Wyoming is a state where the drives are long, the days are windy, and the small towns are filled with history and character. Although no town or community is exactly alike, the best ones have two things in common: They have a unique story, and they’re rich in outdoor activities, a hallmark of the Cowboy State. No matter which small town you choose to visit, just be sure to keep your distance from wildlife, pick up your trash, and support local businesses; the residents will appreciate it. Read on to discover nine of the best small towns in Wyoming.
Jackson
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Jackson (the biggest town in the Jackson Hole valley) is the opposite of undiscovered, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great small town. There are quaint coffee shops and cafes—order ahead from Cowboy Coffee if you don’t want to wait in line—one-of-a-kind boutiques, and a local history museum that underwent a complete reimagining in 2024. Although the summer season is the most popular time to visit, Jackson certainly has a four-season appeal. After a day of skiing or snowboarding at nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Snow King Mountain, the ski resort right in the town of Jackson, saddle up for a drink at the infamous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar or grab a seat at Silver Dollar Bar and enjoy live music from local and regional acts.
Pinedale
Wyoming Tourism Board
If you plan to visit Jackson Hole but also want to explore outside the more popular (and crowded) tourist areas in Wyoming, consider Pinedale. “Pinedale truly is the best-kept secret of the West. Everything is still pretty affordable, there are cowboy bars, delicious restaurants, and it’s extremely accessible to 10+ lakes, skiing at White Pine Ski Area, and fishing on the Green River,” says Sam Haack, an associate broker at Berkshire Hathaway Brokers of Jackson Hole Real Estate. “When in town, you’ll want to make sure to have a frosty brew and mouth-watering food at Wind River Brewing Company, spend a day on the beach or boat at Fremont Lake, grab a drink at waterfront restaurants— like Lakeside Restaurant and Bar and Half Moon Lake Lodge—and hike with your dog at the CCC Ponds.”
Alpine
Wyoming Tourism Board
“Alpine has long been a bedroom community for Jackson Hole; however, it’s now coming into its own. As a resident of Alpine, I love the proximity to Jackson and the Snake River Canyon for white water rafting and surfing on the Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter waves,” says Haack, who also credits the Palisades Reservoir for the town’s appeal. The human-made lake, which he adds is “protected from the wind with mountains on three sides,” is ideal for wake surfing and water skiing in the summer months. “While you’re in Alpine, you also have to spend a day snowmobiling or ATVing down Greys River Road and then visit Melvin Brewing located on the banks of the Palisades Reservoir; get their Melvin IPA beer and a Drunken Master burger,” he says.
Dubois
Wyoming Tourism Board
“Dubois is a sleepy town, but if you know what to look for, it reveals itself to you. I love the red hills that surround Dubois. Their Badlands-like look makes you feel like you’re in the Dakotas, or maybe Mars on a hot day,” says Haack. Cory Lawrence, a Wyoming native and the CEO of Off the Beaten Path, also suggests checking out Dubois. “With its proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, and the increase in popularity of small towns in the Rocky Mountains, Dubois has grown and prospered, resulting in more shops, restaurants, and service-related businesses,” he says. Of those retailers, he recommends Cowboy Cafe, Antler Workshop & Gallery, and Country Store on W. Ramshorn, which he describes as a “gas station and convenience store—and a jackalope museum, with a full-sized jackalope that is a must-see.”
Buffalo
Wyoming Office of Tourism
“Buffalo, a small ranching town at the foot of the eastern slope of the Bighorn mountain range, has a population of 4,655 people,” says Lawrence. “The Historic Occidental Hotel and authentic-looking storefronts, some restored and some the way they have been for decades, will make you want to grab a camera and start capturing the Old West on film. The town is filled with beautiful parks, the largest outdoor pool in the state of Wyoming (free to the public), abundant walking trails, and great proximity to the Cloud Peak Wilderness, just up the mountain from town.” While you’re there, be sure to swing by the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum to learn about the design and origins of the Wyoming state flag, among other interesting historical facts.
Wilson
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Wilson is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town in Jackson Hole. Technically, it’s a census-designated place, but it has more than a few reasons for travelers to visit. Start your morning at Nora’s Fish Creek Inn, a local-favorite spot serving up hearty breakfasts, or Persephone Westbank, then find your dream Western outfit at the Lela Rose Ranch flagship store. Pearl Street Bagels and Aspens Market are also solid choices when you’re feeling peckish, and the Stagecoach Bar is a laid-back watering hole that has long been frequented by Jackson Hole locals.
Cody
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“Cody is what Jackson used to be. Down-to-earth, Cowboy heritage, and Buffalo Bill’s former residence. There is a strong group of local entrepreneurs and residents who care a ton about the place and are making it better, project by project,” says Haack, who recommended adding both The Blanca Tatanka and Buffalo Bill’s historic Irma Hotel to your itinerary. Cody is also a gateway town to Yellowstone’s East entrance, so it’s the perfect stop before or after exploring America’s oldest national park. “Cody’s history is still alive with landmark buildings still standing and excellent historical exhibits at the world-renowned Buffalo Bill Center of the West,” says Lawrence. “The town is growing and quite vibrant with a healthy downtown, numerous city parks and trails, and excellent city services.”
Thermopolis
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“The county seat of Hot Springs County, Thermopolis has a population of approximately 2,700 people and is most famous for its mineral hot springs and dinosaur dig sites, though many come to enjoy the world-class trout fishing available in the Wind River Canyon and on the Bighorn River,” says Lawrence. Travelers who are interested in soaking in the natural springs will head to Hot Springs State Park, where the bathhouse’s waters stay at 104 degrees Fahrenheit—ideal for therapeutic bathing. Anyone traveling with kids should make it a point to visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center & Dig Sites, where there are more than 70 mounted dinosaur skeletons. “The center is also home to a fierce, meat-eating dinosaur that roamed Wyoming during the late Jurassic period—about 145 million years ago—the Allosaurus,” Lawrence adds.
Ten Sleep
Wyoming Tourism Board
Located in the western foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, hours away from Yellowstone National Park, Ten Sleep is one of the Cowboy State’s most underrated gems. Like many places in Wyoming, the outdoors are at the heart of Ten Sleep. In the summer, visitors come for the rock climbing and hiking opportunities; in the winter, it’s all about cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing at Meadowlark Ski Lodge. No matter how you choose to get in your physical exercise, you can return to town knowing there’s a cold beverage waiting for you at Ten Sleep Brewing.
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