2025's 11 Best Small Towns To Visit In Wyoming
America's least populated state gets unfairly underrated for its relatively low-key personality, yet it doesn't disappoint those who take a chance on it. Wyoming has breathtaking natural wonders, world-famous national parks, rich Wild West history, and unique cultural heritage. Its vast, isolated open spaces cultivate unlimited outdoor adventures that expose tourists to the state's untamed wilderness and diverse native wildlife. In a nutshell, it is the sweet spot for anyone seeking an authentic rural America experience.
Beyond famous tourist hotspots like Cheyenne and the Tetons lies a quieter charm in the small towns of the Cowboy State. These underappreciated gems offer a glimpse into the state’s soul, where historic main streets, local traditions, and friendly faces bring the spirit of the West to life. Whether after Wild West lore in Cody or dinosaur discoveries in Thermopolis, discover 2025's best small towns to visit in Wyoming.
Dubois
This charming mountain town blends pristine natural beauty, wild outdoor adventures, and a vibrant art scene to grant visitors a memorable stay. Dubois is famous for housing one of the country's largest herds of Bighorn Sheep, which you can meet and learn more about at the National Bighorn Sheep Center. This resourceful center presents interactive exhibits that explore various aspects of their species, from their habitat to their behavior. The Wind River flows through Dubois, serving as a hub for diverse river-based adventures, such as whitewater rafting and fishing, when you book a trip with Big Wind River Float Trips & Fly Fishing.
Meanwhile, art lovers will fancy examining sculptures, photographs, jewelry, woodwork, and other beautiful art forms at the Wind River Valley Arts Guild. Finally, the National Museum of Military Vehicles invites guests to inspect a fascinating fleet of over 500 army vehicles, firearms, and related artifacts.
Cody
Cody is a living tribute to the American Wild West, owing to its legendary founder, Buffalo Bill Cody. Guests can find absorbing exhibits about Western history and heritage at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This remarkable complex houses five museums with a rich library of artifacts, art, and antiques chronicling the American West. Prominent among them is the Cody Firearms Museum, which curates an assemblage of firearms dating back to the 1400s and related objects.
The Old Trail Town offers a rare look into the town's frontier periods. It allows guests to step back into the 1890s and walk through over two dozen beat-down period buildings full of artifacts and furnishings for a true Old West experience. Lastly, Cody's moniker "Rodeo Capital of the World" comes into perspective during the Cody Stampede Rodeo, where families gather to watch entertaining rodeo events.
Jackson
The popular mountain community of Jackson is a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, making it a prominent stop for travelers seeking to explore the two national gems. Jackson's mountainous surroundings make it a popular skiing destination, with world-class resorts like Snow King Mountain. Exciting wildlife encounters await at the National Elk Refuge, which provides a habitat for diverse endemic species, including bison and bighorn sheep.
Theater enthusiasts can catch a riveting performance at the Jackson Hole Playhouse for a unique Western theatrical experience. The venue stages everything from musicals and dramas to the applause of high-spirited audiences. Alternatively, you can opt for a more adrenaline-filled spectacle at the Jackson Hole Rodeo to partake in a longstanding local tradition.
Lander
Lander is an outdoor lover's haven along the Popo Agie River, known for its countless adventure opportunities throughout its rugged wilderness area. The town houses Sinks Canyon State Park, where a diverse ecosystem of canyon, river, forest, and caves invites recreation, like wildlife watching, fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, and more. Hikers can take advantage of a challenging trek along the Popo Agie Falls Trail to test their mettle while discovering the magical countryside along a 2-mile out-and-back route.
A rare plunge into local history beckons at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum. This landmark facility, the state's oldest museum, provides a perspective of pioneer life in the early 20th century around the Lander Valley region.
Thermopolis
Healing hot springs, archaeological treasures, and outdoor adventure draw travelers to this bucket list destination in Hot Springs County. Thermopolis is synonymous with its naturally occurring springs, which vacationers can witness at Hot Springs State Park. You can even soak in the toasty mineral water and benefit from its healing properties. Adventure abounds through the town's rugged outdoors, and first-timers can book a tour with Rent Adventure for an unforgettable paddling excursion down the raging Big Horn River.
Thermopolis is also home to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, where a motherlode of fossil findings attracts archaeologists and paleontologists from across the country. The center boasts at least 70 mounted dinosaur skeletons and other hands-on exhibits about prehistoric life.
Buffalo
About 115 miles north of Casper, this quiet and unpretentious small town in Johnson County interests visitors with its impressive preservation of history and an inspiring local art scene. Tourists can take a nosedive into history at the Historic Occidental Hotel. This Old-Western-style frontier inn from the 1880s was once frequented by Teddy Roosevelt and Butch Cassidy. The hotel is a short stroll from the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, whose vast collection of exhibits documents the history of early settlers and Native American tribes that originally occupied the land.
Buffalo's respectable art landscape includes a string of quaint galleries throughout the downtown area, including the Hitching Post Gallery. This is an excellent opportunity for connoisseurs to examine creations by regional artists. Beyond the town square, you can venture outdoors to catch some fresh air while playing on the manicured 18-hole course of Buffalo Golf Club.
Riverton
This attraction-rich community in Fremont County promises visitors an all-around experience, making it one of the best small towns to visit in Wyoming. Riverton is a historic crossroad of cowboys, Native Americans, and explorers, a heritage that comes to life through the interactive exhibits inside the Riverton Museum. Guests can make the most of friendly encounters while shopping at the Fremont Local Market to learn about the area's culture. This warm gathering allows for intimate encounters with over 90 vendors selling produce, handicrafts, antiques, and more.
Riverton City Park is where families and individuals head to spend quality time outdoors. It offers a raft of appropriate recreational amenities, including picnic shelters, playgrounds, ball fields, a skate park, and a pond.
Pinedale
Pinedale is a four-season destination in Sublette County and a gateway to the Wind River Range and Fremont Lake. It offers numerous opportunities for the outdoor inclined, including golfing with friends on the lush greens of the 9-hole Rendezvous Meadows Golf Course, against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wind River Mountains. Fremont Lake is a hub for diverse aquatic activities and attracts fishermen, boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, and swimmers.
On the other hand, the downtown area invites newcomers to explore interesting local lore at the Museum of the Mountain Man. The building features colorful stories about explorers of the region during the mid-1800s. If you have a sweet tooth, remember to indulge it with housemade chocolates and other tasty desserts at Kelly's Fine Chocolates.
Evanston
Situated close to the border with Utah, Evanston is perfect for travelers seeking a remote getaway and promises outdoor and indoor adventures in equal measure. It entices ardent outdoorsmen with unlimited recreation throughout Bear River State Park. Spanning across 320 acres, this wildlife sanctuary offers opportunities for nature viewing, hiking, fishing, and camping. Meanwhile, walkers, joggers, and runners can take on the Bear River Greenway to discover the rich countryside along a 6-mile scenic pathway straddling the river.
The Uinta County Museum is the perfect pursuit for indoor lovers, exposing them to eye-opening resources recounting the region's dynamic history. Movie enthusiasts can also catch the latest releases at Aspen Cinemas in a comfortable setting.
Rock Springs
This vibrant town in Sweetwater County has something for everyone, whether a nature lover, thrill seeker, or art connoisseur. Wide, green spaces throughout the town invite uninterrupted picnics for friends and family, especially on the manicured grounds of Bittercreek Bark Park. This lovely park has a pristine pond and a tranquil environment designed for meditation. Speed junkies will relish witnessing an adrenaline-filled race on a dirt track at the Sweetwater Speedway, pitting talented regional drivers against one another.
When you feel like connecting with the arts, you can visit the Community Fine Arts Center and attend classes, browse exhibitions, or watch performances by homegrown artists. Lastly, wrap the day with a pint of finely crafted beer at Bad Joker Brewing Company, surrounded by good company.
Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep is a beautiful village at the base of the Bighorn Mountains and is considered a haven for outdoor adventurers. It welcomes ardent hikers to test their endurance along the TenSleep Trailhead, which climbs to the top of Bomber Mountain, ending in stunning panoramas of the surroundings. Meanwhile, those seeking a proper outdoor experience can sleep amidst raw nature at Ten Sleep Rock Ranch and gaze at the stars in the clear night sky.
The sleepy downtown area offers a couple of interesting points of interest, including the Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum. This important landmark is responsible for accumulating and preserving insightful exhibits about the community's heritage.
From Cody’s rich cowboy legacy to the soothing hot springs of Thermopolis, these small towns to visit in Wyoming in 2025 deliver unforgettable experiences far beyond the crowds in the United States. Each place brings its own charm while exposing newcomers to outdoor adventure, unique history, and warm, small-town hospitality. These hidden gems are perfect for travelers seeking authenticity, natural beauty, and a deeper connection to the spirit of the American West, which is almost impossible to come across in the bustling city.
