8 Prettiest Small Towns In Wyoming
Between world-famous national parks combining magnificent mountain ranges, gorgeous geysers, picturesque lakes, and abundant wildlife, “The Equality State” features breathtaking landscapes beyond your wildest dreams. Admire the mesmerizing scenery from these incredible small towns, teeming with their own history and charm. Whether you are looking to explore hidden gems, searching for the perfect weekend getaway, or planning a scenic road trip, discover the 8 prettiest small towns in Wyoming, from Jackson to Sundance.
Jackson
Known as the Gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, a trip to Jackson will introduce you to a world of new adventures. Only 60 miles from the South Entrance of Yellowstone, the first area designated a national park in the world (in 1872), you can easily access geological wonders. See the 30-foot waterfall of Moose Falls, discover the deep blue hot springs of the West Thumb geyser basin, and capture an iconic photo with the Continental Divide sign. Not to mention Jackson is close to three ski areas, including Snow King Mountain, Grand Targhee, and Jackson Hole Mountain resorts. You can also see captivating creatures in the National Elk Refuge, a wonderful spot for photography, wildlife watching, and educational opportunities.
Buffalo
Set in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains, this peaceful small town offers picturesque natural scenery mixed with historic Old West charm. See the hilly backdrops and lovely creek with a scenic hike from the Clear Creek Trail Head, or spend some time swimming, fishing, boating, and camping near Lake DeSmet. Buffalo, one of the prettiest small towns in Wyoming, is also a remarkable city for history buffs and Wild West enthusiasts. Explore the region’s fascinating past with over 40,000 artifacts in the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, ranging from clothes to photographs, documents, firearms, and wagons. Head into the heart of downtown to venture through Main Street, seeing over a dozen historical buildings including the Occidental Hotel, offering over 144 years of warm Southern hospitality.
Lander
Welcome to Lander, one of the prettiest small towns in Wyoming and an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. Test your luck fishing in the Little Popo Agie River. Various species of Trout and Cutthroat are often seen here, as well as Mountain Whitefish and Splake. You may even spot Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Moose, and Pronghorn Antelope along the river (hunting not permitted). See the unique phenomenon of Sinks Canyon State Park, where the Popo Agie River flows in mesmerizing cascades over the granite formation. If you are feeling extra adventurous, test your strength with customizable climbing courses led by AMGA-certified Wind River Climbing Guides.
Green River
Bask in the beauty of Green River, a captivating city in Sweetwater County. Soak in the scenery of the stunning river with a kayaking, tubing, or rafting trip, or test your luck at Trout fishing from Expedition Island, a significant National Historical Site. This is where the Annual River Festival takes place in August, and the Flaming Gorge Days concert is held in June. Edgewater Park is another breathtaking site to capture the river and the surrounding landscape. Nearby, you can go wildlife watching in Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, where over 300 species reside.
Laramie
Home to Wyoming’s only university, the picturesque college town of Laramie is also a remarkable destination to travel millions of years back in time. Find out why the Geological Museum is deemed the state’s “Jurassic Park,” as you see the jaw-dropping Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diatryma, Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurus Rex exhibits. Unravel the city’s past in the Laramie Plains Museum at the historic Ivinson Mansion; a restored 19th-century house with a Victorian Queen Anne architectural style. From there, head on a fascinating adventure through Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Explore the scenic trails seeing the vibrant wildflowers and fantastic mountain views in the summer. If you are visiting in the winter, venture down the powdery slopes of the Snowy Range Ski & Recreation Area, a local family-friendly destination with affordable lift tickets.
Rock Springs
Spend a few days in Rock Springs, undeniably one of the prettiest small towns in Wyoming. Between the spectacular Killpecker Sand Dunes, an incredible spot for sledding and sandboarding or seeing the dormant Boar’s Tusk volcanic structure, and the expansive red canyon walls and gorgeous green forest of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, your days will be filled with adventures. Find out what intriguing events are taking place at the Sweetwater Events Complex, where over 800 events are held every year. Wyoming’s Big Show is held in the summer, where plentiful dining options, carnival rides, and concerts are featured.
Cody
Referred to as the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” culture vultures will fall in love with Cody. Join the festivities at the Cody Stampede Rodeo, a captivating event held annually for over 100 years since its original debut in 1919. See the exhilarating nightly performances in the summer to experience the thrill of Western sports. Head to the nearby Shoshone National Forest, America’s First National Forest filled with glistening alpine lakes, gorgeous glaciers, lovely wildflowers, and rugged mountain peaks. History buffs will be fascinated by thousands of historic artifacts featured in the Old Trail Town to experience Western history first-hand. Old Trail Town is where Cody’s original town site was laid out by Western Scout and Showman William F. Cody in 1895.
Sundance
In the heart of Wyoming’s beautiful Black Hills, you will find Sundance. This stunning small town is a wonderful place to venture back to the Wild West, where Wild Bunch outlaw The Sundance Kid was caught stealing a horse. Capture a picture with him at the Crook County Museum & 1875 Gallery, and further explore the town’s past with a refreshing drink in hand via the Sip n Walk Historical Tour. Sundance is also close to geological gems, deemed the Gateway to Devils Tower National Monument, a striking formation of the rare igneous rock Phonolite Porphyry.
Takeaways
Between breathtaking national parks teeming with treasures, exquisite rivers spanning through picturesque towns, and a wide range of architectural styles dating back to previous centuries, America’s 44th State is filled with beauty. From the vibrant springs and abundant wildlife of Jackson, to the extraordinary Jurassic and Cretaceous exhibits of Laramie, and the mysterious geological formations of Sundance, the state’s beauty is truly one-of-a-kind. Choose from the 8 prettiest small towns in Wyoming to add to your travel list today.
