7 Top-Rated Beautiful Small Towns in Wyoming (2024)

Wyoming is typically associated with the sprawling Wild West of America. Wyoming is often referred to as ‘The Cowboy State.’ However, the surprising fact is that despite the vast area of the state, Wyoming is the least populated state in the United States. The beautiful small towns that dot the landscape of Wyoming are today the true embodiment of western culture and traditions. If you want to detach yourself from the hustle and bustle of city life, the best thing to do in Wyoming is to take a relaxing getaway to one of the small towns in Wyoming. For those who want to explore more of the breathtaking natural beauty, historical attractions, and the never-ending Western spirit of Wyoming.

7 Top-Rated Beautiful Small Towns in Wyoming

Here are the Best Small Towns in Wyoming That You Must Check Out.

1. Buffalo

Buffalo is one of the most famous historic small towns in Wyoming. It is nestled in the beautiful foothills of the majestic Bighorn Mountains. For those who are interested in learning more about Wyoming’s past, Buffalo is the perfect place to begin your trip from. Buffalo is home to many historic buildings in its downtown area. Check out the 131-year old Occidental Hotel, whose famous guests have included Teddy Roosevelt and Butch Cassidy. Move on to seeing the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, which opened its doors all the way back in 1900 and is a popular tourist attraction even today.

The downtown area of Buffalo has perfectly preserved the architectural styles of the turn of the century Midwest. Just by taking a short drive out of town, you will also be able to experience a wide variety of outdoor activities in the mountains, including boating and skiing. Or you can just take in the stunning scenery.

2. Lander

Located in the center of Wyoming towards the upper plains of the Rockies is the beautiful small town of Lander. This is a small town of 8000 that live in the most spectacular mountain range of the US, the Rockies.

Taking a trip to Lander means visiting many exotic local breweries, indulging in jam sessions at a local pub, and taking part in every outdoor adventure that you could possibly imagine. The most popular time of visiting Lander is during the three-day International Climber’s Festival.

The festival attracts climbers from all around the world, and the town offers many free camping opportunities as well as lots of fun activities. Don’t forget to visit one of the many dude ranches in Lander as they hole a year-round Pioneer Days Rodeo, the world’s oldest paid rodeo. There is also a state fair held every winter. Once in Lander, you should also check out the Sinks Canyon State Park, which is nearby.

3. Cody

The small and beautiful town of Cody is all about history, wildlife, and the rodeo. The town is named after William Cody, who was better known as Buffalo Bill, the founder of the town. The town of Cody takes great pride in being the founding town of Buffalo Bill, with a number of statues, museums, and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center all built with the motive of reminding tourists of the town’s glorious past.

Cody is also known as being the rodeo capital of the world, and it plays host to many prestigious rodeos throughout the year. So you can plan your trip to coincide with one of these rodeo events.

As you explore Cody, you will be greeted with breathtaking scenery at every turn as the town is the gateway to the magnificent Yellowstone National Park. It is also the starting point of many scenic drives that take you along the Beartooth Highway. Cody is the town to visit to see Wyoming’s Wild West come alive.

4. Dubois

This beautiful small town was initially known as Never Sweat because of its warm and dry winds. Dubois is an authentic Western town in Wyoming, home to the cowboys. This quaint little traditional cowboy town falls along the Wind River and is surrounded by the Absaroka and Wind River Mountains. This offers some of the most stunning views of the town.

Dubois has been voted as one of the best rural towns by American Cowboy Magazine and full of some stunning natural beauty, plenty of nature trails, ranch activities, and as you look around the town, it becomes easy to see why this title is well deserved. If you want to explore the real natural beauty of Wyoming, this town is also the starting point of the Centennial Scenic Byway, which shows you a slice of the real West, from the high peaks to the badlands.

5. Jackson

Located at the southern end of Jackson Hole is the small town of Jackson. This town has tons of western flair, but it is still a contemporary town. With great shopping, dining, and lots of entertainment, this town is the perfect entertainment in Wyoming.

Jackson is known for the famous arch that is made entirely out of elk antlers. Jackson is the perfect gateway to both the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and you can use it as the best base camp for your trips to the national park. You should make it a point to check out the mountain formations that the locals call the Sleeping India. Don’t forget to explore the National Elk Refuge.

One of the most interesting features of Jackson is the wooden plan sidewalks, which have been in use for over 100 years. Bring your camera to capture the unique aerial tram of Jackson.

6. Centennial

The town of Centennial is best known for having year-round recreation activities. This tiny town is located at the bottom of the majestic Snowy Range Mountains, with just around 300 people living here. During the late 19th century, gold was discovered on the Centennial Mountain, and within just two years, the main gold vain disappeared into a fault line and was never to be seen again, though you will still find many gold prospectors flocking to the town in hopes of finding gold again.

Tourists to Centennial can enjoy a trip to the Thunder Basin National Grassland and explore the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Together, these two places cover nearly three million acres and extend all the way into Colorado.

7. Sheridan

The small town of Sheridan is known as Wyoming’s Jewel. The town is famous for its western history, and the dramatic mountain backdrop is surely going to win your heart. Sheridan has won several awards and accolades, including being voted as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Towns and one of the top ten mountain towns by North American Hunter. It was also voted as the top western town by True West.

The town of Sheridan keeps alive the spirit of the West with its every popular Bighorn Country USA festival and its annual rodeo. Visitors from all over Wyoming come here because it is the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. There are many well-preserved buildings in Sheridan located in its historic downtown that is listed on the National Register as well that you must explore when you visit this beautiful western town.

With so many beautiful small towns to visit in Wyoming, plan your trip in such a manner that you can check out these stunning towns during your stay in this western state.