January 15, 2019
Nestled in the Wind River Valley is the charming mountain town of Dubois, with some of best things to do in Wyoming. This old West town is the gateway between the glories of Yellowstone National Park and the peaceful wonders of Wind River Country. Both rich in character and community, Dubois hosts many unique events and many top things to do throughout the year that entertains locals and visitors alike.
Discover Top Things to Do in Dubois, WY
Dubois is located between the Absaroka Mountains and the Wind River Range. With the Wind River flowing alongside the town and multicolored badlands skirting the foothills, there is no shortage of recreational opportunities.
1. Antelope Hills Golf Course
In the painted hills west of Dubois and a top thing to do, this golf course is surrounded by sensational views of snow-capped mountains. The Antelope Hills Golf Course is a unique and challenging nine-hole course. With an 18-hole rating, Antelope Hills features a driving range, putting green, pro shop, snack bar and lounge. It offers cart and club rentals. The course hosts events such as Women’s Day and Men’s Night, and provides a variety of benefits and tournaments.
2. National Museum of Military Vehicles
Just southeast of Dubois, the National Museum of Military Vehicles showcases the world’s largest private collection of over 500 fully restored military vehicles. See tanks, naval vessels and aircraft. Artillery pieces date from 1897 to the present, and there are immersive exhibits focusing on World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. From families to history buffs, there is something for everyone in this 160,000 square foot museum.
3. The Honey House
In 2021, family-owned and operated Wonderful Wyoming Honey opened their first storefront, The Honey House, in downtown Dubois. One of the best things to do in Dubois, the store is stocked with grade “A” honey and a variety of bee merchandise. In addition, The Honey House provides educational information about bees and the important role they play, which creates a fun learning experience for both children and adults.
4. National Bighorn Sheep Center
Photo: Bill Sincavage
The largest wintering herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep resides in Whiskey Basin near Dubois. In town, the National Bighorn Sheep Center features dioramas with full-scale taxidermy mounts and provides an educational wildlife experience. Both staff-guided and self-directed tours are designed to educate about local history, wildlife habitats and wilderness in the field. Other wildlife sightings on these tours may include mule deer, elk, moose, coyotes, wolves and more.
When is the Bighorn Sheep Rut?
Traditionally, the height of rut, or mating season, for the local Whiskey Basin Sheep is from mid-November to mid-December. The rams clash their heads together for dominance to establish breeding rights, which makes for an exciting viewing opportunity.
5. Union Pass Rentals
On the Continental Divide trail system of the Shoshone National Forest, Union Pass Rentals helps visitors and locals to explore the greater Yellowstone area away from the crowds. Offering snowmobiles and side-by-sides for rent, Union Pass Rentals also does guided tours and has a reputation for quality service.
6. Tie Hack Memorial
Another one of the best things to do in Dubois, the Tie Hack Memorial sits on a high bluff along the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway. A “tie hack” is a logger who cuts down trees and shapes them into railroad ties. This memorial is dedicated to the hard workers who contributed to the first transcontinental railroad linking the United States from coast to coast.
7. The Dubois Badlands
On the outskirts of town, the Dubois Badlands are high desert vistas of delicate red, white and tan sandstone cliffs, deep ravines and tall spires. Discover the beauty and mystery of these contrastingly colorful formations through hiking, photography and exploration.
8. Wind River Flyfitter
Wind River Flyfitter has a passion for two things: fly fishing and teaching fly fishing. Full of some of the top things to do in the area, their collection of services includes morning and full-day wade trips, as well as ATV fishing tours, allowing guests to catch anything from cutthroat and brown trout to the elusive golden trout.
9. Big Wind River Float Trips & Fly Fishing
Big Wind River Float Trips & Fly Fishing is a Native American owned float trip service out of Dubois. They offer scenic float trips on the beautiful Big Wind River on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
10. Dubois Scenic Overlook
West of town, where McKinley Drive intersects U.S. Highway 26, is the Town of Dubois Recreation Area Scenic Overlook. The Dubois Scenic Overlook offers amazing views of the entire town, nearby mountain ranges and the badlands. The trail system, which is suitable for hiking or biking, covers 639 feet of downhill and 315 feet of climbing in 4.2 miles.
In addition to the panoramic views, this area is one of the only places to see all three mountain-building processes (volcanic, tectonic and glacial) from one location.
11. Dubois Town Park
Dubois Town Park is an easily-accessible jewel. Amenities include picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts, a skate park and—best of all—The Riverwalk. This handicapped-accessible paved walkway extends on both sides of the Wind River and is lined by juniper, willow and sagebrush. There’s also a small beach on the far side of the boardwalk footbridge.
12. Dubois Museum: Wind River Historical Center
The Dubois Museum Wind River Historical Center is dedicated to the history of the Upper Wind River Valley in Wyoming. Stop by and tour seven historical cabins and artifacts from the Precambrian Era through the end of the timber industry in the 1980s.
13. St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church is one of the oldest buildings in the town of Dubois and has been in active use since its construction in 1910. St. Thomas’ Community Garden has a greenhouse and plots available for use by members of the community. The church also welcomes travelers following the Continental Divide Trail and TransAm Trail to stay overnight in their community room during the summer months.
14. Upper Wind River Valley Veterans Memorial
Located between the National Bighorn Sheep Center and Dubois Town Park sits the proud and stately Upper Wind River Valley Veterans Memorial. Made possible by Dubois’ Boy Scouts, this memorial commemorates the names of Dubois veterans who selflessly served their country. The memorial stands tall, reminding every passerby of the sacrifices veterans have made to ensure the lifestyle Americans enjoy today.
15. Togwotee Pass
Togwotee Pass and the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail are synonymous with backcountry winter recreation. The beauty of the fresh powder and 360-degree vistas are only matched by that of the blue sky and sunshine. There are groomed trails and miles of snow to explore on snowmobile or cross-country, Nordic or touring skis.
16. Dubois Dude Ranches & Guest Ranches
Dubois has a true West feel, and it’s authentic. The cowboy life lives on in the family ranches surrounding town and can be seen in the art in the Ramshorn Street galleries. Get a taste of western life at one of the many dude or guest ranches or with one of the guides in the area. Choose from luxurious dude ranch vacations to something a little more rustic—there’s a saddle for everyone.
Lazy L&B Ranch
The family owned and operated Lazy L&B Ranch is known for the quality, range and scope of its horseback-riding program, as well as fly fishing, hiking and swimming in the river or pool. Located in the Wind River’s East Fork Valley, the quaint log cabins are tucked among cottonwood trees and comfortably furnished with a casual western flair.
CM Ranch
The CM Ranch was founded in 1927 and operates much as it did decades ago. Charming old buildings are spaced along the Jakey’s Fork Creek and around spacious and lush lawns. Outdoor adventures include horseback riding, fishing, hiking, pack trips, cookouts and childrens’ activities.
Crooked Creek Guest Ranch
Named after the nearby meandering stream, Crooked Creek Guest Ranch sits at 8,400 feet in the Wind River Mountains along the Continental Divide, a top thing to do near Dubois. Facilities include nearly 20 hand-hewn log cabins, a large lodge with a restaurant and bar and RV sites with electrical and water hook-ups. Both winter and summer activities begin right off the front steps.
17. Dubois Campgrounds
There are abundant options for camping around Dubois. More remote options among trees and next to lakes in the Shoshone National Forest include Double Cabin, Falls, Horse Creek, Pinnacles and Brooks Lake campgrounds. These sites are just a step away from fishing or quick access to hiking trails. Cozy up closer to town with convenient tent and RV sites at Dubois Wind River KOA, Glamping on the River, the Longhorn Ranch Lodge & Resort and Solitude RV Park.
18. Rustic Pine Tavern
Established in 1917, the historic Rustic Pine Tavern is a step back in time and one of the best things to do in Dubois. Like the old western movies, the Rustic Pine honors its heritage every Tuesday night by holding a square dance. Locals come out to show their moves and socialize, and tourists of all ages are encouraged to join in and learn the steps. This is an event that has everyone grinning from ear to ear.
19. Cowboy Cafe
The authentic and original Cowboy Café in Dubois is a Western-style restaurant that has satisfied the appetites of locals since 1993. This quaint and classic café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner to fill up before a day on the river or horseback, or refill after watching wildlife in the pristine, peaceful mountains.
20. Clarence Allison Memorial Arena
The Dubois Friday Night Rodeo is a live action and family friendly event that is not to be missed. The rodeo takes place every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. from mid-June to mid-August at the Clarence Allison Memorial Arena east of town. This authentic and energetic rodeo hosts entertainment from bronc and bull riding to barrel racing and roping events, as well as a few kids events.
Posted in Notes From the Field