11 Small Towns In Wyoming To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
As the least-occupied state in the country, Wyoming doesn't enjoy much fanfare among travelers, yet this is what makes it such a hidden gem. Its unique combination of dramatic outdoor landscapes, untouched natural areas, and notable lack of crowds gives tourists an authentic taste of rural America. Beyond its famous capital city, Wyoming’s small towns offer a quieter kind of magic, where rugged history meets warm hospitality, and scenic beauty frames every street.
From cowboy-era charm and frontier museums in Cody to unmissable outdoor thrills in Thermopolis, these towns embody the essence of the American West without the rush of a typical tourist hotspot. Whether seeking adventure, solitude, or a slower pace of life, this 2025 list of small towns in Wyoming to visit for a weekend getaway delivers unmatched authenticity, stunning encounters, and lasting memories.
Dubois
Dubois is a quiet mountain in Fremont County that stands out for its rolling natural landscapes, splendid outdoor opportunities, and an adorable downtown district. Its sprawling wilderness surroundings provide a conducive habitat for a thriving Bighorn Sheep population, which visitors can uncover interesting facts about at the National Bighorn Sheep Center. The site offers exhibits, programs, and unique events designed to spread awareness about the mountain species. An unmissable thrill against the Wind River rapids awaits courtesy of Big Wind River Float Trips. This exciting rafting adventure allows guests to take on the whitewaters for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Dubois narrates its colorful history at the Dubois Museum. This critical heritage site displays a raft of artifacts with diverse information, highlighting the Mountain Shoshone Indians, tie hack industry, dude ranches, and other historical aspects. A 12-minute walk from the museum will get you to Twin Pines Lodge & Cabins, a nice spot to spend the night.
Douglas
Old West history meets outdoor adventure in this adorable village along the North Platte River banks, 45 minutes from Casper. Douglas preserves a site-rich historic district that provides a portal to the past eras. Historians can visit the Douglas Railroad Interpretive Museum to explore how the railway spurred the town's growth inside an 1800s train depot. The Princess Theater invites newcomers for a delightful movie experience inside a single-screen venue showcasing classic and new releases.
Heading outdoors, Douglas provides nature lovers with a pleasant sanctuary at Riverside Park. This tranquil green space has picnic tables, camping grounds, walking trails, and spectacular vistas of the North Platte River. Lastly, Sleep Inn & Suites Douglas presents a worthwhile hotel option, with proximity to the river.
Cody
A trip to Cody feels like stepping back to the peak of the American Wild West period. This Northwest Wyoming village provides a deep dive into Western history at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West. The complex features a mix of five museums with assorted artifacts, antiques, and art chronicling life in the lawless era of the Wild West. This includes the Cody Firearms Museum, which displays antique weapons dating back to the 1400s.
The fastest way to get a broad overview of Cody and its historic gems is to take the Cody Trolley Tours, which take guests around the downtown district on an open tram, with a resourceful guide providing information about each landmark along the way. Tourists spending the night can book a room at Buffalo Bill's Irma Hotel & Restaurant and enjoy its Western-style decor.
Torrington
About an hour from Cheyenne, this farming town in Goshen County invites travelers to sample its delectable farm-to-table cuisine while exploring its vibrant Main Street atmosphere. The main thoroughfare is loaded with attractions, and history buffs can familiarize themselves with the community's rich history at the Homesteaders Museum. The facility showcases everything from old train cars and an old school to a caboose and a century-old home. Meanwhile, several casual diners allow visitors to sample fine local flavors. If you have a soft spot for Mexican, be sure to try authentic dishes at La Familia Prado.
Those who enjoy natural surroundings can venture outside to the manicured greens of the Cottonwood Country Club, which test golfers of all ability levels with an 18-hole challenge. Later in the evening, consider staying at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Torrington for a cozy night's rest.
Jackson
Jackson is a popular jump-off base for vacationers on their way to Grand Teton National Park. Its stunning natural surroundings and lively downtown scene deliver an impressive balance of indoor and outdoor attractions. Wildlife enthusiasts can venture into the vast wilderness of the National Elk Refuge to explore a beautiful habitat where they can stake out animals like bison, elk, and bighorn sheep for spectacular nature photography shots. The Jackson Town Square is the main social hub in the area, attracting droves of tourists and locals alike for a variety of activities.
Meanwhile, the Jackson Hole Playhouse entertains audiences with captivating live performances by professional acts inside a rustic 1910s building. The venue is within walking distance of the Hampton Inn Jackson Hole, which promises guests clean and comfortable rooms for the night.
Evanston
Evanston is a remote getaway near the Utah border, known for its vast open spaces, historical landmarks, and entertainment areas. Surrounded by jagged mountains, the town beckons adventurers with isolated excursions along the Bear River Greenway, which features a dirt and paved route for hikers, joggers, and bikers. Also, the 320-acre Bear River State Park accommodates other recreational enthusiasts, including picnickers, fishermen, hikers, and animal viewers.
The Uinta County Museum chronicles regional history using a diverse library of artifacts and archives inside a 1900s building, while Aspen Cinemas welcomes silver screen fans to catch classic and new movies at standard ticket prices for their indoor entertainment. When it's time to call it a night, look no further than Best Western Dunmar Inn, just 3 miles from Bear River State Park.
Lander
This central Wyoming community, set on the banks of the Popo Agie River, lures vacationers with fun outdoor adventures. It boasts rugged wilderness areas that provide the perfect playground, including Sinks Canyon State Park. This beautiful preserve hosts a mix of canyon, caves, forest, river, and nature trails that accommodate rock climbing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Elsewhere, the Museum of the American West educates guests about the region's Western heritage with a collection of period buildings filled with interactive exhibits.
At the end of an eventful day, tourists will fancy unwinding with a glass of cocktail or craft beer in the chill scene of Lander Bar & Grill, which charms with its throwback cowboy decor. Later, rest for the night at the Inn at Lander.
Buffalo
Buffalo's intriguing Wild West heritage makes it one of the best small towns in Wyoming to visit for a weekend getaway. The town once held a reputation of being the most lawless in the country, which is part of the history visitors can examine at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. This vital site exhibits a selection of archives documenting the community's Native American, pioneer, and Western heritage. Art is a big part of the everyday culture in Buffalo, evidenced by the multiple galleries and studios in the downtown area. You can head to Hitching Post Gallery and browse an interesting display of pieces by area artists.
On the other hand, those wanting to immerse themselves in the outdoors will have fun exploring the isolated trails traversing the Dry Creek Petrified Tree Environmental Education Area and enjoying the break from the crowds. Lastly, budget travelers can stay within their means by booking a room at the Buffalo Inn without compromising their comfort.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis charms tourists with its archeological findings, natural hot springs, and adventure opportunities. It has the hallmarks of an unforgettable weekend getaway, and invites newcomers to soak in the healing waters of its natural springs at Hot Springs State Park. The park houses several mineral springs and a bathhouse where the water maintains a therapeutic temperature of 135 degrees. Guests who love a thrill can sign up for a wild kayaking adventure against the raging rapids of the Big Horn River, courtesy of Rent Adventure.
Also, budding archaeologists will take inspiration from the stunning exhibits at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. The facility hosts over 70 prehistoric skeletons of dinosaurs and other interactive specimens. When it's all said and done, consider lodging at Hot Springs Hotel and Spa to take advantage of a relaxing mineral bath.
Rock Springs
Rock Springs is a bubbly community in Sweetwater County, known for its adorable outdoor scenery and busy downtown district. Thanks to its multiple park spaces, vacationers can anticipate adequate outdoor opportunities, such as picnicking and hiking at Bitter Creek Bark Park. This lovely oasis offers grassy grounds where you can spend quality time with your canine companion. The Sweetwater Speedway is a popular entertainment hub, where locals and visitors gather to watch adrenaline-filled dirt track races in a thrilling atmosphere.
Those who appreciate the arts can visit the Community Fine Arts Center for a glimpse of the local art scene. The venue showcases original paintings, photographs, and prints by American artists. Lastly, the Hampton Inn Rock Springs promises visitors a restful night in its comfortable rooms with practical amenities.
Riverton
This historic town in Fremont County offers something for all tourists, given its broad spectrum of attractions. History buffs will relish uncovering local lore at the Riverton Museum, whose artifacts provide a time-lapse of events throughout the community's chronology, from the Eastern Shoshone people to the early explorers and the cowboys. Dozens of regional growers and crafters grace the Fremont Local Market with their assorted goods, beckoning guests with a fun, casual shopping opportunity, with antiques, handicrafts, farm produce, and other niceties on the menu.
Elsewhere, those who need an outdoor escape will love Riverton City Park, which provides a serene spot to relax and amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, picnic spaces, and a scenic pond. For accommodation, try Holiday Inn Riverton, just a walk from the Riverton Museum.
Whether you need a short sojourn to relax your mind or a break from the noise in the city, these small towns in Wyoming to visit for a weekend getaway promise to have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated by the end of your stay in the United States. From enjoying therapeutic hot spring baths in Thermopolis to watching a thrilling dirt race in Rock Springs, there is no shortage of ways to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature in Wyoming’s charming small-town escapes.
