7 Quirkiest Wyoming Towns You Didn't Know Existed

While Wyoming is known for expansive vistas and untamed outdoor beauty, it's also home to some unique towns that you might not know exist. Beyond visiting Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, travel through small communities that offer a bit of quirkiness with a side of fun. Stroll through a wildlife art museum in Jackson, take a dip in the world's largest mineral hot spring in Thermopolis, sip and savor whiskey at a distillery in Kirby, visit a store that doubles as a lodging destination in Centennial, attend a smaller-scale version of the lively Nowoodstock Festival in Ten Sleep, stop by an old-fashioned soda fountain in Chugwater, or feel the Western vibe all around in Saratoga. These seven towns perfectly combine elements of the Wild West with roadside oddities and are worth discovering on your next trip to Wyoming.

Jackson

You know you've made it to Jackson Hole valley when you see the "Howdy Stranger, Yonder Is Jackson Hole, The Last of the Old West" sign located at the top of Teton Pass. Travel approximately a few miles from there to arrive in Jackson, which has many hidden gems, including Town Square, formerly known as George Washington Memorial Park. The park's arches, made of shed antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge, make it unique. Visit the park in the summertime to take a stagecoach ride around the area or attend events such as its Independence Day celebration, which features a pancake breakfast and traditional parade.

Nearby, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a Wyoming watering hole with a quirky neon bucking-bronco sign, is an iconic entertainment destination. In recent years, legendary acts including Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, Tanya Tucker, Hank Williams Jr., and Clint Black have hosted concerts there. Jackson is also home to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, with artwork from Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol.

Thermopolis

Thermopolis, which means "hot city" in Greek, is one of Wyoming's quirkiest towns. The largest mineral hot spring in the world, located at Hot Springs State Park, is a popular destination. It produces 1.8 million gallons of water daily and has a temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit. There are numerous pools and fountains to explore in the park because of its mineral-rich water. The herd of bison found there is much more fascinating. Beyond the state park, come across prehistoric wonders like fossils and actual dig sites at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

The Hot Springs County Museum is another attraction that adds to Thermopolis' distinctiveness as a top place to visit. While there, learn about its history through exhibits and displays, which include a famous bar that outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid frequented. Drive along the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway, a well-loved destination close to Yellowstone National Park, after seeing the museum. The region is unique because it displays the oldest rocks on Earth and provides views of the Bighorn River and the Boysen Reservoir.

Kirby

After exploring the hot springs in Thermopolis, take a short trip to discover Kirby. The small town is home to one of Wyoming’s most unexpected destinations: a whiskey distillery. While the town's Wyoming Whiskey doesn't offer tours at this time, it does have exclusive tastings in its distillery shop, allowing you to sip and savor spirits that represent the West.

From there, dive into the town's history as the Kirby Jail and Town Hall building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still stands. It's historic because it was the first and only town structure constructed when Kirby was incorporated in 1915. For a taste of the local art scene, the quirky Merglenn Studio & Gallery features funky yet aesthetic artwork that touches on contemporary and imaginary realism themes. From time to time, the gallery hosts various workshops and events for the community to partake in.

Centennial

Situated along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, among alpine lakes, wildlife, and mountain peaks, is the charming community of Centennial. Its beautiful scenery isn't the only thing to love about this small town. It was once a booming mining town, which is showcased throughout the Nici Self Historical Museum. Open from late May through September, the historic museum features mining equipment from the gold rush of the 19th century, as well as displays and exhibits focused on railroading, ranching, lumber, and logging—all of which detail early Wyoming living.

Right along Centennial’s main street are a few restaurants that locals frequently visit. Bear Bottom Bar and Grill offers an extensive menu of everything from burgers to pizza, entertainment like karaoke nights and live music, and a rooftop terrace. There's also Old Corral Steakhouse, which serves up the best steaks in town. The Friendly Store & Motel is one of Centennial's hidden gems. Not only is it a convenient place to shop and stay, but it also houses a saloon.

Ten Sleep

The name Ten Sleep comes from the Native Americans, who count travel distances as ten "sleeps" between major tribal camps. What makes the town even more distinctive is that many attractions are named after it. Take a drive along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway for stunning views of Ten Sleep Canyon, or journey off to the Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum to learn about its ranching past. Ten Sleep Brewing Company, another place to visit in town, is a popular destination after exploring the nearby Bighorn National Forest, as it has a barn-style taproom and beer garden that produces flavorful, high-quality craft brews. The brewery's vibrant atmosphere comes alive when it hosts trivia nights, live music, and concerts from touring acts. Annual events such as the Ten Sleep Climber's Fest and the Wyoming Singer-Songwriter Competition also take place there. For more entertainment while in town, in August, Ten Sleep's Vista Park hosts the Nowoodstock Music Festival, a three-day music festival often perceived as a laid-back version of Woodstock.

Chugwater

Chugwater, another quirky Wyoming town, is said to have been named after an old Indian legend about a buffalo jump, in which hunters drove bison off a cliff and the sound of the buffalo landing in the creek below was described as "chug," giving the area the nickname "water at the place where the buffalo chug." Beyond its unique origins, it's where you can find the Chugwater Soda Fountain, Wyoming’s oldest-running soda fountain, which has been in business since 1914. While old-fashioned sodas are its main focus, signature milkshakes, sundaes, and malts highlight the menu too. Throughout the year, it hosts special events, such as its Supper at the Fountain four-course dinner series.

Chugwater is also known for having some of the best chili around. Stop by Chugwater Chili to see for yourself, or plan to attend the annual Wyoming State Championship Chili Cook-off, which usually takes place over the summer. Other notable places in town include the Chugwater Museum. Although it's only open on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, it's a great place to gain insight into the town's historic past.

Saratoga

A hidden gem, Saratoga is a small town full of rich history. Discover its Old West charm by staying at the historic Wolf Hotel, named after Frederick G. Wolf, a German immigrant who built the hotel in the late 1800s. One of its main features is the vintage saloon that transports visitors back in time. For further discoveries unique to the town, the year-round Saratoga Museum houses Wyoming's biggest and most striking displays of minerals and gems. The museum's gift shop, which has everything from Union Pacific Railroad books to Western novels, is even more fascinating.

Saratoga is also known for its hot springs experiences, as they have been historically linked to Native American tribes who once used them for healing and relaxation. Hobo Hot Springs has a natural mineral pool that's perfect for swimming or relaxing, with temperatures just over 100 degrees. It's free to use and is open to the public daily. Nearby, the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort offers exclusive amenities for hotel guests, such as teepee-covered mineral pools and a spa that was home to an ancient bathhouse.

Discover Wyoming's Quirkiest Small Towns

As you can see, there's more to Wyoming than meets the eye. Besides traveling to the state's most famous national parks, consider vacationing in these small towns that prove that charm doesn’t need a big population to make a lasting impression. Whether you're an art enthusiast fascinated with Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol's wildlife artwork in Jackson, or want a tranquil hot springs getaway in Thermopolis, or are intrigued by the fact that Wyoming’s oldest-running soda fountain is located in Chugwater, these under-the-radar destinations offer quirky yet unforgettable experiences that anyone will love.