May 9, 2022
Wind River Country has lots of events to offer this year. From rodeos to museum treks to powwows to traditional annual events, there’s something for everyone. Check out the list below to see what’s happening in Wind River Country in 2022.
Rodeo Events
June 10 to August 19 — Dubois Friday Night Rodeo
This real west, family friendly rodeo takes place every Friday night in Dubois at the Clarence Allison Memorial Arena. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate. Adults $15, kids (six to 12) $10, five and under free. (307) 710-7080. 5639 US-26, Dubois.
June 17 to 19 — Northern Arapaho Tour Rodeo
The Northern Arapaho Tour Rodeo (NATR) is an INFR Qualifying Rodeo presented by the Wind River Hotel & Casino. Adults $10, kids (seven to 14) $5, under seven free. Armond Duckchief will be performing live at the Wind River Hotel & Casino on June 17 and 18. Concert tickets are $10. 1010 Fairground Road, Riverton www.natourrodeo.com.
July 3 to 4 — Fremont Toyota Pioneer Days Rodeo
The Lander Fremont Toyota Pioneer Days Celebration is a half-marathon, parade, rodeo, fireworks, little cowpokes and Indian relay races. Main Street’s 4th of July Parade begins at 10 a.m. Both nights of the rodeo start at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets: adult $8, kids (six to 12) $4. (Purchase presale tickets for a chance to win $50 each night.) Tickets at gate: adult $10, kids (six to 12) $5. 1663 Rodeo Drive, Lander. http://lotra.org.
July 30 to August 6 — 109th Annual Fremont County Fair and Rodeo
The Fremont County Fair and Rodeo features daily exhibits, contests and shows. Opening day rodeo at 10 a.m. Experience the ranch rodeo, carnival nights, bull riding, craft and vendor trade show, live music and more. Various ticket prices. (307) 856-6611. 1010 Fairground Road, Riverton. www.fremontcountyfair.org.
Museum Events
May 28 — National Museum of Military Vehicles Grand Opening
The National Museum of Military Vehicles hosts its grand opening. Honor those who have served with valor and see the many displays at the Museum. Free. 10 a.m. 6419 U.S. Hwy. 26, Dubois. www.nmmv.org/grand.php.
June 10 to 12 — Fremont County Historical Society’s 2022 Trek
Stops on the trek include the Museum of the American West in Lander, the Fremont County Pioneer Museum in Lander, the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, the South Pass City State Historic Site and more. Registration covers several meals, entrance fees and bus transportation, multiple locations. https://wyshs.org.
June 18 — Lander Area Petroglyphs
Join the Pioneer Museum on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series program to learn about some of the Native American rock art with local archeologist Jim Stewart. About a mile and half of walking on uneven ground. 10 a.m. Meet at the museum. $10. (307) 332-3339. 1443 W Main Street, Lander.
July 6 — Sublette Pass History Trek
Join the Dubois Museum on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series to Sublette Pass. Hike the trail of the early explorers through Sublette Pass starting at Wind River Lake and ending at Brooks Lake. Difficult hike, approximately four miles. Bring bear spray, bug spray, hiking boots, trekking poles, water and lunch. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10. Advanced registration required. (307) 455-2284. Dubois.
July 9 to 10 — South Pass City Gold Rush Days
Pan for gold, see historic exhibits and gold mining demonstrations, Pony Express reenactments, a vintage baseball tournament, live saloon music and the anvil blasting at the Price Street Bridge every hour on the hour. Gold Rush Days also includes tours of the Carissa Mine & Mill and the opportunity to explore five-miles of interpretive trails. Admission is $5, kids two and under free. 125 Main Street, South Pass City. www.southpasscity.com.
July 12 and August 30 — Annual Mystery Sheep Trap Trek
The National Bighorn Sheep Center and the Dubois Museum collaborate every year on an educational hike to an area sheep trap. With over eight sheep trap sites to choose from, the mystery location will be set to meet participant’s abilities and interests. Learn about the Mountain Shoshone people who built and used these traps, as well as why the traps worked and other key facts about bighorn sheep. Steep climbs and gorgeous scenery guaranteed. $10. Advanced registration required. 9 a.m. Meet at the Dubois Museum. For more information, contact the Dubois Museum at (307) 455-2284 or the National Bighorn Sheep Center at (307) 455-3429. 909 W Rams Horn Street, Dubois.
July 29 — Simpson Lake Lodge Trek
Join the Dubois Museum and Kass Harrell on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series to Simpson Lake Lodge. This trek requires high clearance 4×4 or ATV and approximately an eight-mile hike. Caravan in vehicles to the unloading point for ATV/UTV followed by a long rough drive to the hiking starting point. Bring water, lunch, bug spray, bear spray, sunscreen, trekking poles, hiking boots and water shoes for crossing creeks. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $20. Advanced registration required. (307) 455-2284. Dubois.
August 2 — Brooks Lake Lodge Ranch Tour
Join Brooks Lake Lodge and Dubois Museum staff for a tour of the historic Brooks Lake Lodge on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series. Participants will caravan to the site. Bring water, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen and walking shoes. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $10. Advanced registration required. (307) 455-2284. Dubois.
August 6 — Shoshone Mission Trek
Join the Pioneer Museum on this Shoshone Mission Trek, which is part of the Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series. Visit the historic mission founded by Father John Roberts, a Welsh missionary who came to the Lander Valley to work among the Shoshone and Arapaho. Learn the history of Chief Washakie and the Mission, and visit the grave of Sacajawea. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. $10. Advanced registration required. (307) 332-3339. Lander and the Wind River Indian Reservation.
August 8 to 13 — Camp Bighorn at Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp
Join the National Bighorn Sheep Center for four days of educational and physical activities such as field journaling, wild edible and medicinal plant ethnobotany, wildlife art, water ecology, petroglyph exploration, fly fishing, kayaking and much more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is now open for kids ages nine to 12. For more information, go to https://bighorn.org/programs/camp-bighorn. 702 Trail Lake Road, Dubois.
August 8 to 13 — Wind River Photographers Retreat
The National Bighorn Sheep Center is holding its second Wind River Photographers Retreat for adventurous photographers who want to explore Wyoming and hone their photography skills and techniques. Join Bill Sincavage and Sandy Zelasko and venture through the wonderful Wind River Valley for both morning and afternoon photoshoots. For more information, go to https://bighorn.org/wind-river-retreat, or register here. Dubois.
August 16 — Annual Tie Hack Trek
Join the Dubois Museum on this Annual Tie Hack Trek, which is part of the Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series. Follow the tie hacks up the West Dunoir Valley to see where ties were harvested and stacked, and where the main headquarters was. The hike is long and somewhat difficult (approximately 11 to 12 miles total.) Bring bear spray, bug spray, hiking boots, water crossing shoes/sandals, trekking poles, water and lunch. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $20. Advanced registration required. (307) 455-2284. Dubois.
August 27 — J.B. Okie Manor Tour
Join the Riverton Museum for a Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek to the incredible J.B. Okie Manor. Experience a rare tour of the mansion that was built in 1901 by J.B. Okie, a sheep tycoon in Lost Cabin. Listen to stories from Okie’s life, the history of the Manor, and learn details about the home’s features. Bring lunch and water. 9 a.m. $20. Advanced registration required. (307) 856-2665. Riverton.
September 10 — Castle Gardens Adventure Trek
Join the Riverton Museum and Craig Bromley on this Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series to Castle Gardens. View the petroglyphs and learn about the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to preserve them. This trek requires a good amount of walking, so please dress accordingly. Participants are required to provide their own transportation, lunch and water. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Riverton Museum to begin the drive to Castle Gardens. $20. Advanced registration required. (307) 856-2665. Riverton.
Wind River Indian Reservation Events and Powwows
June 4 — Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary: Summer Spectacular
Join the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary for its summer kick-off event. There will be free, horse drawn wagons tours through the wild horses and wild mustangs will be available for adoption. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 8616 US-287, Wind River Indian Reservation.
June 7 to August 2 — Northern Arapaho Exhibition
Enjoy Native American dancing outside, or storytelling inside the Northern Arapaho Experience Room of the Wind River Hotel and Casino every Tuesday evening. This multimedia exhibition based on listening, video, dancing and photographic materials provides an attractive way to explore the past. 5 p.m. 190 Red Wolf Place, Riverton.
June 22 to August 10 — Eagle Spirit Singers and Dancers
The Eagle Spirit Singers and Dancers perform every Wednesday night through August 10 at the Museum of the American West in Lander. Watch skilled dancers in colorful regalia at this outside venue against the backdrop of the Wind River Mountains. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, or sit on the benches. 7 p.m. 1445 W. Main St., Lander.
June 24 to 26 — 62nd Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow
Come celebrate Wyoming’s largest powwow, which includes an Indian rodeo and relay races. There will be Indian games on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. and a parade shortly after. Friday 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday 1 to 6 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 10 p.m. (307) 349-6053. 10 Old Wind River Highway, Fort Washakie.
Outdoor Recreational Events
May 20 to 21 — 8th Annual Wyoming Outdoor Weekend and Expo
The Wyoming Outdoor Weekend and Expo is a family-friendly gathering that celebrates the kickoff to summer. It takes place at the Lander Community and Convention Center. Find out what outdoor activities are available in the area, while enjoying live music, free food, beverages and prizes. 950 Buena Vista Drive, Lander. wyomingoutdoorweekend.com
May 21 — Dubois Town Hill Thrill
The Dubois Speed Goats Motorcycle Club is hosting the second race of the 2022 WORRA (Wyoming Off Road Racers Association) series – The “Town Hill Thrill.” The race will take place at the Dubois Scenic Overlook. PeeWee races begin at 9 a.m. and adult races begin at 12 p.m. Spectators are welcome. Afterwards, a BBQ and awards will take place at the Dennison Lodge, as well as a screening of the new BDR film. McKinley Dr., Dubois. www.worra.org
May 21 — Wyoming Backcountry Discovery Routes Film
Backcountry Discovery Routes is an organization that specializes in adventure motorcycle routes. Wyoming was added to the organization’s routes in February. As part of the new Wyoming route, a film tour has been planned. The WRVC, in partnership with Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Wyoming Off-Road Racers Association, is hosting a screening at 5 p.m. at the Dennison Lodge in Dubois after the Town Hill Thrill. (Doors open at 4:30 p.m.) 909 W Ramshorn, Dubois. https://ridebdr.com/wybdr
June 11 to 13 — Annual Fremont Area Road Tour
The Fremont Area Road Tour is a unique biking experience for the whole family. It showcases Lander’s scenic cycling routes, which range in length from 15 to 100 miles. The group ride begins with a Main Street send off to the beautiful Baldwin/Squaw Creek Loop, a local favorite. Continue up Sinks Canyon or head back to town and get ready to enjoy Lander Brewfest. 8 a.m. South 1st Street, Lander. fremontarearoadtour.com
June 23 to 26 — Wind River Rally
A van life event series in celebration of gathering in beautiful places. This Wind River Visitors Council/Journal of Lost Time event takes place in Hudson, with excursions and events featuring several locations throughout Wind River Country. These events focus on Leave No Trace principles, clean-ups and exploration. Multiple locations. www.windriverrally.com.
July 14 to 17 — Lander International Climbers’ Festival
Lander International Climbers’ Festival is the longest-running climbers’ festival in the world. Events include climbing clinics, a dyno-climbing competition, a trade fair, a Limestone rodeo, yoga, live music, an art crawl and world-class rock climbing. Various ticket prices. Purchase your Climbers’ Festival tickets here. For more information, call (307) 332-3892 or (307) 349-1561. Lander.
September 10 — WYO131 Gravel Grinder
The WYO131 Gravel Grinder is the ultimate Wyoming cycling experience. It’s held annually the second weekend in September. Courses weave through the red desert and historic mining towns. Participants follow the tracks of the Oregon Trail up to South Pass and Atlantic City, across to Louis Lake Road, through forests and along a lake, and through Sinks Canyon State Park. They end back in Lander for an afterparty sponsored by Melvin Brewing Company. 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lander. https://landercycling.org
September 14 to 17 — 82nd Annual One Shot Antelope Hunt
Every September, hunters gather in Lander and compete in the One Shot Antelope Hunt — a competitive hunt that puts eight three-man teams against each other. The task of each team member is to harvest a pronghorn antelope with one shot. The One Shot Antelope Hunt is an 82-year-tradition with a powerful alumni list. The men who are invited to participate come to shoot, hunt and raise money for wildlife conservation. This is a ticketed event held at several locations. The public is welcome at the Friday night blessing of the bullet ceremony, which is hosted by Shoshone Indian Tribal Elders. For more information, go to www.oneshotantelopehunt.com. Lander.
September 24 — Run The Red
Head to South Pass City for a day filled with live music and cultural celebrations. The Red Desert is a uniquely Wyoming Landscape—one blanketed with sage, carved with colorful badlands, rich with wildlife, and steeped in cultural and historical significance. Run the Red consists of a half marathon, 50k and 100k races. 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Details at runthereddesert.com. 125 South Pass Main Street, South Pass City.
Other Annual Events
June 10 to 11 — 20th Annual Lander Brewfest
Lander Brewfest features craft breweries with 80+ beers from all around the Rocky Mountain West. There will be live music, food and fun for the whole family. Various ticket prices. Friday 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 2 to 7 p.m. (307) 332-3892. 405 Fremont Street, Lander.
June 29 to July 3 — 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous
The 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous is the only reenactment on the original rendezvous site. Walk in the same footsteps of traders from the past. Learn fire starting with flint and steel, dutch-oven cooking, black powder shoots, flint knapping, teepee set-up, trap setting and more. Begins June 29 at 10 a.m. and ends July 3 at 8 p.m. Call (307) 851-4457 or (307) 250-2793 for more information. End of E. Monroe Avenue, Riverton.
July 9 — Riverton Happy Days
Experience a Wyoming day filled with community togetherness, local business promotions, family fun, and merriment. Riverton Happy Days features vendors, crafters and artisans, food trucks, games and activities, local talent and more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Riverton City Park, Riverton.
July 15 to 17 — Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally
The Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally kicks off with a car cruise, Main Street parade and a street party on Friday. On Saturday morning, balloons lift-off at 6 a.m. The Rally also features a car and bike swap meet, autocross timed trials, Rocky Mountain Rebels Car and Bike Show, a balloon glow and fireworks. The weekend ends with another balloon lift-off on Sunday morning. Riverton.
July 23 — 2nd Annual Pig Roast
Come to Lander City Park for Lander’s newest annual tradition. Enjoy free food, dance to live music by local musicians and participate in a cornhole tournament. 1 p.m. 405 Fremont Street, Lander.
July 30 — Dubois Wild West Brewfest
Organized in conjunction with the Rustic Pine Tavern, the Old West Brewfest in Dubois brings together a variety of Wyoming breweries to showcase their products. The Brewfest features the best of Wyoming’s microbreweries, who will be pouring their signature barley pops and latest beer creations. Live music includes an opening act by Red Butte and a headline performance by Jalan Crossland. 12 to 6 p.m. Cost is $30 at the gate. Advance tickets cost $25 prior to July 30 and can be purchased at the Rustic Pine Tavern and Dubois Chamber of Commerce. 909 W. Rams Horn Street, Dubois.
September 17 — 3rd Annual Apple City Festival
Lander was known as the “Apple City” for the high number of apple orchards and apples, which were an important part of the agricultural economy in the area. The Pioneer Museum celebrates the history of Apple City with speakers, an apple pie contest (with cash prizes), local apple cider, apple samples, kids crafts and a petting zoo. 1 to 3 p.m. 1443 W. Main Street, Lander.