Blink And You’ll Miss These 11 Teeny Tiny Towns In Wyoming
When it comes to Wyoming towns, size doesn’t matter. In fact, the smaller the better. There’s something to be said for small town charm. There’s even more to be said about teeny tiny town charm. Here are 11 of the tiniest towns in Wyoming, all with a population of under 140, that if you blink when driving by, you just might miss them.
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The teeny little town of Van Tassell is located just off Highway 20 in eastern Wyoming. The town was named for R. S. Van Tassell who was a local cattleman. The total area of the town is 1.83 square miles and has a population of 15. Van Tassell is known as being the least populous town in the least populous county of the least populous state.
This tiny little town is located on the high plains in eastern Wyoming. Lost Springs received its name from railroad workers back in the 1880s who were unable to find the springs that were listed on a survey map. Today, you'll find 4 people, a general store and the post office. The town has a total area of .09 square miles.
Riverside is a town in Carbon County located in southern Wyoming. According to the U.S. National Climatic Data Center, Riverside is one of the coldest spots in Wyoming. The town has a total area of .27 square miles and a population of about 52.
Hartville is located in the southeastern corner of the state. During the Old West, quite a few cowboys were shot and killed here and buried at the town's Boot Hill. The town has a total area of .25 square miles and a population of 62. Hartville is known as the oldest incorporated town still in existence.
Kirby was established as a coal town in 1907 and is located in the northern central portion of the state. The town is home to Wyoming Whiskey which is the state's first and only distillery. The town has a total area of .15 square miles and is home to just about 92 people, making it one of the tiniest towns in Wyoming by size and by population.
Manville is another tiny town that is located in the eastern portion of the state. The post office there has been in operation since 1887. The town was named for a local cattleman, H. S. Manville. The town has a total area of .27 square miles and a population of 95.
Opal is a very small town located in southwestern Wyoming. It was an early railroad center for cattle and sheep ranchers. Opal is also rich in minerals and precious stones. The town has a total area of .39 square miles and a population of 96.
Dixon is located on the Little Snake River Valley, west of the Continental Divide and in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It earns the title of one of the tiniest towns in Wyoming with a total area of .13 square miles and a population of 79. Dixon's town is made up of a motel, post office, senior center, a church, park, maintenance shop, bar and The Dixon Club.
Bairoil was established in 1915 as an oil field town and was named after Charles M. Bair who was the first to drill oil in the area and started the Bair Oil Company. Of all places, a hang-gliding world record was set here in 1989. Bairoil is located on the northeastern side of the Great Divide Basin, has a total area of 1.41 square miles and a population of 106.
Manderson is a town in Big Horn County located in the northern portion of the state. The town was originally called Alamo but was later renamed after Charles F. Manderson who was a chief counsel for the Burlington Railroad. The town has a total area of .90 square miles and a population of 114.
Granger is located in southwestern Wyoming at the intersection of the Oregon Trail and Overland Stage Trail. It was the site of the annual rendezvous that was attended by trappers and Native Americans. It was also chosen as a site for a stage coach station. The town has a total area of 2.53 square miles and a population of 139.
When it comes to living in Wyoming, small towns are basically our only option, and we are okay with that. Have you heard of some of these tiniest towns in Wyoming?
All of the tiniest towns in Wyoming are worth a visit, but a few certainly stand out! Hartville is the oldest town in Wyoming, and Kirwin is a ghost town full of paranormal activity. Hulett is known for its quirky restaurant and deli, and Hudson is home to an incredible steakhouse that’s earned national recognition.
Which hidden gems in Wyoming should I visit?
If you’re looking for some truly wonderful Wyoming gems, you can’t miss the towns of Thermopolis, Saratoga, Sundance, and Guernsey. Thermopolis is home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs, along with a wonderful dinosaur museum that’s so worth a drive from anywhere in the West. In Saratoga, you’ll find mineral hot springs that are open 24/7 and free to the public. After your soak, treat yourself to one of the best steaks in the state at the Hotel Wolf! When you visit Sundance, you’ll be visiting a town that’s forever remembered as part of Wild West history. The famous outlaw Sundance Kid was named after this very town! In Guernsey, you’ll find a sparkling reservoir that’s great for fishing. Near the reservoir, you can visit ruts left in the earth by the Oregon Trail Wagon Trains.
What are the best day trips in Wyoming?
If you’re interested in natural history, check out the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite near Greybull. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, head to Snow King and test out their sky-high zipline course! Fishing on Fremont Lake is a popular pastime, and it’s always fun to visit Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks. Kemmerer is a unique town where you can dig for fossils and visit the very first JC Penney all at once! No matter what your idea day trip adventure may be, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in Wyoming.
I am a freelance writer who also has been a small business owner and worked in the fields of insurance, accounting, and education. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, writing, photography, music, running, sports, and of course traveling!
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