9 Serene Towns in Wyoming for a Weekend Retreat

Wyoming is a cauldron steaming with delightful and wonderful flavors. The hottest and steamiest attraction in the Equality State is Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the US and the most famous landscape in America. Amidst the harsh environments and rugged mountains of the land, visitors will be elated to stumble into some of the most serene towns in Wyoming for a weekend retreat.

From skiing and snowboarding in the frigid peaks at Jackson, dancing beneath the sun at Sundance, and riding horses in Dubois or admiring mustangs in Lovell, these small towns in Wyoming are a quiet and soothing haven for those seeking tranquility in the American wilderness. As the least populous state in the US, you can have all the peace and relaxation you want in Wyoming's lonesome and calming landscapes.

Jackson

Jackson is a lovely town sitting peacefully in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley, about two hours away from Yellowstone National Park. This forever-winter town is a perfect retreat for those wishing to engage in exhilarating skiing and snowboarding activities. You thought the European Alps had wonderful mountains, but in Jackson, there are three pristine ski areas to burn calories in the cold. First, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort contains one of the longest continuous vertical rises of any ski area in the US and leads to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Second, the Snow King Mountain Resort will be hosting the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb from March 21 to 24. Last, slightly further away, is the Grand Targhee Resort in Teton Village, where explorations through the Tetons and the Targhee Mountains are possible.

Jackson itself has various unique attractions, such as arches made of shed antlers at the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center or the works of Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Because Jackson is a resort town, you will find no shortage of lodgings to keep yourself warm and cozy, especially in places like Inn On the Creek, Hitching Post Lodge, and Huff House Inns and Cabins.

Thermopolis

Named after the Greek word for “hot city,” Thermopolis is certainly one of the hottest places that will make you cool down in Wyoming’s weather. Visitors can soak in the mineral-laden hot springs at the southernmost point of Bighorn Basin and along the Bighorn River. The Hot Springs State Park is specially pockmarked with enough hot springs to make you feel like you are actually in Yellowstone. Nearby, the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site showcases over 250 drawings on dozens of rock panels—Native American artworks dating well back to 10,000 years.

At the Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park, you might catch a glimpse of the nation-loved bison herds. Thermopolis is also renowned for nearby dinosaur excavations and finds, and one can admire skeletons of these ancient thunder lizards at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. For accommodations, look to El Rancho or Hot Springs Hotel and Spa for your leisurely needs.

Sheridan

Located almost precisely and geographically between Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park, Sheridan is an Old West town living fabulously and luxuriously in the modern milieu. Dubbed Wyoming’s jewel, Sheridan has over ten sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which are a trip to the past. Meanwhile, the town also provides travelers access to the scenic Red Grade Trails through the Bighorn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness. Or, to stay active, head out for a tour of the nearby Tongue River Canyon, which boasts many water-based activities and fantastic wildlife to see.

Back in town, there is no better way to spend the day than to grab a pint of ale at the Blacktooth Brewing Company, northern Wyoming’s leading purveyor of craft ales. Here, conversations flow, and the locals are always up for a fun game or chat over any topic. Speaking of locals, try not to miss out on the annual Eaton's Horse Drive, when hundreds of cowboys blaze trails through Sheridan’s streets. No matter how you decide to spend the day, remember to find accommodations at the Ramada Plaza, the Budget Inn Express, or Wyo Inn.

Buffalo

Situated at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains and about 35 miles from Sheridan, the dynamic town of Buffalo serves as a gateway to the ferociously awesome Bighorn National Forest. Visitors can hike, bike, climb, and camp through majestic Wyoming landscapes. In the mountains, one can brave treacherous climbs up Cloud Peak or Mather Peak East to capture unimaginable views of the Wild West landscape. Back in town, visitors gawk at over 40,000 artifacts from the Old West at the Jim Gatchell Museum. Close by, the Museum of the Occidental Hotel was where Owen Wister’s famous cowboy icon, The Virginian, "got his man here."

There are several other historic sites around Buffalo, such as Fort Phil Kearney, where the Fetterman Fight took place and the infamous "Hole in the Wall"—where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, along with the rest of the Wild Bunch, made their hideout. Whether learning about the past or camping under the clear night sky, there are many excellent ways to spend a weekend in Buffalo.

Sundance

Only 28 miles from America’s First National Monument, the Devil’s Tower, the town of Sundance has touched many lives with its unseen rays. It was here in the classic film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, one of the titular heroes earned his name by performing the Sun Dance ceremony practiced by the local Native American groups in the region. In turn, the Sundance Kid inspired the Utah/United States Film Festival to be renamed into the Sundance Film Festival that everyone knows and admires.

One can take a photo of the famous Sundance Kid’s likeness at the Crook County Museum & 1875 Gallery or take the Sip ‘n Walk Historical Tour, which covers a lot of town, learning all about the historical figures in Sundance while sipping on refreshments. Consider venturing into the Bearlodge District of the Black Hills National Forest and ascending the foreboding Devil’s Tower. Whatever you wish to do beneath the Wyoming sun, be sure to book rooms at the Bear Mountain Resort or Bear Lodge Motel for a comfortable stay.

Lovell

The lovely town of Lovell welcomes travelers with American mysteries and wild mustangs. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, an ancient arrangement of stones found in the Bighorn National Forest, offers a mystical and magical tranquility from the Native American heritage. Free-roaming mustangs can be admired at the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center, while the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a nearby hub of rivers, forests, and other scenic landscapes. For a more immersive experience, one can explore the Bighorn National Forest or wade and kayak across Bighorn Lake.

After the outdoor fun, Lovell is home to plenty of other attractions that tourists love. For example,30 minutes away lies the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, which pays solemn homage to World War II Japanese-American confinement sites. Similarly, the Mustang Cafe & BBQ beckons travelers to recharge with a delicious steak in the town center. After all the fun, one can relax at the Cattlemen Motel, the Western Motel, or the Horseshoe Bend Motel.

Dubois

Dubois is a remote and remarkable town surrounded by unforgettable natural features where visitors can soak in Wyoming’s serene air. At the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, Wyoming’s most iconic animal, the bighorn sheep, is explored and elaborated alongside the beast’s mountainous habitats. On the other hand, the Dubois Museum illustrates the pioneering heritage of the region and exhibits Shoshone artifacts from the famed Shoshone National Forest.

Being a home for horses, Dubois promotes hundreds of miles of trails and treks for you and your steed to ride across. Every Friday from June 14 to August 23, become part of the roaring audience as you watch Wild West-style rodeos. Similar to Jackson, Dubois is a few hours from two unique landmarks—the Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park. Thus, there is no end to the natural opportunities on offer. Once your adventures make you weary, give yourself a much-yearned rest at the Chinook Winds Lodge.

Laramie

At an elevation of 7,200 feet, the college community of Laramie is an offbeat haven for the University of Wyoming. Beyond the enlightening dorms and classrooms of Wyoming’s top university, visitors can learn all about Laramie at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, where Butch Cassidy was once imprisoned. You can also head to the Historic Laramie Union Pacific Train Depot to appreciate the railroad’s contribution to the town’s development. Another excellent spot for historians is Fort Sanders, which protected the Overland Trail from attacks.

Laramie has its own version of "Jurassic Park" at the University of Wyoming’s Geological Museum. Here, tons of unique rocks and minerals create a dreamland of geological knowledge. Continue along the streets to see more of this Wild West town whose backdrops, ambiance, and appearance have been used in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. That said, for those not interested in the paved streets, the town is adjacent to spectacular parks and regions such as the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and the Snowy Range Mountains. Continue the outdoor vibe by spending a starry night in good abodes like Old Corral Hotel & Steakhouse or Mountain View Historic Hotel.

Green River

Let your adventurous side flow down into Green River, a town promising water-based activities in the rugged outdoors of Wyoming. About three hours away from Laramie, Green River is a gateway to the curved and branching Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Here, adventurers and wilderness lovers can relish challenging kayaks and engaging fishing games. In the Green River, from which the town derives its name, one can gaze at the wild horses roaming the countryside, especially at Rock Springs and the Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge.

Back in town, the Sweetwater County Museum illustrates the many outlaws and bandits that made this quiet town their home or hideout. There are many more wonders and secrets to find in Green River's snaking confluences and tributaries. While lodging options are abundant, most people prefer to camp out in the nearby outdoor areas, such as the Ashley National Forest.

Conclusion

From the Native American word, mecheweamiing, meaning "at the big plains,” there are many national parks in Wyoming for any tourist to feel elated by. But there are times when one ought to simply be breezy and relaxed when visiting a place, and fortunately, there are a handful of serene towns in Wyoming appropriate for a weekend retreat. Where legendary outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid made merry mischief, and where cultural landmarks like the Devil’s Tower, Yellowstone, the Overland Trail, and more give America its character, you will feel like the early pioneers settling down in a wonderful place they could call home. Find time in your weekend to venture into the state of Wyoming and discover what awaits at the big plains.