9 Towns in Wyoming with Unique Traditions
The heartland of America is built upon enclaves where the word community is not simply a noun but a call to action. No more is this true than in Wyoming. The Equality State has more than earned that nickname due to its embrace of its diverse cultures. With residents celebrating their unique traditions with annual events, it's no wonder why tourism is the most significant industry in the state. These traditions range from fun activities like the hammer toss in Jackson Hole’s Scottish Festival to outdoor endeavors, like the Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally in Riverton, offering opportunities for everyone to join in. So, find out why there is so much more to experience in Wyoming than just Yellowstone and ski resorts.
Jackson
Nestled in the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming, Jackson was settled in the 1800s primarily by settlers of English descent. Owing to the region’s Scot-Anglo heritage, Jackson celebrates the Scottish Festival annually in August. Showcasing the ancestry of the first settlers, over 50,000 guests take part in activities, including a hammer toss and a Bonnie Knees competition, which is, as one would guess, judged on who has the best knees. Male competitors strut their skill by dancing a jig or singing a ballad. Bagpipe players and haggis cookoffs are two of the Festival's biggest draws.
Today, this charming town between the Rockies and Teton Ranges attracts tourists with scenic views, skiing opportunities, and lively streets. The most popular among these activities is skiing, and visitors can choose from Jackson Hole Mountain, Snow King Mountain, and Grand Targhee Resort to hit the slopes. That said, no matter what you do, the scenery is sure to follow, with magnificent peaks all around. The territory once so inspired Georgia O'Keeffe that an entire collection depicting Jackson hangs in the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Riverton
Named after the four rivers that intersect in the region, Riverton was founded in 1906. Rich in indigenous culture, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in Native American and frontier heritage. Its proximity to the Wind River Indian Reservation has enabled mutual respect between the communities. Here, visitors can explore 2.2 million acres of wilderness, with lodging, hiking, rafting, and fishing opportunities. Fly Fishing competitions at Lake Louise attract participants from all over the world, and hiking the trails at Silas Canyon is considered a local mandate. For Native American culture close to town, one can spend some time at the Wind River Heritage Center, showcasing various exhibits and artifacts.
The Owl Creek Mountain Range is the ideal backdrop for the town's annual Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally. Held each July, thousands of spectators come to witness the technicolor parade in the sky. Over 20 hot air balloons take flight, capping off a week of festivities, including motocross races, rodeos, and fireworks.
Cody
Named after Buffalo Bill Cody, this historic hamlet is today the county seat of Park County. Tourism is the town's most significant industry, primarily due to its access to Yellowstone National Park. Similar to many of its neighbors, Cody attracts a variety of adventurers. Shoshone River is a favorite for whitewater rafting, and Cedar Mountain's powdery snow brings slalom and cross-country skiers to the region.
Cody is cattle country, so it's no surprise that residents celebrate their homesteads with unique festivals. Known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World," the Stampede Rodeo has attracted thousands of visitors for 86 years. The entire summer season is a three-month-long party, with the highlight held annually from July 1st through July 4th. Showcasing all things cattle, including riding, roping, and bulldogging (wrestling steer to the ground), novices and professionals compete for the top titles.
Fort Washakie
A former US Army Post in the 19th century, Fort Washakie lies within the Wind River Indian Reservation. Significant for the convivial relationships between its White and Native American inhabitants, Fort Washakie was built to protect the Shoshone and Bannock Tribes from other indigenous threats. Home to Sacajawea's resting place, the Sacajawea Cemetery is a serene setting for reflection and meditation. Moreover, the Shoshone Cultural Center provides a comprehensive insight into tribal history through artifacts and generational volunteers.
Every June, the community hosts the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow. This Native American-style Festival celebrates the Shoshone people's inimitable cultures through food, dancing, and music. Held across three days, the Shoshone ancestral village showcases centuries-old traditions, including the art of weaving and wood carving. The penultimate event, the Drum Contest, attracts tribes from all over to show their talents in a variety of percussion competitions.
Kaycee
Cattle ranching is the lifeblood of Kaycee, a town that gets its name from the "KC" branding iron used by its first settler, John Nolan. When state law required a full spelling for town names, "KC" became Kaycee in 1906. Historically significant for its location on the Bozeman Trail, Kaycee once served as a vital passage during the gold rush. This now-defunct route was meant to promote travel between the West, but tensions with Native American tribes eventually led to its closure. Today, the trail is part of the main roadway connecting Montana and Wyoming. Kaycee is also famous for the nearby Hole in the Wall, a remote hideout that was frequented by outlaws like Butch Cassidy.
Wild West tourists flock to this unassuming town for its authentic Western culture, especially its love of the Rodeo. This passion is celebrated annually in June during Chris LeDoux Days, named in honor of the legendary musician, humanitarian, and bronco rider. Hosted by LeDoux’s family, the event features roping contests, bareback riding, live music, and more. Proceeds from the celebration benefit local causes, keeping LeDoux’s legacy alive and preserving the spirit of Wyoming’s homesteads.
Buffalo
A prime tourist location halfway between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, Buffalo is the ideal destination for a Wyoming adventure. Every July, Buffalo holds The Longmire Days. This unique event honors the cult favorite television show of the same name with one big down-home fest. Based on the novel by Wyoming's own Craig Johnson, rodeos, parades, a pie-eating contest, and rope trick demonstrations pay homage to the beloved story. Fans of the TV series come dressed as their favorite character and participate in various competitions to win the title of Sheriff.
On other days, visitors interested in the town’s past can visit the Jim Gatchell Museum, which has over 10,000 artifacts from the Wild West and Fort Phil Kearney. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts adore the town’s proximity to amazing hiking, skiing, and water sports at sites like the Bighorn National Forest.
Lander
Lander is an unassuming tourist town situated along the banks of the Middle Fork Popo Agie River. Known for its resort ranches, Lander attracts thousands of visitors each year. It earned the nickname "the town where the rail ends and the trail begins" as the final stop on the "Cowboy Line" railway route. The nearby Sinks Canyon State Park offers winding roads and is a popular spot for trout fishing, while the Popo Agie Trails, though smaller, feature some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wyoming. Lander also honors Native American heritage through the Museum of the American West and the Fremont County Pioneer Museum.
With its inaugural event in 1994, the International Climbers Festival in Lander brings in competitors and guests worldwide. The event celebrates everything related to climbing, although rock climbing reigns supreme in this lively get-together. Other events include the rodeo climb, where participants wear cowboy gear and take turns showing off their skills on the limestone. Meanwhile, the Art Crawl allows locals to show their creativity, emphasizing their indigenous ancestors.
South Pass City
South Pass City began as a telegraph and station stop on the Oregon Trail, eventually gaining fame for its authentic Western sensibilities, even earning a place in Mark Twain's classic novel Roughing It. The discovery of gold led to a boom in commerce, attracting pioneers and transforming the area into a bustling hub. Today, its status as a National Historic Landmark makes tourism its most significant industry. Visitors can explore Carissa Mine for an up-close experience of gold mining history or follow in the footsteps of prospectors on the Flood and Hindle Mining Trail.
When it comes to unique traditions, South Pass City’s Gold Rush Days is bound to be a name that follows. Held in July, they are as authentic as the Wild West gets. Participants from all over the region flock together to pan for gold, play old-style baseball, and try blacksmithing during this multi-day event.
Pinedale
Famous for its hunting and fishing, Pinedale is a hub for outdoor tourism. The nearby Wind River Range attracts visitors every winter due to its no-frills skiing areas, which emphasize the natural environment and less on social perks. This ideology is showcased at the Museum of the Mountain Man, which features artifacts and archeological studies exhibits that feature the lives of the individuals who chose a rugged outdoor existence.
Those who visit town should plan their dates for the Green River Rendezvous Days, a four-day festival in July that celebrates the varied cultures that created the communities of Pinedale. Native Americans, explorers, and Mountain Men's sacrifices are highlighted for coming together to form their diverse territory. Pioneers Kit Carson and Jim Bridger are honored in rodeos, historical reenactments, and concerts. The final day hosts a commemorative ceremony that pays homage to the 19th-century Green River Rendezvous, which basically had the same goal: a fun time for all.
Wrapping Up
As the late Chris Le Doux opined. "if they ever saw a sunrise on a mountain mornin' and watched those cotton candy clouds go by. They'd know why l live beneath these western skies." While Wyoming certainly boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, the majestic mountains, the acres of cattle ranches, and the indigenous reservations, it's the people that keep visitors coming back year after year. Their authentic consideration and respect for each other's unique traditions are what make a town a community.
