go well with various delicious menu items. If you want a one-stop shopping experience, visit the Torrington Main Street Market. Everything you need is there, whether you're there to pick up baked goods, fresh produce, or daily necessities.
Cody
Cody is one of Wyoming's most incredible places because of its fascinating history, breathtaking natural features, and cultural gems. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate located in the center of Cody's downtown, is home to five museums meant to be an educational and engaging experience.
Start at the Buffalo Bill Museum to learn about the Wild West, then head to the Cody Firearms Museum to see a collection of firearms through the years. Look at the Native American civilizations that inhabit the region at the Plains Indian Museum, read about Yellowstone National Park at the Draper Natural History Museum, and admire Western art at the Whitney Western Art Museum. Outside of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in downtown Cody, Old Trail Town, a reconstruction of 1890s Western structures and artifacts, offers additional exploration opportunities.
Dubois
Dubois is a genuine Western town on the Wind River, surrounded by the Absaroka and Wind River Mountains. Despite being a small town, there are many reasons to visit. Downtown Dubois is where you'll want to venture as it's home to the National Bighorn Sheep Center, a great place to learn about the area's bighorn sheep. Additionally, it has a gift shop where you can purchase postcards, books, and mementos.
After spending a few hours at the National Bighorn Sheep Center, walk to the Wilderness Boundary Restaurant within the Lava Mountain Lodge for prime rib or barbecue, or stop by Cowboy Cafe for a delicious burger. Since Duboois is recognized for its Western atmosphere, look around the downtown stores like Absaroka Western Designs, which sells anything from Native American art to lodgepole and aspen furniture. In the summertime, the area is also where you can enjoy many local events like farmers' markets, square dancing, concerts, and rodeos.
Buffalo
Buffalo is nestled within the stunning foothills of the Big Horn Mountains, so you know plenty of recreational activities are nearby. However, visiting the downtown area is ideal to experience everything that the small town offers. First stop at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum to see the many exhibitions and artifacts related to the American West. Another famous landmark in downtown Buffalo is the Occidental Hotel. It offers authentic historic accommodation with all the modern amenities, including a classic saloon, a fine dining restaurant, and a charming cafe.
The area has local stores selling pottery, art, apparel, and antiques, including Margo's Pottery & Fine Crafts and the Bucking Buffalo Supply Company. Along the way are a few eateries, bakeries, and cafes. Enjoy a hearty meal at Main Street Diner, brick-oven pizzas at Pie Zanos, or homemade pastries at Lolly's Sugar Shack. While walking downtown in the summer, people frequently stop by the walk-up ice cream shop, Lickity Splits. Additionally, you can relax in Crazy Woman Square while taking in the local artisans' creations.
Evanston
In southwest Wyoming, Evanston is a charming town with a bustling downtown area filled with various restaurants and bars. Stroll along the streets as you come across the cozy coffeehouse Yellow Cup Coffee, a local favorite. For a more intimate setting, make a dinner reservation at Bon Rico, where you can find a selection of pleasing steak and seafood dishes on the menu. Other establishments include Suds Brothers Brewery, an ultimate place for craft beers and pub fare, and Kate's, a fun bar to relax and sip on regionally sourced brews and spirits.
Downtown Evanston is also a great place to shop. You'll discover many unique boutiques, like Rustic Sage Co., and fascinating home goods stores, like Ivory and Iron. In addition to dining and shopping, the downtown area is a lively center for entertainment, with frequent concerts, car shows, farmers markets, and festivals hosted there.
What Makes Wyoming’s Downtowns Stand Out
After visiting towns like Sheridan and Cody, you'll find out why they have some of the best downtown areas in the state. Whether the lively rodeos, western attractions, historical landmarks, quaint shops, and eateries with an Old West vibe spark your interest, these nine distinctive towns offer something unique.
