Lander
Where the Rails End & the Trails Begin
Welcome to Lander
Set at the base of the Wind River Mountains, Lander blends walkable streets, outdoor adventure and a vibrant small-town spirit. Start your day downtown, then head into Sinks Canyon, where trails, climbing routes and open space begin just minutes from Main Street.
Incorporated in 1890 and named for Frederick W. Lander, the city later became the western terminus of the Chicago & North Western “Cowboy Line” railway—earning its nickname, “where the rails end and the trails begin.” Today, that legacy lives on in a community shaped by exploration, connection and life close to the land.
Fun Facts
Population
About 7,500 residents
Elevation
5,358 feet above sea level
What the Area Is Known For
Lander sits at the base of the Wind River Mountains and is known for its access to Sinks Canyon State Park, nearby Red Canyon and a vibrant outdoor culture centered on climbing, mountain biking, backpacking and fishing.
Events
International Climbers’ Festival
Lander Brewfest
Fremont Area Road Tour
Pioneer Days Rodeo
What Awaits You When You Arrive in Lander
Visitor Resources
Lander Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center
100 N. First Street
Lander, WY 82520
(307) 332-3892
Savor the Legends, Then Dine Your Way Through Lander
Spend time on Main Street, where local history and everyday life meet. Visit the Fremont County Pioneer Museum, browse art galleries and step into locally owned shops.
When it’s time to eat, settle in for Wyoming beef, fresh flavors and craft brews, with each stop reflecting the character of Lander and the people who call it home.
Bike, Swing & Climb. Meet Your Outdoor Playground
In Lander, the outdoors starts right in town. Walk or ride from Main Street to nearby trails, or gear up at a local outfitter before heading into the mountains. Climb world-class routes, cast a line in nearby rivers or spend the day biking, hiking or skiing. Play a round of golf, explore local foundries or take in the surrounding landscape at your own pace.
Just beyond town, the Wind River Range rises with more than 40 peaks over 13,000 feet, Wyoming’s highest summit at Gannett Peak and hundreds of alpine lakes waiting to be explored.
Sinks Canyon State Park
Just six miles from town, Sinks Canyon State Park offers one of Lander’s most unique natural features. Watch the Popo Agie River disappear into a limestone cavern, then reappear downstream in The Rise.
Explore hiking trails, scenic drives and year-round recreation, from mountain biking in summer to cross-country skiing in winter, all just minutes from downtown.
Curious About Wind River Country? Start Here
Go deeper into Lander with stories that highlight outdoor adventure, local culture and the people who shape this community. From days spent in Sinks Canyon to evenings downtown, you’ll find ideas to help you plan your time here.
Start with the Best Things to Do in Lander, WY guide and build your trip from there.
Let the Roads Lead You Across Wyoming
Hit the road and see more of Wind River Country. Scenic routes near Lander lead past historic corridors, canyon views and wide-open stretches of Wyoming worth exploring at your own pace.
Lander’s Celebrations, Festivals & Traditions
Plan your trip around Lander’s signature events, where community, outdoor spirit and local traditions come together throughout the year.
In Town for These Events
See what’s happening while you’re here. Local events add another layer to your time in Lander, from community gatherings to seasonal celebrations.
Businesses in Lander
Gannett Peak Sports
Lander, WY 82520
Domino’s Pizza
Lander, WY 82520
Sinks Coffee
Lander, WY 82520
Wind River Climbing Guides
Lander, WY 82520
The Mill House
Lander, WY 82520
Wind River Troutfitters
Lander, WY 82520
Follow Lander in Real Time
See Lander as it happens, from trails and climbing routes to downtown moments and local events. Follow along and share your own experience by tagging @windrivercountry.
Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. 🌄 Wind River Country is waiting.
Photo: Davis Clem
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Aug 31
"The landscape of the American West has to be seen to be believed and has to be believed to be seen." – N. Scott Momaday
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Photo: Wind River Country, Brady McLean
Aug 28
Explore the stories, history and traditions of the Wind River Indian Reservation.
As the only reservation in Wyoming and home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, it`s a place rich in culture and heritage. Take the self-guided driving tour to learn more about the people, places and history that make this landscape so special.
Want to learn more? Visit the link in our bio.
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Photo: Wind River Country
Aug 27
If you`re ready to find room to breathe and space to roam, take a deep dive into the heart of Wind River Country.
Start planning in our bio.
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Photo: Bill Sincavage
Aug 26
As we`re approaching hunting season, there`s no better photo opp than this.
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Aug 22
While we`ve got lots of hidden gems in Wind River Country, Sinks Canyon is one of the coolest. It`s located at the base of the Wind River Mountains, with landscapes that include foothills, forests, waterways and more. Plus, it`s a short drive from Lander.
Photo: Wind River Country
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Aug 19
Saddle up and experience Wyoming the way it was meant to be experienced. 🐴
Guest ranches and outfitters throughout Wind River Country offer guided pack trips that take you deep into some of Wyoming`s most breathtaking backcountry.
Start planning your stay in our bio.
Photo: Bill Sincavage
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Aug 17
We love a good waterfall moment.
Photo: Tori Jones
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Aug 14
If you`re ready to find room to breathe, take a deep dive into the heart of Wind River Country by learning more from our friends at Cowboys & Indians.
Read the full story at the link in our bio.
Photo: Wind River Country
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Aug 12
Cheers to a new week! Tell us, where is your favorite place to grab a cold beverage?
Photo: @bradytildeath
@rusticpinetavern
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Aug 11
Welcome to Shoshoni, the crossroads of Wyoming.
https://windriver.org/destinations/shoshoni/
Aug 7
For the inside scoop on all things Wind River Country, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Link in the bio.
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Aug 5