7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Wyoming
Wyoming's beauty stretches far beyond must-see landmarks like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. While these iconic destinations attract visitors from around the world, the state's small towns offer a different kind of adventure. Stroll down main streets lined with charm and character as you explore Laramie’s artsy alleyways, experience Sheridan’s cowboy flair, and uncover Cody’s rich history centered around the town's founder, Buffalo Bill Cody. These picturesque downtowns reveal a fresh perspective on Wyoming’s culture and scenic appeal, inviting you to discover the state’s heart in unexpected places. Let's visit the seven prettiest downtown strips in Wyoming.
Laramie
Laramie has one of Wyoming's most picturesque downtown strips and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to being surrounded by old buildings, distinctive stores, and laid-back eateries, which are situated on the former site of the Union Pacific Railroad, the downtown area also features vibrant murals that are part of the Laramie Mural Project, which highlights the town's rich history and the work of local artists.
The "Tierra y Libertad," which comprises two stories of the north wall of the Big Hollow Food Co-Op store, is one of the most iconic murals in Laramie. A short walk away is the "Grainery Grove" mural, located on the north wall and east-facing alley of Ivinson Avenue, which honors Laramie's breathtaking landscape. A few other notable murals in the area include "Many Hands," which encircles the walls of First Street Plaza, and the heartwarming "Prairie Dog Town," located behind Atmosphere Mountainworks, which honors the region's most cherished animal.
Sheridan
Sheridan's main streets blend cowboy heritage with an emerging arts scene, making its downtown vibrant and approachable. In the heart of it all are many iconic landmarks and buildings with signs that illuminate at night. The Mint Bar, for example, is an old-school saloon that features a bronc rider neon sign that has been named one of the top neon signs in the country. A few steps from there, see a live show or musical at the historic WYO Theater, now known as the WYO Performing Arts & Education Center. Its famous sign features a sleek exterior with stucco fins concealing neon lights, and the front displays the letters “WYO,” each standing seven feet tall.
Beyond its bold and bright signs, downtown Sheridan is also home to incredible sculptures, including the Bozeman Scout and Fruits of the Good Earth, right on Main Street. While in the area, stop by King’s Saddlery and Don King Museum to explore its collection of Western gear and artifacts on display, then grab a bite at nearby eateries such as Cowboy Cafe or Frackelton’s.
Cody
Downtown Cody is often admired for its picturesque main streets due to its authentic Western charm and preserved historic structures. One of which is the Irma Hotel, a hotel built by the town's founder, Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, who named the hotel after his daughter. Today, it still stands as an iconic landmark on Sheridan Avenue, as it offers a glimpse into Cody's past.
Nearby, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, one of the top things to do in town, is situated within a landscaped area that includes a garden with sculptures and water elements. The massive complex features multiple museums inside that focus on Native American culture, cowboy life, and Western art. In addition to downtown, Cody's proximity to Yellowstone National Park enhances its appeal. In the area, also discover the beauty of the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway and the North Fork of the Shoshone River.
Jackson
Jackson, located within the picture-perfect mountain valley of Jackson Hole, has one of the most beautiful downtown strips in Wyoming. A highlight of its Town Square area is the intricate elk antler arches that surround George Washington Memorial Park. Travel along Cache Street near Broadway, where the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar conveniently sits. The local hangout, adorned with retro neon lighting and a rotating sign of a cowboy riding a bucking horse, is a great place to grab a drink, listen to live music, or dine, as it features a steakhouse nestled within the downstairs area of the bar.
Local Restaurant & Bar, a contemporary restaurant that was voted Best Burger, Best Happy Hour, and Best Overall Restaurant in 2024, is located next door. There's also the Five & Dime General Store, a quirky place for Jackson souvenirs, gifts, and other unique finds. Visit Snow King Mountain Resort for an outdoor experience that includes skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and other activities, including chairlift rides, slides, and picturesque gondola rides.
Buffalo
At the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo’s historic downtown offers a glimpse of the Old West. On Main Street, the Occidental Hotel, built in 1880, once welcomed travelers on the Bozeman Trail, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, and Butch Cassidy. While there, enjoy the Western atmosphere inside the saloon, have a meal at Busy Bee Cafe with scenic views of Clear Creek, retreat to The Virginian for an old-fashioned steakhouse dining experience, or learn about the region's history at the Occidental Hotel Museum.
Nearby, Crazy Woman Square features murals by local artists, including “Buffalo - More Than a One-Horse Town” on the Hitching Post Gallery building and “Greetings From Buffalo,” with four buffalo set against mountain scenery. Within the area also lies the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, housed in a historic limestone and sandstone Carnegie Library, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that reflect Wyoming’s past.
Douglas
Douglas, located along the North Platte River, has one of the prettiest downtown strips in Wyoming due to its presence of jackalope. The mythical creature, described as a mix between a jackrabbit and an antelope, is how Douglas got its nickname "Jackalope City." If you travel to the Jackalope Square area, you can't miss the giant jackalope statue, which is a prominent feature of the town's downtown strip.
From Jackalope Square, travel along the town's main streets to see buildings and structures such as Hotel LaBonte, the Princess Theater, and White Wolf Saloon, which showcase its historic charm. For further picturesque views, visit Ayres Natural Bridge Park, located just outside of downtown. The magnificent public park, set at the bottom of a breathtaking red-rock canyon, is an ideal location for picnicking, scenic strolling, or outdoor recreation, such as hiking and fishing.
Thermopolis
While Thermopolis is best known for Hot Springs State Park's famous hot springs and Wind River Canyon's breathtaking views, its downtown center provides a lovely experience with historic buildings, interesting shops, and local character. One of the most visible sights on Broadway Street, its 150-foot-wide main street, is a striking bronze monument that portrays a cowboy sifting dirt with his hands while standing beside a quarter horse. In addition to the popular cowboy and horse structure, other unique statues can be found along the expansive street, making it an ideal location to take photographs before exploring the surrounding area.
Broadway Street also houses the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center, an interesting site to learn about the area's history. Not only is it home to an iconic saloon frequented by outlaws such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but it also boasts a rebuilt old town complete with many structures that resemble the past. Just down the street is One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company, which features a "one-eyed buffalo" on its sign. The popular brewpub is nestled amid several businesses that sell anything from quilts and arts and crafts to antiques, with Broadway Bakery on one end of the corner and 7 Lazy S Cafe and Bar on the other.
Discover Wyoming’s Prettiest Downtown Strips
Beyond Wyoming's towering peaks and open plains lie small towns that are filled with just as much beauty. The seven prettiest downtown strips in Wyoming offer a picture-perfect look at the state’s lesser-known wonders. From the bright murals found throughout the alleyways and buildings in Laramie to the bold neon lights that illuminate the streets of Sheridan to the Old West ambiance that Cody exudes, each town has picturesque main streets that allow you to connect with their culture, history, and heart.
