Wyoming’s small communities and towns demonstrate one instance when smaller is better. When it comes to rural towns in Wyoming, these places truly define the culture, history, and character of the Cowboy State. Instead of bustling cities and suburbs, Wyoming’s rural communities embody the true spirit of the west. These small rural towns in Wyoming offer an abundance of historical activities and provide a recreational playground for both residents and visitors — and they’re downright delightful destinations!
- Centennial
Flickr/Scott Dexter Nestled at the foot of the Snowy Range Mountains, Centennial was first visited by the Plains Indians and then populated by settles in search of timber on Centennial Mountain. Gold was soon discovered, mines were established, and the community began to develop. Even though Centennial remains unincorporated, it is a quaint and vital community. You’ll enjoy eating at the Trading Post, staying at the Mountain View Hotel or bed & breakfast, and checking out the trails and sites in town. Centennial, WY, USA
- Meeteetse
Flickr/Derek Bruff Meeteetse is a quiet community with a historic western background. There are multiple charming hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in town, so take a look around online and pick out any that suits your taste! For great dining, be sure to check out Elkhorn Bar & Grill, the Outlaw Café & Cowboy Bar, and for the most decadent chocolate in Wyoming, the Meeteetse Chocolatier. Meeteetse, WY 82433, USA
- Ten Sleep
Flickr/m01229 Ten Sleep is comfortably situated at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. The community pretty much revolves around cattle and sheep ranching. This charming little town is home to the a few different museums, and the welcoming Ten Sleep Brewery. Native Americans named the town because it was ten “sleeps” or nights from the Sioux Camps on the North Platte River to the Sioux campsite in Bridger, Montana. Ten Sleep, WY 82442, USA
- Story
Flickr/Bill Walsh Story is an unincorporated village nestled in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains located in north central Wyoming. The town offers a simpler way of life mostly made up of eclectic talent and wildlife. Here you can enjoy the sounds of the rushing water of the North and South Piney Creeks and the breeze blowing through the pines. Story, WY, USA
- Hulett
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn Hulett, known as the “Best Little Town In The West”, is nestled between the red sandstone cliffs of the Belle Fourche River. Surrounded by the Bear Lodge National Forest, Hulett is made up of grassy prairies and pine covered bluffs. Hulett is also known as “a place where the sidewalk ends and the west begins”. The charming town is filled with breathtaking scenery, shops, cuisine, and ranchers. Hulett, WY 82720, USA
- Clearmont
Flickr/gahoward Clearmont lies in the southeast portion of Sheridan County. The town name was inspired from the Clear Creek that flows nearby and the view of the Bighorn Mountains in the background. The town was originally controlled by a cattle company and was a major shipping point. Today, Clearmont remains a small farm and ranch community. There’s a school, two churches, library, park, fabric store, the Clearmont Town Jail, the Old Rock School, and the Ucross Foundation Art Gallery. Clearmont, WY 82835, USA
- Hartville
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Hartville may be the smallest town in Platte County, but it’s known as having a “whole lotta Hart!” It’s the Oldest-Still-In-Existence-Incorporated-Town in Wyoming. Hartville was first settled in the 1870’s by prospectors and was a thriving city by the turn of the century. Many of the buildings built during this time are still standing today. You can visit the Hartville-Sunrise Museum and then stop by and visit the locals at Miners and Stockmans, which is the oldest bar in Wyoming. Hartville, WY 82215, USA
- Daniel
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Daniel is a census designated place in western Wyoming. The town is nestled in the Green River Valley and is surrounded on 3 sides by mountains. Daniel is known for wild west-centric attractions, deliciouis prime rib at The Den, and lots of natural beauty. The charming little town is made up of the old mercantile store, The Green River Bar, and some remaining old buildings. Daniel, WY, USA
- Chugwater
Flickr/Curtis Cronn Chugwater, known as “A Little Town With A Big Heart”, runs along I-25 and Chugwater Creek. The community was established as a result of a cattle ranching operation by stockholders from Scotland. Here you will find a friendly atmosphere with an abundance of natural beauty – and some of the best chili in the country. Chugwater, WY 82210, USA
- Bondurant
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Bondurant is located in the heart of the Hoback Basin. It’s a small ranching community nestled in the mountains of Hoback Canyon. The town is bordered by the Gros Ventre Wilderness area and the Hoback River. The population is small at around 100 and buildings are sparse with an elementary school, church, and a post office outside the town limits. Bondurant, WY, USA
- Dubois
Flickr/Alex Promois Dubois is a quaint little Wyoming town that resides along the Wind River and is surrounded by both the Wind River mountains and the Absarokas. Dubois is in the middle of nowhere yet it has all the conveniences you would want or need. The community consists of ranchers, outfitters, craftsmen, loggers, and artists. Dubois, WY, USA
- Douglas
Flickr/Ken Mickles Douglas is located along the banks of the North Platte River in east central Wyoming. Douglas, also known as the “Home of the Jackalope,” lies along a number of historic trails. It has earned the title of being one of “The 100 Best Small Towns In America”.
- Kemmerer
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Kemmerer is located in southwest Wyoming. The town is rich in history with coal mining, bootleggers, railroads, and historic trails – and the world’s first JC Penney!. This delightful little town is surrounded by high desert and the Rocky Mountains. In Herschler Triangle Park, you can still find buildings dating back to over 100 years ago during Kemmerer’s heyday. Kemmerer, WY 83101, USA
- Buffalo
Flickr/Simopala Buffalo rests in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. Buffalo’s main street is lined with historic buildings such as the Occidental Hotel and the Jim Gatchell Museum. This charming Wyoming town has an abundance of spectacular scenery, frontier heritage, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Buffalo, WY 82834, USA
- Sundance
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Sundance is nestled under Sundance Mountain in the Black Hills of Wyoming. It’s a picturesque small town in Wyoming that was named to honor the Native Americans and the sun dances they performed. Central to their daily lives are the museum, library and area churches. History, culture, and religion are all key components in this endearing little town. Sundance, WY 82729, USA
What other small towns in Wyoming come to mind? Check out these 10 Delightful Small Towns In Wyoming You Probably Don’t Know Exist But Should Visit ASAP.
Flickr/Scott Dexter
Nestled at the foot of the Snowy Range Mountains, Centennial was first visited by the Plains Indians and then populated by settles in search of timber on Centennial Mountain. Gold was soon discovered, mines were established, and the community began to develop. Even though Centennial remains unincorporated, it is a quaint and vital community. You’ll enjoy eating at the Trading Post, staying at the Mountain View Hotel or bed & breakfast, and checking out the trails and sites in town.
Centennial, WY, USA
Flickr/Derek Bruff
Meeteetse is a quiet community with a historic western background. There are multiple charming hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in town, so take a look around online and pick out any that suits your taste! For great dining, be sure to check out Elkhorn Bar & Grill, the Outlaw Café & Cowboy Bar, and for the most decadent chocolate in Wyoming, the Meeteetse Chocolatier.
Meeteetse, WY 82433, USA
Flickr/m01229
Ten Sleep is comfortably situated at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. The community pretty much revolves around cattle and sheep ranching. This charming little town is home to the a few different museums, and the welcoming Ten Sleep Brewery. Native Americans named the town because it was ten “sleeps” or nights from the Sioux Camps on the North Platte River to the Sioux campsite in Bridger, Montana.
Ten Sleep, WY 82442, USA
Flickr/Bill Walsh
Story is an unincorporated village nestled in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains located in north central Wyoming. The town offers a simpler way of life mostly made up of eclectic talent and wildlife. Here you can enjoy the sounds of the rushing water of the North and South Piney Creeks and the breeze blowing through the pines.
Story, WY, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Hulett, known as the “Best Little Town In The West”, is nestled between the red sandstone cliffs of the Belle Fourche River. Surrounded by the Bear Lodge National Forest, Hulett is made up of grassy prairies and pine covered bluffs. Hulett is also known as “a place where the sidewalk ends and the west begins”. The charming town is filled with breathtaking scenery, shops, cuisine, and ranchers.
Hulett, WY 82720, USA
Flickr/gahoward
Clearmont lies in the southeast portion of Sheridan County. The town name was inspired from the Clear Creek that flows nearby and the view of the Bighorn Mountains in the background. The town was originally controlled by a cattle company and was a major shipping point. Today, Clearmont remains a small farm and ranch community. There’s a school, two churches, library, park, fabric store, the Clearmont Town Jail, the Old Rock School, and the Ucross Foundation Art Gallery.
Clearmont, WY 82835, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Hartville may be the smallest town in Platte County, but it’s known as having a “whole lotta Hart!” It’s the Oldest-Still-In-Existence-Incorporated-Town in Wyoming. Hartville was first settled in the 1870’s by prospectors and was a thriving city by the turn of the century. Many of the buildings built during this time are still standing today. You can visit the Hartville-Sunrise Museum and then stop by and visit the locals at Miners and Stockmans, which is the oldest bar in Wyoming.
Hartville, WY 82215, USA
Daniel is a census designated place in western Wyoming. The town is nestled in the Green River Valley and is surrounded on 3 sides by mountains. Daniel is known for wild west-centric attractions, deliciouis prime rib at The Den, and lots of natural beauty. The charming little town is made up of the old mercantile store, The Green River Bar, and some remaining old buildings.
Daniel, WY, USA
Flickr/Curtis Cronn
Chugwater, known as “A Little Town With A Big Heart”, runs along I-25 and Chugwater Creek. The community was established as a result of a cattle ranching operation by stockholders from Scotland. Here you will find a friendly atmosphere with an abundance of natural beauty – and some of the best chili in the country.
Chugwater, WY 82210, USA
Bondurant is located in the heart of the Hoback Basin. It’s a small ranching community nestled in the mountains of Hoback Canyon. The town is bordered by the Gros Ventre Wilderness area and the Hoback River. The population is small at around 100 and buildings are sparse with an elementary school, church, and a post office outside the town limits.
Bondurant, WY, USA
Flickr/Alex Promois
Dubois is a quaint little Wyoming town that resides along the Wind River and is surrounded by both the Wind River mountains and the Absarokas. Dubois is in the middle of nowhere yet it has all the conveniences you would want or need. The community consists of ranchers, outfitters, craftsmen, loggers, and artists.
Dubois, WY, USA
Flickr/Ken Mickles
Douglas is located along the banks of the North Platte River in east central Wyoming. Douglas, also known as the “Home of the Jackalope,” lies along a number of historic trails. It has earned the title of being one of “The 100 Best Small Towns In America”.
Kemmerer is located in southwest Wyoming. The town is rich in history with coal mining, bootleggers, railroads, and historic trails – and the world’s first JC Penney!. This delightful little town is surrounded by high desert and the Rocky Mountains. In Herschler Triangle Park, you can still find buildings dating back to over 100 years ago during Kemmerer’s heyday.
Kemmerer, WY 83101, USA
Flickr/Simopala
Buffalo rests in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. Buffalo’s main street is lined with historic buildings such as the Occidental Hotel and the Jim Gatchell Museum. This charming Wyoming town has an abundance of spectacular scenery, frontier heritage, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
Buffalo, WY 82834, USA
Sundance is nestled under Sundance Mountain in the Black Hills of Wyoming. It’s a picturesque small town in Wyoming that was named to honor the Native Americans and the sun dances they performed. Central to their daily lives are the museum, library and area churches. History, culture, and religion are all key components in this endearing little town.
Sundance, WY 82729, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
rural towns in Wyoming July 01, 2022 Kim Magaraci What are the best rural towns in Wyoming? Most towns in Wyoming are rural! Of all of the state’s small towns and tiny cities, some really stand out. Lander is full of modern charm in the mountains, while Pinedale seems like it’s straight out of the Wild West. Wyoming still has its share of ghost towns, too, like Atlantic City and South Pass City. Both are rural towns that have been mostly abandoned for years, but they’re finding their place in the Cowboy State. South Pass City boasts a state historic site and replica mining town - with tours of the historic mine. Atlantic City is going through a renaissance as a Continental Divide trail town, with hungry hikers enjoying a bit of history and hospitality at the Miners Grubstake Saloon. What are the perks of living in rural Wyoming? The biggest perk to living in rural Wyoming is the sense of community. When you live miles from the nearest grocery store - or even miles from your nearest neighbor - you get to know everyone around you, and all of the happenings. People are quick to lend a hand, and you get to enjoy a quiet, slow-paced life. Are there any historic small towns in Wyoming? Though Wyoming is a relatively young state, there are dozens of historic small towns. Buffalo and Sheridan blend history and culture, and towns like Cody lean on their past as old-time vacation destinations. In Kemmerer, you’ll find a different kind of history - prehistory! Fossil Butte and the Green River formation fossils take you way back in time. Kemmerer is also known for a bit of modern history, being the birthplace of the first JC Penney.
The OIYS Visitor Center
rural towns in Wyoming
July 01, 2022
Kim Magaraci
What are the best rural towns in Wyoming? Most towns in Wyoming are rural! Of all of the state’s small towns and tiny cities, some really stand out. Lander is full of modern charm in the mountains, while Pinedale seems like it’s straight out of the Wild West. Wyoming still has its share of ghost towns, too, like Atlantic City and South Pass City. Both are rural towns that have been mostly abandoned for years, but they’re finding their place in the Cowboy State. South Pass City boasts a state historic site and replica mining town - with tours of the historic mine. Atlantic City is going through a renaissance as a Continental Divide trail town, with hungry hikers enjoying a bit of history and hospitality at the Miners Grubstake Saloon. What are the perks of living in rural Wyoming? The biggest perk to living in rural Wyoming is the sense of community. When you live miles from the nearest grocery store - or even miles from your nearest neighbor - you get to know everyone around you, and all of the happenings. People are quick to lend a hand, and you get to enjoy a quiet, slow-paced life. Are there any historic small towns in Wyoming? Though Wyoming is a relatively young state, there are dozens of historic small towns. Buffalo and Sheridan blend history and culture, and towns like Cody lean on their past as old-time vacation destinations. In Kemmerer, you’ll find a different kind of history - prehistory! Fossil Butte and the Green River formation fossils take you way back in time. Kemmerer is also known for a bit of modern history, being the birthplace of the first JC Penney.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most towns in Wyoming are rural! Of all of the state’s small towns and tiny cities, some really stand out. Lander is full of modern charm in the mountains, while Pinedale seems like it’s straight out of the Wild West. Wyoming still has its share of ghost towns, too, like Atlantic City and South Pass City. Both are rural towns that have been mostly abandoned for years, but they’re finding their place in the Cowboy State. South Pass City boasts a state historic site and replica mining town - with tours of the historic mine. Atlantic City is going through a renaissance as a Continental Divide trail town, with hungry hikers enjoying a bit of history and hospitality at the Miners Grubstake Saloon.
What are the perks of living in rural Wyoming?
The biggest perk to living in rural Wyoming is the sense of community. When you live miles from the nearest grocery store - or even miles from your nearest neighbor - you get to know everyone around you, and all of the happenings. People are quick to lend a hand, and you get to enjoy a quiet, slow-paced life.
Are there any historic small towns in Wyoming?
Though Wyoming is a relatively young state, there are dozens of historic small towns. Buffalo and Sheridan blend history and culture, and towns like Cody lean on their past as old-time vacation destinations. In Kemmerer, you’ll find a different kind of history - prehistory! Fossil Butte and the Green River formation fossils take you way back in time. Kemmerer is also known for a bit of modern history, being the birthplace of the first JC Penney.
