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
Legacy Outfitters
Indian Ridge Outfitter
Frank B. Wise Business Center
Fort Washakie, WY 82514
Fort Washakie Powwow Grounds
Fort Washakie, WY 82514
Wind River Basin Campground
Fort Washakie, WY 82514
Path of Honor Wind River Indian Reservation Veterans Memorial
Fort Washakie, WY 82514
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.
Happy November, from Wind River Country. Here`s what is happening in our region.
#wyoming #windrivercountry
Nov 3
November is Native American Heritage Month. Wind River Country is home to two tribal nations – the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. While we share about the tribal nations year-round, this month is a time to honor their cultures, traditions, histories and contributions. As we move into the new month ahead, we invite you to learn more about Indigenous voices and the living culture and landscapes that exist in every part of modern-day Wyoming.
Learn more at the link in our bio.
Photos: @bradytildeath
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy
Nov 2
Where the Wild West lives on.
Photo: Bob Wick
#thatswy #windrivercountry #wyoming
Oct 30
Beautiful views in every direction. That`s what you`ll find in Wyoming`s Wind River Country.
Photos: The New Fly Fisher
#windrivercountry #thatswy #wyoming
Oct 27
Dirt bikes + badlands + snow-dusted mountains in the background = our perfect Wyoming day.
Photo: Melanie Limpus
Oct 26
Planning a summer trip to Wyoming and want to visit during one of our notable and iconic events? Here are a few to put on your radar:
-1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous in Riverton (June)
-Dubois Friday Night Rodeos (summer)
-Gold Rush Days in South Pass City (July 10-11)
-Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally (July 17-19)
-Lander Pioneer Days Rodeo (July 3-4)
-Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow (June)
-Ethete Celebration and Powwow (July)
-Northern Arapaho Powwow (August)
Balloon image: Preston Ackerman
Mountain man: Brad Christensen
#wyoming #windrivercountry #thatswy
Oct 23
No matter how you found our account, we`re happy you`re here. This is Wyoming`s Wind River Country, a destination with wide-open landscapes, living cultures and the kind of space that lets you breathe deep.
Come find your West with us here in Wyoming. Learn more at the link in our bio.
Photo: @bradytildeath
#wyoming #windrivercountry #thatswy
Oct 19
Fall colors in Wyoming? You better believe it.
Photos: Helen Wilson
#windrivercountry #wyoming #thatswy
Oct 16
While Wyoming may be known for Yellowstone National Park, the good folks at @lonelyplanet think there`s way more to The Cowboy State than just the park. And, we agree. Read their story all about how to go beyond Yellowstone to Wind River Country at the link in our bio.
#ThatsWY #Wyoming #WindRiverCountry
Oct 15
When you road trip through Wyoming, you may not expect to find a place like red canyon. With striking landscapes, it`s one of those places that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and take in the view.
Photo: @montanatia
#Wyoming #WindRiverCountry #ThatsWY
Oct 14
Happy October! Be sure to keep an eye on these events this month.
#Wyoming #WingRiverCountry
Oct 12
Little moments, from one of the best small towns in the country.
#Wyoming #ThatsWY #WindRiverCountry
Oct 11