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.
The Best Things to Do in Lander, WY
Winter in Motion: The Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race in Lander
Stories in the Shadows: Lander’s Haunted History Walking Tour
Beneath the Boulders: Exploring Boulder Choke Cave in Sinks Canyon
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.
Lander’s International Climbers’ Festival
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
Wild West EV
Lander Main Street
Lander, WY 82520
High Country Mobile RV & Handyman Services
The Inn at Lander
Lander, WY 82520
The Lander Motel
Lander, WY 82520
Oxbow Rodeway Inn and Suites Pronghorn Lodge
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.
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
Cheers to the weekend! Tell us: where is your favorite place to grab a cold beverage?
Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country
Location: The Rock Shop Inn
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 17
Mountain biking, road biking, fishing and hiking. Wind River Country is an outdoor lover`s paradise.
Start planning your trip at the link in our bio.
Photo: Bob Wick
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 15
The perfect Wyoming day: hiking and viewing petroglyphs.
Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 14
Welcome to Wyoming, a place where badlands and mountains collide.
Photo: @nataliekovarik
#WindRiverCountry #Wyoming #ThatsWY #CowboyState
Jul 10
Road trips like these are worth every mile. ❤️
Footage: @bradytildeath
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy #cowboystate #explorewyoming
Jul 8
Make plans to attend the Ethete Celebration Powwow, happening this week, July 9–12 at the Ethete Powwow Grounds. Experience the vibrant traditions, incredible dancing, drumming and welcoming community that make this annual celebration so special.
Schedule:
Thursday -7 p.m. warm up night, royalty contest and youth powwow
Friday -7 p.m. grand entry
Saturday – 1 p.m. grand entry
Saturday – 7 p.m. grand entry
Sunday – 10 a.m. parade
Sunday – 2 p.m. grand entry
#WindRiverCountry #EtheteCelebration #Powwow #ExploreWyoming
Jul 6
Happy Independence Day from Wind River Country!
Photo: Wind River Country/Brad Christensen
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jul 4
Soaking in the beauty of Jade Lake, one perfect view at a time.
📸: @jakeysforkphoto
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jul 3
Escape to Wyoming.
Photo: Haley Ford
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Jul 2
📍South Pass City, Wyoming
While you can visit this historic gold mining town from the end of May – mid October, save the date for Gold Rush Days – July 11 & 12.
Photo: Wind River Country
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry #ThatsWY
Jun 26