Thanks to the efforts of historians, conservationists, and dedicated volunteers, many of Wyoming's frontier towns have been saved from certain demise. While the most famous may be South Pass City, the tiny border town of Encampment is one spot that any history buff is sure to love.
Encampment is a tiny town on the Wyoming-Colorado border with a history as a mining community. In the late 1800s, Grand Encampment - as it was known - was the center of the copper mining and smelting world.
When the copper mines busted, most people fled, abandoning the town for a life either out west, or in the larger cities. Today, the town is home to about 450 people and is a picture of the American West.
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You can get a glimpse of the town - and take a peek back in time - at the Grand Encampment Museum!
The buildings here tell the tale of mining town life. The Palace Bakery and Ice Cream Shop were owned by the Koffman family, and there was a Royal Neighbors lodge above. The lodge became a sign lettering shop before it was donated to the museum.
Among other important buildings that are still standing are the Kuntzman building, which was an office with big bright windows, and is now a saloon. There's a blacksmith shop, a log cabin, and a home converted into a museum, too.
The most famous of the buildings in Grand Encampment is the double-decker outhouse! The top floor toilets were used in the winter, when the snow made it too difficult to access the lower stalls.
Are you looking for the most magical place in the West during the holidays? Christmas in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is certainly a sight to see! All year round, Jackson Hole ranks among the best small towns in the U.S. — but during the holidays, this town truly shines. Come with me to marvel at the city’s stunning Town Square all decked out with lights, one of the best places in the state to enjoy an enchanting winter wonderland.
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Jackson Wyoming and Teton Valley – View looking down into town and off toward Yellowstone. Grand Teton and mountains. Jackson, Wyoming, USA.
Jackson is a major town in the state, and Jackson Hole is the name of the valley which extends approximately 80 miles long and 15 miles wide.
Every year, Jackson, Wyoming is home to a beautiful and welcoming Town Square. During the holiday season, it lights up with the spirit of Christmas and everyone on the Square spends weeks preparing for the busy holiday season ...
Christmas lights adorn antler arches in Jackson Wyomings city center.
The most impressive sight is the elk antler arch, strung up with hundreds of twinkling lights. This beautiful holiday light display is one of the things that makes a Jackson, Wyoming Christmas so magical. In fact, people come from all over to experience the holidays here.
Large elk antler arches curve over Jackson Hole’s square’s four corner entrances. The antlers have been there since the early 1960s, and new arches are currently assembled to replace them.
And while admiring the incredible lights and decor in Jackson's Town Square is an absolute must this time of the year, there is so much more to do. For example, Christmas in Jackson Hole just wouldn’t be complete without shopping! And while here, you’ll find dozens of boutiques that sell unique and handmade goods, clothing, home products, and so forth. Who says that the only thing to do in Jackson Hole is winter sports?
For some wintertime fun, rent a pair of ice skates and go for a spin on the ice rink in the middle of town! Or, just outside of town, plan a visit to the National Elk Refuge.
A large herd of elk dominates the landscape in the National Elk Refuge, Wyoming.
The National Elk Refuge is a fantastic place to see wildlife, embark upon a holiday sleigh ride, and more.
You can also make time to visit Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
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Snow covered Teton Mountains at Jackson Hole Resort
Arguably one of the best ski areas in the world, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort draws avid skiers from all over the country and Canada as well.
No matter how you spend Christmas in Jackson, Wyoming, you'll fall in love with the charm of Town Square and all of the winter adventures that surround the area. Just make sure that while here, you give yourself plenty of time to visit several of the town's amazing restaurants. If you are a foodie, this is your kind of place!
What are your favorite things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming? Have you ever spent Christmas in Jackson Hole, Wyoming? If you have, be sure to share your favorite photos of the holiday lights in Jackson Hole! If you haven’t yet, be sure to make it a point to visit for a day or even a short getaway before the holiday season is over. You can also learn more about this festive town and see more amazing photos on the Visit Jackson Hole Facebook Page.
Are you counting down the days to Christmas? If so, did you start your holiday shopping? Check out our list of cool holiday gift ideas that are perfect for folks who love to travel.
When you're on the hunt for your next road trip destination, there's plenty of appeal in visiting a town with a lot of "bang for your buck" in terms of attractions and activities. Big cities with endless restaurants, amenities, and iconic sights are hard to resist! But it's actually some of the smallest towns in Wyoming that have stolen our hearts in the biggest way. They may not have designer hotels, popular chains, or even stoplights, but what they lack in tourist buzz, they more than make up for in warm hospitality, setting, and local character. Now, it's time to celebrate a unique town that has some pretty big personality for its size! Hawk Springs is one of those "barely-there" towns in Wyoming that's pretty far off the beaten path, but there's a surprising amount to love here.
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Nestled in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, Hawk Springs is one of those middle-of-nowhere towns that you might just whizz through without even realizing it's there.
Yet even with a teeny population of under 50 residents, this unassuming community offers a fun and memorable small-town experience.
Don't let its humble first impression fool you! This charming small town is a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure, making it a hidden gem worth exploring.
Hawk Springs may be small, but its history is as rich as its charm. Founded in the early 1900s, the town was initially shaped by the expansion of the railroad and the growth of agriculture in the region.
The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) was the primary railroad serving the area, playing a significant role in transporting goods and passengers and contributing to the growth and development of small towns like Hawk Springs and nearby Yoder. The railroad facilitated the movement of crops and livestock, which was essential for the town's economy.
Hawk Springs is set against the backdrop of the rolling plains and rugged terrain that characterize northeastern Wyoming. Its surroundings are more humble than those you'll find farther west, but are beautiful all the same, with open fields stretching out to the horizon and the nearby Cheyenne River adding a touch of serenity to the scene.
The area is perfect for those who appreciate the wide-open spaces and natural beauty of rural Wyoming.
But unlike many other itty-bitty towns around the country that might only have a local diner and a bar and not much else, Hawk Springs has some unexpectedly fantastic dining options. Like, seriously top-notch.
Smack-dab in the middle of all that nothingness beauty is The Emporium - a phenomenal eatery that has even earned some national attention. And the menu is constantly changing, which means you can visit time and time again.
While Hawk Springs is small, it also has a few historical sites that offer a glimpse into its past. The Hawk Springs Schoolhouse site is one of the town’s historical landmarks. The Hawk Springs Community Hall has also served various purposes over the years. While it may not be listed on official historic registries, it's a neat spot to visit.
Several historic ranches around Hawk Springs provide a window into the town’s agricultural roots as well. These ranches, with their traditional barns and farmhouses, offer a nostalgic look at the early days of settlement in the area.
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors (of course you are!), Hawk Springs has plenty to offer there too. The town is close to multiple trails and natural areas that are perfect for hiking, fishing, and exploring. Parts of the Cheyenne River run close to Hawk Springs and provide opportunities for fishing and relaxing by the water. Pick a creek, any creek!
The Hawk Springs Recreation Area is another local gem. Hawk Springs Reservoir offers excellent fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities in the warmer months and fantastic ice fishing come winter. The recreation area is a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike for good reason.
To the west of Hawk Springs, the Laramie Mountains offer a range of hiking trails with breathtaking views. The trails here cater to various skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes, and provide a fantastic way to explore the surrounding landscape.
About an hour’s drive from Hawk Springs, Curt Gowdy State Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, and stunning scenery, it’s a perfect day trip if you’re looking to extend your adventure.
And for hunters, the Springer/Bump Sullivan Wildlife Habitat Management Area is just a few miles outside of town. The habitat is awesome, beautiful, chock full of wildlife, and well managed.
Hawk Springs, Wyoming may be a small dot on the map, but it’s a destination with a big heart and plenty of charm - not to mention some phenomenal eats! From its rich historical background to its quiet setting and unique natural areas, this off-the-beaten-path slice of Wyoming is an awesome spot to explore for those looking to experience a slice of living history and Wyoming's rural roots.
