Wind River Indian Reservation
Welcome to The Wind River Indian Reservation
The Wind River Indian Reservation spans more than 2.2 million acres and is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes. This is a place where culture, history and community life continue to shape the land today.
Attend a powwow, visit cultural centers and museums or spend time on the land through permitted recreation. Each experience offers an opportunity to learn, listen and better understand the traditions and stories that are part of this place.
Fun Facts
Population
About 13,000 residents across reservation communities
Elevation
Approximately 5,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level
What the Area Is Known For
The Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Known for its living Native cultures, expansive landscapes and access to the Wind River Mountains, the reservation offers opportunities to experience powwows, cultural traditions and outdoor recreation.
Events
Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow
Northern Arapaho Powwow
Community powwows and cultural gatherings throughout the year
TravelStorys: Take the Interactive Audio Tour
Travel through the reservation with guidance from Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho voices. This interactive audio tour follows Highways 287 and 26, connecting communities such as Ethete, Fort Washakie and Riverton while sharing stories tied to each place.
The tour was created in partnership with local students and community organizations. It offers a meaningful way to learn while moving through the region.
Fort Washakie: Stand Among the Legacy of Heroes
Fort Washakie is the oldest community on the reservation and holds deep historical significance. Originally established as Fort Brown, it was renamed in 1878 to honor Chief Washakie.
The area includes the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center, the resting places of Chief Washakie and Sacajawea and the Path of Honor Wind River Veterans Memorial.
Local shops and trading posts offer Native-made artwork, including beadwork, leather goods and other handcrafted items created by community members.
Ethete & St. Stephens: Explore Arapaho Heritage
Ethete and St. Stephens are central to Northern Arapaho life on the reservation. Cultural centers, including the St. Stephens Mission Heritage Center and the Northern Arapaho Experience Culture Room, share history, language and traditions.
The St. Stephens Art Center features Native artwork and beadwork created by local artists.
Cast & Catch on Tribal Waters
A Tribal Fishing License is required for non-tribal members to fish on reservation waters. Licenses support conservation efforts and help protect these resources for future generations.
Powwows on the Wind River Indian Reservation
Powwows are an important part of community life on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Held throughout the summer, these gatherings bring together families, dancers, singers and visitors.
Dancing, drumming and regalia reflect generations of tradition. Those who attend are asked to be respectful, follow event protocols and take time to observe and learn.
Reel In Awe: “One of the Last Untouched Places”
The Wind River Indian Reservation is home to diverse fish and wildlife across its rivers, plains and mountain landscapes.
This film highlights a partnership with Indifly. It supports conservation efforts and sustainable fly-fishing initiatives led in collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Curious About Wind River Country? Start Here
Continue learning through stories that highlight the people, land and traditions of the Wind River Indian Reservation. Discover offer additional context and perspectives that deepen understanding of the communities and their history.
Your Wind River Country Historic Road Trip
Travel the reservation by road and follow routes that connect communities, landmarks and cultural sites. This self-guided tour offers a way to move through the landscape while learning about its history and significance.
Annual Powwows: Come & Witness Vibrant Traditions
Annual powwows bring together community members and visitors for gatherings centered on tradition, dance and shared experience. Each event reflects the ongoing cultural life of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes.
Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow
In Town for These Events
Community events and gatherings take place throughout the year, offering opportunities to observe, learn and respectfully take part in local traditions.
Businesses in Wind River Indian Reservation
St. Stephens Indian Mission & Heritage Center
St. Stephens, WY 82524
Morning Star Restaurant
Ethete, WY 82520
Shoshone Tribal Service & Food Mart
Fort Washakie, WY 82514
Little Wind Casino
Ethete, WY 82520
Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary
Lander, WY 82520
Northern Arapaho Powwow Grounds
Arapaho, WY 82501
Follow the Wind River Indian Reservation Moments
See moments shared from across the Wind River Indian Reservation. Follow along to learn more about the communities, landscapes and traditions that shape this place.
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
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