Tucked into the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan, Wyoming is a quaint old west town, and nothing demonstrates its commitment to showing off its pioneer heritage more than the park that sits right in the heart of town.
Kendrick Park is a small green space just a short distance from the busy downtown district of Sheridan, and locals love its playground, waterpark, and its resident elk and bison.
Wait - elk and bison?! That's right! This park in town features a herd of both! They're enclosed, for their safety and for yours, but these guys are so much fun to watch from the other side of the fence.
They're clearly more domesticated than those you would see out in the wild, so visiting with them is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to truly hang out with some of Wyoming's most iconic animals.
Catch the bison lounging in the sunshine or listen to the elk bugel loud enough to hear from miles away and you'll feel like you're far from city life.
Come hang out in Kendrick Park, a gem in Sheridan that's sure to become one of your favorite places to breathe in the fresh air and reconnect with Wyoming's wild west past.
Have you ever spent the day at Kenrick Park, hanging out with bison and elk? This spot is popular in the summer thanks to their enormous pool, so come on over to cool off from the sunshine and hang out with the animals while you dry off!
A geological hot spot - literally - for thousands of years, Western Wyoming is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable region full of natural wonders and panoramic beauty. At the heart of this breathtaking slice of the Mountain West, the star-studded town of Jackson, Wyoming has continued to entice visitors as well, often becoming a basecamp for longer national park explorations or a standalone luxury getaway set against one of the most spectacular backdrops in the country: the Teton Mountains. But amidst such photogenic mountain town grandeur, ski après dining options, and chic accommodations, the area's more humble roots can get overshadowed. Rendezvous Park (R Park) in nearby Wilson, Wyoming is one such gem! This unique, family-friendly park has had a major glow-up in recent years and is well worth a visit on any trip through Teton Country.
advertisement
Any visit to Wilson should include a taste of its quieter side. Rendezvous Park (or R Park as it is most often called) is just half an hour or so outside of Jackson proper.
This quiet, 40-acre recreation area is the unique product of community and revitalization efforts, transforming what was once a gravel pit into a vibrant space teeming with life.
The park is a lush, thoughtfully designed haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Visitors can fully immerse in the beauty through a variety of relaxing, non-motorized recreational activities, like cycling, walking, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and picnicking.
Little ones will also enjoy scrambling along the park’s many unique features and exploring the park with Discovery Boxes, which are experiential learning activities available for free during the summer.
Mama Mimi is one such piece that sits relaxing along the pond shore, a silent guardian that welcomes children to climb around her. This incredible, towering troll sculpture was created by artist Thomas Dambo and his team back in 2021 using locally-sourced recycled and renewable materials. She is one of around 80 other trolls that dot the U.S. as part of Dambo’s larger fairytale story, “The Great Story of the Little People.” Grab more info on the Jackson Hole Public Art website.
Throughout the year, special events - like a community Easter egg hunt and lantern festivals - bring new faces and families into the park to enjoy the beauty and celebrate the changing seasons.
And in winter, the fun (and beauty!) keeps going! Cross-country ski or snowshoe your way through the park while you enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered mountains and crisp surroundings.
R Park is open from dawn until dusk, and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the perimeter of the trail. Check out the Jackson Hole Land Trust website for detailed hours, amenities, rules, and facilities requests.
Tell us: what's a unique park or natural area that you've visited?
If you're looking for another cool adventure in the area, Colter Bay is an iconic place to stroll along the water! Or, take it off the beaten path with a biking adventure instead.
Wyoming conjures thoughts of the Old West, cowboys and Indians, ranches, and wide open spaces. Bright yellow sunflowers in Wyoming typically don't factor into most people's idea of the Cowboy State. Yet, you'll find a magical field of them here, if you know where to look. Though they aren't native Wyoming plants, it turns out that our growing conditions are practically tailor-made for sunflowers. If you want to see these kinds of wildflowers in Wyoming, we can show you where to find them. Let's explore these sunflower fields in Wyoming near the charming town of Laramie.
advertisement
A magical sight can be found in the southeast corner of Wyoming, just outside Laramie.
As it turns out, sunflowers thrive in dry conditions where the land has to be irrigated and farmers can control how much water the plants get. That means a lot of the land in Wyoming is perfect for cultivating sunflowers.
The growing conditions in Wyoming drew the attention of companies in North Dakota and Minnesota. Much of the crops grown here will be exported to Europe.
Since local farmers signed on to grow sunflowers here a few years ago, fields of them have been popping up more and more. Where else have you seen bright and cheery sunflowers in Wyoming? Let us know in the comments. If you'd like to know where else you might find wildflowers in Wyoming, here are several hiking trails to explore:
