The Up-and-Coming City in Wyoming That’s Perfectly Sized

Wyoming is mostly famous for Yellowstone National Park. And rightfully so, as it’s one of the most famous parks in the country. But the Cowboy State has more to offer than that. In fact, here you’ll find charming small towns and bucket-list-worthy cities waiting to be explored. Personally, I am like Goldilocks, and I love towns that are perfectly sized — they aren’t too small and they aren’t too large. Riverton, Wyoming, is one of these perfectly-sized destinations, and with 11,000 residents, this city is right in the middle.

Moreover, this Wyoming gem is home to incredible beauty, excellent outdoor opportunities, and lots of history. And I can’t get enough of the local shops and museums here. It is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in Wyoming, and we really aren’t surprised either. This charming city in Wyoming is a fabulous place to explore.

Riverton, Wyoming, is located in Fremont County. It is approximately 125 miles west of Casper and is located on the Wind River Reservation, which is the seventh-largest Indian reservation in the United States. The landscape is quite beautiful, and while cruising through the Wind River Canyon area, you'll immediately fall in love with its natural beauty.

Riverton is an up-and-coming city in Wyoming with a population of nearly 11,000 people. Compare this to some of the larger towns in the Cowboy State, like the city of Casper, which is home to nearly 59,000 residents, and Cheyenne, with a population of more than 65,000 people, and you'll notice it has a more small-town feel.

Riverton is known as Rendezvous City. It was established in 1906 and began as a city focused on ranching and mining. It is located in a natural basin, which is not only the meeting place for the Big and Little Wind Rivers, but throughout history, it was also a meeting place for Native Americans, trappers, miners, railroad workers, mountain men, and more. In both 1830 and 1838, the Mountain Man Rendezvous took place in Riverton, and each summer, the 1838 Rendezvous is a re-enacted event you don't want to miss.

In town, history buffs will rejoice as there are several attractions to give you a glimpse into the area decades ago, including the Wind River Heritage Center and the Riverton Museum. If you are willing to go for a drive outside of town, I recommend visiting the Castle Gardens Petroglyph site, where you can view petroglyphs in the soft stone.

One of our favorite things about Riverton is its many outdoor activities. Nearby, Boysen State Park is a unique area with a beautiful body of water perfect for boating and fishing. Camping, hiking, and picnicking are other popular activities at this Wyoming state park, and some of our favorite things to do here. And, of course, if you want to spend time right in town, there are a handful of parks with amenities like playgrounds, picnic tables, grassy lawns, and so much more.

When you drive around town and hunger strikes, you’ll find several locally-owned restaurants like the Trailhead, Perrett’s, and the Roasted Bean and Cuisine. No trip to Riverton is complete without stopping at the Fremont Local Market, where you can shop for fresh produce and handmade goodies. It's a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike. And if you come and stay for a while (which we recommend), consider a cozy vacation rental, where you will feel just like a local in this up-and-coming Wyoming city.

Riverton, Wyoming, is a town that’s perfectly sized, yet big on charm, attractions, and history. It’s the type of place where you can come and stay for a while, and I highly recommend that you do.

Have you spent time in Riverton, Wyoming? What are some of your favorite things to do in Riverton? Let me know on our nomination page. I’d love to hear from you.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.