The Most Unique Towns in Wyoming

Despite having a number of important geographic features, Wyoming is one of only three US states that features almost entirely straight borders. And although it’s the country’s tenth largest state, Wyoming also has the distinction of being America’s least populated state, with just 576,851 people calling the “Cowboy State” home.

Regardless of its small population, Wyoming is home to a number of fascinating small towns worth visiting. These communities, though modest in size, often serve as the gateways to some of the state's most stunning scenery, serving as great bases for adventurous types to get out and explore. Still, others are where you’ll find rich cultural traditions, boasting museums and galleries that act as windows into Wyoming’s fascinating past.

From Jackson in the foothills of the Teton mountains to the hot mineral baths of Thermopolis and Cody with its connection to the famed Buffalo Bill, check out these most unique Wyoming towns for ideas and inspiration.

Jackson

Located at the edge of the Teton Range in the 60-mile-long valley known as Jackson Hole, the charming town of Jackson acts as a doorway to the breathtaking Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. This fact is celebrated by Jackson’s most unique landmarks, the four antler arches that mark the entrances to Town Square (also known as George Washington Memorial Park). Made up of around 2,000 elk antlers, this unique attraction is one of the state’s best selfie spots.

Jackson wears its deep-rooted Western roots with pride, and you’ll find references to its former frontier status everywhere from its art and craft galleries to its cowboy-themed saloon bars. Just outside town, opportunities for wildlife spotting, hiking, and mountain biking abound in summer, while in winter Jackson’s three ski resorts draw skiers and snowboarders from far and wide. For art enthusiasts, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, perched high on a bluff, is home to over 5,000 artworks celebrating the state’s wildlife and landscapes.

Thermopolis

Aptly named for its warm thermal waters, Thermopolis is home to the world's largest mineral hot springs. Hot Springs State Park, with its thrilling suspension bridge attraction, offers a relaxing dip in rejuvenating waters with stunning scenic views. The park's terraces, formed over centuries from rich mineral deposits, are a marvel to behold and make for stunning photographs.

Beyond the springs, Thermopolis boasts a variety of other fun things to do. Topping our list is the Wyoming Dinosaur Center with its fascinating exhibits and displays of fossils that trace the footsteps of the prehistoric giants who once lived here.

Cody

If famed cowboy Buffalo Bill Cody (usually just “Buffalo Bill”) were alive today, he’d no doubt still want to live in the town he founded way back in 1896. The legendary showman had settled on the spot to build what he claimed would be the best place to live in the West, and if you visit today, you’d agree he was onto something.

Cody is a living testament to the spirit of the Old West, with the legacy of both the man and the town portrayed in the Buffalo Bill Center, a complex of five museums celebrating the American West. Adventure-seekers should head to the nearby Shoshone National Forest, a vast expanse of untouched wilderness. In the summer months, the Cody Nite Rodeo thrills spectators with traditional rodeo performances, making the town a mecca for those yearning for an authentic cowboy experience.

Laramie

Set in the midst of vast plains and high mountain ranges in the state’s southwestern corner, Laramie is a unique blend of Wyoming's historic and academic makeup. Here you’ll find the University of Wyoming with a student body that adds a vibrancy to this town of nearly 32,000, and plenty of life to the downtown core. 

Fancy a trip down memory lane? Head to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site where you’ll learn how the West was won, complete with tales of outlaws and that rough frontier justice. Be sure to venture outside the town's boundaries where you’ll find the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. This vast area offers hiking, camping, and plenty of breathtaking scenery.

Dubois

The population of Dubois, just 919 at last count, certainly lives in an interesting geographic location. While this small town boasts an interesting fusion of Old West ambiance and Native American heritage and is worth exploring, it’s the ancient petroglyphs that deserve the most attention. A unique insight into the area’s indigenous history, these well-preserved rock carvings in the Dinwoody and Torrey basins were the work of ancient tribes some 3,000 years ago.

The nearby Wind River Range is another must-see when in Dubois. Here you’ll find numerous clear lakes and soaring mountain peaks, as well as the Dubois' National Bighorn Sheep Center. In addition to learning about these creatures, you’ll also find out more about other native wildlife in the region.

Buffalo

Sitting at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains where the I90 and I25 highways converge, Buffalo has plenty of good reasons for you to visit. Well-known for its rustic Wyoming charm and rich history, Buffalo is on the Bozeman Trail, a route that connected southern Montana to the Oregon Trail during the gold rush. It’s also known for its role in the tumultuous Indian Wars.

Venture downtown to see the Historic Occidental Hotel. Once frequented by the likes of Butch Cassidy and Calamity Jane, you can still book a room in this storied building. The Clear Creek Trail system, winding its way through town and out into the mountains, beckons nature enthusiasts for an invigorating hike.  

Saratoga

Located in south-central Wyoming on the North Platte River, Saratoga is renowned for its "Hobo Hot Pool", a natural hot spring on the outskirts of town where you can soak and rejuvenate… all for free. Its location on the North Platte River also makes Saratoga a prized fly-fishing spot, drawing fishers from far and wide for its abundance of trout.

Enjoy outdoor activities? Head to nearby Medicine Bow National Forest. This lush, scenic landscape is ideal for hiking, biking, and camping. Come summer, Saratoga hosts the Steinley Cup Microbrew Competition, a nod to its lively spirit and a highly recommended celebration of craft beers. 

Wrap Up 

While Wyoming has many other much larger communities to visit, these unique small towns provide a superb snapshot of the state's diverse cultural and natural heritage. Be sure to read more about these most unique Wyoming towns and be inspired.