Source 2026 Wyoming Official Travel Guide - Wyoming Official Travel Guide

Rivers & Ranges Road Trip

2025-12-29 04:12:57

Uncover stories of the American West as you explore state parks, tucked-away outposts, historical pit stops and natural wonders.

START: Powell END: Dubois TOTAL DRIVING DISTANCE: Approximately 290 miles

Powell

» Interpretive Agriculture Tours

Set in the Bighorn Basin, Powell is a community rich in agricultural history. Take a tour and you’ll uncover farming and irrigation secrets, stock up on goods from an apothecary, see a working alpaca farm and sip locally made beer.

» Heart Mountain Interpretive Center

A former Japanese-American confinement site during World War II, the center offers an opportunity to learn and see through the eyes of those detained here. Tour the original structures, artifacts and photographs for insights into their lives. Turn to p. 12 for more must-see historical attractions.

Cody

» Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Explore five museums under one roof dedicated to Western history, art and heritage. Here, you’ll find stories of Wild West legends like Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, see interactive exhibits on Yellowstone wildlife, learn about the traditions of the Plains Native Americans and much more.

» Cody Craft Brewing

Stop by this family-friendly taproom to savor locally brewed lagers, ales and IPAs along with topping-stacked slices of pizza on an outdoor patio. Plus, play kid-approved games like pinball, Jenga or cornhole.

BONUS:

Pause for a stay at Pure Heart Retreat near Cody to unwind midtrip with a yoga and meditation experience in glass-dome lodges with vast mountain views, or experience living history at Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel in Cody.

Meeteetse

» Meeteetse Chocolatier

Tim Kellogg, a cowboy turned chocolatier, makes all of Meeteetse’s artisan confections from scratch. Choose from exquisite truffle flavors like prickly pear cactus and Wyoming Whiskey.

Thermopolis

» Wyoming Dinosaur Center & Dig Sites

Hundreds of displays and more than 30 mounted skeletons showcase Wyoming’s prehistoric past. See the Archaeopteryx specimen — one of only 12 in the world — or dig for fossils yourself. Learn more about Wyoming’s fossils on p. 66.

» Hot Springs State Park

Walk along the boardwalk atop colorful hot-spring terraces, then let your worries melt away amid steaming waters in one of the on-site mineral pools. Tip: Only enter pools designated for soaking, as many hot springs are far too hot and delicate to enter.

» Wind River Canyon

Travel through time on the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway to glimpse ancient, pink-hued rock walls and roaming wildlife. Beyond the road, the canyon beckons with adventure like river rafting through surging rapids and guided fishing trips.

Riverton

» Castle Gardens Petroglyphs

Walk among rock turrets and towers, shaped by the eroding wind, and discover ancient carvings etched into the sandstone. Examine this Native American rock art, or petroglyphs, featuring human and animal figures, including turtles and birds.

BONUS:

Cruise the self-guided Wind River Indian Reservation Driving Tour to see cultural and historical sites of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, including the grave of Chief Washakie. Learn more at windriver.org.

Lander

» Sinks Canyon State Park

See “The Sinks,” a phenomenon where the Popo Agie River vanishes into a limestone cavern, then reappears at “The Rise” hours later. Then, extend your visit for exceptional stargazing in Wyoming’s first International Dark Sky Park.

Dubois

» National Museum of Military Vehicles

Immerse yourself in America’s military history with powerful stories of those who served, hundreds of restored vehicles and fascinating displays showcasing historical firearms and uniforms.

GRAND FINALE

Trip Add-On

» National Bighorn Sheep Center

The world’s largest wintering herd of bighorn sheep roams this remote area in Dubois. Stop by the center to view exhibits about the majestic mammals and take a tour to see them in their natural habitat.

RIVERS & RANGES VISITOR CENTERS

Cody
Meeteetse
Powell
Dubois
Lander
Riverton
Thermopolis

STATE PARKS & NATIONAL FORESTS

Buffalo Bill State Park
Shoshone National Forest
Boysen State Park
Sinks Canyon State Park
Hot Springs State Park

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Learn more about Rivers & Ranges road-trip towns — and minimize backtracking with the most natural driving route — as you map out your Wyoming adventure: travelwy.com/riversandranges.

IF YOU LOVE RETRO VIBES …

The Lander Motel | Lander

5.0

“What a refreshing experience! I stayed here with my boys during a sports tournament and everyone enjoyed it. Modern, but quaint. Love it! Where can I find another one in the next city?! Consider me a fan of the new, reborn ‘motel’ experience.” — Jason K.

IF YOU LOVE WESTERN CHARM…

4 Bears Bed and Breakfast | Meeteetse

4.9

“Myself and four friends stayed with George [the host and owner] this November. He has an amazing place and makes a great breakfast! The scenery is truly breathtaking when you step outside and look around. George is an amazing host and loves to share the beauty that Wyoming has to offer! If you want an awesome place to stay, I would highly recommend staying with him! Thanks again for your hospitality!” — Rod R.

IF YOU LOVE A HIDDEN GEM …

Chamberlin Inn | Cody

4.8

“We had a family reunion this weekend. It was fabulous — from arranging accommodations with Stacey to arrival and departure, we were treated with the most delightful experience. The Chamberlin has been exquisitely restored and provides guests with amazing amenities like tastefully decorated rooms, a beautiful atrium and lounge, and garden patio to mention only a few. We hated to leave and can’t wait to return!” — Jane T.

IF YOU LOVE COMFORT …

Wind River Hotel & Casino | Riverton

4.3

“The stay here was one of the best that we have ever had at a casino hotel. The price of the room was excellent, a great value. The room was large, the bathroom toiletries were very nice, and the variety of K-Cup coffees and teas were a nice touch. The room seemed to be very clean. We played on the slots for maybe a couple of hours. And, in the end, we walked away with money!” — Mary B.