8 Most Charming cities in Wyoming

Rich in history, Aboriginal legends, nature, and national parks, the entire state of Wyoming is charming with a Western twist. Experience bull riding, cowboys, and rangelands — it may feel like you are in an old Western movie. Wyoming houses natural relics too, like coal mines and fossils. In fact, it has the two largest coal mines in the world and is an optimal location for dinosaur bone enthusiasts. As you can see, Wyoming is quite a unique state, but let’s dive into the eight most charming cities it has to offer!

Cheyenne

When people picture Cheyenne, Wyoming, they often envision a Wild West movie: rustic trains, horseback riding, sandy deserts, and tumbleweeds. Cheyenne houses the biggest outdoor rodeo in the world, Cheyenne Frontier Days. Be traditional and view bull riding, bareback riding, or steer wrestling, or branch into modernism and attend one of the many events it hosts, like an Old Dominion concert. Additionally, this rustic, picturesque city boasts outdoor adventures. It resides by the front base of the Rocky Mountains where rock climbing enthusiasts push themselves to the max. Curt Gowdy State Park is also 25 minutes away from the downtown core where you can view crystal deposits or boat down a river filled with salmon and trout. Believe it or not, they also have a chic and art scene. Dance to live music, explore the art environment, and take to some local restaurants. Large murals are painted around the city and breweries are popular too, such as Accomplice Beer Company.

Casper

Casper, Wyoming is in the center of the Cowboy State, and it has attractions to charm everyone. Let’s start with the endless landscape adventures. Only 20 minutes from the city center, you can fish, hike, and bike in Casper Mountain, North Platte River, or Edness Kimball Wilkins Park. Casper Mountain is a landmark in this city, and it is known for its vast forests and wildlife. Get an immersive experience and camp on the mountain. There are 60 spots in total where you can set up shop and rent a camper or tent, all for a total of $10 per night. Once you have your fill of the outdoors, venture into the heart of the city, specifically David Street Station, an outdoor venue that has live music, markets, and a splash pad.

Laramie

From outdoor activities to arts and culture experiences, Laramie, Wyoming has an experience for everyone, including 600,000 acres of snow-capped mountains (Laramie Mountains) that are also covered with wildflowers. Rock formations Vedauwoo and Happy Jack in Medicine Bow National Forest make Laramie an ideal destination for hikers.  Additionally, you can also rev up an ATV and go off-roading, giving you an opportunity to view the mountains and nature from the back roads. On the flip side, take to the city center and enjoy musical theater. At the local box office, Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, catch the UW Symphony lead by top-tier soloists.

Gillette

Museums, bison ranches, a picture-perfect small town. Are you charmed yet? In the city, experience one-of-a-kind meals and drinks that are prepared with the freshest ingredients by local chefs. Top local eateries include Basin Brew, Creative Beverage, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. Gillette, Wyoming is known for its guided and self-guided tours. Two tours you won’t want to miss are the Durham Bison Ranch and Eagle Butte Coal Mine. With over 3,000 bison and 55,000 acres of rolling tall grasses, view the bison in their natural habitat. Have you ever wondered about what a day in the life of a miner would be like? You can learn about the process and how energy is created. And of course, do not miss viewing a trademark landmark, Devil’s Tower. From the base to tip, this stone structure is 867 feet tall, and Indigenous people consider it a sacred monument.

Rock Springs

Rock Springs, Wyoming is 258 miles west of Cheyenne, so maybe after visiting Cheyenne you can road trip to this charming city. Rock Spring’s name comes from the historic natural spring that dried up due to mining. This location contains one of the most beautiful views you will ever witness: Flaming Gorge, or Uintas National Scenic Byway. A 91-mile river cuts through a deep canyon that is sprinkled with trees. Technically, this attraction is partially in Utah, but its southwest corner is in Wyoming near Rock Springs. Camping accommodations are available. Additionally, take in the vast expanse of Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop and take in a desert landscape like no other. Book a drive and see elk, rabbits, coyotes, hawks, and eagles.  

Sheridan

Sheridan, Wyoming is a charming hideaway with Western vibes, mountains, cowboys, and lakes and streams. With over 200 years of history and Bighorn Mountains that reach 13,000 feet, there are tons of things to do and see in this former cowboy territory. The mountain range offers biking, hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities, and you can explore geological and ancient ceremony sites on horseback. Make sure to view Bighorn Lake that offers a relaxing camping experience, its waters full of rainbow trout and perch. Lake Desmet also resides here and is a perfect fishing destination. After a long day of adventure, venture into the city that overflows with cafes, galleries, and restaurants.

Evanston

Hospitality meets railroad history. Welcome to Evanston, Wyoming where you can dive into history, create memories with outdoor adventures, and tour a charming downtown core that is known for its hospitality. Evanston has the only remaining roundhouse on the Union Pacific Line. Surrounded by the Uinta Mountains, Evanston is an ideal location for mountain biking, hunting, camping, and hiking. This city also houses Bear River State Park where bull, elk, and bison live. In the city core, check out Aspen Cinemas where you can catch the latest movies, or visit Isolvu Escape Room to experience challenges and thrills.

Green River

Established in 1869, Green River is a charming destination for hiking enthusiasts, families, fishers, and adrenaline junkies. The Green River offers people the perfect opportunity to white-water raft, kayak, canoe, and swim. Even though it is a recreational city, thye preserve the wildlife and environment, which can be admired by visiting its various trails and parks, especially Seedskadee National Wildlife Reserve, located right in the city. This unique ecosystem is flooded with wildlife like sage grouse, Western meadowlarks, moose, and even golden eagles. Walk along the river that cuts through it or tour it by boat.

While each town has common denominators of rich history and picturesque nature experiences, none are one and the same, and all are charming and breathtaking. From rustic railroads, to rodeos, to local restaurants, and rivers, you are sure to find charm in each of these cities.