Regardless of the time of year, Wyoming is an adorable state, dotted with cute shops and attractions, as well as majestic landmarks for visitors to explore. People from different parts of America plan vacations to see the spectacular views of Wyoming, but it is not all about the infamous and popular ones that are worth planning a trip to. Wyoming shelters humble retreats such as Sheridan, Ten Sleep, Hulett, and many more to include on your itinerary. The following list of towns offers an adventurous journey through some of the most adorable, low-populated towns in Wyoming.

Thermopolis

In Greek, Thermopolis means “hot city,” and this city in Wyoming lives up to that name. The Hot Spring State Park along the Bighorn River is the foremost attraction in town, drawing visitors into the beauty of Thermopolis.

This charming town in the Bighorn Basin offers a wealth of history, including the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, which shelters 283 ancient Native American rock drawings over 10,000 years old. Witness the majesty of thunderous bison herds at Wind River Canyon and Boysen State Park or uncover the skeletal remains of dinosaurs at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. After a day of exploration, rest at El Rancho or the Hot Springs Hotel and Spa.

Jackson

Only two hours from the renowned Yellowstone National Park, Jackson is a winter paradise in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley. With three ski areas that can compete with Europe’s Alps, you will find endless opportunities to enjoy the snow and slopes. Start at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, home to the longest continuous vertical rise in any US ski area, leading to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. In Teton Village, the Grand Targhee Resort offers adventures through the Targhee Mountains and Tetons. This is an adventure outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss.

The iconic arches made of shed antlers at the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center are quite the attraction, and tourists stop to take pictures here. If you are interested in artwork, you will love the works of Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Hulett

Named after Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hulett, who were the first to settle in the town in 1881, Hulett is a friendly neighborhood town with a small population nestled in a valley with the Belle Fourche River flowing through it and surrounded by beautiful red rimrock.

Although mostly quiet, which makes it perfect for leisure trips, the town has other beautiful attractions, such as the Hulett Museum and Art Gallery, which displays local art for all to see. Visit the Lake Guest Ranch for a countryside experience. For some of the best food in town, R Deli serves excellent pizza and gourmet meals. You should also try Ponderosa Cafe and Bar. The Motel Pioneer and Best Western Devils Tower Inn are top choices to get the best accommodation in town.

Ten Sleep

Ten Sleep is a quaint town named for its location, which was a ten-night stop for Native Americans traveling between important sites. It promises a delightful escape into nature and history.

Begin with a trip through the Ten Sleep Canyon. This stunning natural wonder offers a breathtaking view of its spectacular rock formations and world-class climbing opportunities. The canyon is a must-see whether you are an avid climber or just looking to enjoy the scenic views.

For those interested in local history, the Ten Sleep Pioneer Museum offers a fascinating look into the town’s past, showcasing artifacts and stories from the early settlers and Native American tribes. The town’s heritage is further celebrated during the annual Ten Sleep Rodeo, a lively event held every July 4th that brings together the community for thrilling rodeo performances and festive activities.

Sundance

Dance beneath the sun and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the sunny town of Sundance. Known for giving the Sundance Kid his moniker, this town is rich in history and culture. The Sundance Kid earned his name by performing the Sun Dance ceremony in the movie Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. The ceremony is a tradition of the local Native American groups. This historical figure and his performance inspired the renaming of the Utah/United States Film Festival to the renowned Sundance Film Festival, beloved by cinephiles worldwide.

Explore the Crook County Museum and 1875 Gallery to see the Sundance Kid’s likeness and get insights about the town’s history. Visit the Devil’s Tower, America’s first National Monument for breathtaking views. The Sundance Bearlodge District in Black Hills National Forest is home to diverse wildlife and is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Learn more about Sundance’s past on the Sip ‘n Walk Historical Tour, which combines refreshments with fascinating history lessons. For accommodations, consider Bear Mountain Resort or Bear Lodge Motel.

Dubois

Dubois is a charming town in Wyoming and offers visitors an unparalleled escape to enjoy nature’s beauty. Visit the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center to spot magnificent bighorn sheep and explore the Dubois Museum to uncover the town’s pioneering history.

Join yourself with nature in the Shoshone National Forest, which houses ancient Shoshone artifacts and free-roaming horses. Experience the Wild West at Dubois’ annual rodeos every Friday from June to August. Rest at the Chinook Winds Lodge after enjoying an exhilarating day explaining the magnificent landscape of Dubois.

Green River

Set in the picturesque landscapes of southwestern Wyoming, Green River is a hidden gem perfect for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility. Surrounded by stunning rock formations and the scenic Green River, this town offers a blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Begin your journey with a visit to Expedition Island, a National Historic Landmark where John Wesley Powell launched his famous expedition down the Green River. The island features parks, trails, and picnic spots for lovers and family gatherings. For watersport adventures, explore the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the Sweetwater County Historical Museum, which provides historical insights from Native American heritage to the railroad era. Take a trip to the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge for a time out with fishes and animals.

Sheridan

Sheridan is a small, attractive town between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore. This charming town boasts over ten historic sites, including the renowned Blacktooth Brewing Company, which serves Wyoming’s finest craft ales.

Explore the Red Grade Trails, Bighorn National Forest, and Cloud Peak Wilderness, surrounded by Medicine Mountain’s scenic trails and treks. Outdoor enthusiasts will love venturing into the Tongue River Canyon. Partake in or spectate the annual Eaton’s Horse Drive in May, where hundreds of cowboys ride through Sheridan’s streets. Book accommodations at the Ramada Plaza or Budget Inn Express for comfort while on holiday in Sheridan.

Laramie

Home to the University of Wyoming, an academic and cultural hub that exudes excellence, Laramie is an endearing town set at 7,200 feet in the Snowy Range Mountains. This town enchants visitors with its rich history, including the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, which once held the infamous Butch Cassidy. Laramie has been home to the Arapaho and Cheyenne peoples since the 1600s, with artifacts and articles about these cultures along the Overland and Cherokee Trails as evidence of its cultural heritage.

The Historic Laramie Union Pacific Train Depot showcases the town’s significant role in the railroad industry, while Fort Sanders highlights its military history in protecting the Overland Trail. Explore Laramie’s version of Jurassic Park at the University of Wyoming’s Geological Museum. For breathtaking adventures, visit the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.

If you want to take time away from the vicissitudes of everyday life and you are looking for a holiday destination that is not overly populated, Wyoming is the place. The City, as you know it, is already beautiful, but its small, adorable towns make the trip even more special. The ideal weather and landscape make it even more perfect. Experience the charm of a picturesque and quaint excursion in Wyoming.

Chance of rain in much of Wyoming on Friday. Highs from the upper 60s to the mid 80s and lows from the low 40s to the mid 50s. 

Central:  

Casper:  Slight chance of rain after 5 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny and breezy today with a high near 76 and wind gusts as high as 22 mph. Mostly cloudy and breezy overnight with a chance of rain, a low near 53 and wind gusts as high as 23 mph.

Riverton:  Chance of rain mainly after 4 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 80 and partly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain and a low near 52.  

Jeffrey City:  Chance of rain mainly after 3 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 78 and partly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain mainly before midnight and a low near 51.  

Southwest:  

Evanston:  Chance of rain, patchy smoke after noon, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 83 and partly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain, patchy smoke after midnight and a low near 50.

Green River:  Slight chance of rain after 4 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 84 and wind gusts as high as 21 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a low near 56.

Lyman:  Chance of rain and patchy smoke after noon, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 85. Partly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain before midnight, patchy smoke and a low near 51.

Western Wyoming:  

Pinedale:  Chance of rain mainly after 2 p.m., areas of smoke after 4 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 76. Partly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain, areas of smoke before 2 a.m. and a low near 48.

Alpine:  Slight chance of rain after 1 p.m., areas of smoke, otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 84. Partly cloudy overnight with areas of smoke and a low near 50.

Big Piney:  Slight chance of rain after noon, areas of smoke after 2 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 80. Partly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain, areas of smoke before 1 a.m. and a low near 44.

Northwest:  

Dubois:  Chance of rain, areas of smoke after 2 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 72. Partly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain, a low near 44 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph.

Jackson:  Chance of rain mainly after 2 p.m., areas of smoke after 10 a.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 81. Partly cloudy overnight with areas of smoke and a low near 42.

Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park:  Chance of rain mainly after 1 p.m., areas of smoke after 11 a.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 71. Mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain mainly before midnight, areas of smoke and a low near 40.

Bighorn Basin:  

Thermopolis:  Chance of rain mainly after 4 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 78. Mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain mainly before 3 a.m. and a low near 53.

Cody:  Chance of rain mainly after 3 p.m., otherwise partly sunnytoday with a high near 73. Mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain mainly before midnight and a low near 54. 

Ten Sleep: Slight chance of rain, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 77. Mostly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain and a low near 57.

North Central:  

Buffalo:  Chance of rain mainly after 2 p.m., otherwise partly sunnytoday with a high near 70. Mostly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain and a low near 56.

Sheridan:  Widespread fog before 9 a.m., otherwise mostly cloudytoday with a high near 76 and mostly cloudy overnight with areas of fog after 3 a.m. and a low near 49.

Ranchester:  Widespread fog before 9 a.m., otherwise partly sunnytoday with a high near 74 and mostly cloudy overnight with patchy fog after 3 a.m. and a low near 49.

Northeast:  

Gillette:  Partly sunny today with a high near 74 and wind gusts as high as 17 mph. Mostly cloudy overnight with a low near 50 and wind gusts as high as 18 mph.

Newcastle:  Slight chance of rain, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 72 and wind gusts as high as 16 mph. Mostly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain and a low near 52.

Moorcroft:   Partly sunny today with a high near 74 and mostly cloudy overnight with a low near 49.

Eastern Plains:  

Torrington:  Chance of rain, cloudy today with a high near 71 and mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain and a low near 49. 

Wheatland:  Chance of rain, mostly cloudy today with a high near 76 and mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain and a low near 53.

Midwest:  Slight chance of rain mainly after 5 p.m., otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 74 and mostly cloudy overnight with a slight chance of rain and a low near 55.

Southeast:  

Cheyenne:  Areas of fog before 9 a.m., chance of rain, otherwise cloudy today with a high near 68. Mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain and a low near 50. 

Laramie:  Chance of rain, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 71 and mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain and a low near 49.

Chugwater:  Chance of rain, cloudy today with a high near 72 and mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain and a low near 51.

South Central:  

Rawlins:  Chance of rain after noon, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 79 and partly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain mainly before midnight and a low near 51.

Encampment:  Chance of rain after noon, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 77 and partly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain and a low near 50.

Hanna:  Chance of rain after noon, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 74 and mostly cloudy overnight with a chance of rain mainly before midnight and a low near 50.

It’s time to take a look at what’s happening around Wyoming, for Friday, August 9th. I’m Wendy Corr, bringing you headlines from the Cowboy State Daily newsroom – brought to you by the Wyoming State Fair! Beginning August 13th in Douglas, the Wyoming State Fair has something for everyone. For more info visit WY-STATE-FAIR dot com”

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A Cody newspaper reporter resigned Friday after a reporter at a nearby newspaper exposed his apparent use of artificial intelligence in his reporting.

Aaron Pelczar resigned his position at the Cody Enterprise on August 2nd, after CJ Baker, a veteran reporter at the Powell Tribune, pointed out the fabricated quotes in a number of Pelczar’s articles.

An artificial intelligence ethics expert told Cowboy State Daily’s Clair McFarland that the scandal has turned Wyoming into “ground zero” for AI ethics discussions in journalism.

“County 10 has been using AI, and what they basically do is they’ll plug a recording into the AI system. It spits out a transcript of the recording and a summary pointing out what it believes are building blocks for stories… I pointed that out to the AI expert Alex Mahadevan… He called county 10s method ethical and a reflection of something AI actually can do. And the Cody enterprise reporter Aaron Pels method, he said it’s not ethical and it also reflects an AI weakness.”

Chris Bacon, editor of the Cody Enterprise, said he is still trying to figure out how many of the quotes were fabricated in Pelzcar’s stories. He said he’s traced fabricated quotes as far back as July 8 so far, but is still searching.

Read the full story HERE.

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The campaign arm of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has returned a $25,000 donation made to it by the Crook County Republican Party. 

Cowboy State Daily’s Leo Wolfson reports that the move comes after Ogden Driskill filed a complaint and requested a state investigation into it.

“Wyoming law states that political parties cannot give to candidates during the primary election. The Freedom Caucus pack has not endorsed any one specific candidate, but it has endorsed a slate of candidates that are all participating in contested Republican primary races.”

 Driskill told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that the Freedom PAC made a “great” decision by returning the money and that he applauds the move. He considers the donation “unethical at best.”

Read the full story HERE.

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The parent group of several rural electricity cooperatives operating in Wyoming has reached a major milestone in a complex energy transition plan that it hopes will hold the line on wholesale power rates with a boost coming from a growing supply of green power.

Cowboy State Daily’s Pat Maio reports that Colorado-based Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a supplier of electricity to cooperatives across the Western United States, has launched a new power buying program to help keep the lid on rates. 

“The concept is that, you know, it’s the program called Bring your own resources. Is, the concept is to keep a lid, keep keep it, keep it. You know, be able to tamp down on some of the rising power costs for in rural Wyoming. Rural Wyoming, like Torrington, Big Horn, where else? Just a lot of rural communities here in in Wyoming, and you’re looking at, you know, a couple 1000s of members, you know, who buy, who get the power rolled to them over the transmission lines.” 

Tri-State is optimistic that its new power buying program that relies on green power will keep wholesale rates in check.

Read the full story HERE.

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A Laramie City Council candidate is facing a felony charge after allegedly disabling Wyoming Public Radio’s transmitters, and remote access to them, when he worked there in 2022.

Paul Montoya, who is running for one of the two open council seats for Ward 1 in Laramie, is facing one felony charge of committing crimes against computer users, according to Cowboy State Daily’s Leo Wolfson.

“I spoke to Laramie vice mayor and city council member Sharon Cumbie, who is also running against Montoya… She said that in this instance, Montoya sought revenge and was very concerning in his actions, especially when considering that it knocked the station off the air and that the station airs emergency alerts such as Amber Alerts and weather weather notices as well.”  

Based on the dates of the candidate filing period, Montoya would have had to file his campaign on the day of his arrest, or in the days immediately afterward.

Read the full story HERE.

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Elk hunters in Wyoming, as well as Montana, Idaho and Oregon, are finding themselves in a frustrating quandary. In many places, there’s more elk now than at any time in living memory – but getting to them can seem impossible, reports Cowboy State Daily’s Mark Heinz.

“People are starting to come up with some innovative solutions… Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana started a pretty, I think, interesting program that Wyoming might want to see if they can replicate. They have a master’s hunting program where, basically, they take elk hunters and maybe people that do a little bit of elk hunting but aren’t really good at it, and they just get them to hone their skills, hone their marksmanship, hone their tracking and things like that. So they can, you know, act, act as a go between, between them and the ranchers.” 

In some areas, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will compensate ranchers for forage lost to elk, with the stipulation that they allow “reasonable access” to hunters.

Read the full story HERE.

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In 1877, Gen. Philip Sheridan marched from Fort Brown to the site of Gen. George Armstrong Custer’s fateful downfall at the Little Bighorn.

The herds of buffalo and fields of larkspur were recorded by Major George Forsyth in a small diary he kept as part of Sherman’s company – a diary that today is hidden away in a bank vault at the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center in Thermopolis. Cowboy State Daily’s Jackie Dorothy actually transcribed Major Forsyth’s diary for the museum.

“Not only did it detail all of the beauty that he saw – the 4000 buffalo, but also. the fact that it’s preserved here in Wyoming, and it’s an amazing story in itself. This journal survived a fire. The museum was actually burned down shortly after they obtained the diary. And I don’t know if it’s my imagination or if I want it to be, but when you pick up that diary, you can actually see little soot marks around the edges, and so it is a miracle that we still have it.”

The plain brown journal detailing the trip was on its way to the Smithsonian in 1960 when Charlotte Lance of Pennsylvania, who had inherited the journal from her husband, decided it belonged in Wyoming instead.  

Read the full story HERE.

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On paper, the Clearwater fire burning in rugged terrain in northwest Wyoming about 11 miles west of Wapiti may not seem a major incident at less than 2,000 acres with slow growth.

But there are nearly 160 firefighting personnel working the fire that was sparked by lightning June 19. Cowboy State Daily’s Jackie Dorothy went on-location with the fire crews this week.

“Even though the fire is remote and in almost inaccessible places, you can still see the smoke from the highway and you could see burn areas… and the historic UXU is in danger, and so they have put in perimeters. They’ve got sprinklers everywhere. They have trenches dug. They’ve cleaned off the roofs, cleaned out the gutters, and just did everything possible to protect the ranch, and at the ranch, it’s business as usual. You wouldn’t even know that there was a fire just over the ridge.”

The Clearwater fire hasn’t grown much in the past week, but remains only 10% contained.

Read the full story HERE.

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A 36-year-old contract employee working in Grand Teton National Park is accused of choking out his girlfriend after an argument about breaking her necklace. 

Jose Benitez faces up to 10 years in prison on the charge of assault by strangulation – an assault that his girlfriend caught on video. 

But in a larger context, Cowboy State Daily’s Clair McFarland spoke to Greg Jackson, former deputy chief of the NPS division of law enforcement, security and emergency services, about the number of high-profile crimes committed just this summer by national park service contract employees.

“He said, Look, you can’t just broad brush concessionaire workers, even though it seems like we’re having a lot of violent incidents among them this year, to include a fatal shootout. He said there are other factors, like they are stuck with their coworkers day and night. They sometimes are without normal comforts like Wi Fi, depending on where they land, and it’s always a mixed bag, depending on how easy it is for the concessionaire to hire that year.”

Jackson discouraged broad-brushing concessionaire workers for the crimes of a few.

Read the full story HERE.

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Nearly 100 times a year, members of the Natrona County United Veterans Council Honor Guard prepare for another “brother’s” passing.

Honor guard members are mostly Vietnam era veterans from the Marines, U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force. Cowboy State Daily’s Dale Killingbeck reports that the Guard members devote whatever time it takes to giving their fallen military brothers and sisters a proper, honorable last salute.

“These guys are really dedicated, most of them are Vietnam veterans. And they spend at least sometimes four times a week, maybe five times a week, couple of hours at each session making sure that they say they want to give honor to the veterans that are passing away in Wyoming.” 

Members say the team’s goal is to communicate the appreciation of a nation and help the family come to closure on a loved one’s loss.

Read the full story HERE.

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And that’s today’s news! For a deeper dive into the people and issues that affect Wyoming, check out The Roundup, conversations with the most interesting people in the Cowboy State. A new episode drops tomorrow, when I have a conversation with longtime Wyoming Cowboys broadcaster, Kevin McKinney. You can find the link on our website, on our YouTube Channel, and wherever you get your podcasts. And of course, you’ll find it in our FREE daily email newsletter!

Thanks for tuning in – I’m Wendy Corr, for Cowboy State Daily.