Wyoming's Best Small Towns For A Weekend Escape
Featuring seven national parks and twelve state parks, Wyoming is undoubtedly one of the United States' most incredible natural gems. Travelers could easily spend over a month exploring the state’s nooks and crannies, hiking, kayaking, and appreciating wildlife. However, even visiting the state for just a weekend is well worth the trip. Many small towns offer havens for weekend escapes, immersing their visitors in frontier history, natural wonders, and Western hospitality. While it is difficult to narrow down the towns to just a few, read on to discover some of Wyoming’s most precious towns, perfect for a relaxing weekend away.
Jackson
Jackson, located in Western Wyoming, is surrounded by crisp streambeds, towering mountains, and thriving wildlife. Many travelers lodge in Jackson Hole to be near the gorgeous Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. In addition to skiing in the winter, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort turns into a hiker’s paradise in the summer, offering a variety of scenic hiking and biking routes through the mountains. Jackson Hole is a town full of activities as well, such as public installations, art galleries, souvenir shops, fine-dining options, and often hosting concerts and theater performances. There is also both a Wednesday and Saturday Farmers Market in town, offering fresh produce and prepared food, which can make for a delicious, casual meal! For those looking for a cozy and comfortable place to stay, the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa is simultaneously rustic and luxurious, immersing travelers in the mountain spirit.
Cody
In the heart of the Old West, Cody offers an American adventure with cowboy music, gunfight reenactments, rodeos, and more. The Cody Nite Rodeo, a rodeo that functions every summer, showcases the authentic cowboy experience to visitors through activities such as bull riding and barrel racing! Walking through the Old Trail Town, visitors can see historic frontier buildings from the 1890’s. A half-hour drive away sits Shoshone National Forest, which features beautiful alpine lakes and rugged backcountry and has spaces to hike, mountain bike, kayak, river raft, and horseback ride. Those who are even more adventurous can zipline in one of the town’s nearby resorts. The best way to take in the Cody experience is by staying in the Irma Hotel, a historic hotel that Buffalo Bill built in 1902!
Guernsey
Sitting along the North Platte River in the Eastern Plains of Wyoming, Guernsey offers a relaxing getaway filled with fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Travelers can head over to Guernsey State Park to camp, hike, and kayak along the Guernsey Reservoir. About three miles south of Guernsey lies the Oregon Trail Ruts, which is a preserved historic site that shows the worn wagon ruts from the intrepid pioneers that once crossed the country. The Fort Laramie National Historic Site is another great stop for history lovers, showcasing a 19th-century military post and telling a story of Native American resistance. Located near many attractions in town, Twisters Bed and Breakfast is a cozy hotel filled with local spirit.
Laramie
Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie is a vibrant college town with an energetic spirit. The American Heritage Center, part of the University of Wyoming, is a great place to start the weekend as it houses all kinds of historical archives, rare books, and manuscripts that tell the fascinating narrative of Wyoming and the Old West. Another historical gem in the town is the Ames Monument, a 60-foot granite pyramid that the Union Pacific Railroad Company built in 1882. Outdoor adventurers have plenty to do during a weekend in Laramie as well. The Medicine Bow National Forest features gorgeous mountain ranges, forests, and grasslands and has many opportunities to hike, bike, camp, horseback ride, and fish. The park is also home to a diversity of wildlife, including pica, foxes, moose, marmots, and black bears. Travelers will experience real Western hospitality and cowboy spirit and the Vee Bar Guest Ranch, which has rustic cabins available to rent, creating a memorable weekend.
Buffalo
Surrounded by the Bighorn Mountains and situated between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone, Buffalo presents a slower pace for visitors to unwind, appreciating the town’s historic heritage and nearby outdoor wonders. Hikers can trek out to Clear Creek Trail, a seven-mile trail that follows a babbling creek and features stunning views. The Circle Park and Elgin Park Trail Heads are great options for those who enjoy horseback riding. Heading back into town, travelers will not have a hard time finding a spot to have dinner. Cuisine options include grills, steakhouses, breweries, and cafes. Bond’s Brewing Co., for example, offers a delicious variety of craft beers and food from visiting food trucks, immersing visitors in the local food scene. After a long day, The Occidental Hotel is a great place to spend the night, as it is a famous landmark hotel that has been operating for more than 140 years!
Ten Sleep
Nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, time seems to stand still in Ten Sleep. The mountain breeze and sunny skies create the perfect environment for visitors to relax and disconnect for the weekend. Within the town, visitors can appreciate an array of rustic attractions, such as Dirty Sally’s General Store, the town’s go-to for coffee, ice cream, groceries, gifts, and more! Ten Sleep Brewing Company is another town favorite, producing premium craft beers that never fail to impress. About 25 minutes from town, travelers can visit Meadowlark Lake, where they can hike and appreciate beautiful views of the deep blue lake and lush forests. The Meadowlark Lake Lodge has quaint cabins that sit on the lake, immersing its guests in nature.
Sheridan
The historic town of Sheridan offers a serene getaway featuring dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Daring travelers can rent an ATV and immerse themselves in the nearby Bighorn National Forest, driving through one of the park’s allotted ATV trails. In the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, visitors can fish, boat, hike, swim, and appreciate unique native wildlife such as wild mustangs and bighorn sheep! In addition to its abundant outdoor activities, Sheridan has a unique art scene. The UCross Gallery and Brinton Museum showcase stunning art from local and international artists, while the Carriage House Theater, built in 1920, continues to offer performances and entertainment to the community. Completing a cultural and recreational trip to Sheridan, visitors can stay in the historic Sheridan Inn, opened in 1893 and featuring 22 charming rooms where guests can stay and relax.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, our tour of these seven small Wyoming towns makes it clear that the state stands as a testament to the magnificence of nature in the United States. Whether visitors choose to explore for a month or just a weekend, the state offers a plethora of activities, from hiking in Jackson Hole to experiencing the Old West charm of Cody and the tranquility of Ten Sleep. Each town, with its unique blend of history, outdoor adventures, and hospitality, promises an unforgettable getaway in the heart of the American West.
