The One Wyoming Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Step back into a true Old West town and enjoy a simpler way of life. At the doorstep to both Grand Tetons National Park and Yellowstone National Park, Dubois, Wyoming, is home to some of the best hiking, fishing, wildlife, and horseback riding in the US. Be enamored by the exquisite views, but also drawn in by the town’s rich history and sincere hospitality. Come see for yourself why this is the one Wyoming town everyone should visit at least once.
History & Culture
Learn about the history of Dubois, as well as Wyoming, at any of its local museums, all with a different focal point. War history enthusiasts will want to start their journey at the relatively new National Museum of Military Vehicles. The world-class museum educates visitors on World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and strives to honor veterans and their families, educate the public, and preserve and present historic military vehicles, with hundreds on display. Exhibits include the World War II Gallery, the Unknown Soldiers Weapons Vault, and a steady roster of rotating exhibits.
A more generalized museum that features more local history is The Dubois Museum. The collection represents the storied development of the Upper Wind River Valley, Fremont County, and Western Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain Regions, from fossils and artifacts of geologic importance to exhibits about the timber industry that carried the region into the 1980s.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center is another engaging and interactive stop. The educational center provides information and outreach to aid in the conservation of wild sheep and other wildlife, as well as their habitats. Visitors are invited to explore the displays and dioramas, which include the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, which is the largest wild sheep in North America, weighing in over 300 pounds.
Food & Drink
There's no question this town is old, and so are its establishments. But that is all part of its undeniable charm. Stop in for a drink at the self-proclaimed "world's most unique" bar. Established in 1919, The Rustic Pine Tavern is adorned with a handmade bar from local wood, taxidermy animals, antique guns, and a vintage cigar cabinet. Tucked deep inside The Rustic Pine Tavern is another hidden gem of Dubois. The Fluffy Cow restaurant is nestled past the bar, at the end of the hoof print trail. The family-owned restaurant specializes in classics with a creative twist, in-house-made sauces, and a seasonally updating menu. Try their signature Fluffy Cow burger, and finish off your meal with huckleberry cornbread pudding.
For dinner with a side of adventure, dine at Crooked Creek. Located on the Crooked Creek Guest Ranch, the establishment can be found at an elevation of 8,400 feet in the Wind River Mountain Range. The ranch gets its name from the stream that winds around the property, and it is a year-round haven for outdoor adventure. Try the Rocky Mountain oysters, poblano chicken nachos, or country-fried steak, or simply enjoy a beer with a view.
Out & About
While there is much to see and do in town, a visit to the Dubois Badlands is a must. Intricate bands of red and tan rock and clay create colorful patterns throughout the badlands and flat-topped benches that make up the town's backyard. The official Badlands Wilderness Study Area spans more than 4,500 acres, so prepare to spend a full day in the park and pack the necessary precautions to protect against heat, dryness, dehydration, and wildlife. The 3.1-mile Dubois Badlands Trail takes hikers past striking views, various other trailheads, and picturesque rock formations. While enjoying the views, be sure to follow the map, as there are unmarked trails, steep sections, and no shade along the trail.
For more adventure, head out on the waters with a scenic rafting trip on the Big Wind River. The outfitters at Big Wind River Floats are 100% Native American-owned, and local Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho guides share their history during the trips, along with opportunities to view wildlife, ancient petroglyphs, and the most exhilarating parts of the river. The outfitter also offers a range of guided fly fishing packages for the enthusiastic angler.
Meanwhile, a true, authentic Western experience awaits at Bitterroot Ranch. This rustic resort provides more than just overnight accommodations, but also some of the most diverse horseback riding in North America. Nestled in the Shoshone National Forest, the working ranch allows visitors the opportunity to drive cattle during their stay, ride horses, fly fish, hike, or just relax at the farmstead. Although multiple activities are available, the ranch's main focus is horseback riding, so don’t miss a chance to let the friendly horses take you through cottonwood and spruce trees, high plains desert, aspen groves, pine-clad mountains, and along the Wind River.
Nearby Towns
The charming mountain town of Jackson lies to the west of Dubois. Explore the town square or embark on outdoor adventures in this historic western village. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has been entertaining celebrities, presidents, royalty, and cowhands since 1937 and is a landmark institution. Famous for its live entertainment and line dancing, the cowboy bar has hosted the likes of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Visit the cowboy bar, and then see real-life cowboys in action at the Jackson Hole Rodeo. Athletes compete in bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, saddle bronc riding, mini bull riding, and so much more. Prepare to be entertained with these traditional Western activities that have been part of the town's culture for over 100 years.
South of Dubois, Lander provides even more outdoor fun and excitement, as well as a bit of history and culture. Sinks Canyon State Park is located in the Wind River Mountains, on the middle fork of the Popo Agie River. Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery by hiking, fishing, rock climbing, or mountain biking. A popular point of interest is the place where the Popo Agir River disappears into a limestone cave and reappears less than a half mile deeper in the canyon, where it flows into a placid pool, hence the park's name. The Fremont County Pioneer Museum preserves and displays Lander Valley, Fremont County, and western Wyoming artifacts from Native American history through the 1920s. View the antiquities, participate in an educational program, or take a self-guided tour around town, all through museum-sponsored initiatives.
Continue exploring the outdoors and taking in the stunning views in Moose. The Snake River Overlook offers exceptional views of the river's sweeping course as it winds through sagebrush flatlands and the towering peaks of the Tetons. The Blacktail Ponds Overlook is another scenic sweet spot. Named for the blacktail deer that frequented the area, the overlook gives visitors a glance at the ponds and wet meadows along the Snake River, as well as pines along glacial lakes, aspen forests, and the mountains beyond. While in town, spend time at Dornan's, either by renting one of their cabins and spending a night, grabbing a drink at the Spur Bar, or sidling up for some hearty grub at their popular chuckwagon.
If you are looking for a good reason to hit up Wyoming, the landscapes, the history, the activities, and the wildlife make it a desirable destination. In Dubois, you can immerse yourself and take advantage of each of those things, from horseback riding through the mountains and fly fishing in the Big Wind River, to grabbing a drink at the Rustic Pine Tavern and exploring nearby towns in the Tetons. For these reasons and many more, Dubois is a town everyone should visit at least once.
