8 Most Underrated Towns In Wyoming To Take A Trip To

Across Wyoming, some of the most memorable trips are built around small towns that balance scenery, history, and access to the outdoors. Places like Buffalo and Sheridan anchor the eastern edge of the Bighorn Mountains with walkable downtowns and quick access to forested trails, while Lander and Dubois sit closer to the Wind River Range, offering a quieter base for hiking, climbing, and river time. Farther west, towns such as Cody and Jackson connect travelers to Yellowstone country and wide-open high desert landscapes, often without the pace of larger resort centers. Together, these communities show how Wyoming’s lesser-discussed towns can deliver rich travel experiences rooted in location, culture, and everyday life rather than crowds or hype.

Buffalo

Buffalo is closely tied to Wyoming’s frontier past, with several well-preserved landmarks that give the town a strong sense of place. One of its most notable sites is the historic Occidental Hotel, which has hosted figures such as Butch Cassidy and welcomed visitors including Theodore Roosevelt during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For a deeper look at regional history, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum offers exhibits on early settlers, Native history, and the Johnson County War. Visitors can also tour the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill, one of the few vertically integrated wool mills in the country, or check event schedules at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, which hosts fairs, rodeos, and community gatherings throughout the year.

Lander

Lander sits at the edge of the Wind River Range and functions as a hub for both outdoor recreation and local culture. The town is home to Lander Brewing Company, a popular stop for locally brewed beer and casual meals, but its appeal extends well beyond the taproom. Nearby Sinks Canyon State Park provides access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and natural features like the Popo Agie Falls Trail. In town, visitors can explore regional history at the Museum of the American West or spend time at the Lander Art Center, which showcases rotating exhibits and local artists. Together, these attractions make Lander a well-rounded base for both active and low-key trips.

Jackson

Jackson serves as one of Wyoming’s primary bases for mountain recreation, with year-round access to skiing, national parks, and high-elevation scenery. The town is closely connected to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain, both offering downhill skiing, snow sports, and scenic views, while Grand Targhee Resort lies across the Idaho border and is commonly reached on day trips. Beyond skiing, Snow King and nearby areas support tubing, sledding, and sightseeing throughout the winter season. Grand Teton National Park begins just north of town, providing immediate access to alpine lakes and trails, while Yellowstone National Park is reachable by car for longer day trips. Wildlife such as bison, elk, and moose are frequently associated with these parks, particularly in Yellowstone, though sightings depend on season and conditions.

Centennial

Centennial is a small mountain community with fewer than 300 residents, located along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway west of Laramie. Despite its size, the town serves as a gateway to the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, giving visitors direct access to alpine terrain, wildlife habitat, and high-elevation scenery. Centennial is a popular base for hiking, scenic drives, and photography, particularly during summer and early fall when wildflowers and wildlife are most visible. In town, visitors can stop at the Nici Self Historical Museum to learn about local history, browse the Country Junction gift shop, or head up to Libby Flats for expansive views and access to open forest landscapes.

Sundance

Sundance sits in northeastern Wyoming near the edge of the Black Hills and is well known for its access to outdoor recreation. The surrounding landscape supports ATV riding, horseback riding, and hiking, with trails and open terrain that appeal to visitors looking for active trips. Sundance is also closely associated with Devils Tower National Monument, which lies a short drive away and draws climbers, hikers, and sightseers throughout the warmer months. In town, visitors can explore the Bruce Speidel Art Gallery, play a round at the Sundance Country Club, or browse local shops such as the Devils Tower Trading Post. Together, these options give Sundance a mix of outdoor access and small-town attractions that work well for short stays.

Cody

Cody is closely tied to Wyoming’s ranching and rodeo traditions and is widely known as the Rodeo Capital of the World thanks to its nightly summer rodeo events. Visitors interested in Western sports can watch barrel racing, steer wrestling, and bull riding during the peak season, while the surrounding landscape adds mountain and canyon scenery to the experience. History plays a major role in town as well, particularly at Old Trail Town, where preserved frontier buildings offer insight into early settlement in the region. Nearby, the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center provides views over the Shoshone Canyon and context on early water engineering in Wyoming. Evenings can be spent at the Cody Cattle Company Dinner Theater, which combines a Western-style meal with live entertainment, making Cody well suited for short stays focused on culture, history, and local tradition.

Dubois

Dubois sits along the Wind River on the eastern edge of the Wind River Range, giving it direct access to a wide range of outdoor recreation throughout the year. The surrounding terrain supports hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with landscapes that change noticeably between seasons. Wildlife is an important part of the area, and hikers may encounter elk and moose, while larger animals such as grizzly bears are present in the broader region and require proper awareness when traveling on nearby trails. In town, visitors can stop at the National Bighorn Sheep Center to learn about wildlife conservation and regional ecology, or take advantage of local amenities such as the Dubois Branch Library, which serves as a quiet community space. Dubois works well as a low-key base for travelers focused on scenery, wildlife, and access to public land rather than crowds or resort development.

Sheridan

Sheridan sits at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains and combines a well-preserved historic core with an active arts and brewing scene. Founded in 1878, the town’s downtown district features brick buildings and storefronts dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of Sheridan’s most notable landmarks is the Trail End State Historic Site, a preserved mansion that offers insight into the region’s early political and social history. Visitors can also stop by Black Tooth Brewing Company for locally brewed beer or explore rotating exhibits at the SAGE Community Arts. Sheridan College, established in 1948, adds to the town’s educational and cultural presence, rounding out Sheridan as a place that balances history, local culture, and everyday life.

Taking a trip to Wyoming is a fulfilling adventure. The small population of Centennial, with all of its photographable areas, is certainly a great spot in Wyoming. There are also memorable landmarks in Buffalo, the flowing beer in Lander, and the national parks in Jackson. Thrillseekers have every reason to visit Sundance, while rodeo lovers might be more inclined to book a trip to Cody. With all of the exciting things to do throughout Wyoming, planning a getaway with a brilliant itinerary is easy to do.