Wyoming
9 Picturesque Towns In Wyoming For A Weekend Retreat In 2024
Wyoming, fabled for its rich Western heritage and diverse topography spotlighting the jaw-dropping Rockies, wide river valleys, massive basins, large swathes of high-elevation prairie grasslands, and rolling hills, is an attractive landlocked state in the Mountain West subregion of the American West. On top of that, the Equality State has vast areas of federally owned lands, including national parks, national forests, historic sites, wildlife refuges, national recreation areas, fish hatcheries, and national monuments, all of which are most favored vacation paradises alluring vacationers from all over the globe. Peppered all over the Cowboy State’s rugged terrain are numberless idyllic hamlets that will certainly provide memorable experiences during your mini weekend trips in the remaining months of 2024.
Dubois
Labeled in honor of Idaho senator Fred Thomas Dubois by Governor Joseph Maull Carey, Dubois is a tiny Fremont County town situated by the side of the upper Wind River at the opening of the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway. Featuring some marvelous untouched terrains, including the imposing Absaroka Range, this 911-resident town offers warm-weather activities like camping, hiking, big game hunting, mountain biking, and fishing, besides ice climbing, skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding during the cool winters. With that said, one of the best possible ways to experience this Wild West town is by traversing the guest ranches such as the Rams Horn Guest Ranch, Bitterroot Ranch, Crooked Creek Guest Ranch, and Triangle C Ranch. Likewise, drop in at the Dubois Museum, the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, the National Museum of Military Vehicles, and more than 800,000 acres of the unspoiled Shoshone National Forest. Take part in upcoming seasonal celebrations like ‘Halloween at the Museum’ on October 26, 2024, at The Dubois Museum, and stay overnight at Super 8 by Wyndham Dubois.
Pinedale
An indispensable hunting outfitting town, Pinedale is placed at 7,175 ft above sea level on a high alpine valley in Sublette County fringed by the Wind River Range, Gros Ventre Mountains, and the Wyoming Range. As a significant entranceway to the Jackson Hole Area, adventurists visiting this 2,005-inhabitant community can easily reach the Continental Divide Trail, Titcomb Basin, and Cirque of the Towers from here. When in Pinedale, do survey the adjoining Bridger-Teton National Forest by horseback and ATVs, head to Fremont Lake – the state’s second-largest natural lake after renting a fishing rod and a kayak, turn up at the Annual Halloween Candy Scavenger Hunt on October 26, 2024, at the Museum of the Mountain Man, and make yourself at home at the Hampton Inn & Suites Pinedale.
Cody
This Park County seat, called after the legendary showman Colonel William Frederick Cody, is situated on the Bighorn Basin’s western periphery in northwest Wyoming. Crammed with art galleries like Timmer Gallery and Cody Country Art League, shopping spaces, premier restaurants like Cody Steakhouse, and hotels like Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel, downtown Cody emanates a strong Old West charm. Travelers must not miss touring the Western US’ oldest and all-inclusive museum complex – the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in addition to the Old Trail Town just off the Yellowstone Highway and the Heart Mountain Relocation Center – approx. 17 miles east of the town. Also, the town’s closeness to the Shoshone National Forest and Yellowstone National Park’s eastern entrance has made it a significant outdoor recreation mecca where a multitude of recreational activities are offered. Show up at the town’s annual celebrations like ‘Halloween Putt-Putt’ on October 18 and VFW Oktoberfest on October 19, 2024.
Buffalo
The administrative center of Johnson County, Buffalo, is set at the base of the Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming, halfway betwixt Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Yellowstone National Park. Come and discover Buffalo’s rough-hewn Wild West origins by taking note of the various artifacts from this tumultuous era, such as military weapons, ranching gear, medicine bags, household items, etc., displayed at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. Stop by the other notable sites at the heart of the town’s downtown, including the Occidental House Museum, Fetterman’s Massacre Site, ‘Hole in the Wall’ – the ill-famed hideaway of the ‘Wild Bunch Gang,’ and Fort Phil Kearney. Set out for a drive along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, which crisscrosses through the southern part of Big Horn National Forest, providing arresting spectacles of the Big Horn Mountains, Cloud Peak Wilderness, and Big Horn National Forest. Moreover, partake in assorted leisure pursuits in the town’s conterminous landscape, de-stress at the Buffalo Inn, and attend the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce’s annual Monster March in the Main Street Historic District on October 31, 2024.
Lander
Lander, baptized as a tribute to General Frederick William Lander, is the seat of government of Central Wyoming’s Fremont County, located by the side of the Middle Fork Popo Agie River just south of the Wind River Indian Reservation. Having a considerable number of guest ranches, Lander is a perfect place for those who wish to know about Wyoming ranch life. While touring the town, the Lander Downtown Historic District, Lander Children’s Museum, Evans Dahl Memorial Museum, Fremont County Pioneer Museum, Jackson Park Town Site, Lander Art Center, and the neighboring Sinks Canyon State Park are must-stops. Unwind after an exhausting day at The Inn at Lander – Travelodge by Wyndham, and spare time to be there at annual events like “Halloween Night at the Museum” on October 18 and 19, 2024, at the Pioneer Museum.
Jackson
A bewitching resort destination in northwest Wyoming’s Teton County, Jackson is the dominant settlement of the Jackson Micropolitan Statistical Area, occupying the southern tip of Jackson Hole Valley and fringed by the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain ranges. Apart from being a crucial halfway stop for millions of adventure seekers heading to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks yearly, and located in the vicinity of three first-class resorts: Grand Targhee Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the town has been a cherished vacation spot. Sightseers must peruse the numerous one-of-a-kind boutiques, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Center for the Arts, restaurants like The Kitchen, accommodations like Hotel Jackson, and take part in horse-drawn sleigh rides in addition to watching the biggest elk herds of the country at the fringing National Elk Wildlife Refuge and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Sundance
Sundance, named after the ‘Sun Dance’ ceremony performed by Indigenous tribes, is the Crook County seat set on the Black Hills’ western extremity in the valley of Bearlodge Mountains in the extreme northeastern corner of Wyoming. The streets of this alluring 1,032-inhabitant community bring to everyone’s mind images of infamous cowboys and the place where Harry Longbaugh earned his byname ‘Sundance Kid’ after his internment here. Heritage enthusiasts must not miss the Crook County Museum at the downtown’s ancient ‘Old Stoney’ building and the adjoining Devils Tower National Monument – where a high laccolith (named Devils Tower) rises spectacularly above the circumambient terrain in the Black Hills’ Bear Lodge Ranger District. Have a pleasant stay at the Bear Lodge Motel and participate in many upcoming events like the 2nd Annual The Great Pumpkin Hunt 2024 on 21 October 2024, the Fall Vendor Fair on 26 October 2024, the Ladies Night Block Party on 30 November 2024 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving), the Festival of Lights Parade on 6 December 2024, and the CCMSD Monster March 5K on 10 December 2024.
Sheridan
Christened in honor of General Philip Sheridan, this administrative center of Sheridan County and Sheridan Micropolitan Statistical Area’s principal community is set at the meeting of Big and Little Goose creeks on the Bighorn Mountains’ eastern flanks, close to the state border with Montana. Originally established as a railroad distribution point, Sheridan slowly transformed over the years into a financial center of a larger area spread over three counties in Wyoming’s north-central and Montana’s southern portions. As ‘Wyoming’s Jewel,’ this settlement is the most sought-after travel stop where excursionists can partake in myriad outdoor recreations at the Bighorn National Forest. Stop by the Sheridan County Courthouse, Fort Mackenzie, Brinton Museum, King Saddlery Museum, Trail End State Historic Site, and Sheridan County Museum to learn more about the town’s bygone days; rest for the night at the revitalized Sheridan Inn, and turn up every Saturday at Local Foods Market at Landon’s Greenhouse and Christmas with the Kendricks at the Trail End State Historic Site on 22December 2024.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis, the most populous community and seat of government of Hot Springs County, housing innumerable natural hot springs, is located close to the northern limit of the Wedding of the Waters’ and the Wind River Canyon in north-central Wyoming. Fringed by awe-inspiring mountain ranges, the most noteworthy attraction of this southernmost municipality of Bighorn Basin is the Hot Springs State Park, which comprises ‘The Big Spring’ – the most expansive mineral hot spring in the world along with several water slides, boat docks, a swing-bridge over Big Horn River, travertine terraces, a State Bath House, commercial hotels like Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel, and a managed American bison herd. Travelers must not miss Thermopolis’ other prominent sites, including the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center, Downtown Thermopolis Historic District, Wind River Canyon Whitewater Rafting, and the nearby Wyoming Dinosaur Center, while merrymakers should try to attend the Hot Springs County Museum Pioneer Days on 18 and 19 October 2024, and “Vintage Christmas” Silent Auction to benefit the People for People Backpack Program on November 16, 2024.
From the enrapturing alpestrine panoramas of Jackson to the stupefying natural hot springs of Thermopolis, the gorgeous settlements in the nation’s 10th largest and least populous state are infallible for any kind of getaways. Regardless of the time of the year you are visiting, these teeny Cowboy State towns promise a seamless mix-up of adventure and relaxation besides being perpetually ready to welcome everyone with their unique sites of interest, out-of-this-world natural sceneries, infinite open-air activities, and vibrant local cultures.
Like many rabbit holes, it all started with a simple question.
About two years ago, Jaye Wells was at a small gathering in Cody when the topic of the 2026 centennial anniversary of the Dude Ranchers’ Association came up.
Wells asked how many dude ranches in the country had a comparable 100-year legacy to the Cody-based member organization.
“Nobody in the room knew,” said Wells, co-founder of the True Ranch Collection, with a portfolio of dude ranches around the West, including the Blackwater Creek Lodge and Guest Ranch in Cody.
Thus began a yearslong and, at times laborious, project of tracking down the number of dude ranches in operation since 1926, which are commemorated in “100 Years of Dude Ranching,” a coffee-table-style book published by Wells in December.
Though it took a lot of digging through records at the Wyoming Historical Society, old newspaper clippings and cross-referencing family records, the team behind the book finally identified a fitting answer to Wells’ question.
Of the 94 dude ranches that are members of the association today, 26 were in operation and accepting guests a century ago.
“That shocked us,” Wells said. “Every ranch has got its own little curiosity.”
The team behind the book was strict about the criteria it established: To be included in the book, a dude ranch must have been accepting guests in 1926. Had they expanded their criteria, the list would have been even longer.
“There are a lot of ranches that are 97 or 98 years old,” Wells said.
A Tribute To Hospitality
As much as the book celebrates the long legacy of dude ranching, it also serves as a tribute to a unique way of life — particularly in Wyoming.
The state is home to half of the 26 centennial ranches: A Bar A Ranch (Encampment), Absaroka Ranch (Dubois), Blackwater Creek Lodge and Guest Ranch (Cody), CM Ranch (Dubois), Crossed Sabres Ranch (Cody), Darwin Ranch (Jackson), Eatons’ Ranch (Wolf), the Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch (Shell), Medicine Bow Lodge and Guest Ranch (Saratoga), Paradise Guest Ranch (Buffalo), Rimrock Ranch (Cody), Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch (Cody), and Triangle X Ranch (Moose).
As the book details, the origins of dude ranching trace back to the 1880s, when a ranch near modern-day Medora, North Dakota, began charging guests from back East room and board when they’d come out West to hunt bison and other big game.
The word “dude” had become a popular term by that time for a man with fancy duds.
More and more ranches started opening up to guests in the 1900s, including welcoming many young men whose parents had sent them West to dry out and stay out of trouble.
“You had to be wealthy to stay at a dude ranch back in the day,” Wells said.
But life on these ranches today might look surprisingly similar to a century ago.
Ranch hands might start rounding up horses at 4:30 in the morning and preparing breakfast so it’s ready for guests when they awaken, Wells said. In addition to historic photos of the ranches, photographer Scott Baxter spent four months on the road capturing how the ranches look now.
While still offering a vacation that’s more expensive than a typical tourist might be able to afford, Wells said one of the constants at the centennial ranches spread across four states is the service and experience they offer.
“The strongest element that’s kept dude ranching going all that time is a common denominator,” Wells said. “It’s the desire to offer great hospitality.”
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It was while kicking around ideas for the 100-year anniversary of the Dude Ranching Association that Jaye Wells asked how many ranches have a similar legacy. “Nobody in the room knew,” Wells recalled. That’s how the new book “100 Years of Dude Ranching” was born. (Courtesy Scott T. Baxter) -
As much as the book celebrates dude ranches, it’s also a tribute to a unique way of life, particularly in Wyoming. “It’s such a tough business, but it’s such a joy,” said Jaye Wells, who owns the Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch in Cody. (Courtesy Scott T. Baxter) -
As much as the book celebrates dude ranches, it’s also a tribute to a unique way of life, particularly in Wyoming. “It’s such a tough business, but it’s such a joy,” said Jaye Wells, who owns the Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch in Cody. (Courtesy Scott T. Baxter)
Pressures To Modernize
Even so, dude ranch owners do feel some pressure to modernize to appease guests who have become downright uncomfortable unplugging.
Such changes have seen ranches offering Wi-Fi, say, or packing days with lots of activities.
Even though guests will quickly learn that riding a horse all day is exercise in and of itself, Wells said he’s felt that pressure, too. “We have a full-blown exercise room at White Stallion Ranch,” he said of one of his ranches near Tucson, Arizona. “You have to have it now.”
What’s more, even though guests will rave about how relaxing they find their stay or how much they appreciate the quality time with loved ones, they’re booking shorter and shorter stays.
In the 1920s, people from out East might come to a ranch for months at a time, and there was a time not so long ago when a one- or two-week stay was the norm.
“Now, guests only want to stay three nights. That’s the number one trend in the business we see,” Wells said. “We forget we’re so connected now, it’s almost too much. We’re being bombarded by information 24 hours a day.”
‘It’s Such A Joy’
Putting this book together gave Wells a newfound appreciation for the diversity of Wyoming’s topography and landscapes.
The project also offered constant reminders about why he loves dude ranching so much and how pivotal the business was to shaping the West.
Of course, he’s also reminded of how unique this business is while conversing with guests over the years — including tourists from abroad who marvel at the idea of being able to shoot a gun, spend a week bonding with a horse or simply get to decompress in a way they haven’t been able to do since childhood.
“I would venture to say it’s one of the most iconic symbols in the world,” Wells said of dude ranching. “It’s such a tough business, but it’s such a joy.”
CASPER, Wyo. — There was magic, or something like it, in the air on Saturday as the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds presented the 2026 Casper Holistic Expo, Casper’s longest running holistic expo and a hallmark of the beginning of spring in Natrona County.
Countless vendors from Casper and beyond gathered with their goodies to present them to eager customers searching for something a little different.
The holistic expo featured crystal and metaphysical shops, tattoo and body piercing studios, henna and glitter tattoo studios, holistic shops, tarot readings, fortune tellers, magic and so much more. There was truly something for everyone, and Christina Kuhn, the lead organizer, said that nobody who came to the expo would leave disappointed.
“This actually started over 20 years ago,” Kuhn said. “I’ve been doing it for years. My mom did it for seven years before me. And Judy Ick, who actually does our photography, she did it before that. So it’s been a very long, very longstanding and growing event.”
Kuhn said that the Holistic Expo has grown exponentially over the years.
“When Judy passed it down to mom, there were 38 booths,” she said. “After mom passed it down to me, there were 78. Now I think we’re up to, like, 98.”
The booths are as eclectic as the people who run them. There’s magic, mysticism and moonlight; storytellers and palm readers; conversationalists and creators. There are CBD products, organic teas, energy testing, and even fudge.
“Some of this is kind of a special niche,” Kuhn shared, “but some of it is not. We’ve got a chiropractor. We’ve got people that are working with healing modalities. Some of it’s spiritual stuff. We’ve got crafts, too.”
There’s a wide variety of vendors and customers as the Holistic Expo, and Kuhn said she wouldn’t want it any other way. The most important thing they do, Kuhn said, is donate to local nonprofits.
“People can either pay the $5 door fee — anybody that’s 13 or over — or they can donate five nonperishable goods,” Kuhn said. “We started donating that to poverty resistance, and then we did City Park Church. This year we’re donating to the Wyoming Food for Thought Project.”
Kuhn said this was just a simple way to give back to the community, a community she and her business have been a part of for years. Kuhn owns a store in downtown Casper called A Place for Passion, and the Holistic Expo also allows her to bring some merch from her store and put in on display with a variety of other items. It’s a fun way to spend a weekend, she said, and she’s proud to be a part of it.
“Good lord, I’ve been doing this for a long time,” she said. “I helped my mom with it for ages and she wanted somebody that would carry on and keep expanding and doing well with it. Before I was helping run the show and managing it, I was a booth. I started sharing a booth with my mom because I only had a few things and I wasn’t sure how well they’d sell. But then it just expanded and took off, and now here I am.”
Kuhn said it means a lot that she’s able to continue the Holistic Expo for her mother.
“It’s nice to keep expanding something, especially something that contributes so much to the community,” she said. “There are so many people that come out and enjoy everything that they get here. And it’s a big opportunity for them to connect with others, to connect with people that have stuff they want to offer them.”
That, Kuhn said, is her favorite part of the Holistic Expo — meeting people.
“It’s just nice connecting with people and helping them out in any way that you can,” she said. “Everybody’s got their own knowledge, gifts, products that they’re putting out — services, whatever it is. So being able to share that with others is awesome. You’ve got to come check it out. It’s an awesome experience. There’s a little something for everyone.”
The Casper Holistic Expo is happening Saturday until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Industrial Building at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds.
Photos from the Holistic Expo can be seen below:
Related
A 6-inch megalodon shark tooth was found by a Wyoming teen during a dive trip off Manasota Key, Florida earlier this week.
Sixteen-year-old Aiden Andrews and his father Brian were on a guided dive with Fossil Junkies, a local fossil-hunting tour company.
Captain John Kreatsoulas told FOX 13 Tampa Bay reporter Kimberly Kuizon that while finding small megalodon teeth isn’t uncommon, finding one that size is quite rare.
Video captured the moments when Aiden and his father celebrated underwater after making the remarkable discovery.
Popularized by Hollywood monster movies, the Carcharocles megalodon was the largest shark to have ever lived, according to the Smithsonian Institution.
Scientists believe the largest megalodon reached up to 60 feet in length and weighed up to 50 tons.
And as Andrews can attest — they possessed teeth the size of a human hand.
According to the Smithsonian, megalodon lived between 23 and 3.6 million years ago across all of Earth’s oceans.
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