Independence Day Parade in Cody, Wyoming. Image: Harald Schmidt via Shutterstock.com.

9 Of The Friendliest Towns In Wyoming

Wyoming is a Mountain West state in the U.S. that has no parallel in its beauty and presence. It is home to some of the best small-town destinations with glorified locales and landmarks that most would love to visit in person, such as the National Bighorn Sheep Center and the Gryphon Theatre. There are also many places with welcoming locals who love to show people around and entice outsiders to stay for a while. These friendly towns in the Equality State are sure to impress new and returning travelers in the region.

Green River

Autumn on the shores of Green River, Wyoming.
Autumn on the shores of Green River, Wyoming.

A cozy little town with cultural and historical vibrance, Green River has a bit of something for everyone. You can find some interesting heritage at the Sweetwater County Historical Museum, a landmark where adventurists can come together to learn about Native American southwestern culture and outlaw history. Visitors on the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop may encounter gravel roads lined with wild horse sightings, hawks and eagles, and diverse desert vegetation.

Expedition Island Park grants underrated downtown appeal through family gatherings, blue ribbon trout fishing, and peaceful strolls through the famed Greenbelt Pathway. The area is also known for its 1860s and 1870s expedition history. Guests at the Ponderosa Bar & Lounge mingle and converse while trying out pool games, dart-throwing activities, and energetic karaoke nights.

Dubois

Exterior of the Outlaw Saloon in Dubois, Wyoming.
Outlaw Saloon in Dubois, Wyoming. Image credit: Sandra Foyt via Shutterstock

Dubois, or "Never Sweat" among its residents due to its dry summer climate, is a Wild West getaway with lots of community charm and meaningful attractions. The National Bighorn Sheep Center is where you may want to be for bighorn sheep herding history, with life-sized dioramas and recreational exhibits about wild sheep species. It also makes for an engaging winter option for anyone visiting between November and March. If vintage technologies fascinate you, the National Museum of Military Vehicles has a wide variety of World War I weaponry and armament galleries used during major Korean and Vietnamese conflicts. The museum features Bunker Hill legacies and even General Patton's very own sidearm.

Take an exciting river float ride with Big Wind River Float Trips & Fly Fishing, which lets vacationers team up with locals to experience guided float serenity and fly fishing tours of Upper Big Wind River. Water Wheel Gifts & Books is more up your alley if you prefer easygoing home decor walkthroughs, cute novelty books, and eclectic soaps.

Saratoga

Expedition canoes on North Platte River in Wyoming below Bennet Peak campground near Saratoga, Wyoming.
Canoes on the North Platte River in Wyoming below Bennet Peak campground near Saratoga, Wyoming. Image credit: marekuliasz via Shutterstock

Commonly referred to as "Where the Trout Leap in Main Street," Saratoga brings people together with its lively stops. The Saratoga Museum is one of those places where you can find cool archaeological memorabilia, with over 10,000 unique rock artifacts and various geological showrooms that travelers may love. Those who visit during the summer can also enjoy relaxing musical concerts. Saratoga Hobo Hot Springs guarantees lots of splashes and hot spring tranquility with its comforting thermal waters and Platte Valley ambiance.

For a welcoming golf session, Saratoga Hot Springs Resort has both 9- and 18-hole courses to suit outsiders with a penchant for sports. It is great for connecting with nature, while kids can take rookie lessons from seasoned golfers on how to hit the tee in June. Try some mouthwatering homemade breakfast and lunch options at Hen & Harvest Eatery, a wholesome place for finding chatty brunch regulars and inviting hosts. The diner boasts alluring views of the North Platte River that you may not want to miss.

Thermopolis

 Hot springs in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Hot springs in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Known for its natural hot springs, Thermopolis is a grand escape worth pursuing. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center contains over 70 mounted skeleton displays, including the special Thermopolis Specimen Archaeopteryx, one of the only known specimens of its kind outside of Europe. Hot Springs State Park is where you want to be for Eastern Shoshone history and globally recognized mineral hot springs that flow over colorful terraces at over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There are also plenty of fun locals to interact with while having therapeutic relaxation.

Out with the family? HorseWorks Wyoming is the perfect place to be for rustic horseback amusement and holiday dude ranch ambiance that are truly unforgettable. The cattle penning and campfire sing-alongs are amazing at this spot. Audra's Coffee Coo has welcoming caffeinated specialties and organic coffee to satisfy backpackers in town for a few days or more. This place is a hidden gem with kind townsfolk and fresh lemonade worth coming back for each year.

Sheridan

Cozy downtown of Sheridan, Wyoming.
Sheridan, Wyoming, is known for its cozy downtown. Editorial Credit: Sandra Foyt via shutterstock.com

Found roughly halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore, Sheridan is "Wyoming's Jewel" that gives tourists something to remember. You may love Trail End State Historic Site, a grand 13,748-square-foot mansion built in Flemish Revival architecture and featuring 19th-century legacies unlike any other. Kendrick Park lets summer visitors take a slow pace through beautiful creeks and family-friendly gardens, while others may notice shady bench areas and resident buffalo and elk grazing nearby.

King's Saddlery is a cozy spot where shoppers can find tack, Western apparel, and engage in conversations; it also features a Wild West-style museum for those who want to learn more about cowboy trinkets and replicas. Anyone with a penchant for South Asian cuisine will appreciate Himalayan Kitchen's tasty chicken tikka masala and garlic naan, which are ideal for satisfying Indian and Nepalese appetites.

Laramie

Downtown Laramie, Wyoming, USA.
Downtown Laramie, Wyoming, USA. Editorial credit: Nagel Photography via Shutterstock.com

A chatty college town that favors meeting new people, Laramie has charms you cannot easily ignore. The Laramie Plains Museum invites visitors to explore opulent Victorian furnishings, local ranch heritage, and the Ivinson family's philanthropy. There is also a festive "Holiday Open House" that community members can enjoy each year. At Wyoming Women's History House, gracious tours of women's rights exhibits and feminine legacies make for a historical adventure.

Gryphon Theatre welcomes all with its comedy acts and captivating violin performances, which will help people feel right at home. Nobody should discount Cowgirl Yarn, a beloved locale filled with handmade yarn products and employees who delight in chit-chatting about crochet. Both avid knitters and casual wanderers may want to stop by this one for some smiles.

Cody

Main Street in Cody, Wyoming, at sunrise
Main Street in Cody, Wyoming, at sunrise. Image credit: SL-Photography / Shutterstock.com.

Cody, known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World," is considered the friendliest city in the state. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a landmark containing American West foundations, Yellowstone natural science exhibits, and Plains Indian native culture. Cody Dug Up Gun Museum features Civil War and other wartime weaponry passed down over the years. Its vast vintage collections may astonish you.

Cedar Mountain Trail Rides takes you on a riveting trail ride experience with friendly walkthroughs of town and equestrian lessons to help newcomers feel accustomed to the Wild West era. The Wild West Spectacular is a renowned musical that all will love, with its summer-oriented Cody Theatre theatrics and Buffalo Bill storytelling.

Gillette

Gillette, Wyoming, as seen from Overlook Park.
Gillette, Wyoming, as seen from Overlook Park. Image Credit: Mr. Satterly, via Wikimedia Commons

An 1890s town that has an abundant amount of coal, oil, and gas reserves as the "Energy Capital of the Nation," Gillette is a destination that most should find appealing. The Frontier Auto Museum appeals to retro lovers with a nostalgic gas station, mechanic shop, and even a 1930s barber shop from back in the day. Dalbey Memorial Park is where you may want to be with your family for a pavilion picnic session or classic stroll through lakeside environments away from noisy crowds.

For the religious, High Plains Community Church has plenty of charm with its group prayer and worship meets. Seeking some time on the dance floor in the evening? Sundance Lounge creates an entertaining night with its sports bar pleasures and nightclub vibrance.

Powell

Powell, Wyoming, US.
Powell, Wyoming, US.

Powell is an often-overlooked destination with numerous magnificent attractions. The Homesteader Museum takes visitors through over 50 years of homesteading history and the rural livelihoods of early family settlers. You may also want to check out Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, where World War II-era exhibits and Japanese-American incarceration knowledge make for an impressive educational outing.

Powell Aquatic Center has an indoor aquatic facility that is designed for all travelers and residents needing to dive around on the splash pad or simply socialize while enjoying pool-based activities. The locale also offers friendly swimming lessons. Edelweiss Riverhouse has burgers and pizzas for all ages; its chicken tenders and onion rings alone will entice just about anyone.

There is nothing quite like these small towns in the state of Wyoming. With a presence in each that is unique and satisfying, travelers can expect to find a variety of elements to make any itinerary worthwhile. Friendliness and hospitality are guaranteed to bring out the best of these destinations, so take a trip to the Equality State and see what you are missing out on.

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