Wyoming
9 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Wyoming
Wyoming’s small towns prove that beauty lies not only in impressive skyscrapers and shopping malls of big cities but also in a community’s natural surroundings and intriguing histories. Each of these towns in Wyoming is like a well-kept secret, offering scenic drives, fascinating tales of the past, and local quirks without the chaos of large crowds. From the untouched beauty of the Rockies to local festivals that feel like a slice of the Old West, these towns deliver an authentic taste of Wyoming that is both refreshing and unforgettable. Whether it is exploring natural wonders or diving headfirst into the local traditions, these are some of the prettiness towns in The Equality State.
Jackson
No one would be disappointed starting an adventure in Jackson, where the landscape tells a beautiful story. As an entry point to the gorgeous Grand Teton National Park, Jackson provides unparalleled access to breathtaking mountain views and endless outdoor activities. The Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum presents an engaging glimpse into local history, seamlessly blending with the town’s modern vibrancy. Art lovers can explore the National Museum of Wildlife Art, showcasing an impressive collection that is a good break from the traditional imagery in art museums. Each fall, the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival transforms the town into a canvas of creativity and celebration. Lastly, for skiing enthusiasts, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers world-class slopes that add a touch of extreme sport to an otherwise calm surrounding.
Cody
When it comes to describing Cody, two things the town is known for are its deep historical roots and Western flair. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a sprawling museum complex, provides a comprehensive look into Western history centered around the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody. Founded in 1896 by Cody himself, this town holds a unique place in state history. The Irma Hotel, another of Cody’s historical landmarks, was personally constructed by Buffalo Bill and remains a significant attraction. The Cody Stampede Rodeo, held annually, celebrates the town’s cowboy heritage with thrilling rodeo events and days of family fun. Nearby, the Beartooth Highway offers one-of-a-kind drives through rugged terrain. Additionally, Cody’s proximity to the beautiful Yellowstone National Park makes it an ideal base for exploring the park’s natural wonders.
Sheridan
Travelers will find that the appeal of the town of Sheridan lies in its blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The Sheridan Inn, linked to Buffalo Bill Cody, offers a glimpse into the past with its historic architecture. The King’s Museum displays regional artifacts that add depth to Sheridan’s historical narrative and is a local treasure. Sheridan’s range of architectural styles, from Victorian to early 20th-century buildings, enhances its visual appeal. The 19th-century Carnegie Library stands as clear evidence of the town’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. The annual Sheridan WYO Rodeo provides a vibrant display of local tradition, while the nearby Bighorn Mountains invite outdoor enthusiasts to hike and experience wildlife.
Lander
Here, the Fremont County Pioneer Museum provides an engaging look into local pioneer history, preserving the town’s past. When discovering Lander, nature lovers will find the Wind River Range an ideal playground for hiking and climbing, offering dramatic landscapes and fresh air. Travelers with an appreciation for art can explore local galleries that showcase the creative works of the region’s artists, and the annual events at the Lander Art Center bring the community together, celebrating local talent. The Lander City Hall, with its early 20th-century architecture, adds historical depth to the town’s aesthetic, while nearby Sinks Canyon State Park features a natural marvel with its intriguing water sink and sweeping views.
Pinedale
In Pinedale, the collection of outdoor adventures combined with the town’s historical roots create a compelling escape from the hustle and bustle of large cities. The architecture here is characterized by Western-style buildings and rustic charm, contributing to Pinedale’s appealing look. The Wyoming Range, close to town, provides excellent hiking and fishing opportunities, perfect for those seeking some adventure in nature. Additionally, Pinedale’s proximity to Bridger-Teton National Forest allows further exploration of the region’s natural wonders. A drive along the Fremont Lake Scenic Byway offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can learn more about the Pinedale at the Sublette County Historical Society Museum, which reveals the town’s history through intriguing exhibits. Each year, the Pinedale Rodeo draws crowds with its spirited events, reflecting the town’s cowboy heritage.
Riverton
Riverton is home to the Wind River Casino, which provides gaming and entertainment, adding a touch of excitement to the town’s list of activities. Riverton Museum plunges deep into the region’s past, offering a glimpse into the town’s role in westward expansion and its cowboy heritage. Visitors can also explore the nearby Wind River Indian Reservation, providing unique opportunities to experience the culture and history of the native americans of the area from their point of view. The annual Riverton Winterfest is a highlight of the town’s social season, celebrated with decorations, food, and community festivities. Views of the Wind River Mountains are easily accessible in this town, adding to its visual appeal and solidifying its place as one of Wyoming’s most naturally beautiful towns.
Dubois
When traveling to Dubois, start with the National Bighorn Sheep Center, where local wildlife is shown, providing a fascinating introduction to the area’s natural history. The annual Dubois Rodeo brings the spirit of the Old West to life with food, vendors, events, and community participation. For those looking to get active outdoors, the pretty Shoshone National Forest offers endless trails for hiking and camping, complemented by dramatic views of the Absaroka Mountains. The town’s art scene features local galleries and artisan shops, and architectural enthusiasts will appreciate Dubois’s Western-style and early 20th-century buildings that tell the story of the town’s historic roots.
Thermopolis
Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis stands as one of the most notable attractions in the state, with its naturally heated springs that are perfect for a relaxing dip. Also, do not forget to check out the historic Bath House at Hot Springs State Park, which adds a layer of historical importance to the natural wonders of Thermopolis. Each year, they host the Hot Springs Festival and celebrate the town’s famous hot springs with lively events and activities that draw in travelers from the surrounding area and afar. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center draws visitors with its impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and exhibits, showing off some of the world’s deepest mysteries from prehistoric times. Finally, it is positioned perfectly for anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors and enjoy hiking and fishing in the nearby Bighorn Basin, which features a varied landscape for adventures, exercise, and wildlife watching.
Glenrock
Glenrock may appear last on this list, but it is certainly not the least pretty. The Glenrock Town Hall, a notable example of early civic architecture, further enhances the town’s historical character. The Glenrock Paleon Museum offers an intriguing look at dinosaur fossils found in the area, demonstrating the area’s prehistoric past. Nearby, the North Platte River provides excellent fishing and recreational opportunities, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers in for fun times. The annual Glenrock Stampede Rodeo adds a touch of Western excitement to the town’s offerings, showcasing local ranching traditions. Even driving along the North Platte River provides beautiful views and a relaxing escape that only the town of Glenrock can supply.
In the great state of Wyoming, small is synonymous with spectacular. These charming towns pack a punch with stunning landscapes and rich history, proving that a metropolis is not needed for an area to be mesmerizing. Wyoming’s small towns are tucked away in the rugged landscape, each offering a blend of beauty and charm that makes any visit worthwhile. It is home to sweeping mountain views, historic Old West flair, a touch of prehistoric mystery, and a sense of peace only a small town can provide. So book a flight or fuel up the car and check out what memories these towns have in store.
Wyoming
WHSAA warns of possible changes to statewide athletics and activities following budget cuts
CASPER, Wyo. — High school athletics in Wyoming could see some drastic changes in the coming years following legislative changes to the state’s education budget, the Wyoming High School Activities Association recently announced in a statement.
According to the WHSAA, Wyoming school districts are facing a projected $3.9 million shortfall in activities funding, forcing officials to consider significant cuts to high school sports and extracurricular programs.
The WHSAA shared details regarding a new “silo” funding model implemented by the Legislature, stating that the recalibrated block grant model reduced funding for student activities and extra-duty responsibilities from $46.3 million to $42.4 million, an approximately 8.4% decrease statewide.
WHSAA Commissioner Trevor Wilson said the restructuring also restricts district access to an additional $76.2 million in previously flexible funding.
“A significant portion of the [April 28 WHSAA Board of Directors] meeting was dedicated to discussing the projected funding shortfall,” Wilson wrote.
The WHSAA is weighing several strategies to address rising costs with fewer resources. Proposed changes include eliminating regional tournaments and reducing the number of teams qualifying for state events from eight to four; limiting wrestling to two classes and restricting track and field state participants to the top 16 marks; making cuts to soccer, indoor track and field, Nordic and Alpine skiing, swimming and diving, spring golf and tennis; and reducing in-person speech and debate events by half and centrally locating All-State Music events to minimize travel. The board also recommended increasing gate admission or implementing student participation fees to offset costs.
While the WHSAA release states that no plans have been finalized and the various changes are currently just possibilities, Natrona County School District 1 Board of Trustees member Mary Schmidt criticized the WHSAA’s handling of the news at Monday’s board meeting.
“I take some issues with this, [including] the sheer fact that we as Board of Trustees members have not talked about that at all,” Schmidt said. “It is not our intent and it has not been brought to us to cut our athletics or activities budget for the upcoming school year. … I take issue with them picking sports and getting the community upset and ginning them up to be upset that this is all going to be cut when that hasn’t been discussed.”
Later in the meeting, Superintendent Angela Hensley clarified that Natrona County School District 1’s athletics and activities budget saw a reduction of roughly $550,000 in the coming year’s budget, but said the local school district does not plan to cut any sports.
“Thank you, Trustee Schmidt, for saying this, because I think people are wondering — we are not planning to cut athletics and activities for next year,” Hensley said. “We do have to take a look at our entire budget as we have talked about, as we learn more about these new rules that come in.”
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Wyoming
Cheyenne City Council to consider a pause on new data centers
Republished with permission from Wyoming News Now, a TV news outlet covering the Cheyenne and Casper areas.
Cheyenne City Council has introduced a temporary moratorium, or pause, on new data center construction.
“The end goal is to actually have regulations in place, to have really heavy public involvement with this with data centers,” said Councilman Mark Moody.
The proposed ordinance is not a permanent ban on data centers and would not affect data centers currently under construction.
Councilman Moody says this is a bipartisan issue.
“I just want to make this clear, I’m not against data centers. We do need them from a national security perspective,” he said.
He said there needs to be more public input and regulations regarding data centers in Cheyenne.
The ordinance would require city staff to study data center impacts such as electricity usage, electricity tariffs, closed-loop cooling systems, groundwater impacts, agricultural impacts, and land value.
Cheyenne LEADS, the economic development corporation for Cheyenne and Laramie County, reported in November 2025 that there are 12 operational data centers in Wyoming, five under construction and plans for 43 data centers announced across the state.
“There needs to be more public input with this, and also to see how many we can sustain here in this community, cause there are talks of 43, and then another day 70. How many can we sustain here?” said Councilman Moody.
The proposed moratorium will now go to the Public Services Committee on Monday, May 18 at noon in the Municipal Building.
Wyoming
Wyoming High School Softball Regional Tournaments 2026
Sheridan will play in the North Regional Tournament at Gillette, while the South Regional Tournament will be played at Rock Springs.
North Regional Tournament at Gillette:
Checking record vs. highest team in the quadrant not involved in the tie, Thunder Basin gets the #1 Northeast seed over Campbell County, because the Lady Bolts went 3-1 vs. Sheridan, whereas the Lady Camels went 2-2.
Friday, May 15th:
(#1 NE) Thunder Basin vs. (#4 NW) Jackson – 11am
(#2 NW) Natrona County vs. (#3 NE) Sheridan – 11am
(#2 NE) Campbell County vs. (#3 NW) Kelly Walsh – 1pm
(#1 NW) Cody vs. (#4 NE) Worland – 1pm
Semi-Finals:
Thunder Basin/Jackson winner vs. Natrona County/Sheridan winner – 3pm Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
Campbell County/Kelly Walsh winner vs. Cody/Worland winner – 5pm Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
Consolation Round:
Thunder Basin/Jackson loser vs. Natrona County/Sheridan loser – 3pm LOSER OUT!
Campbell County/Kelly Walsh loser vs. Cody/Worland loser – 5pm LOSER OUT!
Saturday, May 16th:
TBA vs. TBA – 10am LOSER OUT! Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
TBA vs. TBA – 10am LOSER OUT! Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
2 10am winners vs. each other – 1pm 3rd Place
TBA vs. TBA – 1pm 1st Place
South Regional Tournament at Rock Springs:
Friday, May 15th:
(#1 SW) Laramie vs. (#4 SE) Torrington – 11am
(#2 SE) Cheyenne East vs. (#3 SW) Green River – 11am
(#2 SW) Rock Springs vs. (#3 SE) Wheatland – 1pm
(#1 SE) Cheyenne Central vs. (#4 SW) Cheyenne South – 1pm
Semi-Finals:
Laramie/Torrington winner vs. Cheyenne East/Green River winner – 3pm Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
Rock Springs/Wheatland winner vs. Cheyenne Central/Cheyenne South winner – 5pm Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
Consolation Round:
Laramie/Torrington loser vs. Cheyenne East/Green River loser – 3pm LOSER OUT!
Rock Springs/Wheatland loser vs. Cheyenne Central/Cheyenne South loser – 5pm LOSER OUT!
Saturday, May 16th:
TBA vs. TBA – 10am LOSER OUT! Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
TBA vs. TBA – 10am LOSER OUT! Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
2 10am winners vs. each other – 1pm 3rd Place
TBA vs. TBA – 1pm 1st Place
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