9 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Wyoming
Wyoming, formally admitted as the Union’s 44th State, is a gorgeous landlocked state in the Western US’s Mountain West subregion. The state is known for its towering Rocky Mountains, expansive basins, and high-elevation prairie grasslands. But beyond its famous national parks and vast wilderness, Wyoming is also dotted with charming small towns that offer a unique glimpse into the state's rich history and vibrant culture. These hidden gems, often overlooked by travelers, provide the perfect backdrop for experiencing the true essence of the Wild West. From the historic streets of Buffalo, steeped in tales of outlaws and pioneers, to the art-filled avenues of Cody and the serene mountain vistas surrounding Dubois, these towns capture the heart and soul of the Cowboy State.
Buffalo
Buffalo is set almost equidistant from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Yellowstone National Park at the foothills of the lofty Bighorn Mountains. Visitors can discover the town’s rough-hewn Wild West roots by perusing the different displayed artifacts from this lawless era, like military weapons, medicine bags, ranching gear, household items, etc., at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. This museum is housed in the old Carnegie Public Library building, which provides a historic ambiance sure to charm enthusiasts. Also, check out the Occidental Hotel Museum and Fort Phil Kearney, each showcasing a unique side of local tales.
To take in local scenery, one can embark on a drive along the 47-mile-long Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, which traverses through the Big Horn National Forest’s southern half. This road provides photogenic vistas of the Big Horn Mountains for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Moreover, Buffalo’s abutting landscape is perfect for outdoor recreation, including hiking, downhill skiing, camping, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Cody
Cody, named after William Frederick Cody, aka Buffalo Bill, is the seat of Park County, located in northwest Wyoming. Chock-full of shopping spaces, art galleries, cozy accommodations, and first-class eateries, Cody’s downtown emanates a strong Western feel. Travelers must tour the Buffalo Bill Center of the West - the American West’s oldest and all-inclusive museum complex built to preserve the legacy of Col. Cody. Or, one can opt for the family-friendly Old Trail Town just off the Yellowstone Highway, featuring an excess of meticulously restored artifacts and quaint structures.
Apart from the historic landmarks, Cody’s culture is palpable through its exciting events. Some of the most popular are the Cody Stampede Rodeo and Cody Nite Rodeo, held annually from June 1st through August 31st, and the week-long celebration of arts in the Rendezvous Royale Art Festival in late September.
Jackson
An enchanting resort town in Teton County, Jackson, situated at the Jackson Hole Valley’s southern end, is ringed by the Gros Ventre and Teton Mountain ranges. Aside from being a vital layover stop for tourists heading annually to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, this town is located proximate to three mind-boggling resorts: Snow King Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. To this end, it is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, from skiing down advanced trails to sipping hot chocolate on a gondola.
Moreover, sightseers would not want to miss the fringing Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Wildlife Refuge. These natural expanses are ideal for a visit during cold seasons; one can partake in horse-drawn sleigh rides and observe one of America’s biggest elk herds.
Dubois
Home to less than 1,000 inhabitants, Dubois is an adorable settlement located by the side of the upper Wind River. Boasting unparalleled natural settings rimmed by the Absaroka Range, adventure lovers are flush with options. Most head to nearby peaks such as Dollar Mountain and Monument Peak, which are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and camping throughout the year. Other captivating points of interest include the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, which educates the public about the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep through interactive exhibits, movies, life-size dioramas, and more.
Apart from the outdoors, one of the best ways to spend quality time in this teeny town is by touring nearby guest ranches like the Rams Horn Guest Ranch, Bitterroot Ranch, Triangle C Ranch, and Crooked Creek Guest Ranch. Meanwhile, for a different experience, opt for the National Museum of Military Vehicles, spread over an area of 160,000 square feet with over 500 military vehicles and a massive collection of firearms. Spare time to attend any of Dubois’ special events like the Fourth of July parade, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dubois Friday Night Rodeo, and the National Day of the Cowboy.
Sheridan
Sheridan, the county seat of Sheridan County, rests at the Big and Little Goose creeks' confluence near the Wyoming-Montana state boundary. Named after General Philip Henry Sheridan, the town, primarily a railroad distribution point, slowly developed into an economic mecca home to nearly 20,000 people. Today, it is also a hub for outdoor fanatics who would want to partake in the various recreations in the Bighorn National Forest. Spanning 1.1 million acres, this forest is a reprieve of beauty, ideal for wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, and camping.
On the other hand, history enthusiasts can tour the Trail End State Historic Site. This well-furnished Flemish Revival-style historic house museum provides an exclusive peek into the life of Wyoming residents, such as the John B. Kendrick family from 1913 to 1933. Those who can make it should attend the Sheridan WYO Rodeo held at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, which attracts over 25,000 spectators every July.
Lander
Called after General Frederick William Lander - the transcontinental explorer, this seat of Wyoming’s Fremont County is situated alongside the Middle Popo Agie River. With a number of guest ranches close by, the town is mostly visited by those who wish to learn more about the ranch life in the state. Some of the top spots are Allen’s Diamond 4 Ranch and the Resort at Louis Lake, both offering authentic experiences.
When in town, stop by some unforgettable sites of interest, including the 5.2-acre Lander Downtown Historic District encompassing the town’s commercial core. A short walk away are plenty of landmarks like the Evans Dahl Memorial Museum, which beautifully showcases the Native American culture & heritage. Merrymakers are drawn to Lander’s yearly community events, such as the Pioneer Days Parade & Rodeo, One-Shot Antelope Hunt, International Climbers Festival, Wyoming State Winter Fair, and Lander Brew Festival.
Thermopolis
The seat and most populous community of north-central Wyoming’s Hot Springs County, Thermopolis houses umpteen natural hot springs. Circumscribed by magnificent mountain ranges, the most widely visited site in town is the Hot Springs State Park, comprising “The Big Spring” - the world’s largest mineral hot spring. For more fun in the water, one can spend some time along the Big Horn River, which is loaded with waterside areas to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Likewise, the town’s other noteworthy attractions, such as the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center, are not to be missed, where you get to relive the times of the Old West. More landmarks lie in the National Register-listed Downtown Thermopolis Historic District, some of which date back to the 19th century. Meanwhile, families can enjoy a unique insight into the past at the world-class Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which displays one of the world’s biggest and most extraordinary fossil collections.
Pinedale
Pinedale is a lovely alpine town at an altitude of 7,175 ft abutted by three majestic mountain ranges: the Wyoming Range, Wind River Range, and Gros Ventre Mountains. To this end, mountain climbing and hiking abound, with plenty of opportunities nearby. Backpackers in the region relish in unfettered passage to the Titcomb Basin, Continental Divide Trail, and Cirque of Towers. When in town, survey the mountains and the adjacent Bridger-Teton National Forest by horseback and ATVs, or rent a kayak and fishing rod and head straight for Fremont Lake - the second-largest natural lake in the state. No matter the season you visit, do not miss the amazing shops, eateries, and craft breweries in Pinedale’s charming downtown. Among the options, Wrangler Cafe and the Wind River Brewing Company stand out with delicious food and drinks for a complete meal.
Sundance
This 1,032-inhabitant Crook County seat, named after the "Sun Dance" ceremony practiced by the Indigenous tribes, occupies a valley of the Bear Lodge Mountains. The streets of this appealing community evoke images of ill-famed cowboys, and this is where Harry Longabaugh earned his nickname “The Sundance Kid,” after being incarcerated here. The Crook County Museum in the downtown historic ‘Old Stoney’ building is the ideal place to learn about the region’s bygone days. A short drive from Sundance leads around 400,000 tourists yearly to the Devils Tower National Monument - the foremost U.S. National Monument established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, where a 1,267-foot-high laccolith (called Devils Tower) rises jaw-droppingly above the terrain in the Bear Lodge Ranger District.
Wrapping Up
From the enthralling alpine panorama of Jackson to the astounding natural hot springs of Thermopolis, the country's 10th largest and least populous state is speckled with unnumerable lesser-known communities often unnoticed by travelers. Regardless of the locale you choose to tour, memorable experiences await every vacationer in these tiny Wyoming towns. So, pack your luggage and embark on a journey to discover all these spellbinding Cowboy State towns have to offer.
