12 Nicest Small Towns In Wyoming
One of the consequences of being America's least populated state is that few people pay little attention to Wyoming, if any. Unsurprisingly, it stays relatively under the radar, but this doesn't take away from its Old West charm. Home to world-class points of interest, from Yellowstone National Park to Old Faithful, the Cowboy State surprises travelers with a vast spectrum of things to see and do. Beyond the busy scene of Cheyenne, the sprawling countryside harbors romantic communities that are the true heart and soul of the state.
These promise thrilling outdoor adventures, rare historical discoveries, and immersive cultural experiences to spark your holiday. From digging up dinosaur fossils in Kemmerer to soaking in the healing hot springs of Thermopolis, these nicest small towns in Wyoming will leave you asking for more.
Douglas
Set along the scenic banks of the North Platte River, Douglas lures travelers with a blend of historic charm and outdoor adventures. It has a well-maintained historic district with a fair share of noteworthy markers, including the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum. The site features two floors of memorabilia documenting the area's past, stretching to the early settler days. The Douglas Railroad Interpretive Museum focuses on the town's railway heritage and displays important relics and archives inside a 19th-century train depot.
The great outdoors harbors boundless recreation opportunities, inviting picnickers, campers, hikers, and climbers to discover a 150-acre playground at Ayres Natural Bridge Park. Furthermore, you can lose yourself in the vast expanse of Thunder Basin National Grassland to witness native wildlife species.
Torrington
Torrington is an agricultural community in Goshen County that gives visitors an authentic taste of rural farm life. Every August, the Goshen County Fair injects some vibrancy into the town as townsfolk converge at the fairgrounds for various fun activities, including livestock shows, live music, and great food. But if you don't make it to the fair, you can visit the Torrington Livestock Markets to get a feel for Torrington's colorful agricultural heritage.
Elsewhere, don't forget to explore Torrington's storied past at the Homesteaders Museum. Inside lies a pile of resources explaining the community's cultural and genealogical chronology. If you appreciate finely crafted brews, pop into Open Barrel Brewing Company for a pint or two.
Evanston
This historic town near the Utah state line perfectly balances between indoor and outdoor opportunities to ensure everybody finds something fun to do. Outdoorsy tourists have much to expect from the 320-acre Bear River State Park. This vast sanctuary is a habitat for herds of elk and bison. Besides the animal viewing, guests can engage in hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Additionally, you can wear comfortable walking shoes for an isolated adventure along the Bear River Greenway, with sweeping waterway views.
A delightful journey through time awaits at the Chinese Joss House Museum, taking guests to the 1800s when Chinese immigrants worked and lived in the locality. You can't miss the Roundhouse and Railyards, a massive brick facility with railroad artifacts, rail cars, and similar relics.
Cody
Cody exudes Old West charm at every turn, with pockets of museums and historical markers throughout its historic downtown. You can glimpse its Wild West heritage at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The complex houses five museums with artifacts documenting Cody's renegade days. This includes the Cody Firearms Museum, whose vintage firearm collection fills up a 40,000-square-foot display area. Meanwhile, the Old Trail Town preserves the remains of a ghost town from the frontier days, featuring dozens of historic buildings with Western antiques.
Attending the Cody Nite Rodeo allows residents to experience the community's Western charm in real time. This family-friendly event features a variety of entertaining rodeo events, including bull riding, roping, and calf scrambling.
Buffalo
Wild West heritage meets historic charm in this sleepy town of Johnson County. Once considered the most lawless town in America, Buffalo reminds tourists of its disruptive days at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. This tells the town's story using a diverse library of artifacts, highlighting the pioneer, Native American, and Western heritage. Buffalo's lively downtown is home to a respectable art scene. Fans can stop by Hitching Post Gallery to sample delicate art creations by local artists.
Meanwhile, outdoor lovers can venture into the virgin woodlands of the Dry Creek Petrified Forest, just 13 miles from the city. Alternatively, opt for an easygoing tee time at the Buffalo Golf Club and try its 18-hole challenge.
Jackson
Jackson is strategically located near Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, which means it experiences a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. Sweeping landscapes envelope the town, from vast lake waters to jagged peaks, inviting vacationers to step outside and explore. Visiting the National Elk Refuge exposes newcomers to Jackson's native wildlife species, including bighorn sheep and bison.
Meanwhile, Jackson Town Square provides a serene resting area in the heart of the city. Guests can catch a pleasant stage performance at the Jackson Hole Playhouse, a landmark downtown venue where local and regional performers treat audiences to captivating theater shows.
Rock Springs
This charismatic town in Sweetwater County boasts picturesque outdoor scenery, punctuated by clear skies and wide open spaces. It is a popular stop for extroverted vacationers and presents a worthy playground for dog owners at Bittercreek Bark Park. Picnickers and nature lovers often converge here to revel in the park's tranquil atmosphere and admire its calm waters. On the other hand, the Rock Springs Family Recreation Center provides an indoor alternative where you can have aquatic fun with loved ones and locals.
Downtown Rock Springs is dotted with diverse points of interest, enough to fill your itinerary. If you have a thing for the arts, consider popping into the Community Fine Arts Center and browsing the cute pieces on display.
Rawlins
Rawlins is one of the most beautiful small towns in Wyoming, known for its colorful display of undulating landscapes and winding streams. Its alluring natural scenery compels vacationers to embrace the open spaces, with a chance to soak in the scenes while playing golf at Rochelle Ranch Golf Course. The town also harbors a fascinating past that is available to explore at the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum. This remarkable facility chronicles the community's enduring heritage since the Native Indian days.
Meanwhile, you can learn more about regional history by examining assorted archives and memorabilia at the Carbon County Museum. Finally, movie enthusiasts can discover the latest from Hollywood during a pleasant experience at The Movies.
Glenrock
Glenrock draws budding archeologists and fossil hunters looking to explore its treasure trove of prehistoric findings. These are exhibited at the Glenrock Paleon Museum, which curates a collection of rare dinosaur bones and skeletons dating back to prehistoric days. A vast wilderness in the town's backcountry calls on adventurers to hit the trail and explore the rough Duncan Ranch Trailhead. Stretching about 5 miles, this moderate route rewards trekkers with rare animal sightings and picturesque stops.
After a demanding trip in the open spaces, you can relax with a refreshing pint of beer at Cowboy State Brewing. This laid-back establishment provides the perfect atmosphere to let loose during friendly interactions with upbeat patrons.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis is a Greek word meaning "hot city," referring to the mineral hot springs in its territory. Many tourists come for a dip in the natural swimming holes, which are accessible at Hot Springs State Park. The area houses numerous springs where you can take a dip and camping sites for those looking to spend the night. Thermopolis also lures vacationers with the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Here, guests marvel at prehistoric fossils and specimens, with many drawn to the Archaeopteryx.
Outdoor adventures abound in Thermopolis, and thrill seekers have an opportunity to face the raging waters of the Wind River courtesy of Wind River Canyon Whitewater and Fly Fishing. This rafting excursion provides a perspective of the town's beauty from the water.
Lander
This beautiful riverfront municipality is the ultimate escape for ardent adventurers and offers boundless outdoor opportunities. Lander lies on the banks of the Popo Agie River and hosts a rich park system, which includes Sinks Canyon State Park. The reserve attracts everybody, including rock climbers, hikers, kayakers, and fishermen. The Popo Agie Falls Trail straddles 2 miles through the backcountry, offering hikers a worthy challenge culminating in the gorgeous views of the cascade.
If you are not lost in the vast outdoors, you can wander the walkable downtown streets and sample regional history at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum. Wyoming's oldest museum chronicles life in the Lander Valley region from the early settler days through the early 1900s.
Kemmerer
Kemmerer's rich beginnings date back over a century. This lovely boasts a dynamic heritage which intertwines with mining, railroading, and bootlegging. Several historical markers invite first-timers to familiarize themselves with the area's colorful past, starting with the Fossil Country Frontier Museum. Housed inside a historic church, guests can find artifacts about mining and culture. Also, the JC Penney House and Museum takes you back to the 1900s, portraying the nature of life.
Fossil hunters can look forward to amazing findings at the Fossil Butte National Monument. This famous archeological site is known to harbor a motherlode of fossils, featuring fish, alligator, and snake bones from prehistoric times.
Whether your interest lies in the immersive Wild West heritage in Cody or the treasure trove of dinosaur fossils in Glenrock, these nicest small towns in Wyoming guarantee an unforgettable getaway in the heart of the rural United States. Whether an outdoor thrill seeker, culture vulture, history buff, or fossil hunter, there is enough to fill up a multi-day itinerary. Together, they are a clear demonstration of the unmatched diversity found across the Cowboy State.
