Savor the flavor of Wyoming's Wild West, where old western towns, nature-rich landscapes, and tranquil alpine villages grant the ultimate cowboy experience to lovers of the great American outdoors. Well-connected to iconic regions, like Yellowstone National Park for one, it's not always necessary to head straight to the cities and towns among the Cowboy State's famous few; in fact, Wyoming's wondrous smaller towns have just as much wonder to offer - and usually without the overbearing crowds in the height of the tourist seasons.
Should experiencing the world-famous Wild West and its frontier lifestyle, discovering pioneer history and visiting Wyoming museums, historic sites, landmarks, and reenactments pique one's interest, the state's small towns are just as worthy - where basking in the Bighorn Mountains, fishing in the Green River, and rodeo-ing like a true Western is the order of the day.
8 Dubois
Year-round adventures abound in the town of Dubois - a wonderful dot on Wyoming's map located on the Wind River, where ranches, hunting, and fishing beckon one's inner cowboy to the frontier's forefront. Home to a wealth of wildlife, such as wolves, elk, grizzly bears, and moose, this part of the state is rich with nature, with one of the top family-friendly ways of discovering it being the National Bighorn Sheep Center - an enriching place dedicating its time and effort to protecting and preserving Wyoming's population of majestic bighorn sheep.
Furthermore, Dubois also serves as a prime ground for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing - particularly in its lush forests and expansive mountain range. Come winter, the roster is refreshed and oozes oodles of energetic, chillier pastimes, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling at the state's numerous ski hubs suited to beginners and seasoned snow bunnies alike.
7 Thermopolis
Who would've thought Wyoming is home to a luxurious spa retreat? Whatever you assumed before, Thermopolis smashes all conventional notions of Wyoming as one of the state's most famously unique destinations that's indeed the largest mineral hot spring on the planet. Famed nationwide, this heated highlight is still regarded as a 'small town,' which means travelers ticking off Wyoming's petite gems need to add this literal hotspot to the itinerary. When in this town with a befitting name, it would be criminal to skip out on the legendary Hot Springs State Park - a sumptuous spot overflowing with mineral spring bathhouses ready to soak the skin and soothe the soul, where herds of bison roam freely, adding to the serene aura of this natural, revitalizing terrain.
Should lounging in wonderfully warm waters not tickle one's fancies, there are tons of other fantastic experiences and attractions to discover in Thermopolis, too. From the Wyoming Dinosaur Center with all its many-millions-old prehistoric fossils to check out the Hot Springs County Museum that showcases the history and significance of Thermopolis, visitors to this exceptional Wyoming town will be in their element after basking in its elements. Moreover, if none of that sounds tempting, there are always the wet-and-wild slides and warming hot springs at Star Plunge water park!
6 Lander
The olden city of Lander enthralls visitors with its distinct Wild West culture and continued frontier life. With its intriguing historic sites and educational museums - with such delights as the Fremont County Pioneer Museum and the Museum of the American West - Lander offers its humble guests a true perspective and sample of the Wild West lifestyle that old-time folk once lived in this exact town.
In addition, it's not merely indoor fascination that feeds folks' minds in Lander; it's the vast outdoorsy escapades, too. From mountain biking and trekking in the nearby Sinks Canyon State Park to rock climbing and hiking in the Wind River Mountains, Lander is a land lover's dreamland.
5 Buffalo
Walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs is sure to be a family favorite for folks bound for good ol' Buffalo - a characterful Old West city tucked away under the magnificent Bighorn Mountain peaks. With an array of interesting museums on offer, this quaint old town is ideal for learning about the American West and the early events during the state's younger days - with one of its best establishments to visit being the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.
As for scoping out the prints of prehistoric giants, take the family to the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, where fossilized dinosaur tracks are on display for visitors who come to enjoy a fascinating tour of the site. Additionally, Buffalo is ideal for outdoorsy personalities, since hiking, camping, and fishing are all on the cards, as well as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing throughout the winter months.
4 Sheridan
Sheridan blends Wyoming's old with its new, delivering a uniquely modern retreat that's as fresh as it is classically historic. First, this delightful Old West town combines vast open spaces with breathtaking mountains - the perfect combo for those in need of peace, quiet, and tranquility in the midst of nature's serenity. But what it does next balances out the quintessential Wyoming experience, much to visitors' delight. Offering an exciting and historic urban district chock-full of the arts, culture, salivatingly good dining, and no lack of Wild West landmarks and attractions of all kinds - such as Brinton Museum and SAGE Community Arts - Sheridan encompasses the full Wyoming vacation package.
And it doesn't quite end there; providing epic hiking and biking trails, fun horseback riding trips, pristine fishing holes, and awesome rock climbing adventures, the city's nearby the Bighorn Mountains and its divine landscapes serve as the perfect cherry on top. Plus, don't forget to check out Porcupine Falls - this picturesque waterfall is one of the area's most celebrated natural splendors and definitely grants a good photo op.
3 Ten Sleep
Escape to the peaceful mountains in search of stunning views and a zen atmosphere far from the trodden tourist path, where the town of Ten Sleep situated in the Bighorn Basin awaits. Cattle and sheep ranches, extensive wilderness, and dreamy outdoor experiences provide the ultimate relaxing getaway for stressed-out travelers in need of tranquility, affording this captivating candidate a special shout-out on this list.
In between getting a good night's sleep (or ten), visitors can wash their stresses away fishing in Ten Sleep Creek and hiking the likes of Ten Sleep Canyon while scoping out glorious wilderness vistas - the undisputed best of which can be soaked up from the James T. Saban lookout point. On the other hand, for further fun inside four walls, guests of Ten Sleep can uncover its culture and history at the intriguing Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum.
2 Cody
As the home of the legendary Buffalo Bill, Cody is an attractive prospect for serving up the famous Buffalo Bill Center of the West complex, where five museums full of wildlife exhibits and time-period artifacts documenting the Old West lifestyle along with the region's natural and human history satiate curious cravings. What's more, visitors can also explore the Old Trail Town, which is an accurately reconstructed, historic frontier town with old period buildings and saloons - all perfect for getting to know Wyoming's illustrious cowboy history and taking spectacular photos of a true-to-life recreation of its past.
As well as experiencing the Cowboy State's history, visitors can also enjoy a number of relaxing and heart-pumping outdoor activities in Cody, including fishing, river rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding, to name just a few of the many memorable adventures to be had.
1 Powell
The perfect gateway point for visiting Yellowstone National Park and the Bighorn Basin, Powell offers easy and convenient access to flourishing forests and mighty mountains for horseback riding, biking, hiking, and in winter, cross-country skiing. What makes this town all the more appealing though is its winding waterway veins, which open up ample opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
As an added bonus, Powell even offers its guests an entertaining city center bustling with culture and history, in addition to mind-stimulating attractions such as Homesteader Museum and its numerous exhibits and the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center.