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
Lander Fly Shop & Guide Service
Lander, WY 82520
Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary
Lander, WY 82520
Lander City Park
Lander, WY 82520
Lander Old Timers Arena
Lander, WY 82520
Lander Community and Convention Center
Lander, WY 82520
Lander Valley High School
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.
Cheers to a new week! Tell us, where is your favorite place to grab a cold beverage?
Photo: @bradytildeath
@rusticpinetavern
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
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
Need a great place to grab a coffee or treat? Check out Lander Bake Shop! ❤
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism
@landerbakeshop
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Aug 4
Saturday nights. ❤
Photo: Bethany Baldes
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Aug 2
☀️ Happy August!
Take a peek at what`s happening around Wind River Country this month.
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Jul 31
Ready to venture to Wind River Country this fall?
Check out our ranches, cabins, lodges and more at the link in our bio.
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Jul 29
Consider this a postcard from our backyard. ❤️
#wyoming #windrivercountry
Wyoming Dubois
Jul 28
If you`re ready to experience touchable history, venture to South Pass City and try your hand at gold panning.
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Jul 27
Sunny summer days are the best days.
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 24
Have you seen a jackalope?
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY
Jul 22
We love to chase waterfalls around Wyoming.
Photo: Scott Copeland
#CowboyState #WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #Beautiful
Jul 20