Go Beyond Yellowstone to Wyoming’s Wind River Country

This Wind River Itinerary at a Glance

Wyoming’s best adventure begins in Wind River Country. Located in western Wyoming—just beyond Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons—this region offers a chance to escape the crowds. Unplug, unwind and find room to roam in Wyoming’s Wind River Country.

For more great travel stories, Read the Full Leisure Group Travel Magazine and Subscribe to the Newsletter for FREE

Day-to-Day Wind River, WY Itinerary

DAY 1 of Things To Do in Wind River, Wyoming

Established in 1906, Riverton—also known as The Rendezvous City—sits at the confluence of the Big and Little Wind Rivers. This natural basin has long served as a gathering place, most notably for the 1830 and 1838 mountain man fur trader rendezvous. Encompassing more than 2.2 million acres, the Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho tribes.

Start your day with breakfast at Trailhead Restaurant, a local favorite known for its hearty portions, classic comfort food and friendly atmosphere.

Visit the Riverton Museum. The museum offers educational exhibits and programming, including a walking tour of nearby historical buildings. Head to St.Stephens Indian Mission & Heritage Center. Founded in the late 1800s, the mission remains active and is known for its church adorned with vivid Native American designs.

Explore the Northern Arapaho Experience Culture Room at the Wind River Hotel& Casino. Discover the past, present and future of the Northern Arapaho through exhibits, tours, storytelling and language lessons. Enjoy lunch or a snack at one of the casino’s three dining options: Cee Nokuu Café, Buffalo Sportsbook Grill or Buffalo Coffee.

Visit the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center to learn about the Shoshone people through artifacts, art, photography, maps and treaties. Take a guided tour of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, home to more than 250 wild mustangs. The visitor center features interpretive displays and a gift shop.

Stop by the Wind River Trading Company, which showcases Native American arts, crafts and clothing by Shoshone, Arapaho and Southwest artisans. Explore the Gallery of the Wind, a small museum highlighting the cultural traditions of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho peoples.

Head to Lander, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner at Cowfish—a cozy gastropub offering a creative New American menu, craft beer and signature cocktails in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

DAY 2 of Wind River, WY Attractions

Incorporated in 1890, Lander was named for Frederick W. Lander, the engineer behind the Lander Trail—a wagon road used by thousands heading west during the 19th century.

Start your day with breakfast at The Middle Fork, where an all-from-scratch menu featuring local ingredients offers the perfect fuel for a day of exploration.

Visit the Fremont County Pioneer Museum, which collects and interprets artifacts from prehistory through the 1920s. Explore the Pioneer Village with 10 historic buildings that depict life between 1880 and 1930. Discover Sinks Canyon State Park, named for the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River, which mysteriously vanishes into a limestone cavern called The Sinks and reemerges at The Rise, a calm pool teeming with trout. Stop by the visitor center to learn about the area’s geology and wildlife, and enjoy activities like hiking, trail running, climbing and picnicking.

Enjoy a casual lunch at Gannett Grill, offering salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and more in a laid-back atmosphere. Travel to South Pass City State Historic Site, where you can tour more than 30 preserved buildings, walk interpretive trails, visit the Carissa Mine, and try your hand at gold panning. Founded in 1867 during a gold rush, the once-bustling town of 2,000 quickly declined by the mid-1870s—but its history lives on.

Return to Lander’s Main Street for a relaxed stroll. Dine at Mulino Italian Bistro, a refined yet relaxed restaurant known for its house-made pastas, seasonal specialties and uniquely crafted cocktails.

DAY 3 of Interesting Wyoming Attractions

Pronounced like “cowboys,” Dubois is one of the last authentic Old West towns—a charming hidden gem with the spirit of the frontier still alive and well.

Start the day with a warm drink and fresh pastry at Lincoln Street Bakery in Lander, known for its traditional breads, handmade pastries and other delicious delights. Travel to Dubois and spend the morning at the National Museum of Military Vehicles, where you’ll find a world-class collection of historically significant firearms and military vehicles. Highlights include the first sniper rifle used in combat and the authenticated musket that fired the first shot at the Battle of Bunker Hill. When you’re ready for a break, stop at The Canteen, the museum’s onsite restaurant, for lunch or a sweet treat.

Take in stunning 360-degree views from the Dubois Scenic Overlook, offering panoramic vistas of the town, the badlands, the Absaroka Mountains and parts of the Wind River Range. The overlook is accessible by car, bike or foot and features a trail with interpretive signs highlighting unique volcanic, tectonic and glacial geology.

Visit the National Bighorn Sheep Center to learn about bighorn sheep and wildlife conservation. Engaging dioramas with full-scale mounts, interactive exhibits and educational films showcase the species’ habitat, adaptations and management.

Walk over to the Dubois Museum to dive deeper into the Upper Wind River Valley’s past. Exhibits feature the Mountain Shoshone (Sheepeaters), the tie hack loggingera, early settlers and the region’s natural history. The museum also offers tours and seasonal events. Drive the scenic Togwotee Pass, which crosses the Continental Divide at 9,658 feet. A designated pullout along U.S. 26/287 offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range, alpine meadows and nearby peaks. Interpretive signage explains the area’s geological and cultural significance—making this a must-stop on the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway.

Explore downtown with the Discover Dubois Audio Tour, a free GPS-guided experience featuring ten narrated stops that share local stories, landmarks and history. The audio plays automatically as you walk or drive, offering an easy, immersive way to connect with Dubois’ rich heritage. Enjoy dinner at The Lone Buffalo Steakhouse, featuring hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, homemade pasta, burgers and decadent desserts.

Wrap up the day with a beloved local tradition: square dancing at Rustic Pine Tavern, a Dubois favorite since 1948.