Notable Cities and Towns in Wyoming

Beyond the basics, Wyoming's notable places include small mountain towns and history-rich communities that capture the state's character far better than statistics suggest.

Jackson
The tourism and outdoor recreation capital of Wyoming — home to Grand Teton and Yellowstone's southern gateway, the National Elk Refuge, and two world-class ski areas (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King). Jackson is one of the wealthiest small towns in the US — median home prices exceed $1 million — driven by out-of-state wealth migration and the tax-free environment. The town square's elk antler arches and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar are icons.

Sheridan
A ranching town at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan preserves its cattle era character better than most Wyoming towns. The WYO Theater (1923, downtown), the Bradford Brinton Memorial (a working ranch and fine art museum), and the King's Saddlery and Museum (the most important saddlery and cowboy gear institution in the West) give Sheridan depth. The Bighorn Mountain access from Sheridan is excellent.

Lander
The outdoor adventure hub of central Wyoming — gateway to the Wind River Range, the highest and most remote wilderness in Wyoming. The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), founded in Lander in 1965, is headquartered here and has trained hundreds of thousands of outdoor leaders worldwide. Sinks Canyon and the South Pass area are immediately accessible.

Cody
Buffalo Bill's planned city near the eastern entrance to Yellowstone. Besides the Center of the West museum complex, Cody's Nite Rodeo (June–August) is the best small-city rodeo in Wyoming. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and the Shoshone River canyon are exceptional drives from town.

Pinedale
The gateway to the southern Wind River Range — one of the most scenically situated small towns in Wyoming, with Fremont Lake immediately behind it and the Wind River peaks on the horizon.