9 of the Most Walkable Towns in Wyoming
The most walkable small towns in Wyoming often enjoy a distinctive historical or cultural appeal that makes their centric streets enjoyable to stroll. While all Wyoming towns enjoy their own unique advantages, these communities are renowned for their central main streets, making them the perfect overnight visit or weekend escape. From a rustic downtown shopping experience in Kemmerer to a lively, welcoming community in Green River, read along to find the ideal Wyoming town to explore, particularly on foot!
Gillette
Nicknamed the Energy Capital Of The Nation, Gillette is best recognized for its coal industry, which shaped the town鈥檚 thriving local economy of small businesses and historic preservation. The town ranks for being a well-rounded experience of entertainment and adventure, balanced while maintaining a countryside atmosphere and agricultural appeal. South Gillette Ave serves as the town鈥檚 main street, branching into 1st and 2nd Street, where all attractions, from museums to local businesses, are located. The Campbell County Rockpile Museum, the vintage Frontier Auto Museum & Cafe, along with iconic town structures like the Gillette City Hall. With a population of 33,264, Gillette is more of a small city than a town and makes the perfect family escape thanks to its many parks that complement its walkable central district, like the downtown city park.
Torrington
Torrington adds a countryside lifestyle appeal to the standard small-town experience as its history is deeply rooted in agriculture and mining. Browsing the streets of Torrington is a travel back in time with places like Torrington鈥檚 Homesteaders Museum that showcases the local lifestyle at simpler times, along with the wild west ambiance evident in the town鈥檚 architecture. Embracing a slower pace of life, Torrington is home to a small population of 6,140 and enjoys a supportive local business scene with little to no big box stores and chain corporations. The town鈥檚 most walkable destinations include its Main Street, which features all the best dining spots like Broncho Grill House & Bar and Deacons Family Restaurant. Located just 83 mi from Cheyenne, sitting on Nebraska borders, Torrington鈥檚 unique geographical location makes it the perfect city escape or overnight stop when exploring other nearby towns.
Green River
Green River ranks as one of the most walkable small towns in Wyoming while also being a popular vacation spot known for its scenic backdrops and natural appeal. With an engaging local scene of events and entertainment, Green River makes the perfect family escape during warmer months as events like the Overland Stage Stampede Rodeo, and Flaming Gorge Days bring out the best of local culture. Named after a river that crosses the town, the town鈥檚 most walkable areas are along 1st st, where most local businesses and eateries are located. A few must-visit spots when exploring Green River鈥檚 downtown area include classic local eateries like Arctic Circle, and Green Gander Bar & Drive-In, along with the lush Riverside Memorial Park, located across the river. Additionally, visitors looking for a challenge can visit the nearby Expedition Island and turn their small-town visit into a rugged outdoor adventure among picture-perfect landscapes.
Rock Springs
Rock Springs is a top small town in Wyoming and a popular Gem State vacation spot, drawing thousands of visitors annually with its events and celebrations. Popular events in town include the Wyoming's Big Show in the Sweetwater Events Complex, along with the Blues n' Brews music festival, one of the biggest annual events in downtown Rock Springs. Aside from the community element, Rock Springs is also an excellent destination to learn about culture and history. Visitors to the small town can find everything from museums like the Rock Springs Historical Museum and Community Fine Arts Center, which features a collection of paintings and photographs of early creatives in the area. Adding to places to visit along your downtown scroll of Rock Springs is the vintage Broadway Teather, where visitors can catch a live local performance in the old-fashioned Western way.
Sheridan
Sheridan is synonymous with cowboy culture and makes the perfect small-town visit for those seeking an immersive cultural experience of the Gem State. Much of the town鈥檚 appeal as the perfect walkable town in Wyoming lies in its distinctive shops and museums like the King鈥檚 Saddlery Museum, the Museum at the Bighorns, and the Historic Sheridan Inn, which dates back to 1893. Sitting halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore, Sheridan鈥檚 main walkable district is the stretch of businesses and museums along N Main Street. Some of the most iconic places in this central area are the WYO Performing Arts and Education Center, Urban Thrift, and Best Out West Antiques.
Buffalo
Once known as the "Most Lawless Town," Buffalo is now a must-visit, walkable community near Sheridan. This historic town offers a well-rounded, immersive, historical walkable experience featuring wooden storefronts, museums, and vibrant murals. Buffalo's rich history and captivating tales come to life through its charming architecture and lively community. The town鈥檚 must-see attractions include the Jim Gatchell Museum, the haunted Occidental Hotel, and local favorites like The Virginian Restaurant and Busy Bee Cafe. Complementing the town鈥檚 historic appeal are a range of artistic displays, like the Potters鈥� Depot and Wyoming In Color, that add to the walkable small-town experience. Better yet, the town also has a natural appeal with popular tourist attractions like nearby picture-perfect Lake DeSmet, giving visitors to the town the ability to experience all sides of the Gem State,
Rawlins
Located near the Colorado border, Rawlins combines the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains with a charming small-town experience. Its walkable downtown features museums and educational centers highlighting the town鈥檚 rich history. The Wyoming Frontier Prison stands as the town鈥檚 most notable attraction, while its downtown area is best known for its options of locally owned diners and restaurants, with top-rated places being the Aspen House and La Abuelita鈥檚 Mexican Restaurant. For the ultimate cultural and historical tour of the town, embark on a self-guided tour of Art and History that features all the must-see spots listed on a free brochure at Depot Park as part of the city鈥檚 efforts to encourage tourism in the area.
Kemmerer
The small town of Kemmer, located in western Wyoming with a population of 2,431, is best known for its proximity to Fossil Basin, where tourists can discover fossilized fish from millions of years ago. Beyond this, Kemmer鈥檚 charm lies in its walkable streets and vintage ghost town ambiance, offering a unique twist on the typical small-town experience. Memorable experiences in Kemmerer include visiting JC Penny鈥檚 鈥淢other Store,鈥� the Fossil Fuel Coffee Company, and Caribou Cafe for some old-town American Grub. Kemmerer is also best experienced during some of its annual events like the Oyster Ridge Festival and Fossil Fest in June. Better yet, Kemmerer is also located near other walkable small towns like Rock Springs and Green River, making for the perfect town-hopping itinerary.
Dubois
Finally, Dubois emphasizes the Western theme with a strong cowboy culture and historical element, with one of its most visited attractions being the National Museum of Military Vehicles. The town鈥檚 main walkable district is 1st Street, featuring vintage-themed shops like Cowboy Cafe, Wind River Cafe, and The Dubois Museum. Additionally, a visit to Dubois is incomplete without exploring its natural beauty beyond the central area. Whether you choose to stay overnight at a top-rated campsite like Double Cabin Campground or challenge yourself with a hike along the rocky landscape, Dubois鈥� stunning natural marvels are a picture-perfect masterpiece for all to enjoy.
Ultimately, the most walkable towns in Wyoming are a mix of central shopping destinations adorned with locally cared-for attractions of creative businesses and historic landmarks that depict tales of an earlier time. Emphasizing Western themes, a rustic appeal, and a dry, deserted climate, visit Wyoming for unforgettable quality-time walking tours.
