Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Wyoming

The Cowboy State is home to a rich and fascinating history. From towns that once housed outlaws to those built around the railroad, many of the small historic towns in Wyoming could fill novels with their incredible stories. However, there is a tiny community in southwestern Wyoming that is one of my favorites—Cokeville. It is a place known for its pioneer and agricultural roots, along with its excellent outdoor activities. But it’s also a Wyoming town with a history of tragedy and miracles.

The History Behind This Charming Wyoming Town

Cokeville is a small town in southwestern Wyoming. It’s located on the eastern side of Idaho’s Bear Lake, just across the Wyoming border. The community here isn’t large, with a population of just under 500 residents, but it’s a place that feels like home the minute you arrive.

Similar to many nearby Idaho and Utah communities, Cokeville was settled in the 1870s by pioneer families from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who came to ranch and farm in the area. In just a few short years, in the 1880s, the Oregon Short Line Railroad arrived, causing significant growth in the community. Cokeville was officially incorporated in 1910 and remained a quiet, peaceful place to visit. However, in 1986, it found itself in newspapers and broadcast reports around the country.

On May 16, 1986, a couple entered the Cokeville elementary school with a variety of weapons and a gasoline bomb. The couple held 154 children and adults hostage in a single classroom. After three hours, the bomb detonated, yet miraculously, none of the hostages were killed. The only fatality was one of the perpetrators. Many children and adults reported miracles happening throughout the entire incident, including a mechanism that caused the bomb to malfunction, which likely saved the lives of many individuals that day.

The Best Things to Do in This Historic Gem

This tragic incident certainly brought the small community closer together, and it has remained that way ever since. Today, Cokeville is known as a friendly, peaceful, and tight-knit rural town. When visiting, you won’t find any big chain stores or hotels. Rather, you’ll enjoy locally-owned shops and restaurants where friendly faces will greet you as you walk inside.

Outdoor lovers will find plenty to fill their itineraries when they visit this area in western Wyoming. The nearby Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, for example, is a beautiful place for birdwatching, photography, and spending a few quiet moments outdoors. This wildlife refuge sits on a 20-mile stretch of the Bear River Valley and is home to one of the highest densities of nesting waterfowl in Wyoming. Not only can you spot all types of bird species like ibis and swans, but you’ll also want to watch out for deer, elk, and pronghorn.

If you love a good challenge and beautiful views, the Sublette Mountain Trail, just north of Cokeville, is for you. Located in the Raymond Mountain Wilderness Study Area, this hiking trail is just over 8 miles and can test you physically and mentally. You’ll climb nearly 3,000 feet in elevation on your journey, but because of its difficulty and location, you may find you have the entire trail to yourself. This lesser-known Wyoming hiking trail makes for a delightful day trip.

Of course, I also recommend you spend some time fossil hunting when in this corner of the state. Many of the areas near Cokeville provide incredible fossil hunting opportunities, like Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery, which provides fossil digging tours, and Fossil Butte National Monument, where you can learn more about the fossils found in the area and even tackle a few more hiking trails.

But it’s not just the summer months when Cokeville comes alive with activities. In the winter, head to Pine Creek Ski Resort in Cokeville, a resort with 640 skiable acres and an average annual snowfall of more than 350 inches. Plus, the views from the top of the mountain are beautiful as the snowy hills in the distance create a gorgeous sight—a view that makes you fall in love with this corner of Wyoming.

We love historic towns in Wyoming like Cokeville. They often fly under the radar, but they are destinations with stories to tell, friendly locals to meet, and beautiful landscapes to admire. It’s easy to see why travelers are drawn to this destination.

If there is a small historic town in Wyoming you love to visit, especially one that tends to fly under the radar, let me know. Fill out this nomination form and share it with me. I’d love to hear from you. And if you are feeling inspired and ready to plan your own adventure in the Cowboy State, make sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.