This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Wyoming

Many towns in the Rocky Mountain region use an old-timey or Western architectural look as a way to draw in tourists and revenue, but how many of them are truly authentic? This is where Dubois comes in, a little-known waterfront town in Wyoming where one can hear the click of spurs against a wooden boardwalk and the sound of horses whinnying caught on the breeze. 

Why This Little-Known Waterfront Town in Wyoming Is So Charming 

Wyoming is known as "The Cowboy State," and the town of Dubois is the perfect representation of such a nickname. A frontier town originally founded in the early 1900s, Dubois was mainly known for ranching, but also had ties to the fur trade, along with the railroad and logging industries. As a result, cowboy culture is woven into the fabric of this town, from the authentic Old West architecture to the wooden boardwalks set in front of buildings, to the rodeos and the ranches that border the town and offer guest experiences. 

Dubois is rustic, vintage, and dramatic in nature, with mountain ranges that flank the old-fashioned town and the Wind River cutting alongside it. Although it’s located near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, it remains largely uncrowded, mainly attracting the attention of artists and those who want access to quieter outdoor activities. Visiting this charming town feels like a blast from the past, but not one that drips in fake Western signs and rebuilt saloon doors. Dubois feels authentic and true to the relaxed, rustic nature of the cowboys and the deeply ingrained hospitality and dedication to the land they share. 

What To See and Do in Dubois

Out of all the charming main streets in Wyoming, Dubois is certainly going to be one of the most unique. Here, you can fulfill your inner Western fantasy and take pictures, as well as go shopping at one of the many galleries, workshops, and specialty shops like The Honey House. Then, leaving Main Street, you may see a rodeo or have an adventure at one of the local guest ranches and experience cowboy life for yourself (this area was actually one of the first places to introduce a dude ranch in the U.S.). You can explore a museum like the National Museum of Military Vehicles, or observe wildlife at the National Bighorn Sheep Center, where the largest single herd of wintering bighorn sheep in the continental United States lives. 

Then, there’s what the majority of tourists come to Wyoming for—the natural landscapes. Well, that and the activities such places provide, of course. Beyond being a bit of a gateway town for Yellowstone National Park, Dubois is close to the Shoshone National Forest, the Absaroka Mountains, Wind River and the Wind River Range, Grand Teton National Park, and the Whiskey Basin Wildlife Habitat Management Area. In these places, you can ride horses, hike, bike, view wildlife, partake in snow sports (snowmobiling is a particular favorite), and fly fish right from the shores of the Wind River bordering Dubois.

What to Know Before You Go

One of the best philosophies to have when planning a trip to Wyoming is to expect the unexpected. Yes, it’s not exactly a new phrase, but it truly is surprising how much it applies to this state. Below are just a few things to consider when planning for your trip:

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   First, the weather. High winds often tear through the land, making temperatures drop and giving road trips and outdoor activities a bit more precarious. The state has an overall high altitude, so the air will be thin, and the weather could change twice over the course of an hour and even more within the span of a day. Snow in the winter is a given, but it also arrives in the fall and typically doesn’t leave until late spring. This means that roads will often be blocked, many places will be closed, and driving can be impaired. 
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   Then, there’s the wildlife. Wyoming is home to all manner of amazing animals, but it’s important to remember that such creatures should be left alone. In addition to the famous bison, there are also grizzly and black bears, rattlesnakes, elk, moose, grey wolves, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and many more to see (respectfully, and from a distance). 
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   Another thing to remember is that you won’t be the only one who wants to experience Wyoming’s wildlife. So, booking tours, accommodations, and flights early (especially during peak season in summer) is always a good idea. 

Wyoming has numerous options for incredible towns to visit, even choices with themes, fun shopping, or access to beautiful landscapes. But if you’re looking for some of the best fly fishing in the U.S., want to experience life as a cowboy on a ranch, view Wyoming wildlife in their natural habitats, or just want a truly authentic experience in an Old West town, the town of Dubois is the place for you!